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Volvo’s upcoming electric vehicle, the ES90, is set to replace the S90, marking the automaker’s commitment to electrification.

Built on the SPA2 platform, the mid-size luxury sedan will feature one or two electric motors and a substantial 111 kWh gross or 107 kWh net battery, providing a range of over 600km. The ES90 will be slightly larger than its internal combustion engine counterpart, measuring 4,999 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, and 1,547 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,102 mm.

Internally known as Project V551, the all-wheel-drive ES90 is expected to weigh 2600kg, while the single-engine variant will weigh 2500kg.

Production is scheduled to begin in May 2024, with the first customer deliveries anticipated in mid-2025. The ES90 will initially be available in China and Europe, with a particular focus on expanding into markets such as the United States. There are no reports of it being introduced into the Malaysian market so we will just have to play the waiting game for now.

This move is part of Volvo’s broader strategy to introduce six electric models by 2026, with the new electric Volvo contributing to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

In a significant development, shareholders of the British supercar maker, McLaren Group, have reportedly given their approval for Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, to take over the majority stake. The proposed plan includes the acquisition of McLaren Racing, the renowned Formula 1 team and the second most successful constructor in the championship. The takeover, which involves a full recapitalisation, streamlined share structure, and governance processes, aims to facilitate McLaren’s expansion into new markets.

The plan from Mumtalakat Holding Company, which is already the majority shareholder, involves gaining full control of McLaren Group. Pending the completion of the recapitalisation, the sovereign wealth fund is expected to take over the ownership within days. The move is seen as a strategic step in the ongoing transformation of the McLaren Group, providing a solid foundation for future growth and brand presence.

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Subaru has teased the WRX S4 STI Sport ahead of its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. This model previews a special edition of the performance sedan with notable handling upgrades, set for a limited production run. Although likely to remain exclusive to the Japanese market, the prototype hints at exciting changes.

The WRX S4 STI Sport prototype is based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX, the flagship trim of the WRX in Japan. The teaser image reveals distinctive features, including new BBS-style wheels and a modified ducktail spoiler on the trunk. Notably, the WRX, S4, and Symmetrical AWD emblems are finished in black, adding a touch of sportiness.

2024 Subaru WRX TR

While specific details about the interior and other exterior enhancements remain undisclosed, Subaru promises more than just cosmetic changes. The WRX S4 STI Sport is touted to deliver “enhanced handling” and a “premium drive feel,” indicating significant chassis upgrades. The focus seems to be on refining the driving experience, with less emphasis on powertrain modifications.

Under the hood, the special edition is expected to retain the turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine found in all JDM-Spec Subaru WRX variants. Generating 271hp and 375Nm of torque, the engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and power is transmitted to all four wheels through Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system.

2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX

Details about the WRX S4 STI Sport prototype will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, scheduled for January 12-14 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

Ford has revealed the 2024 model of its best-selling F-150, giving the high-performance Raptor R a power boost. The new Raptor R, known for its off-road capabilities, boasts an impressive 720hp from its supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine. The power increase is achieved through a new engine calibration and modifications to reduce air inlet losses, enhancing airflow to the air filter.

The updated Raptor R’s engine is a derivative of the 5.2-litre mill found in the recent Mustang Shelby GT500, which delivered 760hp. The 2022 Raptor R had 700hp, and the latest model strikes a balance with improved low-end power while maintaining the same peak torque of 867Nm.

Visually, the 2024 Raptor R can be identified by its new headlights featuring daytime LEDs forming a half-square around the outer edge. Inside, there are minimal changes, except for the addition of an optional heads-up display—a first for the F-150 family.

This refresh is part of Ford’s efforts to keep the F-150 lineup competitive and maintain its position as a top-selling vehicle. The Raptor R, with its enhanced power and off-road capabilities, continues to be a standout offering in the F-150 range.

Daihatsu, the renowned Japanese automaker, finds itself in the midst of a significant crisis as it declares a temporary suspension of all vehicle shipments, both domestically and internationally. This decision comes in the wake of a damning investigation into safety test irregularities, a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry.

The unfolding controversy dates back to April, when it was first revealed that Daihatsu had engaged in fraudulent practices related to crash safety tests, specifically concerning regulatory approval applications for four models. The focus of the investigation centred on door trim issues that failed to meet safety standards in a side impact test, affecting a staggering 88,000 units. Subsequently, in May, Daihatsu publicly admitted to irregularities in certification procedures for side impact collision tests involving hybrid versions of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize.

The latest developments shed light on the gravity of the situation, with reports indicating the discovery of 174 new irregularities across 25 test items. This brings the total number of fraudulent cases to a staggering 238. The affected models include those produced under the Daihatsu brand and supplied to major players such as Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and notably, Perodua.

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Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first automaker globally to obtain permits for special exterior marker lights for automated driving in California and Nevada. The permits allow testing vehicles to incorporate these lights for a two-year period in California, while in Nevada, they extend to production vehicles until modifications in statutes occur, with validity until the model year 2026.

These distinctive turquoise-coloured marker lights, integrated into the front and rear lights, as well as the outer mirrors of testing vehicles, serve a vital role in enhancing public acceptance of automated driving and reinforcing road safety. By indicating the status of the automated driving system, these lights facilitate communication with other road users and assist law enforcement.

The initial application of these marker lights will be with Drive Pilot, recognised as the world’s first Level 3 system for conditionally automated driving with international type approval. Having obtained certification in Germany in 2021 and subsequently in Nevada and California in 2023, Drive Pilot is already available for ordering in Germany.

