Hyundai’s recent acknowledgement of the challenges with touchscreens in vehicles highlights a growing trend that some are calling the “Tesla Effect.” Following in Tesla’s footsteps, many automakers have phased out traditional physical controls for digital interfaces on touchscreens, aiming to create sleek, tech-centric cabins. However, Hyundai has found that American buyers aren’t entirely on board with the touchscreen-only setup.
According to HDNA Vice President Ha Hak-soo, Hyundai’s experience with touchscreen-based controls revealed that drivers often feel frustrated when trying to quickly adjust settings on the go, especially when physical dials or buttons could have made adjustments more straightforward. Hyundai’s internal testing with focus groups found that drivers found it stressful to control certain functions on a touchscreen when needing immediate responsiveness.
Mitsubishi announced plans to repurchase a substantial portion of its shares from Nissan, with an order placed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to buy up to 149,028,300 shares at approximately $3.01 per share. This buyback will reduce Nissan’s current stake in Mitsubishi from 34.07% to 24.05%, effectively altering Nissan’s influence in the company. Despite the sale, Mitsubishi emphasised that both brands will continue their alliance and collaboration on vehicle projects.
Although specific collaborative projects were not detailed, Mitsubishi and Nissan are both part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which includes joint efforts in various global markets. In the U.S., for instance, the Nissan Rogue serves as the base for Mitsubishi’s Outlander. Looking forward, the alliance is expected to introduce multiple jointly developed models, including a mid-size pickup aimed at the U.S. market.
Audi, the first premium car brand in China since 1988, is deepening its footprint with a new joint venture with SAIC to launch the AUDI brand. This collaboration, embodying Audi’s renowned “Vorsprung durch Technik” approach, is set to deliver three electric production models from mid-2025. Targeted at China’s unique, tech-savvy, and younger premium market, these models highlight cutting-edge innovation with a fully connected, intelligent driving experience.
At the heart of this venture is the AUDI E concept, a Sportback model built on the Advanced Digitised Platform. Designed specifically for the Chinese market, it combines Audi’s engineering expertise with SAIC’s innovation agility. Measuring 4,870 mm in length, this sleek concept features a high-powered dual-motor setup, producing 764hp and 800 Nm of torque, enabling 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.6 seconds. A 100-kWh battery provides a 700km range, and its 800-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging: a 10-minute charge adds over 370km.
Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi are joining forces to launch a new joint venture focused on services for self-driving and electric vehicles (EVs), slated for establishment by the close of fiscal 2024. Their primary objectives include offering Level 4 autonomous driving services — allowing vehicles to operate independently under specific conditions — and integrating EV batteries for home energy storage and other innovative uses.
Equally funded by Nissan and Mitsubishi, this venture will kick off verification tests in 2025. Nissan is taking the lead on vehicle development for autonomous driving, while Mitsubishi is advancing AI-powered systems to optimise routes. Based on these advancements, the joint venture will introduce unmanned taxi services and more, aligned with government deregulation, initially launching in Yokohama and Namie, where Nissan is actively testing automated driving technology.
Wayne Enterprises has joined forces with Action Vehicle Engineering to create a limited series of 10 Batmobile Tumblers, meticulously crafted replicas of the model featured in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. These life-sized, fully drivable Tumblers—while not street-legal—are officially sanctioned by Warner Bros., offering a chance for select enthusiasts to own a piece of Batman’s iconic collection.
Each Tumbler will be sold by invitation only, with an estimated 15-month build time from initial deposit to delivery. Powered by a 6.2-litre LS3 V-8 engine producing 525hp and paired with a 4L85E paddle shift transmission, the Tumbler promises impressive performance capabilities. While not equipped with all the functional gadgets of Batman’s original, it does feature a smokescreen delivery system and mock gun turrets on its exterior, crafted from Kevlar, carbon fibre, and fibreglass.
Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) ambitious “Reimagine” strategy, announced nearly four years ago, is fast approaching a major milestone: transforming Jaguar into an all-electric luxury brand by 2025. While the company has not yet unveiled any new electric models, the transition away from combustion engines is in full swing. As of this November, Jaguar has officially stopped selling new cars with conventional powertrains in the UK.
In a recent statement, JLR confirmed the halt: “From November 2024, new Jaguar sales will come to an end. We have now ceased allocation of our current generation of Jaguar vehicles.” This decision means that models like the E-Pace, XE, XF, and F-Type—already phased out—are now joined by the F-Pace SUV, the final model of Jaguar’s internal combustion era in the UK.
