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Rimac Nevera Dominates Electric Hypercar Drag Race

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Three titans hit the drag strip in a battle for supremacy among the world’s most powerful electric production cars in a video shared by DragTimes YouTube channel. Representing sheer electric power were the Tesla Plaid with 1,020 horsepower, the Lucid Air Sapphire with 1,234 horsepower, and the Rimac Nevera with a jaw-dropping 1,914 horsepower.

The first matchup paired the Lucid Sapphire against a Tesla Plaid with the Track Pack. Both cars were at 95% charge and preconditioned for drag performance. In a half-mile sprint at the Avon Park airstrip, the Lucid Sapphire edged the Tesla by a narrow margin. The Sapphire completed the half-mile in 14.4 seconds at 187 mph, while the Plaid followed close behind at 14.5 seconds and 186 mph. The Tesla launched better, but the Lucid’s raw power ultimately secured the win.

In the next race, the Sapphire faced off against a Rimac Nevera. This engineering marvel features four electric motors that can generate over 1,900 horsepower, advanced torque vectoring, and a carbon-fiber monocoque; the Revera has a top speed of 258 mph.

In the head-to-head half-mile race, the Rimac effortlessly outpaced the Lucid Sapphire. Despite traction issues on an unprepared surface, the Rimac hit a blistering 204 mph in just over 13 seconds. Its acceleration was relentless, even as it fought for grip off the line. The Sapphire, while powerful, couldn’t match the Nevera’s raw performance.

For the finale, all three cars—the Tesla Plaid, Lucid Sapphire, and Rimac Nevera—lined up for a three-way race. The Plaid struggled with launch issues, and the Rimac’s overwhelming power allowed it to dominate the field again. In a subsequent roll race, the Rimac again dominated its competitors.



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2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: More rugged SUV leaked

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Subaru is set to reveal its next rugged Wilderness model, based on the new sixth-generation Forester.

YouTube channel Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos last week posted a video focusing on the upcoming 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, but some eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appears to be an as-yet-unreleased model lurking in the background.

The sighting sparked speculation online, with the model believed to be the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness – a more rugged version of the sixth-generation Forester that’s already on sale in the US and which will arrive locally sometime this year.

Alex on Autos’ video has since been edited and re-uploaded to obscure the white SUV with a black box, but not before some viewers captured a screenshot and posted it on social media. You can watch the current timestamped footage below:

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The channel makes it clear that showing the vehicle wasn’t intentional, writing in a comment, “There was something in the background that we can’t talk about”.

In any case, the blurry screenshot captured and uploaded to Instagram by user kindelauto shows the more rugged Forester variant.

Headlining the discernible changes from the regular Forester are extended black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and doors; a redesigned front bumper with larger black elements and a silver lower portion; off-road tyres; a slightly taller ride height; and beefier roof racks with brightly coloured accents similar to those seen on previous Subaru Wilderness models.

Given the model seen in the video appears to be production-ready we’d suggest an American debut mightn’t be too far away.

However, it’s unclear whether it will join Subaru’s Australian lineup. The regular Forester is due here sometime this year, but Subaru has yet to offer any Wilderness vehicles locally – though it has previously said it’s keen to do so.

The Japanese brand already sells Wilderness versions of the Crosstrek, Outback, and previous fifth-gen Forester in North America.

Subaru Australia has previously outlined it wants to introduce the Wilderness nameplate in Australia, though it confirmed early last year that plans for a local debut had been pushed back due to various timing and demand challenges.

The Wilderness line was launched in 2022 with the Subaru Outback, with changes including a 20mm suspension lift for a ground clearance of 240mm, 17-inch alloy wheels, extensive black cladding with integrated tow hooks, an uprated 320kg roof rack, and a shorter final drive ratio for “improved low-speed climbing”.

That model was followed by Forester and Crosstrek Wilderness models in 2022 and 2023, both of which feature similar enhancements to the Outback. The Crosstrek Wilderness also adds a continuously variable transmission (CVT) cooler for an increased towing capacity of 1600kg.

All Wilderness models are currently built in the US. No Subarus sold in Australia are currently sourced from this country, though that may change as production for the Outback ends in Japan.

If Australian-market Outbacks end up being built in the US, it would open the door for its Wilderness variant to be brought Down Under.

