Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), set to debut in 2026. This modular and scalable platform marks a significant shift for the brand, heralding a new era for both privately positioned and commercial vans.
The VAN.EA platform is designed to offer a clear distinction between luxury-focused private vans and premium commercial vehicles. In the private segment, the new architecture will cater to high-end markets with models ranging from elegant family vans to exclusive VIP shuttles and spacious limousines. By extending its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is carving out a unique luxury niche in the van segment, redefining the expectations of its sophisticated customer base.
Porsche has announced restructuring its dealership network in China, reducing the number of Porsche Centers from 138 to about 100 by the end of 2026. This move, described by the company as an “optimisation,” comes as the German luxury carmaker grapples with declining sales in what was once its most important market.
Sales figures for Porsche in China have been on a steady decline over the past two years. In 2023, the company reported a 15% drop in sales, with a total of 79,283 vehicles sold. The situation worsened in 2024, as sales plummeted by 29% in the first nine months of the year. Once regarded as Porsche’s largest market for eight consecutive years, accounting for more than 30% of its global sales, China has become a challenging landscape for the brand amid shifting market dynamics and intensifying competition.
Struggles in the Chinese Market
China’s evolving automotive market has presented significant challenges for foreign brands like Porsche. The rise of local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, coupled with a growing consumer preference for new energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, has reshaped the industry. Meanwhile, an ongoing price war has put further pressure on luxury automakers, with reports suggesting that some Porsche models have seen discounts of up to 35% at dealerships.
Renault Group’s inspiring transformation story is the centrepiece of Anatomy of a Comeback, a four-part documentary series premiering on Prime Video. The series chronicles the company’s emergence from a challenging crisis in the early 2020s, driven by the ambitious Renaulution roadmap. This bold strategy redefined Renault’s direction and revitalized its identity, culminating in a remarkable resurgence that is now captured in this exclusive series.
The documentary provides an unprecedented glimpse into Renault’s internal processes, showcasing the innovation and dedication behind its revival. It delves into the manufacturing and design secrets of iconic models like the Renault 5, offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Alpine Formula One Team paddocks, and builds anticipation with a world-first vehicle reveal in the series finale. Through the voices of Renault’s employees, viewers witness the resilience, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs that propelled the company back to prominence.
In a groundbreaking move, the final episode of the series will unveil the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a production vehicle that marks the 44-year revival of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. This modern reinterpretation reimagines the classic as an all-electric hot hatch, blending the nostalgia of its rallying heritage with cutting-edge technology. The reveal takes viewers into Renault’s Design Department, where executives Luca de Meo, Fabrice Cambolive, and Gilles Vidal confirm the exciting future of this iconic model.
Michelin and Brembo, two of the most renowned names in the automotive industry, have joined forces to revolutionise performance and safety in vehicles. This partnership integrates Michelin’s sophisticated tire-monitoring software with Brembo’s advanced AI-driven SENSIFY braking system, setting a new benchmark in braking technology. The collaboration aims to combine real-time tyre data with intelligent braking to redefine the safety and performance standards for modern automobiles.
At the heart of this groundbreaking partnership is Michelin’s cutting-edge software suite, which includes technologies like SmartWear, SmartLoad, and SmartGrip. These systems gather crucial real-time data on tyre wear, load distribution, and grip levels through sensors embedded within the vehicle. This data is then seamlessly transmitted to Brembo’s SENSIFY braking system, which uses artificial intelligence, algorithms, and sensors to independently manage the brakes on each wheel. This level of control ensures precise braking performance, enhancing safety, stability, and overall driving dynamics.
Mercedes-AMG has reached a significant milestone in the development of its forthcoming high-performance electric SUV, the second model to feature the innovative AMG.EA electric vehicle architecture. Early prototypes are undergoing rigorous cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, where sub-zero temperatures push all components to their limits. These extreme tests are designed to validate the durability, performance, and integration of the SUV’s systems under the harshest conditions.
The AMG.EA Platform: Setting New Standards in EV Performance
At the heart of Mercedes-AMG’s electric future is the AMG.EA platform, which will debut in 2026 with the four-door production version of the Vision AMG concept. This cutting-edge architecture is engineered for unparalleled performance, featuring an 800V electrical system for ultra-fast charging and efficiency. The platform employs axial-flux electric motors, available in twin and tri-motor configurations, delivering outputs exceeding 1000bhp.
In a pioneering move to enhance sustainability and reduce CO2 emissions, the BMW Group has announced a significant shift towards using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) as a fuel for its diesel models produced in Germany. This initiative, set to begin in January 2025, underscores BMW’s commitment to cutting down its carbon footprint through innovative technology and renewable energy sources.
