Global News Archives

Hyundai Rotem Unveils Hydrogen-Powered K3 Battle Tank for South Korea’s Next-Generation Military

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.

(more…)

BMW Blends Art, Tech, and Community with BAYC-Themed 2 Series Gran Coupé

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.

(more…)

Porsche Targets Flexibility in China with Dealership and Cost Adjustments

Porsche is restructuring its strategy in China, reducing its dealership network to counter declining demand and a sluggish EV market transition in the country. This move is part of broader cost-cutting efforts, aiming for billions in savings by 2030, as shared by CFO Lutz Meschke. The company is recalibrating to a global sales outlook of around 250,000 vehicles annually, down from previous years where it exceeded 300,000. This shift reflects not only Porsche’s concerns but also aligns with similar challenges faced by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which have also been forced to trim costs due to weakening demand in China.

Porsche’s third-quarter results underscore these difficulties, with operating profit down by 41% to €974 million—significantly missing analysts’ expectations. Revenue also slipped to €9.1 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 10.7%, well below Porsche’s medium-term target of 17%-19%. The weak demand in China, exacerbated by an economic downturn impacting luxury spending, has prompted Porsche to adjust its product lineup, budgets, and expenses to bolster flexibility and resilience.

(more…)

CATL Unveils Game-Changing 400km Range Battery for China’s Rising PHEV Market

CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, recently launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, a breakthrough product for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with a substantial all-electric range of over 400km. This new battery delivers an EV-like experience by offering ultra-fast 4C charging, adding nearly 280km of range in just 10 minutes.

This capability addresses common PHEV limitations such as short-range and slow charging, potentially transforming the hybrid market.

Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business, highlighted Freevoy’s innovative design, including advanced surface modification for cathode materials and a high-voltage electrolyte formulation with a nano protective layer. These enhancements boost the state-of-charge (SOC) control accuracy by 40%, allowing for improved range and energy efficiency, as well as a 20% increase in hybrid power performance.

(more…)

Stellantis to Test Factorial’s Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026

Stellantis and Factorial Inc. have advanced their partnership by unveiling the next stage in their collaboration to develop and deploy next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Factorial’s cutting-edge solid-state battery technology. This builds upon Stellantis’ $75 million investment in Factorial in 2021, with the aim of accelerating the commercial viability of solid-state batteries in EVs.

By 2026, Stellantis will launch a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles equipped with Factorial’s proprietary FEST® solid-state battery technology. This fleet will allow Stellantis to validate the performance of Factorial’s batteries in real-world conditions, an essential step in the move toward full-scale commercialization. Factorial’s FEST® technology delivers a specific energy density of over 390 Wh/kg, offering numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as increased energy density, reduced weight, enhanced vehicle performance, and the potential for lower overall costs over time.

(more…)

Subaru Unveils 2025 BRZ Series.Purple Special Edition

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the release of the 2025 BRZ Series.Purple, a limited-edition model with a striking new look, enhanced features, and performance upgrades. Limited to just 500 units, the BRZ Series.Purple made its public debut on October 19 at Subiefest Texas, held in Dallas.

Distinctive Design and Accents

The Series.Purple stands out with its exclusive Galaxy Purple Pearl exterior. The special edition also features 18-inch alloy wheels in a new satin silver finish and black badging on the rear decklid, giving the sports car an unmistakable presence. Inside, the cabin is wrapped in black upholstery with distinctive grey stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, door panels, shifter boot, and parking brake boot. The front seats, covered in Ultrasuede with grey leather bolsters, also feature exclusive grey stitching. Additional interior highlights include a red STI starter button, an aluminium shifter knob, and the STI short throw shifter with a Flexible V-Bar, all aimed at enhancing the car’s driving dynamics.

(more…)

Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

Mazda has revealed the 2025 Mazda BT-50, showcasing significant design changes, safety upgrades, new accessories, and improved functionality. As Australia remains the leading market for the BT-50 globally, this versatile ute has cemented its reputation as a reliable partner since its debut in 2020.

This latest update, the largest of four since its launch, introduces a tougher and more powerful stance, building on Mazda’s ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design philosophy. The bold, commanding exterior is most striking at the front, where the BT-50 features unique LED headlamps framed by a redesigned radiator grille and bumper, which includes an aerodynamic ‘air curtain’ to enhance fuel efficiency.