MORE: Subaru’s rugged Wilderness models delayed for Australia
MORE: Subaru Outback’s Australian future secure, but where will it be built?
MORE: Everything Subaru Forester





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Owner turns crashed Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta into an art piece

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In 2022, an ultra-rare Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta crashed during a rally in Croatia. With just 3 cars produced with a price tag of $17 million, it surely couldn’t be scrapped and had to be rebuilt. 2 years after the accident, the owner shared an update on social media confirming that the HP Barchetta was ready to hit the road again.

Although most of the original bodywork was damaged in the accident, the owner had a plan. He wanted to turn it into an art piece. So, the carbon exterior panels were refurbished and assembled into a bare shell of the Zonda HP Barchetta, which the owner now plans to hang on his living room wall.

Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta-spotted-in-Poland

Meanwhile, the rebuilt Zonda HP Barchetta has already been spotted on the streets of Warsaw, Poland. It retains the matte carbon exterior with gold accents and rides on new wheels with matching gold rims. It is powered by a 7.3-liter naturally aspirated AMG V12 paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Source: @oleg_topcar





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Weight Loss Trends And Luxury Retail: Exploring The Connection

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Weight loss is dominating global headlines. For decades, there’s been intense scrutiny and unwavering interest in celebrity diets, but nothing has captured people in the way that weight loss jabs have. It’s virtually impossible to read a newspaper or watch a bulletin without debate about or a mention of weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic. New weight loss trends are impacting the world of health and wellness, but there’s a ripple effect. In this guide, we’ll explore the connection between new trends and changes in the luxury retail industry.

Image courtesy of Pexels

Weight loss trends have long been a subject of intrigue and media attention. From high-fat diets and new-fangled exercise programs to cutting out carbohydrates, juicing, and fasting, consumers may have thought they’d seen it all. In 2023/ 2024, a new trend seized the spotlight. Weight loss drugs, most notably Ozempic and Wegovy, were approved for weight loss purposes, becoming increasingly accessible.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide. Previously used to treat diabetes patients (Ozempic) and people who have weight-related health conditions (Wegovy), semaglutide for weight loss works by reducing your appetite, causing you to eat less. Taking the drug eliminates the risk of overeating commonly associated with diets that restrict calorie intake and often induce cravings for so-called ‘banned’ foods. Searches for semaglutide have increased globally since 2022, with studies showing this is almost entirely based on its weight loss capacities rather than its diabetes links. Sales of Ozempic leapt by over 50 percent in the US in 2024. The number of people who would buy weight loss drugs if given the opportunity is likely to be much higher than the sales data for 2024, as there is a shortage of products and prices have remained stubbornly high.

Image courtesy of Pexels

The rise of weight loss drugs is already impacting luxury retail, despite their relevant infancy. Key effects include:

Growing Demand for Smaller Sizes

One of the most significant consequences of the weight loss drugs trend is a growing demand for smaller sizes and a reduced uptake of larger sizes. Research published in the Wall Street Journal revealed a 15 percent year-on-year decrease in sales of women’s clothing in sizes larger than a US 14. Analysis of flagship stores in Madison Avenue published in the Washington Post showed a 12 percent increase in sales of shirts in sizes XXS-S.

A Step Backwards in Body Diversity

Size inclusivity and body diversity have been focal points in retail and fashion campaigns in recent years, with many luxury brands and high-profile high-street names embracing and championing a wider range of sizes. As weight loss drugs dominate the news, some are taking a step back. The Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2025 menswear size inclusivity report shows a significant decrease in the use of plus-size models. Figures have decreased from 11.5% of shows in February 2023 to 4.6 percent for spring/summer 2025.

Booming Second-Hand Sales

Losing weight often means dropping dress sizes. If your clothes don’t fit, the natural response is to refresh your wardrobe and buy smaller sizes. Research shows that the rise of weight loss drugs has triggered a surge in second-hand sales, with many users selling their clothes following substantial weight reductions. Poshmark, an online marketplace, has seen a staggering 103 percent increase in second-hand listings for plus-size clothing. There’s also been a sharp rise (78 percent) in the number of listings that mention ‘weight loss’ in the title or product description.

