The debut of the new Grecale, GranTurismo and GranCabrio is the result of a strategic update aimed at strengthening the Maerati’s position in the luxury segment, where design, elegance, performance, craftsmanship and a human-centric approach to technology all contribute to the same idea, the auto maker said.

Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO and Maserati COO, explained, “For over 112 years, we have interpreted contemporary luxury in a distinctive way and aim to grow further in this segment, expanding our product offering and investing in the technologies that best express its character: from the development of iconic powertrains such as the V6 Nettuno to the evolution of the performance of the Folgore range, with a technological strategy aligned with the expectations of our customers.”

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio

The latest GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible feature a new calibration of the engine and transmission, making the car more responsive and rewarding, while the acoustic character has been refined with an iconic and engaging exhaust sound.

Described as “heirs to the captivating Maserati GranTurismo of the past”, which was launched in 2007 and renewed in 2022 and 2023 respectively, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are now presented with refinements spanning design and driving dynamics.

Both models are available in three versions. Two ICE options are the entry-level 483hp version, which interprets “the luxury of travel” and the 582hp Trofeo, which is said to heighten sporting character.

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo represent the most powerful expression of the range. At their heart is the V6 Nettuno, with motorsport-derived pre-chamber combustion technology, now raised to 582hp (40hp more than the previous generation). Both models feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine that shares with the MCPURA the patented Formula 1-derived MTC technology, with cylinder deactivation for efficiency and a front differential aligned with the engine to lower the center of gravity.

The combustion-engine models offer three drive modes: GT, Sport and Country on the 482hp version, with Corsa mode reserved for the Trofeo. Country mode, also available on the EV Folgore, raises the ride height by 20mm. Sport mode enhances exhaust sound and suspension response, and is also available on the Trofeo.

The Folgore, with 751hp and torque vectoring, brings the family into the electric era. The BEV’s 800V system uses three motors, one at the front and two decoupled motors at the rear, for more than 1,200 hp installed and 760 hp continuously delivered to the wheels. The two rear motors enable surgically precise torque vectoring, while the 92.5kWh battery adopts a T-bone geometry that keeps the height at just 1,353mm, the lowest among electric cars. AWD Disconnect is standard, transferring drive to the rear axle in 500 milliseconds through the physical disengagement of the front half-shafts. A new energy management algorithm brings the GranTurismo Folgore range to more than 540km.

The Grecale

Maserati’s luxury D-SUV, the Grecale, combines spaciousness, sporty performance and everyday practicality. Its cabin features premium materials and high levels of comfort, while selectable drive modes adapt the driving experience to different conditions and preferences. At the top of the range, a V6 twin-turbo engine delivers class-leading specific output, which is also complemented by a distinctive exhaust note and Formula 1-inspired technology.

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BMW has announced that the X5 has entered the finishing straight of its development program, including final calibration drives around its production base at Plant Spartanburg in the USA. The auto maker has also confirmed that the X5’s carbon footprint has been cut by around 40% compared with industry averages, driven by a sweeping overhaul of its supply chain, production processes and battery technology. The vehicle’s sustainability credentials are supported further by the iX5’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, Gen6, which features an 800V battery architecture that delivers 30% faster charging and 30% greater range, the auto maker.

Gen6 battery cells with reduced carbon footprint

The Gen6 battery cells used in the iX5’s high-voltage battery – which were unveiled in 2025 and designed for Neu Klasse vehicles before being rolled out across the auto maker’s electric vehicle portfolio – include a high proportion of secondary materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewable energy has also been also used in the production of anode and cathode materials, as well as in cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell used in the BMW iX, CO₂e emissions have been reduced by around 28% per watt-hour.

Efficiency during use phase 

The BMW iX5 incorporates the auto maker’s EfficientDynamics technology package, which improves vehicle efficiency across key systems, including aerodynamics, lightweight construction, low rolling-resistance wheels and tires, and overall energy management.

The vehicle also features BMW’s “Heart of Joy” control unit and the in-house-developed BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack, technologies shared with the BMW iX3 and BMW i3. These systems are designed to enhance drivability, providing smooth acceleration and braking while improving energy efficiency. During deceleration, the vehicle can recover more energy through regenerative braking across a wider range of driving conditions, including down to a complete stop.

Supply chain decarbonization as key lever

Targeted decarbonization throughout the supply chain is a key lever for reducing CO2e emissions. The BMW Group is focusing in particular on renewable energy and secondary materials, as well as product and process innovations. During the product development process, CO2e emissions of the BMW X5 were reduced by around 40%.

