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Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Subaru has announced that two of its most popular models, the Forester and the Crosstrek, will be part of the brand’s new hybrid lineup in 2025. While the Crosstrek has previously featured an electrified option, this marks the debut of the Forester Hybrid in North America.

Shared Hybrid Powertrain

Though Subaru has only disclosed specific details about the Crosstrek Hybrid, it’s expected that the Forester Hybrid will share the same powertrain. This innovative setup combines a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery with two electric motors—one for driving the wheels and another as a generator that works in tandem with the engine. The combined system produces 118hp and is integrated into a new transaxle that houses a front differential gear.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Hyundai Motor Company’s revolutionary Hyundai Ioniq 5 has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Records title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car. The record-setting journey, organised by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), showcased the electric vehicle’s capabilities over a gruelling 14-day adventure.

From the Heights of the Himalayas to the Depths of Kerala

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 recorded an altitude change of 5,802 meters, starting at Umling La, India’s highest drivable point located 5,799 meters above sea level in Leh Ladakh, and concluding in Kuttanad, Kerala, which lies three meters below sea level. Spanning over 4,900km, the journey tested the vehicle against extreme terrains and climatic conditions, ranging from the freezing Himalayan passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains.

Demonstrating Resilience and Advanced Technology

Throughout the expedition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 highlighted its position as a leader in electric mobility, overcoming challenging environments while delivering exceptional performance. Designed on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 combines futuristic design inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

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Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

Volkswagen is grappling with financial challenges, recently negotiating with striking workers over the potential closure of three German production facilities. Meanwhile, Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, has announced the closure of its Brussels, Belgium factory by 28 February 2025, ending production of the Audi Q8 e-tron and its Sportback sibling.

The Audi Q8 e-tron’s Journey

Initially launched as the Audi e-tron in 2019, the model was rebranded as the Q8 e-tron in 2024. The electric luxury SUV received a refresh in 2022, but its production is now set to be short-lived. The Brussels facility, which has operated since 1949 and employs around 3,000 people, can produce up to 120,000 vehicles annually, though only 49,001 Q8 e-trons were sold in 2023.

Gerd Walker, Audi’s head of production, called the decision to close the factory “the toughest decision of my professional career.”

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The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Volkswagen has revived its legendary Type 2 Microbus as the all-electric 2025 ID.Buzz, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary technology. First launched in 1950, the original Type 2 was a cultural icon symbolizing peace and good vibes, with its three rows of seats offering space for up to nine passengers. Fast forward over 50 years, and its successor is making waves as a modern EV.

Performance and Range

The ID.Buzz is significantly heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 2,800kgs—a notable 680kgs more than the Honda Odyssey. Despite its heft, the EV offers two powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive version with 282hp and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant delivering 335hp. The ID.Buzz can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. However, its 86-kWh battery provides a modest range of 376km for the rear-wheel-drive version and 372km for the AWD model, falling short compared to some competitors.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Receives Overwhelming Response with 2,500 Bookings

The Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first national electric vehicle (EV), has over 2,500 bookings, reflecting the nation’s growing enthusiasm for sustainable mobility. Announced by PRO-NET, a subsidiary of Proton, the achievement underscores the strong demand for innovative and eco-friendly transportation solutions in Malaysia. The e.MAS 7 marks Proton’s bold entry into the EV market, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the country’s automotive landscape.

Available in two variants—Prime and Premium—the Proton e.MAS 7 delivers impressive performance and range. Equipped with 49.52 kWh and 60.22 kWh battery packs, the EV offers a WLTP range of up to 410 km. It also supports advanced charging capabilities, including 11kW AC charging and DC fast charging of up to 100kW. Priced competitively, the e.MAS 7 starts at RM109,800 for the Prime variant and RM123,800 for the Premium variant. As part of an exclusive launch offer, the first 3,000 customers receive an RM4,000 rebate, reducing the prices to RM105,800 and RM119,800 for the respective variants.

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Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

The Bugatti Mistral, a stunning roadster powered by a quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, reached an extraordinary top speed of 454 km/h, surpassing the 2016 record set by the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder at 427.4 km/h.

The speed run took place at the Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, Germany, with Bugatti’s test driver Andy Wallace at the helm. Entering the straightaway at 200 km/h from the banking, Wallace pushed the Mistral to its limit, achieving a remarkable speed on the 4.0-kilometer track. While longer stretches like the Ehra-Lessien test track could have provided even more room to push the Mistral further, the Papenburg facility proved sufficient for this historic feat.

The Mistral, named after the powerful wind of southern France, is an engineering masterpiece. It shares its DNA with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first road-legal car to break the 482 km/h barrier in 2019. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W-16 engine, the Mistral produces a staggering 1,578hp—100 more than the standard Chiron—and delivers power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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Latest News

Subaru to Launch Hybrid Variants for 2025 Forester and Crosstrek

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sets Guinness World Records For Greatest Altitude Change By An Electric Car

Audi to Close Brussels Factory, Ending Production of Q8 e-tron

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz: A Modern Revival of a Classic Icon

Proton e.MAS 7 Receives Overwhelming Response with 2,500 Bookings

Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

Peugeot Malaysia Offers RM21,500 Rebate on the Peugeot 2008

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