Increased Interest in Facial Treatments for Weight Loss

Drugs that make people lose a significant amount of weight are not just impacting the fashion industry. They’re also affecting the beauty sector. Just as losing weight has visible effects on the body, it also changes the face. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 5% increase in facial plastic surgery in 2023 and there’s growing demand for non-surgical therapies, including dermal fillers. Fillers are used to plump the skin and tackle signs of aging, such as sagging, loose and wrinkled skin.

The term ‘Ozempic face’ has become part of everyday language and is used to describe the gaunt, thin appearance of the face following dramatic weight loss. Aesthetic doctor, Dr Luke Sullivan, who is based in London, said that many patients who receive facial treatments after using Ozempic have signs commonly seen in patients who are 10 to 20 years older.

Image courtesy of Pexels

What Does the Future Hold?

Weight loss drugs are increasingly commonplace, but they’re not accessible to all. They are not yet widely available via state-funded health systems and cost and supply are significant barriers. As prices are high, these drugs are usually associated with high earners, including celebrities. If supplies increase and prices come down, or more patients are given opportunities to try the drugs without paying a premium, retail trends may become even more visible and far-ranging. At present, ripples are impacting luxury retail, but the effects could trickle down to mainstream and affordable fashion and beauty brands and consumers.

There is an ethical debate about the use of weight loss drugs, particularly at a time when they’re not accessible to most people. Some people also have reservations about the long-term implications and the availability of drugs to patients with diabetes. It remains to be seen how popular weight loss drugs will become if there is a surge in production and a reduction in prices.

It’s natural to think about the impact of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy in the context of health and wellness trends, but studies show that weight loss injections and medications are also affecting luxury retail, fashion and beauty. As people lose weight, the demand for smaller sizes is increasing while sales of larger sizes and plus-size collections are falling. Another key issue is size inclusivity. Research highlights a step back in diversity, with a significant decrease in the number of shows featuring at least one plus-size model from 2023 to 2025. The number of people losing weight via weight loss drugs has also triggered a surge in second-hand listings and increased demand for rejuvenating facial treatments designed to add volume and plumpness to the skin.

For more on the latest in beauty and wellness reads, click here.



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Canoo files bankruptcy, claiming funding shortfalls

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Struggling electric vehicle startup Canoo has filed for bankruptcy and ceased all operations.

The startup announced its filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Jan. 17 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware. This will result in the federal appointment of a trustee to oversee the liquidation of Canoo’s assets and distribution of proceeds to creditors, the startup confirmed in a press release.

Canoo attributed the decision to declare bankruptcy to unsuccessful efforts to secure additional funding from a Department of Energy loan program and foreign investors. Canoo went public four years ago, raising an estimated $600 million, but the cash-intensive process of developing and manufacturing new vehicles left it looking for other funding sources.

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

Canoo has claimed to have substantial numbers of orders from customers like Walmart, but has only managed to deliver small numbers of demonstration vehicles, including to NASA, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Postal Service. It’s mainly focused on electric vans built atop a skateboard chassis, but it also produced two pickup-truck designs, the latter intended for military use and only produced in prototype form.

As first reported by TechCrunch, Canoo’s bankruptcy filing reveals the startup owes approximately $164 million to creditors while holding assets valued at $126 million.

Canoo in December furloughed 82 employees and idled an assembly facility in Oklahoma, then quickly placed the remaining employees on what it called a “mandatory unpaid break.” Earlier in the year, it purchased equipment from defunct U.K. startup Arrival for use at the Oklahoma facility.

Canoo American Bulldog

Canoo American Bulldog

In 2017, the company was started as Evelozcity by several former Faraday Future executives, although most of the contingent that launched it left some time ago. That’s coincided with a change in direction under current CEO Tony Aquila, who pivoted Canoo from its original plan of selling van-like EVs on a subscription basis toward commercial vehicles and government contracts.

While the broad-strokes plan to manufacture commercial vehicles has remained the same under Aquila’s leadership, the details have changed. Canoo revealed production plans with the Netherlands’ VDL, then canceled them, with a following corporate move to Arkansas and then Texas.



