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Toyota remains committed to preserving the manual transmission experience, ensuring that enthusiasts who prefer the tactile engagement of self-shifting gears can continue to find it in the brand’s lineup. Currently, models such as the GR86, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla all feature six-speed manual transmissions paired exclusively with petrol power. For now, Toyota has no plans to abandon this formula, with a strong focus on catering to driving purists.

According to reports, Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to delivering enthusiast-oriented vehicles. Hanley expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for cars that prioritise driving engagement, especially those powered by internal combustion engines with manual gearboxes.

“There is still room to satisfy dyed-in-the-wool performance car lovers,” Hanley said, emphasising that combustion engines and manual transmissions “will be around for a long, long time.”

Hanley made it clear that Toyota’s performance-oriented GR sub-brand will continue to lead the charge in this space. With an existing portfolio already offering several manual-equipped models, GR remains the natural home for future petrol-powered performance cars. Hanley hinted at exciting developments within the GR lineup, referencing the Yaris M Concept, which features a mid-engine configuration. This concept has fuelled speculation that Toyota could soon revive the legendary MR2, signalling perhaps the most promising indication of its return in recent years.

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Audi has officially introduced the latest generation of the A6 Avant, marking a new era of sophistication, innovation, and performance for the iconic estate. With a renewed focus on sleek aesthetics, advanced technology, and improved efficiency, the new A6 Avant combines timeless styling with exceptional aerodynamic performance, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.25—the most efficient ever recorded for a combustion-engine Avant in Audi’s history.

The design of the new A6 Avant has been carefully refined to balance elegance with athleticism. The exterior features a clean, functional design language, complemented by extensive aerodynamic enhancements. At the front, large air curtains and controllable cool-air intakes optimise airflow, while a sporty roof spoiler and aerodynamic panels positioned alongside the rear window further reduce drag. The rear of the vehicle is dominated by a bold diffuser, flanked by distinctive quattro blisters that emphasise the Avant’s muscular stance. Together with an elongated hood and long wheelbase, these design elements create a harmonious blend of dynamic proportions and refined styling.

Powering the new A6 Avant is Audi’s advanced MHEV Plus mild hybrid technology, which improves both performance and efficiency. Customers can choose between a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder engine producing 204PS and a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder engine delivering 367PS. Central to the MHEV Plus system is a 48-volt battery, a belt alternator starter (BAS), and a powertrain generator (PTG) equipped with integrated power electronics. This system allows the A6 Avant to operate in fully electric mode during low-speed city driving and parking situations, while also providing up to 230Nm of additional torque and recovering energy during deceleration. These features contribute to a smoother driving experience and reduced carbon emissions.

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Once viewed as an underdog in the automotive world, Hyundai has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades—and it shows no signs of slowing down. Now, it appears the Korean automaker is preparing to expand its performance offerings even further, taking a page directly from BMW’s playbook. A recent discovery revealed that Hyundai has filed a trademark for the name “N Sport” at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, suggesting a new model line is on the horizon—positioned between everyday variants and high-performance N models like the Ioniq 5 N.

For those unfamiliar, Hyundai currently offers N-Line packages across several models, mirroring what brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG Line), Audi (S-Line), and BMW (M Sport) already provide. These trims typically focus on sportier styling cues, borrowing design elements from full-fledged performance cars without making major mechanical changes. Think aggressive bumpers, unique wheels, and subtle interior tweaks.

Occasionally, these packages go a bit further with minor upgrades to the suspension or steering, but the core formula remains: offer a sporty appearance and badge appeal without sacrificing daily drivability or drastically increasing costs.

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In June 2024, Bugatti unveiled the Tourbillon, its next-generation hyper sports car, during a highly anticipated World Premiere in Molsheim. True to Bugatti’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, the Tourbillon stands as a technological masterpiece—nowhere more evident than in its groundbreaking aerodynamic design. In the latest episode of A New Era, Bugatti’s world-class engineers and aerodynamic experts reveal the meticulous process behind creating one of the most aerodynamically advanced road cars ever conceived.

For Bugatti’s engineering team, led by Chief Vehicle Engineer Paul Burnham, the challenge was clear: surpass the already exceptional aerodynamic efficiency of the Chiron, a car that once held the title of the world’s fastest. “The Chiron was already a low-drag car,” Burnham explains, “but with the Tourbillon, we knew we had to go even further.”

Bugatti’s pursuit of aerodynamic perfection began early in development with months of advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, allowing engineers to analyze airflow and drag virtually. But to move from theory to reality, Bugatti’s experts gathered at a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility in Italy nearly 15 months before the Tourbillon’s official reveal.

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The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano—Italy’s largest scientific-technological university—has partnered with Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida to embark on a groundbreaking high-tech initiative during the renowned competition’s stop in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This project is part of MOST, Italy’s National Center for Sustainable Mobility, which focuses on advancing research, innovation, and infrastructure for scalable, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Returning to the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Indy Autonomous Challenge aimed to push the limits of autonomous technology. The LLF, famed for NASA’s Space Shuttle landings, boasts one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet, now serving as a vital hub for aerospace and autonomous innovation.

The PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) division of Politecnico di Milano, developed the cutting-edge AI driver software that powered the autonomous Maserati MC20 Coupé. Guided entirely by artificial intelligence and without a human behind the wheel, the MC20 achieved a record-breaking 318km/h, surpassing the previous world record of 310km/h, also set by the same team in 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar.