A further advance is the increased use of CO2e-reduced flat steel. Around 50% of the flat steel used in the BMW X5 is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with a high proportion of secondary material, produced using renewable energy. The high share of CO₂e-reduced flat steel is the result of close, long-standing collaboration with local suppliers in North America.

Systematic use of secondary materials 

The X5 achieves a high proportion of secondary raw materials, even in heavy-duty components. These include aluminum suspension components such as wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers, which are manufactured using renewable energy for both electrolysis and production.

The aluminum used for the doors of the BMW X5 contains 35% recycled and closed-loop material from BMW Spartanburg’s press shop. The base material used for the yarn of the headliner fabric is made from 100% recycled PET. In the battery-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive, around one third of the total vehicle is made up of secondary raw materials, equivalent to a weight of 940kg.

Carbon payback period

Comprehensive decarbonization measures across the supply chain, production and use phase result in an early breakeven point. Depending on the drivetrain variant, annual mileage and source of the electricity used for charging, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a comparable model with an internal combustion engine after approximately one to two years of use.

The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch.

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Powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid with DM Technology, the Dolphin G DM-i (the designation stands for dual mode intelligence) features compact dimensions, family-car practicality and the ability to travel up to 65 miles on electricity alone.

When it’s required to tackle longer journeys, the Dolphin G DM-i manages its hybrid system to “achieve flexibility beyond the capabilities of conventional ICE-powered superminis”, the auto maker said, achieving weighted fuel consumption (with the battery fully charged) of 201.7mpg and more than 1,000km of range on a full charge and a full tank of petrol.

BYD executive vice president Stella Li commented, “The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with Dolphin G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era.

“By bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology and advanced digital features into an accessible compact vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to many more people across Europe.

“When we bring so many standout qualities and new features to such an important sector of the market here, you can see why we say, ‘It’s not a car, it’s a BYD!’.”

An EV experience with long-range backup

Unlike traditional plug-in hybrid systems, BYD’s DM architecture is EV-led, meaning the high-torque electric motor drives the wheels in most situations. This gives the car the quiet, responsive driving experience of a pure-electric vehicle, and enables the Xiaoyun 1.5-liter petrol engine to run as efficiently as possible and keep the Blade Battery charged.

The hybrid’s DM-i simplifies a configuration that includes two electric motors (one a drive motor, one a generator motor), a petrol engine and constant management by power control units to deliver the required mix of performance and efficiency.

In EV mode the car operates like a pure-electric vehicle. It uses only the electric drive motor – which can itself be used to recoup energy that would otherwise be lost during braking – to help recharge the battery.

In HEV or Hybrid mode, the intelligence systems take over to flick between five configurations, depending on factors including the state of charge and the driving situation.

First, when there’s a demand for efficient high-speed running, the electric drive motor can drive the wheels using power from not only the battery but also the generator motor, which is itself powered by the petrol engine.

When performance demands are lower and the battery charge is reduced, only part of the generator motor’s power is sent to the drive motor, with the remainder recharging the battery. A clutch between the engine and wheels enables three additional operating modes, all managed automatically by the vehicle’s intelligent control system without driver input.

The third option kicks in under hard acceleration, where the petrol engine combines with the electric drive motor to drive the wheels.

Equally, if the system decides the petrol engine is producing more power than required, it can use some of this to drive the wheels and divert the rest to the electric motor to feed back into the battery.

Finally, when the demand at the driven wheels is equal to the petrol engine’s power, it drives the wheels without the battery discharging or recharging at all.

Specifications and range options

In the Dolphin G DM-i, the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 163ps (120kW) and 210Nm alone, enabling a 0-62mph acceleration sprint in just 8.3 seconds.

Two sizes of Blade Battery are offered in the Dolphin G DM-i. Active versions feature a 7.42kWh capacity for 24.8 miles of WLTP Combined pure-electric range and a combined total range of 633 miles. Boost, Comfort and Sport editions have an 18.3kWh Blade Battery, extending the pure-electric range to 105km and the combined total range to 646 miles, while also lowering CO₂ emissions from 60g/km to just 32g/km.

Active models have a 3.3kW onboard charger that can refill the battery completely from 15% in just under three hours. Boost, Comfort and Sport versions increase this power to 6.6kW and include a 39kW DC charging capability that takes the 18.3kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.