(more…)

BMW Marks 30 Years in Mexico with Exclusive M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition

BMW is celebrating three decades of operations in Mexico with the launch of a special-edition M2, the BMW M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition. Though the M2 itself is less than a decade old—having debuted as the F87 model in 2015—the limited-edition model honours the company’s 30-year milestone in the country, where it has maintained a strong presence.

The M2 30 Years Edition is a locally built vehicle, produced at BMW’s San Luis Potosi plant, and designed by Mexican native José Casas. Only 30 units of this exclusive sports coupe will be produced, one for each year since the first BMW 3 Series E36 rolled off the assembly line at the Lerma Plant in Toluca back in 1994.

This limited-run version comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and will be offered in two matte finishes from BMW’s Individual catalogue: Frozen Portimao Blue and Frozen Pure Grey. Inside, the M2 is outfitted with carbon bucket front seats, offering an immersive driving experience.

(more…)

Volkswagen Faces Uncertain Future with Possible Closure of Historic Brussels Plant

Volkswagen’s iconic Brussels plant, home to the production of the Audi Q8 E-Tron, is on the brink of closure as the company struggles to maintain demand in a slowing electric vehicle (EV) market. The plant, which has been producing cars since 1949, could be permanently shut down, marking a significant moment for both the automaker and the European EV sector.

The Audi Q8 E-Tron was anticipated to be a major player in Volkswagen’s EV strategy. However, the plant’s production figures reveal a different outcome. Despite the facility having a production capacity of 120,000 vehicles, the numbers have been dwindling. In 2022, only 47,900 units were produced, dropping to 37,400 last year, with just 23,900 vehicles delivered so far in 2024.

(more…)

Mini Unveils the New John Cooper Works Models: Power, Performance, and Iconic Go-Kart Feel

Mini has taken the wraps off its latest high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) models, continuing the legacy of racing legend John Cooper with exhilarating driving experiences and cutting-edge design. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, the new Mini JCW models deliver 231hp and 380Nm of torque, promising an unmatched go-kart feel on the road.

The new Mini JCW hardtop can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, while the convertible achieves this in 6.4 seconds. Both models boast impressive top speeds, reaching 250km/h in the hardtop and 245km/h in the convertible. Fuel efficiency ranges from 6.5 to 7.1 L/100km, with CO2 emissions as low as 147 g/km, making these cars as efficient as they are fast.

(more…)

Piston.my

Global News

Hyundai Rotem Unveils Hydrogen-Powered K3 Battle Tank for South Korea’s Next-Generation Military

BMW Blends Art, Tech, and Community with BAYC-Themed 2 Series Gran Coupé

Porsche Targets Flexibility in China with Dealership and Cost Adjustments

CATL Unveils Game-Changing 400km Range Battery for China’s Rising PHEV Market

Stellantis to Test Factorial’s Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026

Subaru Unveils 2025 BRZ Series.Purple Special Edition

Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

BMW Marks 30 Years in Mexico with Exclusive M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition

Volkswagen Faces Uncertain Future with Possible Closure of Historic Brussels Plant

Mini Unveils the New John Cooper Works Models: Power, Performance, and Iconic Go-Kart Feel

Hyundai Rotem Unveils Hydrogen-Powered K3 Battle Tank for South Korea’s Next-Generation Military

BMW Blends Art, Tech, and Community with BAYC-Themed 2 Series Gran Coupé

Porsche Targets Flexibility in China with Dealership and Cost Adjustments

CATL Unveils Game-Changing 400km Range Battery for China’s Rising PHEV Market

Stellantis to Test Factorial’s Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026

Subaru Unveils 2025 BRZ Series.Purple Special Edition

Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

BMW Marks 30 Years in Mexico with Exclusive M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition

Volkswagen Faces Uncertain Future with Possible Closure of Historic Brussels Plant

Mini Unveils the New John Cooper Works Models: Power, Performance, and Iconic Go-Kart Feel

Archive

P1 Successor Set to Break Cover: McLaren Teases New Hypercar Reveal

Proton Gears Up for Sepang 1000KM with New S70 R3 Race Car and Star Drivers

Farewell to a Legend: Volkswagen Ends Production of Iconic VR6 Engine

Michelin and Brembo Unite to Transform Automotive Performance and Safety

Stellantis to Test Factorial’s Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show