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Maserati’s ambitious resurgence, marked by the launch of the MC20 supercar, the new-generation GranTurismo, and the Grecale SUV, has been abruptly slowed as Stellantis reassesses the brand’s future. In an earnings call for the final quarter of the 2024 financial year, Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Doug Ostermann confirmed that the company had written down a $1.59 billion investment in Maserati. This figure includes the cancellation of several projects that were scheduled for launch, as noted in the company’s investor briefing.

Ostermann attributed the decision to a reassessment of Maserati’s electrification strategy, particularly concerning the brand’s performance in China. Stellantis had initially expected the Chinese luxury market to transition rapidly to electric vehicles. However, as these expectations were adjusted, so too were the financial forecasts for Maserati, prompting Stellantis to recalibrate its investment plans for the historic marque.

The announcement follows a challenging year for Maserati, which saw global sales plummet by 58 percent, falling from approximately 26,600 units to just 11,300. The sales decline has intensified scrutiny over Maserati’s long-term viability within Stellantis. In mid-2024, former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares warned that underperforming brands faced the threat of closure if they failed to generate profits. Tavares emphasized that Stellantis could not afford to support brands that did not contribute financially, reinforcing the company’s strict focus on profitability.

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Toyota Gazoo Racing is gearing up for an exciting few years ahead, with ambitious plans that include the revival of the iconic Celica and the introduction of a new mid-engined MR2 successor. Despite these major projects on the horizon, Toyota has confirmed that the GR86 will continue to hold its place in the lineup. Rather than being phased out, the affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is reportedly already in line for a next-generation model.

The original Toyota 86 debuted in late 2011, and the second-generation GR86 followed in 2020. Given this timeline, industry observers anticipate that the third generation could arrive towards the end of the decade, with some reports from Japan indicating a possible launch in 2027.

In a notable shift from previous models, which were co-developed with Subaru and marketed as the Subaru BRZ, the upcoming GR86 is expected to be developed entirely in-house by Toyota. This represents a bold move by the automaker, particularly at a time when the global market for traditional sports cars continues to shrink and Gazoo Racing’s performance portfolio expands.

Adding intrigue to the project, reports from Japanese publication Mag X suggest that Toyota may enlist the expertise of Mazda through a shared engineering partnership. According to these reports, a Mazda engineer could take the lead on developing the new GR86. This collaboration would build on the growing relationship between Toyota and Mazda, with both companies finding ways to share resources and talent while preserving their unique brand identities.

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Speculation surrounding Nissan’s leadership has intensified following the automaker’s unsuccessful merger attempt with Honda. According to a Bloomberg report released on Thursday, Nissan’s board of directors is actively considering candidates to replace CEO Makoto Uchida, who has led the company since 2019. The potential shakeup is said to be part of a broader effort to streamline the company’s management structure, with an official announcement expected on March 12.

Despite these reports, Reuters suggests that Uchida may retain his position. His contract is set to expire in 2026, and while he has previously stated his willingness to step down if asked, he has also expressed his intent to stabilize the company before his departure. However, this goal has become increasingly challenging following the collapse of the Honda merger.

Nissan is bracing for a substantial financial setback, anticipating a loss of approximately ¥80 billion (RM2.48 billion) by the end of March. This comes after Uchida’s proposed turnaround plan failed to yield the expected results. Compounding Nissan’s troubles, the company faces significant debt obligations in the coming year.

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Kia has introduced the Concept EV2, a groundbreaking B-segment all-electric SUV, at its EV Day event in Barcelona. Designed to redefine urban mobility, the Concept EV2 embodies innovation, adventure, and sustainability while incorporating advanced technology and a versatile interior layout.

The Concept EV2 showcases Kia’s ambition to push the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) design. The vehicle integrates connected technology, a spacious multi-configurable interior, and innovative rear-hinged back doors. This design not only enhances accessibility but also provides users with an opportunity to experience an active urban lifestyle while seamlessly engaging with city environments.

Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, emphasised that the Concept EV2 represents a major advancement in urban mobility. He stated that the company set out to create a vehicle that surpasses expectations by offering cutting-edge technology and functionality beyond its compact size. The concept serves as a preview of Kia’s future vision, aiming to bring a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers while making EVs more accessible to the masses.

A Bold and Dynamic Exterior

The Concept EV2 features a distinctive and confident exterior that aligns with Kia’s evolving EV lineup. The front fascia is framed by vertical daytime running lights (DRLs), contributing to a modern and dynamic aesthetic. Kia’s Star Map signature lighting integrates an open lamp design without cover glass, creating a visually striking effect.

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Kia has officially introduced the highly anticipated EV4 electric sedan, alongside the striking Concept EV2, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. The EV4, a sleek and aerodynamic sedan, is positioned as a game-changer in the brand’s growing EV lineup. Meanwhile, the Concept EV2 provides a glimpse into Kia’s vision for future compact electric mobility.

The Kia EV4, which will be available in both standard and long-range versions, features a sophisticated electric powertrain that prioritises efficiency and performance. The long-range variant boasts an impressive 630 km range per charge, thanks to its advanced battery technology. Additionally, its ultra-fast charging capability allows the battery to be recharged from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes, ensuring convenience for long-distance travelers.

Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the EV4 achieves a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd, enhancing its efficiency and overall performance. Kia has also focused on delivering an immersive in-car experience, equipping the EV4 with a 30-inch widescreen display that integrates entertainment options such as Netflix and YouTube, catering to modern drivers and passengers seeking enhanced connectivity.

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