Porsche has expanded its 911 model lineup with the launch of the new 911 Carrera T, designed for driving purists seeking agility, reduced weight, and an immersive sound experience. This latest edition focuses on essentials, featuring a six-speed manual transmission and, for the first time, is available as both a coupé and a cabriolet.
Power and Precision
The Carrera T derives its power from Porsche’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine, producing 394PS and 450Nm of torque. Equipped with the Sport Chrono Package as standard, the 911 Carrera T can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.7 seconds in the cabriolet) and reaches a top speed of 295km/h (293km/h for the cabriolet). Its lightweight design, aided by reduced insulation and full bucket seats, trims the weight down to 1,478 kilograms, making it over 40 kg lighter than the standard 911 Carrera.
Enhanced Handling and Chassis Dynamics
The Carrera T benefits from Porsche’s rear-axle steering as standard, allowing for sharper cornering and increased stability. Its adaptive sports suspension, lowered by 10 mm, is precisely tuned for a sportier ride, while anti-roll bars at the front and rear further improve handling. Fitted with 20/21-inch Carrera S light alloy wheels, the car is optimised for responsiveness.
Distinctive Styling
Exterior details, including accents in Vanadium Grey and a redesigned spoiler lip borrowed from the Carrera GTS, set the Carrera T apart. Colour choices span from Porsche’s unique Legends and Dreams palettes, along with bespoke options through Porsche’s Paint to Sample programme. Inside, the Carrera T features black trim, contrasting stitching, and a dashboard stopwatch from the Sport Chrono Package, evoking classic Porsche styling.
Interior Exclusivity
For added refinement, Porsche offers the Carrera T design package, introducing Gentian Blue accents across the car’s interior, seat belts, and headrests. The cabin’s sporty aesthetic is completed with a walnut gear knob and tartan-patterned seat centres, while the standard GT sports steering wheel includes a mode switch for added versatility. Seat choices include the standard four-way adjustable sports seats, with options for Adaptive Sports Seats Plus or lightweight full bucket seats.
By prioritising dynamic performance and offering unique customisation options, the new Porsche 911 Carrera T brings a distinctly purist experience for drivers, making it an ideal choice for those who value the essence of driving.
Volkswagen Group is seeking significant cost reductions as it faces declining demand, rising expenses, and mounting competition. The automaker has proposed a 10 per cent wage reduction for its union employees after IG Metall, the union representing Volkswagen’s workforce, requested a seven per cent raise. This wage cut comes as part of broader measures Volkswagen is considering to address financial difficulties, which include restructuring bonuses and possibly eliminating anniversary and monthly bonuses.
Despite these proposed changes, Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schafer has not ruled out more drastic options, such as plant closures, if cost-cutting goals are not met through negotiations. “Successful operations are a prerequisite for job security,” said Arne Meiswinkel, VW’s lead negotiator, highlighting the necessity for lower labour costs to stabilise the company.
Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hyundai Group, has announced a pioneering development for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army: a hydrogen-powered K3 main battle tank. Set to be among the most advanced military vehicles in the world, the K3 aims to redefine future warfare by leveraging eco-friendly fuel cells, autonomous technologies, and advanced firepower.
Hyundai Rotem’s K3 project is a collaborative effort with South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development and other national research institutions, with production tentatively scheduled to begin by 2040. The shift to hydrogen marks a historic step in South Korea’s commitment to reduce reliance on traditional combustion engines in defence equipment. The K3’s hydrogen fuel cell will eventually replace the diesel engines of the ROK’s K-series tanks, beginning with hybrid prototypes that combine hydrogen and diesel power.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé made a stunning debut in an exclusive, technology-forward setting at ApeFest 2024 in Lisbon, where BMW showcased its latest model alongside an innovative in-car gaming experience. Held annually by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), ApeFest is a prominent gathering for holders of the BAYC NFT collection by Yuga Labs, renowned for its 10,000 unique digital ape characters. The event draws a Web3-savvy audience passionate about digital innovation, a fitting match for BMW’s forward-looking brand.
BMW brought an interactive edge to this year’s ApeFest by introducing a customised, BAYC-inspired BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé designed through an art contest. Rida, a 3D artist from Dubai, created the winning design, known as the “ApeCar.” This one-off model features a sleek exterior with golden accents and a mosaic of ape silhouettes symbolising community spirit. BMW also enhanced the vehicle with exclusive BMW M Performance Parts to accentuate its sporty appeal. BAYC members had the opportunity to register their interest in purchasing this exclusive model, which BMW will customize according to the buyer’s market and equip with unique digital features.