Recent news, Audi unveils 1,001ps Nuvolari hybrid supercar

“If it’s going to bear the GRMN name, it needs to be a car that can duly handle the Nürburgring,” said Toyota Motor Corporation chairman and master driver Akio Toyoda of the inspiration that informed the new Toyota Gazoo Racing GRMN Corolla.

The development of the higher-performance version of the GR Corolla drew on Gazoo Racing’s motorsport experience, specifically its participation in the Super Taikyu Series, and input from Morizo himself, as well as extensive testing at the iconic German racetrack.

The GRMN Corolla was put through its paces in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series and validated using advanced driving simulators, with the Nürburgring playing a central role in the vehicle’s development. According to the engineering team, the circuit’s unique combination of surface changes and road inputs exposed challenges not encountered on conventional test tracks. These conditions were used to refine the vehicle’s handling and responsiveness.

GR has applied the insights gained from GRMN Corolla development to the evolution of the base GR Corolla. For the 2026 GR Corolla, announced in September 2025 and launched in November of that year, the application of structural adhesive was extended by 13.9m to 32.7m to reinforce the body structure, and an added cool-air duct now reduces the rise in intake air temperature during high-load driving. Both were the result of applying lessons learned at the Nürburgring, Toyota said.

Internal combustion engine evolution via the hydrogen engine-powered Corolla 

Through its participation in the Super Taikyu Series with a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla, GR has used endurance racing to support the development of hydrogen combustion technology. The high-load racing environment has also provided insights into the performance and durability of core internal combustion engine components.

Drawing on lessons from the Super Taikyu Series, Toyota increased the GRMN Corolla’s maximum engine torque to 415Nm, up 15Nm from the base model. Development focused on improving torque delivery in the 3,600rpm-4,800rpm range commonly used during circuit driving. To help maintain consistent performance during sustained high-load operation, the GRMN Corolla was been equipped with an intercooler spray system in addition to the cool-air duct introduced on the 2026 GR Corolla.

Aerodynamic performance

In Super Taikyu Series and similar races, and at the Nürburgring, cars constantly travel at high speeds and experience high g-forces. Maximizing vehicle performance under these conditions requires all four wheels to maintain firm contact with the road.

The GRMN Corolla features aerodynamic performance parts for enhanced road holding. Its hood duct, fender ducts, front side spoilers and rear wing incorporate know-how gained from racing and tested on the hydrogen engine-powered GR Corolla that competes in the Super Taikyu Series.

Fine-tuning of the aerodynamics came at the Nürburgring. This included adjusting the rear wing angle, which features a five-step adjustment mechanism, in 1° increments during driving tests with professional drivers to verify effectiveness and determine the optimal specification.

Suspension fine-tuned 

The GRMN Corolla’s suspension employs exclusive front and rear monotube shock absorbers with rebound springs for improved inner-wheel traction during cornering and for enhanced high-speed cornering performance.

The Nürburgring road surface has areas that induce significant vertical suspension travel beyond that found on typical circuits. To ensure high stability for confident driving, extensive Nürburgring tests were run to facilitate optimization of bump-stop characteristics. The exclusive shock absorbers were developed by adjusting their stroke down to a millimeter at the front and rear for optimal balance.

The control program of the GRMN Corolla’s EPS (electric power steering) was modified from that on the base vehicle to generate the required amount of assistance torque even during cornering under high g-forces. The exclusively tuned 4WD control system provides optimal rear torque distribution during straight-line driving and enhanced stability at the onset of steering input at extremely high speeds.

A cockpit designed to unlock an even higher level of performance

To further enhance performance, the GRMN Corolla features a two-seat configuration, with the rear seats removed as part of a weight-reduction program. Toyota says this contributes to a 30kg reduction compared with the base vehicle.

The GRMN Corolla features a redesigned cockpit focused on driver engagement, including a bespoke full-bucket driver’s seat developed using experience from the Super Taikyu Series. Based on race-car driving positions, the seat was been designed to provide increased lateral support while maintaining everyday usability. Its glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) construction helps reduce weight, and its dimensions were refined to support pedal operation.

The GRMN Corolla will be available in limited quantities, primarily in Japan, North America and Australia.

Related news, MG invests €200m in European production facility

The partnership between Maserati and Bosch on the development of a hydrogen-powered race car has entered a new phase, with the companies unveiling an optimized hydrogen engine based on Maserati’s Nettuno gasoline engine. 

