Global News Archives

Toyota and Subaru to Launch Twin Electric SUVs in 2026

Toyota and Subaru are set to introduce a new pair of electric compact SUVs in 2026, expanding their collaboration in the growing EV market. The two automakers, which previously co-developed the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, aim to attract a broader audience with their upcoming models, according to reports.

Unlike the futuristic, low-slung design of the bZ4X and Solterra, the new SUVs are expected to adopt a more conventional SUV appearance. Sources suggest that the models could resemble the next-generation Toyota RAV4, featuring a sharper front end, roof rails, and a more upright rear design. While the Toyota and Subaru versions will share a common platform and components, each will have distinct front-end styling to preserve brand identity.

(more…)

Tesla Removed from Vancouver Auto Show Over Safety Concerns

Tesla has been removed from this week’s Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns, according to event organisers. The decision follows ongoing protests against the automaker and its CEO, Elon Musk.

Eric Nicholl, the executive director of the show, stated that the removal was necessary to ensure the safety of workers, attendees, and exhibitors. He explained that Tesla had been given multiple opportunities to withdraw voluntarily before organisers formally asked the company to step aside. The decision, he added, was made to allow visitors to focus on the event’s positive aspects without disruption.

The Vancouver International Auto Show, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is set to begin on Wednesday and will run through Sunday. It has established itself as Western Canada’s most well-attended consumer auto exhibition and one of North America’s premier automotive events. The 2024 edition saw record-breaking attendance, and organisers had promised an exhibition featuring the latest in environmentally focused electric vehicles, lifestyle displays, and commercial vendors.

(more…)

Honda Secures Hybrid Battery Supply from Toyota to Navigate U.S. Tariffs

As Honda evaluates a potential merger with Nissan, the automaker is reportedly seeking an alternative strategy to bypass U.S. import tariffs. A key part of this plan involves purchasing hybrid batteries from Toyota’s upcoming North Carolina facility instead of sourcing them from overseas.

According to a report by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, Toyota has agreed to supply Honda with 400,000 battery packs annually, beginning in the 2025 fiscal year, which starts in April. This coincides with the launch of Toyota’s $14 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The agreement, while significant, is not a strategic alliance. Honda will simply purchase the batteries from Toyota, with no reciprocal arrangement in place.

By securing a domestic supply of hybrid batteries, Honda aims to insulate itself from escalating tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. The company sold approximately 308,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States last year and intends to expand that number in the coming years. While specific models set to receive Toyota’s batteries remain undisclosed, industry speculation suggests that the popular CR-V hybrid could be among the first beneficiaries.

(more…)

BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging System – 400km in Five Minutes

Chinese automaker BYD has introduced an advanced charging system that significantly reduces the time needed to recharge electric vehicles, bringing it closer to the refuelling experience of traditional petrol cars.

The new battery and charging platform, tested on the upcoming Han L sedan, demonstrated the ability to deliver 400km of range in just five minutes, according to BYD chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu. The first models featuring this technology will go on sale in April.

This development could be a game-changer for electric vehicle adoption, addressing one of the key concerns among potential buyers—long charging times. By offering charging speeds comparable to the time it takes to refuel a conventional vehicle, BYD aims to attract drivers hesitant to switch to electric mobility due to lengthy charging stops.

The new platform is set to underpin many of BYD’s future EV models and is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the global electric vehicle market. BYD has rapidly emerged as a formidable competitor to Tesla, challenging the U.S. automaker for the title of the world’s top EV seller. Meanwhile, Tesla’s China shipments dropped by 49% in February compared to the previous year, reaching just 30,688 vehicles—the lowest monthly figure since July 2022.

(more…)

Renault Unveils High-Performance Electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault has officially introduced the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electrified homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2. This high-performance model, developed under Alpine’s performance division, is a limited-production vehicle designed to offer modern electric power with the dynamic spirit of its iconic predecessors.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is built on a dedicated platform featuring a lightweight carbon structure, enhancing both performance and handling. With two rear-mounted electric motors generating a combined 540hp and 700Nm of torque, the vehicle delivers exceptional acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just under 3.5 seconds. The car’s aggressive stance is emphasised by an ultra-wide body measuring 2.02 meters, significantly wider than its predecessors, and designed to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

Powering the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is an 800V architecture that enables rapid recharging. The vehicle supports 350 kW fast charging, significantly reducing downtime between driving sessions. Renault has engineered the car with a focus on both track capability and everyday usability, ensuring it meets the expectations of modern performance car enthusiasts.