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Lamborghini not interested in restomods or continuation cars

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  • Lamborghini has no plans to capitalize on the strong demand for its classic cars by building new ones
  • Lamborghini is committed to respecting its heritage and doesn’t want to modify the past
  • Lamborghini also won’t give its classic cars modern upgrades, a practice known as restomodding

Lamborghini’s classic car department, Polo Storico, has the capability to build any of the brand’s iconic cars from the past entirely from scratch, as it demonstrated in 2021 with the recreation of the long-lost original Countach prototype. The car was built for a loyal customer and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the prototype’s debut at the 1971 Geneva motor show.

However, don’t expect Polo Storico to repeat this feat, as Lamborghini has no interest in building continuation cars, Giuliano Cassataro, Polo Storico’s chief, told The Drive in an interview published on Jan. 20.

“Everything that we do will one day be history,” Cassataro said. “We don’t want to modify the past.”

In the case of the Countach prototype, Cassataro explained that it shouldn’t be considered a continuation car, as it uses the VIN of the original lost example and was built to be identical to the original—right down to details like the non-functional intakes and pop-up headlights. The original prototype was used for crash testing in 1974, and its remains went missing afterward.

Lamborghini Countach LP500 prototype recreation

Lamborghini Countach LP500 prototype recreation

Cassataro also told The Drive that Lamborghini isn’t interested in creating restomods. However, Polo Storico is open to making modifications to classic cars, provided the changes are period-correct.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has previously stated that the company isn’t interested in launching cars with retro designs. However, that stance didn’t stop Lamborghini from introducing a modern Countach in 2021, based on the Aventador platform.

Ferrari is another brand that has no plans to offer restomods or continuation cars, though it is open to retro designs. In 2018, Ferrari announced the Icona series, a lineup of low-volume, special-edition cars featuring retro-inspired designs. The most recent Icona car was 2021’s Daytona SP3, whose design drew inspiration from Ferrari’s sport prototype endurance racers of the 1960s. The next Icona car is rumored to take inspiration from the F40.



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The 5 Best Tour Companies in Peru (Updated 2025)

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Three travelers hiking the Salkantay trek in Peru on a guided tour

Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America, owing to the fact that it’s home to the bucket-list favorite and Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. Around 500,000 people visit the ancient Incan citadel each year — a number that would be much higher if it wasn’t for the mandates put in place to prevent overcrowding.

But there’s more to Peru than just Machu Picchu. And there’s more to the Andes than the Inca Trail.

Peru is very geographically and culturally diverse (it’s the third-largest country on the continent) so there’s a lot more on offer here than most travelers expect. From the great dining destination of Lima to the floating islands off the Uros to the Peruvian Amazon to the pyramids and tombs of Batán Grande to the desert oasis of Huacachina, there is so much to see in this South American nation that limiting yourself to the Sacred Valley would be a missed opportunity.

For the intrepid traveler with plenty of time, many of these destinations can be explored solo. However, getting around Peru can be challenging and budget travelers with limited time should consider opting for an organized tour. And there are plenty of reputable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your journey smoother, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the sites, people, culture, and history of the place.

To help you save money and make the most of your time, I’ve put together a list of the best tour companies in Peru. From walking tours to multi-day excursions to adventure-laden guided tours, these tours might not be as cheap as traveling solo but they will absorb the headaches that often come with traveling in a foreign country (especially one as large and slow to navigate as Peru).

Here are the best tour companies in Peru:
 

1. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid runs tours in every corner of the planet and they’re always a solid choice thanks to their focus on sustainability and responsible travel. I’ve been on a few of their tours over the years and they never disappoint. And while Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, they also emphasize the other parts of this beautiful country too.

Their Classic Peru tour ($2,057 USD), for example, spans 9 days and circles the country, covering many of the major highlights, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.

The Classic Peru trip map from Intrepid TravelThe Classic Peru trip map from Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is one of my go-to companies for multiday tours. Whenever I book a multi-day trip I go with them. You should to. I can’t recommend them enough!

Book Intrepid Travel here!

 

2. Alpaca Expeditions

Hikers on an Alpaca tour in green shirts at Machu Picchu in PeruHikers on an Alpaca tour in green shirts at Machu Picchu in Peru
This Cusco-based company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Calling themselves the “Green Machine,” Alpaca Expeditions is committed to being a totally sustainable tour company. The trekking tours are heavy on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail—because Alpaca is highly rated for them—but they also offer “alternative tours” to some off-the-radar places like trekking the Salkantay. You can spend five days there, hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon, for example, or if you don’t want the commitment, they even offer a one-day hike.

