motornews

Acura will begin exporting the high-performance Integra Type S to Japan in the second half of 2026, marking a historic moment for the brand. It will be the first time an Acura-badged vehicle is officially sold in the Japanese market. The performance model will be exported directly from the United States in left-hand-drive configuration, matching the specifications offered to American buyers. The move coincides with Acura’s upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations. Production of the Integra Type S takes place at Honda Marysville Auto Plant, while its turbocharged engine is built at the nearby Anna Engine Plant. Under the hood sits the potent 2.0-litre K20C turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 320 hp — the same performance-focused unit used in the Honda Civic Type R. The Integra Type S delivers an enthusiast-focused driving experience with a six-speed manual transmission featuring automatic rev-matching, a limited-slip differential, Brembo front brakes, and 19-inch wheels wrapp...

Nissan has launched the sixth-generation Serena e‑Power in Malaysia, introducing the brand’s latest series-hybrid technology to the popular mid-size MPV segment. The new Serena e-Power is offered in five variants, with prices ranging from RM154,800 to RM179,800. At the heart of the MPV is Nissan’s second-generation e-Power system. Unlike conventional hybrids, the setup uses an electric motor to drive the wheels at all times, while the petrol engine functions purely as a generator to produce electricity. The system combines a 163 PS electric motor delivering 315 Nm of torque with a 1.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine and a 1.77 kWh lithium-ion battery. Nissan claims the Serena e-Power can deliver a fuel efficiency of 18.5 km/l under NEDC testing, translating to a driving range of up to 1,000 km on a full tank. ALSO READ: Nissan Patrol & Armada Win Prestigious iF Design Award The Malaysian debut also introduces Nissan ProPilot to the Serena lineup. The driver-assistanc...

Volvo Cars is ramping up production plans for the fully electric Volvo EX60 ahead of the 2026 model year after witnessing strong early demand in key European markets such as Sweden and Germany. According to Volvo, order interest for the EX60 has already exceeded the early response received by the Volvo EX30 when it was globally revealed in 2023 — despite the EX30 being positioned in a lower-priced, high-volume segment. At present, order books for the EX60 are open only in European markets, while customer orders in the United States are expected to begin later this spring. ALSO READ: Volvo EX30 Updated with New Entry Variant, V2L Tech & Fresh Interiors To meet the rising demand, Volvo is also in discussions with labour unions about keeping its Volvo Torslanda Plant operational for an additional week during the summer — something that would mark the first such move in the company’s history. While production capacity is being increased, Volvo says it will follow a careful a...

Renault has rolled out a series of technology upgrades for its upper-range models — the Renault Austral, Renault Espace and Renault Rafale. The updates focus on improving in-car connectivity, charging convenience and driver monitoring, and are now available to order in France. One of the headline additions is a new Qi2-standard wireless phone charger. Renault says it is among the first automakers to adopt the latest charging standard, which uses a magnetic ring system to ensure faster and more stable charging while preventing overheating. Connectivity also gets a boost through a new package developed with Airnity. From 2026, the vehicles will feature integrated internet access for the infotainment system, including 2GB of data per month for three years. ALSO READ: Renault Bridger Concept Teased as India-Bound Compact SUV Another major upgrade involves voice interaction. Google’s Gemini AI assistant will replace Google Assistant through an over-the-air update, bringing a more ...

Volvo Cars has begun deploying what it calls one of the largest over-the-air (OTA) software updates in automotive history. The new Volvo Car UX will be rolled out to around 2.5 million vehicles across 85 countries, covering models with Google built-in produced as far back as 2020 — at no additional cost to owners. The refreshed interface focuses on simplicity and ease of use. The central touchscreen now places maps, media and phone functions directly on the home screen, reducing the number of taps needed to access frequently used features. A new contextual bar adapts to driving situations, showing recently used apps and automatically displaying exterior camera shortcuts while manoeuvring at low speeds. Plug-in hybrid owners will also benefit from quicker access to Pure mode, enabling electric-only driving with a single tap from the home screen — a handy addition for urban commutes. ALSO READ: Volvo EX30 Updated with New Entry Variant, V2L Tech & Fresh Interiors Beyond int...

Nissan has secured the coveted iF Design Award for its seventh-generation flagship SUVs — the Nissan Patrol and Nissan Armada. Established in 1954 and organised by iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hannover, Germany, the award is regarded as one of the most respected global design recognitions. This year, a panel of 129 design experts from 21 countries evaluated over 10,000 entries from 68 nations. The Patrol and Armada were assessed across five key criteria: idea, form, function, differentiation and sustainability. The latest-generation SUVs continue a legacy spanning more than 75 years, carrying forward Nissan’s flagship SUV DNA. According to the brand, the design philosophy blends modern technology with Japanese craftsmanship, emphasising precision and refined detailing. ALSO READ: Nissan Gravite Launched in India at ₹5.65 Lakh Visually, both models stand out with signature “Double-C” lighting elements integrated into the headlamps and tail lamps, along with sculpted s...