Visually, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E stays true to its heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements. The retro-futuristic aesthetic is evident in the vehicle’s bold lines, flared wheel arches, and an imposing rear spoiler, all of which contribute to its striking appearance. The interior is equally performance-oriented, featuring a racing-inspired cockpit with digital displays and lightweight materials to maintain an optimal power-to-weight ratio.

Renault plans to produce only 1,980 units of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a reference to the original Renault 5 Turbo’s debut in 1980. With its combination of electrified performance, striking design, and exclusivity, the model is expected to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike. Bookings for the car will open soon, and demand is anticipated to be high given its limited availability and performance credentials.

This launch marks Renault’s continued commitment to blending heritage with innovation, bringing back an icon in a form that aligns with the future of mobility while maintaining its high-performance DNA.

Toyota Unveils Crown Estate in Japan – 2.5-liter Hybrid, 50 Percent More Output

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the launch of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan, marking the latest addition to the Crown series. The model follows the previously released Crossover, Sport, and Sedan variants, continuing Toyota’s strategy of offering multiple body styles under the Crown nameplate.

The Crown, first introduced in 1955, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Japan’s automotive industry. As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Toyota remains committed to innovation, incorporating its “making ever-better cars” philosophy into the new model. This approach is supported by Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) and its in-house company system, both of which contribute to a more flexible vehicle platform and a product development strategy that prioritises customer needs.

A Fusion of SUV and Wagon for a Dynamic and Functional Experience

The Crown Estate combines the characteristics of an SUV and a wagon, offering a spacious and refined design aimed at individuals with active lifestyles. Built on the GA-K platform, the vehicle features an elegant cabin with bold shoulder lines extending from front to rear, emphasizing a seamless and dynamic profile. Large 21-inch aluminum wheels enhance the powerful stance, while a bumper-integrated front grille blends stylishly with the body color. The grille’s mesh pattern subtly transitions from top to bottom, adding to the model’s refined aesthetic.

(more…)

Toyota To Develop Hybrid Powertrain for Future Gazoo Racing Models

Toyota is advancing its hybrid technology for performance vehicles under its Gazoo Racing (GR) sub-brand, aiming to meet stringent global emissions regulations while maintaining high performance. According to reports, the next generation of GR sports cars will feature a hybrid powertrain derived from a new engine currently undergoing testing.

At the core of this development is the newly designed 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, codenamed G20E. This power unit, which was first showcased in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept, is engineered to support both plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid configurations. Toyota has optimised the G20E with a shorter piston stroke, making it more compact and lightweight than existing engines. While official specifications have yet to be disclosed, sources indicate that the road-going version is expected to deliver over 400hp and 500Nm of torque, while motorsport applications could see outputs exceeding 600hp.

(more…)

Porsche Explores New Combustion SUV as EV Strategy Evolves

Porsche is considering the introduction of a new combustion-engine SUV before the end of the decade, potentially serving as a replacement for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan. The move comes as the company reassesses its strategy in response to slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicle (EV), prompting a more flexible product approach that extends the life of combustion and hybrid models well into the 2030s.

Originally, the Macan Electric, launched last year, was set to fully replace the ICE Macan in 2024. The petrol-powered Macan was withdrawn from sale in the European Union in April 2024 due to cybersecurity compliance issues and is expected to cease production entirely by 2026. However, with EV sales not meeting initial projections, Porsche is now evaluating the feasibility of a new ICE and hybrid SUV model to be sold alongside its electric counterpart.

(more…)

GWM Unveils Second-Generation Haval Xiaolong Max Plug-in Hybrid SUV with New Design and Advanced Tech

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially launched the second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max plug-in hybrid SUV, introducing a fresh exterior design and equipping it with the automaker’s self-developed Coffee Pilot Plus advanced driving assistance system.

The latest iteration of the Haval Xiaolong Max embraces the brand’s “rhythmic natural aesthetics” design philosophy, giving the SUV a modern and refined appearance. The headlights incorporate 72 LED crystals, offering an impressive luminosity of 4,000 lumens and an illumination distance of 190 meters. Consumers will have a choice of five exterior colours: Aurora Green, Distant Mountain Gray, Canglang Blue, Ice Crystal White, and Phantom Night Black.

At the rear, the SUV features a distinctive “Bright Galaxy” taillight design, inspired by the Milky Way. The taillights are crafted with over 30,000 crystal reflective surfaces and contain 332 super red-light LEDs operating at 628 nm. From the side profile, the vehicle showcases a floating roof design, complemented by new 19-inch five-spoke petal-shaped rims inspired by flowers. Traditional door handles remain in place.

(more…)

Lamborghini’s First Electric Vehicle Set for 2030 Debut, Could Produce Up to 2,000hp!

Lamborghini remains committed to launching its first all-electric vehicle by 2030, with expectations that it could deliver up to 2,000hp. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume recently confirmed the development, revealing that the EV will be built on a specialised platform designed by Porsche for the group’s luxury and high-performance brands, including Audi and Bentley.

Blume emphasised that Lamborghini’s EV will feature a “very specific setup,” allowing for up to 980 volts, a significant advancement in electric performance technology. The vehicle will take design cues from the Lanzador concept, which was first unveiled in mid-2023. The concept model featured a raised suspension and a distinctive two-door configuration, elements that will carry over to the final production version.

The Lanzador concept originally debuted with 1,341hp—equivalent to one megawatt of power. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that the production model will at least match this output, if not exceed it. Equipped with dual electric motors, the vehicle will also offer all-wheel drive, ensuring the high-performance characteristics expected from the Italian marque. Production will take place in Sant’Agata, Italy, alongside Lamborghini’s existing lineup.

(more…)

Piston.my

Global News

Toyota and Subaru to Launch Twin Electric SUVs in 2026

Tesla Removed from Vancouver Auto Show Over Safety Concerns

Honda Secures Hybrid Battery Supply from Toyota to Navigate U.S. Tariffs

BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging System – 400km in Five Minutes

Renault Unveils High-Performance Electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Toyota Unveils Crown Estate in Japan – 2.5-liter Hybrid, 50 Percent More Output

Toyota To Develop Hybrid Powertrain for Future Gazoo Racing Models

Porsche Explores New Combustion SUV as EV Strategy Evolves

GWM Unveils Second-Generation Haval Xiaolong Max Plug-in Hybrid SUV with New Design and Advanced Tech

Lamborghini’s First Electric Vehicle Set for 2030 Debut, Could Produce Up to 2,000hp!

Toyota and Subaru to Launch Twin Electric SUVs in 2026

Tesla Removed from Vancouver Auto Show Over Safety Concerns

Honda Secures Hybrid Battery Supply from Toyota to Navigate U.S. Tariffs

BYD Unveils Ultra-Fast Charging System – 400km in Five Minutes

Renault Unveils High-Performance Electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Toyota Unveils Crown Estate in Japan – 2.5-liter Hybrid, 50 Percent More Output

Toyota To Develop Hybrid Powertrain for Future Gazoo Racing Models

Porsche Explores New Combustion SUV as EV Strategy Evolves

GWM Unveils Second-Generation Haval Xiaolong Max Plug-in Hybrid SUV with New Design and Advanced Tech

Lamborghini’s First Electric Vehicle Set for 2030 Debut, Could Produce Up to 2,000hp!

Archive

Jaecoo Celebrates Record-Breaking Success in Malaysia with Inaugural Dealership Awards

JPJ Issues Over 107,000 Notices During Chinese New Year Special Operation

JPJ Orders Recall of Over 41,000 Vehicles from Honda, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz Over Safety Concerns

New MG4 Electric Hatchback Revealed in China with Larger Dimensions and Redesigned Look

Porsche Enhances Digital Experience for 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show