Green Transition with HVO 100
Starting from next year, all diesel vehicles rolling off BMW’s German production lines will be filled with HVO 100 before delivery. HVO 100, a high-quality diesel substitute, boasts up to 90% lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. “When it comes to climate protection, every ton of CO2 saved counts,” stated Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
Sustainable Fuel from Renewable Sources
HVO 100, specifically “Neste MY Renewable Diesel,” will be supplied to BMW’s plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg, and Leipzig, which collectively produce over half of BMW’s diesel vehicles. Manufactured by Finnish company Neste, this fuel is derived from waste materials such as cooking oils and other renewable resources, ensuring a significant reduction in greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle.
The MK1 Ford Escort, a cherished icon of European motoring and rallying, is making a triumphant return, this time with a modern twist. Spearheaded by Boreham Motorworks, a U.K.-based automotive specialist renowned for its expertise in classic car restoration and cutting-edge engineering, the reborn Escort Mk1 fuses heritage with contemporary performance to captivate a new generation of enthusiasts.
In case anyone does not know, the MK1 1972 Ford Escort RS1600 was featured in Fast and Furious 6, driven by the late Paul Walker, which made the bridge jump.
This revival is part of a broader vision by Boreham Motorworks, which is also developing a modernized version of the Ford RS200, the legendary rally homologation special from the 1980s. As a member of the DRVN Automotive Group, Boreham Motorworks has built a reputation for exceptional restomod projects, including work on classics like the Ferrari F355 and Jaguar E-Type. The company also manages a Koenigsegg dealership in London.
Named the Escort Mk1 RS Continumod, this revival stays true to its legendary roots while integrating advanced technology and modern engineering. The car’s design pays homage to the original, crafted using authentic blueprints and design materials. Each vehicle is equipped with a continuation VIN approved by Ford, affirming its status as a true extension of the Mk1 legacy. Beneath its classic exterior lies a newly designed chassis that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with state-of-the-art performance enhancements.
The Escort Mk1 RS Continumod is set to debut its first prototype by mid-2025, with production scheduled to commence later that year. Limited to just 150 units worldwide, this exclusive collector’s item comes with a price tag of £295,000 (approximately RM1,679,000), highlighting its bespoke craftsmanship and rarity.
For powertrain options, buyers can choose between two inline-four engines. The 1.8-liter configuration produces 182bhp, offering a nostalgic yet capable driving experience. For those seeking a more exhilarating performance, the 2.1-liter variant delivers an impressive 296bhp. Despite the modest power figures by modern standards, the car’s lightweight construction—just 800 kilograms—ensures an agile and spirited drive. Both engine options are paired with manual transmissions, featuring a 4-speed for the standard model and a 5-speed for the high-performance variant, channeling power exclusively to the rear wheels to preserve the original Mk1’s renowned dynamics.
Inside, the Escort Mk1 RS Continumod blends vintage charm with modern convenience. The dashboard retains the low, horizontal design of the original, evoking a sense of spaciousness, while analog gauges are complemented by a centrally mounted digital infotainment screen. Buyers can opt for left- or right-hand-drive configurations, making the car accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.
The Escort Mk1 RS Continumod represents the perfect fusion of heritage and modern innovation, offering a driving experience that is both nostalgic and exhilarating. With its limited production and meticulous craftsmanship, this modern masterpiece ensures the Ford Escort Mk1’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and delight collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
Driving high-performance cars in Australia just got more complicated with the enforcement of a new law. A Lamborghini owner was among the first to experience the repercussions on the law’s very first day.
South Australia has introduced a regulation requiring drivers of cars with a power-to-weight ratio of at least 370 hp per 1000 kg to acquire an “ultra-high-performance vehicle” (UHPV) license. Moreover, these drivers must keep traction control and other safety features engaged at all times.
In a groundbreaking development, Subaru has clinched the top spot in Consumer Reports’ 2024 automotive reliability rankings, outperforming usual front-runners Lexus and Toyota. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Japanese automaker.
According to Steven Elek, head of auto data analytics at Consumer Reports, the key to Subaru’s success lies in the reliability of its shared components across various models. “This strategy allows Subaru to implement fewer changes when redesigning vehicles, thereby minimizing the potential for new issues,” Elek elaborates.
Subaru Surprises as Leader
Though it’s common to see a Japanese brand leading these rankings, Subaru’s position at the top is unexpected. Historically, brands like Toyota or Lexus have dominated the reliability charts. For 2024, however, it is Subaru, known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, that has triumphed. Consumer Reports highlights that the Forester and Impreza models scored above average, with the remainder of Subaru’s lineup rated from above average to average. The exception is the all-electric Solterra, which is a rebranded Toyota model and the only Subaru vehicle to score below average.
In a historic feat, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD has firmly etched its name into the annals of automotive performance by becoming the first American car to conquer the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. This iconic track, known as the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, witnessed the Mustang GTD achieve an impressive lap time of 6:57.685, driven by Multimatic Motorsports’ ace driver Dirk Müller.
This groundbreaking achievement places the Mustang GTD among the elite ranks of production sports cars, boasting the fifth-fastest lap time ever recorded at the Nurburgring. The car, which draws on over 800hp, demonstrates not only raw power but also advanced engineering finesse.
