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Lotus has announced its "Focus 2030" revised business strategy, scaling back EV plans in favor of a multi-powertrain approach. Kicked off by the Eletre X Hybrid PHEV debut, the portfolio will comprise ICE, PHEV and EV models with a 60:40 PHEV-to-EV electrified mix. Current models remain, including an updated, more powerful Emira. The EV lineup retains the Eletre, Emeya and Evija. An all-new V8 hybrid supercar codenamed Type 135—accidentally revealed as the Esprit—will launch in 2028 in Europe, delivering over 1,000 PS.

Horse Powertrain, the Geely-Renault joint venture, unveiled its X-Range ultra-compact 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine family at Auto China Beijing. Designed to convert battery electric vehicles into hybrid, plug-in hybrid or range-extender configurations, the lineup includes the F15 direct-drive system with integrated single-speed transmission and flexible motor layouts (P1+P3 or P2), and the C15 flat-mounted rear-drive variant optimized for NVH and floor space utilization. Available in 95 PS naturally-aspirated and 163 PS turbo forms with over 200 kW of electric output, the powertrains offer automakers adaptable electrification transition solutions amid shifting global EV strategies.

Martin Schulz, newly appointed president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, outlined the brand's product offensive in his first media engagement. The company will selectively introduce models from a global lineup of 40 new products over the next two to three years, beginning with the all-electric C178 CLA. Future arrivals are expected to include the GLC EQ, W520 C-Class EV, EQS and GLE facelifts, and an entry-level G-Class. Schulz emphasized agile product planning to respond to Malaysia's dynamic market environment.

The new Audi A5L Sportback has launched with six variants priced from RMB 259,900 to RMB 382,900 under limited-time offers. Built on the PPC platform, the fastback features dimensions of 4,903/1,883/1,427mm with a 2,922mm wheelbase—74mm longer and with 22mm more wheelbase than the global A5. Power comes from the fifth-generation EA888 engine with MHEV plus mild-hybrid technology, E3 1.2 electrical architecture, and Huawei Qiankun intelligent driving system. Configuration changes see tire pressure monitoring moved from standard to optional equipment on the Luxury, Premium quattro, Intelligent, and Intelligent quattro variants, with the Luxury variant additionally losing matrix LED headlights. The 200kW flagship variants remain unchanged. The pricing and configuration strategy reflects Audi's approach to optimizing product competitiveness through tiered equipment offerings in the premium sedan segment.

Audi has revealed the interior of its flagship Q9 three-row SUV, featuring the brand's latest tri-screen cockpit architecture with a curved digital instrument cluster, central infotainment display, and passenger entertainment screen, complemented by a head-up display. The column-mounted gear selector integrates wiper and indicator functions into a single control stalk. Front-row amenities include wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel, and heated/ventilated/massaging seats, with 6- and 7-seat configurations available. Built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the Q9 will offer V6, V8, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with SQ9 and Q9 Horch variants to follow. The world premiere is scheduled for July 29, with Chinese market introduction expected in early 2027, positioning above the Q7 to rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The first major update to the current-generation Land Rover Defender since its 2019 debut has been spied testing, featuring evolutionary exterior revisions and a groundbreaking interior configuration. The iconic boxy silhouette is retained with a redesigned front bumper incorporating larger fog lamps and a wider lower air intake, while a new integrated roof spoiler improves aerodynamic efficiency. The most significant innovation is the introduction of a 2+2 four-seat independent configuration, previously exclusive to the Defender 130, now expected to be available on the Defender 110. Powertrain updates are anticipated alongside these enhancements. The updated Defender is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, strengthening its position in the premium off-road segment.