Fast Lane: NUS electric car in top 10 in US race, German carmakers at IAA Mobility, new Cupra models

NUS’ electric racer at Formula SAE

Students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) placed seventh out of 86 teams at the Formula SAE Electric competition in Michigan, United States, in June.

Built to Formula SAE regulations, the R25e is an electric single-seater, open-wheel car that weighs 199kg (without driver) with power limited to 80kW. Formula SAE is a student design competition organised by SAE International (previously known as the Society of Automotive Engineers).

The seventh position equals NUS’ 2015 results and is an improvement from the 11th position in 2024. The university first competed in the race in 2003.

The Singapore entry was developed by NUS’ engineering undergraduates with the support of their professors and supervisors.

Every year, second-year engineering students at NUS are recruited to form a new team. They are then put through classes on race-car principles and engineering, and practical training before they build their own car for the Formula SAE competition.

The international competition is open to undergraduates and graduate engineering students and the 2025 edition was won by Oregon State University. Besides dynamic performance, the car’s design and cost are also evaluated.

Find out more at nusformulasae.com

Electric SUVs rule at German show

Just about every major car brand will be at IAA Mobility 2025 held in Munich from Sept 9 to 14, and German brands are using the event to make key announcements.

BMW, which is headquartered in Munich, will unveil its new iX3 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Entirely different from the recently launched petrol-powered X3, the iX3 is an especially significant model for BMW as it is the first in a family of Neue Klasse models to be launched in the coming years. Highlights include major upgrades in technology – from superfast charging speed to ultra-powerful computer processing power – and a new design that sets the template for the next generation of BMWs.

Arch-rival Mercedes-Benz, which is based in Stuttgart, will be showing the new GLC SUV, one of its biggest-selling models. While a petrol-powered version will be launched in the future, the electric version at the show – called GLC with EQ Technology – replaces the EQC. The EQC was the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) and based on the old GLC.

This is in line with the brand’s direction, where electric and petrol-powered forms of the models are offered in parallel, instead of having a separate line of EVs.

Porsche, which is also from Stuttgart, will unveil its new Cayenne. For the first time in the history of the model, the new car will be available as an EV, joining the Taycan and Macan.

Volkswagen will unveil an electric crossover called the ID.2X that is smaller than the familiar Golf hatchback. This is the final member of the brand’s Electric Urban Car Family, which is a range of compact electric city cars.

The event in Munich replaced the famed Frankfurt Motor Show in 2021. Besides the venue change, it broadened its remit to be branded as a “mobility” show. Go to iaa-mobility.com for ticketing and other information.

Cupra adds three new models

From having only electric models, Volkswagen-owned Cupra is now an “electrified” brand with its latest event held on July 31 introducing three models to its portfolio.

The Leon hatchback and Terramar SUV are powered by 1.5-litre engines with mild-hybrid technology, which stores energy recovered during braking to boost efficiency. The third model launched is the facelifted Formentor crossover, which has a 2-litre engine boasting 329hp and all-wheel drive.

Prices of the new cars with applicable Category B certificate of entitlement, before applicable discounts, are as follows:

Nissan restructures due to poor sales

Citing a company document and internal e-mails, Reuters reported on Aug 5 that Nissan has started negotiating with the union representing staff at its European regional office about changes, including job losses.

Located in France, the office has around 560 staff. It oversees the carmaker’s operations in Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania.

Mr Ivan Espinosa, who became the Japanese carmaker’s chief executive on April 1, had announced sweeping restructuring plans to save 500 billion yen (S$4.37 billion) by cutting workforce, closing manufacturing plants and lowering global production capacity.

Sales have been poor for Nissan in China and the US, which are key markets for the brand. Recently, it announced that it will stop production at its Civac plant in Mexico by March 2026 and two Japanese plants in 2027 and 2028.