There are also trekking tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate, and other spots around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four-day Inca Trail hike is $795 USD per person while their five-day Choquequirao trek is $700 USD.

Book Alpaca Expeditions here!

 

3. Choquequirao Trek

A narrow staircase built into the mountainside along the Choquequirao trek in PeruA narrow staircase built into the mountainside along the Choquequirao trek in Peru
The Lost Incan City of Choquequirao can be reached via a two-day trek from Cusco. And this local tour company specializes in hiking to the ruins of the 15th-century city that is a great alternative to the highly trafficked Machu Picchu site (less than 10,000 people visit each year, compared to the 2,500 people who visit Machu Picchu each day).

You can do the classic four-day trek to Choquequirao for $520 USD or you can mix things up and do a longer eight-day hike that goes from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD, or you can combine it with a jaunt on the Incan Trail. There are tons of affordable options!

Book Choquequirao Trek here!

 

4. Colca Tours

Sweeping views over the massive Colca Canyon in PeruSweeping views over the massive Colca Canyon in Peru
Based in the city of Arequipa, Colca Tours specializes in trekking and bus tours to Colca Canyon, a deep and dramatic ravine that is dotted with ancient villages. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it’s home to the Andean condor and boasts incredible (and challenging) trekking and views. In addition to hiking tours, they also run bike and horse tours. Most of the tours last one to four days and some tours include more adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four-day hike is just $150 USD.

Book Colca Tours here!

5. Amazonas Explorer

Nomadic Matt posing for a photo while hiking in the mountains of Peru on a cloudy dayNomadic Matt posing for a photo while hiking in the mountains of Peru on a cloudy day
Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company that operates in the Sacred Valley as well as in the Amazon. They arrange private group tours and will not only take you to Machu Picchu but to a lot of off the beaten path treks around the region. They also do non-trek activities like ebikes and white water rafting. Their guides are really good, speak fluent English, and are so knowledgeable you feel like you’re learning from a professor. (They were featured in the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu.) They are a great option if you want to do something on your own, get more off the beaten path, or are a big group of people who want a tour tailored to your own needs.

Book Amazonas Explorer here!

***

Peru is such a geographically and culturally diverse place, it would take a lot of time, energy, and money to see it all on one trip — especially if you plan on hiking. If you’re short on time, consider a tour for some or all of your trip. After all, money returns; time does not.

Book Your Trip to Peru: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Peru?
Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Peru for even more planning tips!



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2026 Mazda CX-5 spied for first time

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  • Mazda has been spotted testing prototypes for a third-generation CX-5
  • The new CX-5 is expected to debut later this year, likely as a 2026 model for the U.S.
  • Mazda has confirmed a hybrid option is in the works

Mazda’s top-selling CX-5 compact crossover is about to be redesigned, and a prototype has been spotted for the first time.

The new third-generation model is due out later this year, likely as a 2026 model for the U.S., and Mazda has confirmed that it’s coming with at least one hybrid option.

The prototype reveals Mazda is taking an evolutionary approach to the design of the new CX-5. The overall shape is close to that of the current model, while the front end takes on Mazda’s latest corporate styling as seen recently on the EZ-6 electric sedan launched overseas last year. One new detail is the headlight design, which adopts a teardrop element.

The current CX-5 is offered in the U.S. with the choice of a 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 227-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4. It isn’t clear what powertrains the new generation will offer, apart from a hybrid option being available.

2026 Mazda CX-5 spy shots - Photo via Baldauf

2026 Mazda CX-5 spy shots – Photo via Baldauf

Mazda last November said the hybrid powertrain is being developed in-house, with help from battery partners such as Panasonic and AESC, as opposed to borrowing technology from Toyota or Subaru, like in the current CX-50 Hybrid that uses a Toyota hybrid system.

Mazda at the time also mentioned a new Skyactiv-Z family of 4-cylinder engines that is being developed for launch in 2027. Mazda didn’t say much about the Skyactiv-Z family, apart from it being developed with combustion optimized for “enhanced environmental and driving performance.” It’s possible one or more of these new Skyactiv-Z engines will make it into the CX-5, possibly as part of the hybrid powertrain.

Mazda has also indicated that there may be fewer options to choose from. The automaker is looking to improve production efficiencies by streamlining specifications for its upcoming vehicles.