The 480kW unit represents the latest evolution of the companies’ hydrogen motorsport program. Developed to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen in long-distance competition, the project aims to deliver hypercar-level performance alongside a more sustainable approach to motorsport. The vehicle will return to the Le Mans circuit following its demonstration appearance last year, showcasing the progress made through a year of continuous development.

“To make a vision like the hydrogen race car a reality, you need a strong team. Our strategic partnership with Ligier Automotive is the foundation on which we are developing and testing the vehicle. At the same time, our collaboration with Maserati provided a first-class basis for the engine. This pooling of expertise is our key to bringing sustainable performance to the road faster,” said Ingo Mauel, head of Bosch Motorsport.

Innovative engineering for hypercar performance

The hydrogen unit developed by Bosch Engineering is based on the Maserati Nettuno, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine with biturbo charging and dry sump lubrication. For the conversion to hydrogen operation, core components like the cylinder head and turbocharger were retained from the original design. Within the base engine, the pistons were optimized in shape and to lower the compression ratio in order to extract even more power and performance at high RPMs. Other modifications were made to the injection system, the ignition system and the engine control unit.

Instead of the combined direct and port fuel injection, the current version uses modern hydrogen direct injection with HIDI LCV (hydrogen injection for direct injection, light commercial vehicles) injectors from Bosch. This enables the 3.0-liter hydrogen engine to produce around 480kW and deliver 880Nm of torque in this motorsport application.

Davide Danesin, head of Maserati engineering, said, “Nettuno is a state-of-the-art engine that continues to demonstrate robustness, efficiency and versatility. For this reason, it has proven to be particularly well-suited for conversion to hydrogen, thanks to its inherent strength, which allows it to withstand very high cylinder pressures.”

Bringing innovation to the track

Bosch Engineering entered a strategic partnership with Ligier Automotive in 2021. Together, the companies developed the hydrogen-powered race car prototype, the Ligier JS2 RH2. The vehicle was first presented at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June 2023. In the tests conducted since then, the vehicle and engine have proven their robustness over almost 8,000 test kilometers on track under various weather conditions without any technical issues. Continuous optimizations have led to the further development of the hydrogen concept; for example, the drive’s torque and power were increased while further reducing emissions.

“The Ligier JS2 RH2 project perfectly illustrates what can be achieved when three complementary areas of expertise come together,” said Jacques Nicolet, president of Ligier Automotive. “Our collaboration with Bosch Engineering and Maserati allows us to explore the full potential of hydrogen in motorsport, combining performance with sustainability. It also echoes a meaningful chapter in our history — the original Ligier JS2, powered by a V6 3L Maserati engine, [that] claimed victory at the Tour Auto in 1974. Today, this legacy inspires us to look ahead. Together, we are not only developing a race car demonstrator, but also opening the door to future applications, such as a decarbonized track-day car integrating Maserati engine technology and Bosch hydrogen systems.”

The Ligier JS2 RH2 with its hydrogen engine will complete a demo lap on the Le Mans race circuit on Saturday, June 13, 2026, and will be on display in the H2 Village throughout the race week.

Related news, Mercedes‑AMG presents all-electric GT 4‑Door Coupe

BYD has launched the Dolphin Cargo e-Van, a compact vehicle for commercial fleets.

The conversion of the Dolphin hatchback into a light commercial vehicle is carried out in the UK, supporting local engineering expertise while ensuring the vehicle is tailored to meet the specific requirements of UK commercial operators.

The conversion removes the rear seats and adds a full metal bulkhead behind the front seats, creating a load capacity of 1,093 liters, including 47 liters of underfloor storage.

The cargo area offers a maximum load length of 1,250mm, a width of 1,018mm between the wheel arches and up to 1,160mm overall, and a maximum load height of 710mm. All of this is packaged within the compact 4,290mm length of the BYD Dolphin Cargo e-Van.

Built on the BYD Dolphin passenger car platform, the Dolphin Cargo e-Van combines a robust commercial conversion with class-leading electric vehicle performance, delivering an ideal solution for modern fleet and business users. Powered by a 204ps electric motor paired with a 60.4kWh battery, it offers an WLTP range of up to 347 miles in urban driving and 265 miles combined. An optional 70mph speed limiter will also be available to support fleet optimization and energy management.

