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The Porsche 911, an icon of sports car design, has consistently evolved over the years, with each new generation growing in size. However, Michael Mauer, Porsche’s chief designer for the past two decades, envisions a future where the 911 becomes more compact rather than larger. Here’s why a smaller 911 could be the next logical step for the brand:

1. The Appeal of Compactness

Mauer’s aspiration to downsize the 911 aligns with the desire to explore new possibilities in vehicle packaging. A more compact design could enhance the driving experience, preserving the agile and engaging nature that the 911 is renowned for. By focusing on compactness, Porsche could offer a more agile and responsive sports car, true to the original spirit of the 911.

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Lamborghini is set to bid farewell to the Huracan, with production scheduled to end in December. The iconic supercar, known for its thrilling naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine, will be succeeded by Lamborghini’s third plug-in hybrid supercar, reportedly named the Temerario. The highly anticipated debut of the Temerario will take place at Monterey Car Week on August 16.

Performance Overhaul

The Temerario will mark a significant departure from its predecessor’s signature engine. Instead of the revered V10, it will feature a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering an impressive 789hp and 729Nm of torque. This engine, capable of reaching 10,000 rpm, is adapted from the 3.8-litre unit used in Lamborghini’s SC63 LMDh prototype, designed for top-tier racing series including the Hypercar, GTP, and IMSA SportsCar Championships.

In addition to this potent engine, the Temerario will utilise an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sourced from the Revuelto, ensuring rapid gear changes. The car’s hybrid powertrain will include a three-motor plug-in system, contributing an extra 147hp and 299Nm of torque, bringing the total power output to exceed 887hp. This marks a significant boost of nearly 250hp over most versions of the Huracan.

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Stellantis, the multinational automotive conglomerate, is evaluating cost-cutting measures that could include the discontinuation of underperforming brands. This is especially relevant for Maserati, which has faced significant challenges recently. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Current Situation

  • Sales Decline: Maserati’s global sales have plummeted by 50% year-over-year, dropping from 15,300 units in the first half of 2023 to just 6,500 units in the same period of 2024.
  • Financial Losses: The brand has reported an operating loss of $88.6 million for 2024. The losses are attributed to the discontinuation of key models like the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans and the Levante SUV, along with sluggish sales of newer models like the GranTurismo and Grecale SUV.
  • MC20 Supercar Sales: Only 97 units of the MC20 supercar were sold in Europe last year, highlighting ongoing issues with the brand’s high-end offerings.

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Volvo’s ambitious plan to become a fully electric automaker by 2030 has encountered scrutiny and potential revisions. Initially, Volvo aimed to phase out all internal combustion engines, including hybrids, and sell only fully electric vehicles by the target year. However, recent developments suggest that this goal might be adjusted.

Initial Commitment

In March 2021, Volvo committed to transitioning to a fully electric lineup by 2030, promising not to offer any vehicles with internal combustion engines beyond that date. This pledge marked a significant step in Volvo’s strategy to lead the automotive industry towards sustainable mobility.

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The 13th Annual Art Of Speed (AOS 2024) took place at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) from July 27-28, 2024. Known for its tradition of attracting international guests and showcasing customised vehicles from around the globe, this year’s event continued to highlight the best in automotive culture and customisation.

Among the distinguished guests were Shige Suganuma, Shinotsuka “NATQQ” Michihisa, and Hey Murakamii from MOONEYES, Japan; professional Japanese drifter Daigo Saito from Fat Five Racing; and Katie’s Customs from Japan, featuring a custom Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Other notable attendees included STOOP Motorcycles with a custom Harley-Davidson Panhead, EVILACT with a custom 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead EL, and Nigel Petrie from Engineered To Slide, Australia. From Thailand, Spinny and Little Boy Cycles were recognised, while global figures such as Dino Dalle Carbonare and Alexander Iain from Speedhunters.com were also present.

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The smart Tour Brand Roadshow is expanding its tour with a new location at Bangsar Shopping Centre from 31 July to 4 August 2024. This is a great chance to experience the smart #1 and #3 vehicles, including their advanced features like V2L capabilities and the Hello smart app functions. With Brabus Fever specials offering up to RM30,000 off the smart #1 Brabus, it’s a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to explore these all-electric models.

Here’s the full schedule:

  • Bangsar Shopping Centre: 31 July – 4 August 2024
  • Gurney Plaza, Penang: 4 – 8 September 2024
  • Mid Valley South Key, Johor Bahru: 19 – 22 September 2024

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