Mazda sold a record 424,382 vehicles in the U.S. in 2024, with the bulk of these being the CX-5. The arrival of the new model should help keep the momentum going.



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West Coast Expressway (WCE) Section 2 from SKVE to KESAS opens midnight; toll-free travel for one month

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West Coast Expressway (WCE) Section 2 from SKVE to KESAS opens midnight; toll-free travel for one month

Section 2 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) opens to the public from midnight tonight (12:01 am Wednesday, January 22), for the 7.2 km alignment that runs from the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) elevated interchange to the Shah Alam Expressway (SAE) elevated interchange, enabling direct connectivity to Port Klang.

Section 2 of the WCE is a continuation of the highway’s Section 1, which was opened on August 30 last year and which connects the Banting interchange to the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) interchange; toll fare collection on this section began on September 30.

The new 7.2 km section of the highway offers highway users an alternative route from Banting to Shah Alam, Klang, Putrajaya, Kajang, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and vice versa with a direct connection to the SKVE and the KESAS Highway.

The opening of both Section 1 and Section 2 will expedite journeys from Shah Alam to Banting or the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang compared to existing routes, providing a positive impact upon the mobility of local residents and economic activities in surrounding areas.

Users of Section 2 of the WCE will enjoy toll-free travel when entering the highway from the SAE toll plaza to the SKVE elevated interchange, for a duration of one month, the works minister announced. The addition of the 7.2 km alignment that connects the SKVE elevated interchange with the SAE elevated interchange reduces travel time from one hour, to just 25 minutes, Nanta said.

“The opening of this alignment is also expected to help reduce operating costs for the logistics sector, facilitate the delivery of goods and increase Malaysia’s competitiveness on the international stage. This will directly attract investments to industrial areas and ports, besides creating job opportunities and being an economic catalyst,” works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said at the opening of WCE Section 2.

This is the latest alignment of the 314.5 km-long highway to open, which connects Banting in Selangor to Taiping in Perak. With the completion of the WCE, the highway will be among the main catalysts for development and economic growth, particularly in the western corridor of Peninsular Malaysia.

It is also hoped that domestic tourism will grow while reducing congestion on highways from the Klang Valley to the north of the peninsula, said the works minister in his statement.


Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.





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Automobili Pininfarina’s Successful 2024

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A Year To Remember

Automobili Pininfarina has continued to redefine the future of luxury, delivering bespoke commissions to clients, launching a unique collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery that envisions the vehicle of choice of Bruce Wayne, billionaire alter ego of DC’s ‘Dark Knight’, Batman, as well as expanding globally its footprint, in readiness for even greater things to come from the brand in the future.

Paolo Dellacha, Chief Executive Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The milestones achieved in 2024 exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation and delivering unparalleled artistry and experiences. To have delivered Targamerica, our first coach-built one-off vehicle, was a seminal moment for the brand and demonstrates our upward trajectory. With a growing list of clients around the world, as well as continued demand for our bespoke creations, Automobili Pininfarina will continue to push the boundaries in the years ahead, with new commissions, new products and new fans of the brand.”

2024 Milestones

  • Automobili Pininfarina welcomed a number of new clients to the brand in 2024, each new creation delivered embodies the brand’s mission of ‘Dream Cars. Made Real.’
  • Battista Targamerica was the first coach-built model from Automobili Pininfarina delivered to a client
  • In collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and Relevance International, Wayne Enterprises Experience introduced four specially-created versions of the all-electric Battista and B95 hyper Barchetta
  • Three new luxury retail spaces opened around the world, in: Tokyo, Japan; Palm Beach, Florida; and Čeladná, Czech Republic
  • 2025 set to continue the upward trend of the brand, with new vehicles and further globalization of the retail network

Bespoke Commissions and Client Milestones

2024 showcased the true breadth of Automobili Pininfarina’s coachbuilding abilities, with several entirely personalized creations, introducing new clients to Italian supercar ownership and each delivering to the brand’s mission of ‘Dream Cars, Made Real.’

Several of these personalized creations participated in the first-ever Battista Owners’ Parade as part of Monterey Car Week. A total of 10 vehicles took part in a drive around the stunning roads close to the picturesque California peninsula. The unique event illustrates vividly how Automobili Pininfarina elevates its clients, and the ownership experience, to become part of the family.