At the heart of the vehicle is BYD’s industry-leading Blade Battery technology, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. Completely free from cobalt, the Blade Battery is designed to deliver enhanced durability, improved safety and greater resistance to extreme temperatures compared with conventional battery technologies.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology enables the new car-derived van (CDV) to supply power directly to external equipment, supporting applications such as mobile servicing, site maintenance, portable lighting and tool charging without requiring additional power sources.

Recent news, Mercedes‑AMG presents all-electric GT 4‑Door Coupe

The all-electric Mercedes-AMG 4‑Door Coupe is based on the high-performance AMG.EA architecture and features a new drive concept comprising axial flux motors developed by the British electric-motor specialist Yasa and a high-performance battery that shifts “the benchmark in the high-performance segment”, the auto maker said.

Mercedes‑AMG demonstrated the capability of this drivetrain technology last year with the record drive of the Concept AMG GT XX in Nardò, Italy, where the technology demonstrator sprinted over 40,000km in seven days and 13 hours, breaking a total of 25 long-distance records in the process. (Read more on the concept in the April 2026 issue of APTI).

Mercedes-AMG is offering two powertrains: the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe.

“From my time at AMG, I know how high the bar is set in Affalterbach. With this first model on the new AMG.EA architecture, we don’t just meet it, we move it,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management, Mercedes‑Benz Group.

Three key aspects contribute significantly the performance capability: new battery cells, an innovative direct cooling system for each individual cell and a comparatively high voltage.

Electric power

The sports car uses three electric motors, two on the rear axle and one at the front, that deliver a system output of up to 860kW (1,169hp). These are complemented by a high-performance battery concept. Together, these achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.1 seconds, with the vehicle requiring only 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h. It’s top speed is 300 km/h (with optional Driver’s Package).

Thanks to a charging capacity of 600kW, over 460km of range can be recharged in just 10 minutes. A typical charging cycle from 10% to 80 % state of charge (SoC) takes 11 minutes.

In an axial flux motor, the electromagnetic flux runs parallel to the motor’s axis of rotation, unlike conventional electric motors where it runs perpendicular. The design uses a stator positioned between two rotor discs in an H-configuration to improve magnetic efficiency.

The electric motors are integrated into High-Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs) on each axle. At the rear, two axial flux motors are combined with a compact single-stage planetary gearbox within a shared housing. The system includes oil cooling, an integrated pump control unit and water-cooled silicon-carbide (SiC) inverters, designed to support high-voltage and high-performance operation. The axial flux motors can exceed 13,000rpm.

The front HP.EDU includes an axial flux motor, transmission, silicon-carbide (SiC) inverter and pump control unit. The motor can exceed 15,000rpm and operates as a front-axle booster motor, engaging when additional power or traction is needed.

“This vehicle underscores the broad performance spectrum of our comprehensive development strategy and the consistent transfer of the Concept AMG GT XX technology program into series production,” said Jörg Burzer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes-Benz Group.

Newl battery cell for high performance 

At the heart of this innovation is a cylindrical, tall and slim battery cell. This format provides advantages for cooling. The small diameter minimizes the distance from the cell core to the surface, enabling rapid and efficient dissipation of heat generated under load, ensuring each round cell is maintained within its optimal temperature range. Laser-welded aluminium cell housing is also a new development, offering outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity.

A full-tab cell design reduces internal resistance by connecting the cell windings across the full surface of the poles, supporting higher charging and discharging performance while maintaining reliability under demanding conditions.

The cell chemistry is based on NCMA (nickel/cobalt/manganese/aluminum) in the cathode and a silicon-containing anode.

Overall, the combination of the tall and slim format, aluminum housing, full-tab technology and NCMA chemistry provides the foundation for maximum performance.

Intelligent direct cooling for the battery cells

The new battery concept uses directly cooled cylindrical cells with a special cell chemistry that ensures uniform temperature distribution and high-performance stability under continuous load. In total, 2,660 cells are used in the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé. The individual cylindrical cells are grouped into 18 laser-welded plastic modules.

The high-voltage battery is integrated centrally into the structure of the e-skateboard. Its protective housing (safety box) encloses the cell modules, all switching components and the battery management system (BMS), also an exclusive AMG in-house development.

Under the transmission tunnel lies a highly advanced cooling system whose core is an innovative cooling module. This module serves as the central interface to the vehicle’s cooling system and integrates key components such as the coolant pump module (KMP), the oil-water heat exchanger (ÖWWT) and the necessary connectors for direct oil cooling.

The temperature of the BMS is actively regulated via a special cooling plate, enabling higher currents. For the first time, virtual sensors have also been used: the BMS determines temperatures – such as within a cell – not via physical components but through mathematical models based on the current charging power.

