EV
U9 Unleashed at 472 km/h
PAPENBURG, GERMANY — BYD’s luxury sub-brand YANGWANG has smashed the global EV speed record with its U9 Track Edition, clocking an official top speed of 472.41 km/h on August 8 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track.
The run makes the U9 Track Edition the world’s fastest electric vehicle, edging past the previous record also set at the same venue. Behind the wheel was German racing driver Marc Basseng, who last year held the title with an earlier version of the U9.
At the heart of the achievement is YANGWANG’s e4 Platform, the world’s first quad-motor system capable of spinning up to 30,000rpm. Each motor delivers 555kW, for a combined system output of over 3,000PS. With a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217PS per tonne, the U9 Track Edition rivals the world’s most extreme supercars.
The car also debuts the industry’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform, paired with a thermal-management system designed for extreme track conditions. Together with the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, the U9 maintains stability at blistering speeds. The suspension adjusts independently at all four corners to keep the tires planted, reducing pitch, roll, and loss of traction.
Aerodynamics also played a key role. The Track Edition retains the sleek lines of the standard U9, but adds an optional carbon-fiber front splitter designed for ultra-high-speed stability. Tire durability was ensured through a collaboration with Giti Tire, which developed bespoke semi-slick tires for the run. These feature optimized compounds and a special knurling treatment to reduce tire slippage under extreme torque loads.
For Basseng, the feat was as much personal as technical. “Last year, I thought I’d peaked,” he said. “I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, with new technologies that made it possible.”
With this record, BYD’s YANGWANG brand isn’t just chasing numbers. It’s pushing the boundaries of what electric supercars can achieve, blending sustainability with raw performance — and reshaping the global image of EVs in the process.
Mitsubishi Motors is bringing back the Eclipse name for a new battery electric vehicle in North America, with the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback set to go on sale in late summer or early fall 2026.
The all-new Eclipse Sportback will be sourced from Alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. and will be based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF. Mitsubishi said the model will receive design changes to separate it from its Nissan counterpart, including unique front and rear fascias, distinct lighting signatures, sporty alloy wheels and the brand’s Triple Diamond badge.
The vehicle will be positioned as a sporty electric subcompact SUV, marking another step in Mitsubishi’s electrification program in North America. The company released the first images of the model on June 9, ahead of its market launch later this year.
The Eclipse badge carries weight for Mitsubishi in the region. The nameplate made its North American debut in 1990 and became one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Its return as an electric sportback reflects Mitsubishi’s plan to use familiar names while expanding into new powertrain choices.
Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle work goes back to the 1970s, when it began developing EVs in Japan. The i-MiEV, described by the company as the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, went on sale in select markets in 2009 before reaching the United States and Canada in late 2011. The Outlander PHEV followed globally in 2012 and arrived in North America in 2018.
The Eclipse Sportback also fits into Mitsubishi Motors North America’s Momentum 2030 plan. The business program focuses on electrification, a renewed and expanded product lineup, modernized retail operations and a stronger dealer network.
Under the plan, Mitsubishi intends to launch at least one new or significantly revised vehicle each year through fiscal year 2030. After the Eclipse Sportback, the company is also preparing an all-new rugged, off-road derivative of the Outlander SUV for early 2027.
More details on the Eclipse Sportback, including technical specifications, pricing and final on-sale timing, will be released later.
Geely Cainta hosts final day of SM Megamall display
MANDALUYONG CITY — Geely Cainta is marking the final day of its week-long display of the all-new Geely EX5 EM-i today, 13 May 2026, at SM Megamall.
The display gives mallgoers a closer look at Geely’s plug-in hybrid SUV as interest in new energy vehicles continues to grow in the local market. The activity also supports Gateway Group’s push to expand Geely’s reach through its dealership network, with Geely Cainta serving as the host branch for the Megamall showcase.
The Geely EX5 EM-i combines electric driving with hybrid efficiency. It carries a claimed combined fuel consumption of 41.6 kilometers per liter and delivers up to 1,000 kilometers of combined range. The model can run on pure electric power when needed and can shift to hybrid operation for longer drives.
The EX5 EM-i is available in Alpine White, Volcanic Grey, Glacier Blue and Polar Black.
In Luzon, the Geely EX5 EM-i Pro is priced at P1.288 million, while the EX5 EM-i Max is priced at P1.468 million. In Visayas and Mindanao, the Pro variant is priced at P1.358 million, while the Max variant is priced at P1.538 million.
Gateway Group also announced that the Geely EX2, the newest member of the Geely lineup, is set to arrive next month. Reservations are now being accepted.
Geely Auto Group is based in Hangzhou, China. Founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the company sold more than 2.17 million units in 2024, a 32 percent increase from the previous year.
DENZA brings hybrid off-road SUVs into PH market with B5 and B8 launch
DENZA Philippines has expanded its local lineup with the launch of the B5 and B8 electrified SUVs, following the brand’s appearance at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
Introduced under the “Adventure Electrified” campaign, the two sport utility vehicles target buyers looking for electrified powertrains combined with off-road capability and premium cabin features.
According to Adam Hu, the launch allows the brand to reach more SUV buyers in the Philippines, particularly those looking for new energy vehicles with both utility and lifestyle appeal.
The DENZA B5 enters the market as a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV that uses the brand’s DMO Super Hybrid system. It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor setup that produces 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque.
The vehicle carries a 31.8-kWh BYD Blade battery and an 83-liter fuel tank, allowing a claimed combined NEDC driving range of up to 975 kilometers. DENZA said the B5 also comes with four-wheel drive and electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials for changing road and terrain conditions.
The B5 includes a large infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system. The SUV also gets massage and ventilated seats along with driver assistance systems.
The larger B8 arrives as a full-size SUV offered in Dynamic and Premium variants. It combines a 2.0-liter engine with a dual-motor setup that delivers 450 kW and 760 Nm of torque. DENZA said the SUV can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.
The B8 uses a 36.9-kWh battery and a 91.5-liter fuel tank, giving it a claimed combined range of up to 1,040 kilometers under NEDC standards.
DENZA equipped the B8 with its DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension system and electronically controlled locking differentials. The setup adjusts suspension damping based on road conditions and wheel movement to improve ride stability and traction on uneven surfaces.
Both SUVs include terrain response modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading conditions. They also feature Leopard Turn technology designed to improve maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road trails.
The vehicles connect to the DENZA mobile app, which allows owners to monitor vehicle status, charging levels, fuel levels, and location remotely.
DENZA Philippines will hold the DENZA Arena customer test drive event from April 24 to 26, where potential buyers can test the vehicles on steep inclines, water wading sections, side slopes, and uneven terrain.
The B5 carries a launch price of P3.498 million, while the B8 is priced at P4.698 million for the Dynamic variant and P5.098 million for the Premium variant.