Battista Targamerica

Forever designed to be a unique one-off vehicle, Battista Targamerica is the first client-commissioned coach-built electric hypercar delivered to a client. Unveiled at The Quail at Monterey Car Week, the unique model was commissioned by a renowned car collector and existing Battista owner, with an extensive list of personalization that help it stand out as a design and technical statement, as well as an expression of its owner’s personality reflecting their individuality, history, and tastes.

Hand-built by the atelier’s artisans in Cambiano, Battista Targamerica features a prominent silver and blue color scheme along with a meticulous re-engineering of the body to suit the roofless profile and deliver a unique open-top driving experience.

Battista Reversario

Inspired by the Battista Anniversario – launched in 2020 – and the concept of balance, the Battista Reversario is the perfect reflection of its forebearer and serves as an exemplar of its client’s personality.

One of the most striking features of the Battista Reversario is its color scheme, which is crafted to be the inverse of the unique Pininfarina heritage-inspired design theme that characterized the anniversary. The lower body is finished in Bianco Sestriere gloss, with the upper body in Grigio Antonelliano gloss.

In a continuation of the theme from the previous model, the pinstripes are consistent with the upper stripe, in signature Iconica Blu. Bespoke inscriptions, including the vehicle’s unique ‘Reversario’ nameplate, are displayed both forward and ‘in reflection’, on the carbon side wings and the underside of the active rear wing.

Battista Cinquantacinque

The stunning Battista Cinquantacinque hyper GT pays homage to the 1955 Lancia Florida – a vehicle designed and loved by Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina. The livery and name, Cinquantacinque, translating to ‘55’ in Italian, elegantly honors the iconic classic.

The Cinquantacinque model features a number of unique inscriptions that point to its heritage and provenance. Its exterior is finished in a flawless Blu Savoia Gloss paint, contrasted by the Bianco Sestriere Gloss roof and completed by the elegant Brushed Anodized jewelry pack. Inside, it is upholstered in a bespoke Mahagoni (Poltrona Frau Heritage Leather).

Collaboration with Warner Bros.

Automobili Pininfarina captivated the automotive and entertainment worlds by unveiling a bespoke collection of hypercars inspired by Bruce Wayne, the billionaire alter ego of DC’s ‘Dark Knight’, Batman. This unprecedented collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Relevance International showcased four specially-created versions of the all-electric Battista and B95 hyper Barchetta.

The B95 Gotham, a design and engineering masterpiece, was on display at a New York apartment, part of Wayne Enterprises Experience, an invite-only first-of-its-kind retail theatre concept, before it stole the show at Monterey Car Week.

Global Expansion To Meet Demands

To facilitate growing demand from across the world, Automobili Pininfarina has strengthened its global luxury retail partner network in both established and emerging markets. In Japan, Automobili Pininfarina presented the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista for the first time at an exclusive event at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo. This debut highlighted the growing appreciation for Italian craftsmanship in a rapidly expanding luxury automotive market.

Strengthening its European presence, the company opened its first brand and retail gallery in Čeladná, Czech Republic, and celebrated the delivery of the country’s first Battista to a discerning clients. In the United States, Braman Automobili Pininfarina of Palm Beach was added to the retail network, ensuring clients in Florida continue to receive a highly personalized sales and ownership experience.

Awards & Recognition

  • Automobili Pininfarina’s design leadership was celebrated across the globe in 2024 with a host of prestigious awards across its model range.
  • The PURA Vision design concept added to its growing list of accolades for its visionary approach to the future of luxury mobility
  • Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2024
  • The B95 hyper Barchetta garnered numerous honors, including:
  • ‘Best Sport Car Design’ in 2024 by CarDesign Spain
  • ‘Design of the Year Winner’ in the Cars & Motorcycles – Electric Vehicles category at the NY Product Design Awards 2024
  • ‘Gold Winner’ in the Cars & Motorcycles – Sports Cars category at the NY Product Design Awards 2024
  • Good Design Award 2024 for its exceptional blend of design and cutting-edge technology
  • ‘Top Design in Automotive & Transport’ in 2024 by European Product Design Award

Above content © 2025 Automobili Pininfarina, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

 



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