“The first all-electric AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé takes the AMG DNA to a whole new level,” said Bastian Baudy, chief design officer, Mercedes-Benz Group. “A vehicle that embodies high-tech and innovation, brings performance to life and will set new standards with its radical design approach.”

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Two 13-liter engines compatible with renewable diesel and gas fuel, including future hydrogen applications, have been introduced to the market. Both are based on Volvo Trucks‘ latest in-house-developed engine platform.

The combustion engine remains an important part of the company’s driveline strategy, and Volvo says its new engine range is designed to deliver increased power, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and noise levels, and enhanced driveability. The engine platform is ready for alternative fuels such as biodiesel/B100, HVO, biogas/bio-LNG and green hydrogen.

The D13 engine will offer 380-560hp of power and 1,800-2,900Nm of torque. It can reportedly deliver up to 4% lower fuel consumption than the D13 eSCR engine it replaces. This is based on simulations of a 500hp Volvo FH 42 T with a GCW of 35 metric tons.

The second 13-liter engine, the G13, offers 420-500hp and 2,400-2,800Nm of torque.

“Not only are these all-new engines our most fuel-efficient powertrains ever, but they will also take our combustion engine into the future,” said Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks. “The flexibility and readiness for all existing diesel and gas fuels – but also future hydrogen applications – mean that we can offer efficient trucks with the possibility of net zero emissions to all our customers globally.”

According to Volvo, the new platform comes with refined engine brake functionality for increased driveability, along with new cylinder and turbo designs and an updated version of the company’s I-Shift transmission. The diesel and gas versions will both reportedly offer significantly higher levels of torque.

Many variants of the diesel version of the new engine are compatible with Volvo Trucks’ I-Roll with engine stop/start functionality, enabling drivers to save fuel by turning off the engine and rolling downhill.

In related news, Renault introduces LPG bi-fuel Clio that delivers up to 1,450km range

As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

Nissan Motor has announced its long‑term vision: Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life, a plan to integrate mobility intelligence into everyday life through Nissan’s focus on AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), offering a choice of electrification technologies to meet diverse customer and market needs.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan‘s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced.”

At the core of the strategy is Nissan AIDV, combining Nissan AI Drive and Nissan AI Partner technologies. The company says this will integrate AI with vehicle control and safety systems, building on existing advanced driver assistance technology. Nissan aims to deploy AI Drive across 90% of its line-up over the long term.

The first model expected to reflect this approach is the latest Nissan Elgrand, due in summer 2026, which will introduce next-generation ProPilot with end-to-end autonomous technologies by the end of the 2027 financial year.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, added, “Across the Americas, our focus on execution is making the region a key contributor to Nissan’s turnaround, driven by both revenue growth and disciplined cost reduction. We delivered significant year-over-year increases in US retail share, making Nissan the fastest-growing mainstream brand since August 2025. We’re also seeing solid progress in Canada and continued growth in Mexico, where we have maintained the #1 position for 18 consecutive years – proof that getting the fundamentals right matters. Our balance of strong execution today and smart, impactful investments in the future will strengthen our business and drive sustainable growth.”

Electrification

Alongside autonomy development, Nissan is expanding electrification through its e-Power hybrid system and a wider mix of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range extender systems developed through partnerships. A new hybrid system for frame-based vehicles is also planned.

This broader offer includes development of a new hybrid electric vehicle system (HEV) for future frame‑based vehicles, serving customers requiring greater capability and long‑range confidence. Nissan says it will complete the spectrum of customer choice by offering plug‑in hybrid and range‑extender hybrid solutions through partnerships.

Streamlined product portfolio

The company will streamline its model line-up from 56 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. At the same time, Nissan says it will expand powertrain options for each model, to give customers more choice, increase volume per model and strengthen the company’s business foundation.

Key upcoming models include the Rogue and X-Trail Hybrid e-Power, the Xterra for North America, the Juke EV for Europe, and the Skyline for Japan. Infiniti will also be expanded with new and refreshed models, including an all-new QX65 SUV due in 2027.

Nissan said its industrial strategy will shift toward architecture-led development based on shared platforms and software, aiming to improve development speed, cost efficiency and scalability.

Espinosa concluded, “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan seizes the opportunities provided by AI technologies, by electrification and the innovation embedded in our latest products to drive market growth and focus relentlessly on serving the customer.”

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke