High-performance vehicles, internal combustion engines, and manual transmissions.
This is the recipe that Toyota Gazoo Racing aims to uphold for an extended period, signaling good news for its fans worldwide.
In a report by CarSales AU, Toyota Australia executive Sean Hanley stated, “Internal combustion engines and manual transmissions will continue to be maintained for the long term.”
This approach does not mean that Toyota is completely sidelining modern technology for its Gazoo Racing models.
Toyota has previously explored the possibility of replacing petrol with hydrogen for internal combustion engines, even testing this concept extensively through participation in major races.
Currently, Toyota offers four high-performance models (GR Yaris, GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla), and this family of performance vehicles is expected to be joined by new models such as the GR GT3, Celica, and MR2, according to various sources.
There are also reports that Toyota is collaborating with Mazda to develop a sports car featuring a straight-six engine — could this be a replacement for the existing GR Supra?
Whatever Toyota has in store for the future, Hanley wants the Gazoo Racing sub-brand to be better recognized for “the sound, smell, and feel of internal combustion engines.”
In recent years, rumors have circulated that the Civic Type R FL5 will be the last pure internal combustion engine (ICE) hot hatch model from Honda.
What is the future of the Civic Type R? Will it become an electric-powered hot hatch?
The unfortunate news is that Honda is indeed exploring the process of creating an EV Type R.
However, this process is not as simple as Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s BEV development unit, admitted when unveiling two 0 Series prototypes at CES Las Vegas this month.
“An electric motor and battery have different characteristics, so we cannot produce something that is the same as before.
“As an EV, how can we offer the joy of driving? Of course, we have not given up, but it is not just about sheer power. It’s about sound, vibrations, acceleration, and human experience.
“All of these are part of the joy of driving,” he added.
While showcasing the large sedan and mid-size SUV prototypes, Honda has no plans to offer the 0 Series EV, even though the electric motor setup can achieve around 480 hp.
For comparison, the Honda Civic Type R FL5 is a pure ICE hot hatch with a 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of generating up to 329 hp.
For specific markets like North America and Europe, the ninth generation D-segment sedan Toyota Camry is exclusively a hybrid model and no longer available with a conventional petrol engine.
However, this does not signify that Toyota is completely disregarding the traditional powertrain units.
In the Middle East, buyers can still obtain the new generation Camry with a pure petrol engine along with hybrid variants.
It is still powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 240 Nm, similar to that used in the previous generation.
This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior design of the Camry 2025 is not much different from what is offered in the U.S. market.
Base variants come with 16-inch steel rims, while the highest trim gets 18-inch alloy rims.
The cabin layout remains the same, with the base variant equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen, while the 12.3-inch screen is reserved for the more expensive trims.
For your information, the new generation 2025 Toyota Camry retains the TNGA-K platform base used in the eighth generation Camry, with some changes made to comfort and handling aspects.
In the UAE, the 2025 Toyota Camry is sold starting from AED 109,900 (RM129,996) and from AED 123,900 (RM146,555) for the hybrid version.
In the previous article, we have already listed 10 production cars with the highest horsepower in the world.
Here is another list of 10 new production cars with the highest horsepower in the world.
1. Lucid Air Sapphire
The Lucid Air Sapphire is a four-door sedan designed to compete with the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.
The Air Sapphire variant combines three electric motors with a total output of 1,234 hp and 1,939 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in just 1.9 seconds.
With a full charge, the Air Sapphire can travel up to 687 km.
2. Aston Martin Valkyrie
This limited production hybrid sports car is the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine built by Cosworth paired with a hybrid system, the Valkyrie can produce 1,160 hp and 900 Nm of torque.
0-100 km/h? Just 2.6 seconds!
3. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Chevrolet has just unveiled the latest Corvette ZR1 model equipped with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane V8 engine.
The most powerful V8 engine ever produced in America is capable of generating up to 1,064 hp and 1,121 Nm of torque powering the rear wheels only!
4. Mercedes-AMG One
The Mercedes-AMG One can be described as an F1 car that can be driven legally on the road, with production limited to only 275 units.
It features a 1.6-liter V6 F1 engine with four electric motors, producing a total power output of 1,049 hp.
Unfortunately, the engine can only last up to 50,000 km before it needs to be rebuilt.
Among the owners of the AMG One are Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, David Coulthard, and Valtteri Bottas.
5. Rivian R1T
The electric light-duty pickup truck Rivian R1T is available in three powertrain configurations, with the most powerful setup featuring four electric motors capable of producing up to 1,025 hp and 1,624 Nm, significantly more powerful than the previous 835 hp and 1,231 Nm figures.
Unlike the ladder frame chassis used by most pickup trucks, the Rivian R1T uses a skateboard-like platform combining the battery, cooling system, suspension, and brakes in a single structure.
6. Tesla Model S Plaid
Although the Model S is one of the oldest cars on this list, the Plaid variant was introduced in 2021, nine years after the launch of the Model S.
With three electric motors, the Tesla Model S Plaid can unleash up to 1,020 hp and 1,420 Nm of torque, with 0-96 km/h acceleration in 2.07 seconds followed by a top speed of 320 km/h.
7. Lamborghini Revuelto
The Lamborghini Revuelto is the first Lamborghini supercar to use a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system compared to models like the Sian FKP 37 and Countach LPI 800-4 equipped with mild hybrid systems.