The choice of turquoise for these marker lights is deliberate, aiming for optimal visibility for rapid detection by other road users. Mercedes-Benz intends to standardise the use of turquoise, contributing to a universal understanding and acceptance of this innovative technology. This development marks a significant step toward the integration of automated driving systems into mainstream road usage.

In an unexpected move, Kia Canada is reportedly holding off on delivering new vehicles ordered by Canadian customers until 2024. This decision appears to be motivated by a desire to control wholesale and retail performance in 2023, preventing the company from looking overly successful in its corporate office in South Korea.

Details of this strategy emerged from a leaked video call on November 17, involving a Kia Canada regional manager and various dealership representatives. The manager stated that amid a global slowdown, Kia Canada aims to avoid showing high overachievement in 2023 to better negotiate a favourable marketing budget from the global office for the following year.

While this approach might benefit Kia Canada in terms of budget allocation, it has raised concerns and criticisms. Customers who placed orders now face delays of weeks or even months, and dealers and sales staff, often working on commission, may experience financial consequences. Since customer orders and deposits don’t translate to sales until the vehicle is delivered, this decision could impact their income.

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In response to increasing attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas, merchant ships in the Red Sea are reportedly turning off tracking signals to avoid being targeted.

The Red Sea serves as a crucial trade route, connecting Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal. Approximately 12% of global trade passes through this region, according to the CEO of the German Shipowners’ Association.

Facing the threat of attacks, several container ships have opted to conceal their locations, with some broadcasting their destination as “ARMED GUARD ON BOARD,” as indicated by tracking websites. The Houthi rebels have targeted commercial vessels with drones and ballistic missiles, causing damage and prompting major shippers like BP, Evergreen, and Maersk to either reroute vessels or pause shipments.

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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently announced on his social media platform, X, that Tesla plans to introduce a package for the Cybertruck, turning it into an amphibious vehicle capable of navigating at least 100 meters of water.

An amphibious vehicle is a type of transportation that is designed to operate both on land and in water. These vehicles have features that allow them to seamlessly transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Amphibious vehicles come in various forms such as amphibious bicycles, ATVs, cars, buses, trucks, railway vehicles, combat vehicles and hovercraft.

Amphibious bicycle back in 1932

Musk’s statement follows discussions on Jay Leno’s Garage, where Tesla’s head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, and vice president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, shared insights into the Cybertruck’s capabilities. Moravy suggested that the vehicle almost floats, and with some added buoyancy, an outboard motor could be installed.

Embracing Moravy’s idea, Musk stated that Tesla will offer a modification package for the Cybertruck, requiring minimal upgrades to the cabin door seals. While the accuracy of Musk’s claim about the Cybertruck’s seaworthiness remains uncertain, it aligns with Musk’s longstanding fascination with the concept. Musk previously expressed interest in having the Cybertruck make a water crossing between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island, Texas.

The timeline for this modification package remains unclear, and Musk’s announcement did not specify if development was underway before his social media post. Some social media users expressed skepticism, suggesting that the Cybertruck could potentially serve as a submarine but humorously adding that it might then transform into a “coffin.”

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In a pioneering move toward a sustainable automotive future, Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced the Crown Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to the Japanese market, seamlessly blending advanced technology with a sporty design ethos.

The Crown Sport PHEV features a high-output density drive motor, providing a maximum system output of 306PS. It features a Series Parallel Hybrid with reduction gear (A25A-FXS 2.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine). This cutting-edge motor ensures seamless and powerful acceleration, setting a new standard in hybrid performance.

Positioned strategically beneath the vehicle’s floor, the large-capacity lithium-ion battery delivers a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)-mode cruising range suitable for daily use without compromising interior space. A fully charged battery provides a BEV-mode range of 90km and a hybrid-mode fuel economy of 20.3km/L, resulting in an impressive total cruising range of 1,200km or more.

To enhance driving stability, Toyota has incorporated the advanced E-Four electric 4WD system, distributing power to all four wheels. This system not only improves stability but also ensures control in various driving conditions, including cornering and adverse weather.

The Crown Sport PHEV ensures optimal body rigidity balance with added braces to the floor tunnel. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, along with paddle shifters, delivers a smooth and planted ride, allowing for seamless gear shifts.

Equipped with a performance-oriented braking system, the vehicle features 20-inch ventilated disc brakes and exclusive six-piston callipers for enhanced stopping power and a sporty exterior aesthetic.

With its 21-inch large-diameter, wide tires and distinctive triple spokes on black aluminium wheels, the Crown Sport PHEV boasts a sporty and luxurious exterior design, appealing to drivers seeking a dynamic yet sophisticated look.

The interior adopts a black and red asymmetrical colour scheme, injecting excitement into the driving experience. Sports seats with red stitching provide firm support for the driver, enhancing the overall thrill of driving.

The Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging functions, with the rapid charging capability reaching 80% battery capacity in approximately 38 minutes. Additionally, the innovative Vehicle to Home (V2H) system allows the Crown Sport PHEV to supply stored electricity to the home during blackouts or emergencies.

Toyota’s Crown Sport PHEV represents a revolutionary fusion of performance, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness, catering to drivers who seek a dynamic driving experience without compromising on hybrid efficiency. This model marks a significant step toward Toyota’s commitment to a sustainable and electrified automotive future.

In Japan, it is priced at ¥7,650,000 (RM247,627).

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