The 6.5-liter NA V12 engine (814 hp/725 Nm) is paired with three electric motors (187 hp/336 Nm) for a total power output of 1,001 hp and 1,062 Nm of torque.
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is as fast as 2.5 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 350 km/h.
8. GMC Hummer EV Edition 1
The GMC Hummer EV is an electric battery-powered vehicle that can weigh up to 4,500 kg.
The Edition 1 variant comes with three 1,000 hp electric motors, a range of 529 km, the Extreme Off-Road package, and the Crab Walk feature.
In addition to the pickup truck version, the GMC Hummer EV is also available as a five-door SUV.
9. Ferrari SF90
The Ferrari SF90 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, three electric motors, and a 7.9 kWh battery pack that allows for emission-free travel up to 26 km.
The total power output can reach 986 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm.
Interestingly, the SF90 does not have a reverse gear, as this operation is taken over by two electric motors located on the front axle.
10. Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast
The most controversial electric pickup truck model for 2024 also has the most powerful variant – Cyberbeast.
This three-electric motor variant is capable of producing 845 hp and 1,396 Nm of torque, with an acceleration of 0-96 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.
With the long-range option, the Cyberbeast can travel up to 710 km.
The main issue plaguing Cybertruck owners is the unsatisfactory build quality and the tendency of the stainless steel exterior to rust.
At the end of May, the Japanese automotive giant Toyota announced the development of a new 1.5 and 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine as a way to achieve carbon neutrality.
According to Toyota, the new engine is designed to be more compact and lighter, while at the same time capable of delivering higher power and offering better fuel efficiency.
Based on a recent video uploaded on the Toyota Times YouTube channel, the new engine is expected to be installed in a new model possibly being developed by Lexus.
The exterior design of the model is intentionally blurred, but from the cabin space, we can see the design of a four-door sedan that may refer to the new generation of Lexus IS.
The actual sporty sound of this new Toyota engine can be clearly heard as test driver Takashi Uehara shifts gears using paddle shifters. Toyota Times journalist Yuta Tomikawa, sitting in the passenger seat, seemed excited as the new sedan did not produce significant vibrations even when driven at high speeds.
According to Uehara, due to the more compact size of the engine, the new Toyota powerplant can be positioned further back. This lower center of gravity is seen to help control and reduce perceived cabin vibrations, as previously demonstrated in the Toyota Prius engine compartment.
Toyota claims that the 1.5-liter turbo engine is 20 percent smaller in size compared to the existing 2.5-liter NA engine, with a 15 percent weight reduction and a 30 percent efficiency increase.
Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbo engine will be 10 percent smaller and lighter than the existing 2.4-liter engine, with increased horsepower and a 30 percent fuel savings.
With the mentioned benefits, the new engine is also seen as having the potential to be installed in high-performance sports cars, such as the new generation Toyota GR86.
It is highly likely that this latest Toyota ICE engine will also be included in the upcoming Toyota Celica and MR2, which are said to be currently in development.
Suzuki is reported to be taking a drastic step by discontinuing the sales of four of its key models in the UK to make way for electric vehicle (EV) models.
The four vehicle models in question are the Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Jimny LCV, Suzuki Swace, and Suzuki Swift Sport.
These four pure internal combustion engine (ICE) models will cease sales as early as 2025, or possibly sooner if distributor stocks run out.
This means that Suzuki will only have a lineup of hybrid models next year, consisting of the new generation Swift, Vitara, S-Cross, and Across PHEV, before the first EV emerges after the second half of 2025.
According to Dale Wyatt, the boss of Suzuki UK, “We will be exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and the new Swift, and then starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
Previously, Suzuki showcased the eVX concept model almost the same size as the Grand Vitara SUV.
Electric power specifics were not disclosed, except for a 60 kWh battery capacity that allows a range of up to 550 km on a full charge.
Are you ready to welcome Suzuki’s EV offerings in the future?
Several years ago, vehicle manufacturers presented their plans to transition their model lineups to electric vehicles (EVs). Some even set dates for phasing out the production of oil-based vehicles (diesel and petrol).
However, many are now reassessing the future. Sales are dwindling, customer interest is waning, and now nearly half of EV owners in America are considering switching back to petrol. What is happening?
According to a study by McKinsey & Co.’s 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse, they found that 46 percent of EV owners in the United States want to revert back to petrol due to inadequate charging infrastructure.
This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 29 percent who want to switch back to fossil fuels. 35 percent of global respondents said public charging networks are not good enough.
34 percent said the ownership costs of EVs are still very high, and 32 percent said EVs heavily impact their long-distance driving habits. As of May, the U.S. had 183,000 EV public chargers, but it is still insufficient.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 allocated a $5 billion grant to build fast chargers, but the implementation is taking too long.
Other reasons given by owners for switching back to petrol include the inability to charge at home (24 percent), concerns about charging (21 percent), and the need for charging mobility (16 percent).
Only 13 percent said they dislike the driving experience. Some drivers prefer combustion engine vehicles, such as 18 percent in the U.S. and 28 percent in Germany.
Interestingly, Americans are not the largest group considering a switch back to petrol, but Australia, with 49 percent of EV owners. On the other hand, Japan has the lowest percentage, with only 13 percent of EV owners willing to revert to petrol.
Other countries with low percentages include Italy (15 percent), France (18 percent), Germany (24 percent), and China (28 percent).
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