Fast Lane: Mazda 6e to launch in S'pore in 2026, Deepal S05 made in Thailand, Neo Aeronautics flying car takes off
Fast Lane: Mazda 6e to launch in S'pore in 2026, Deepal S05 made in Thailand, Neo Aeronautics flying car takes off
Incoming: Mazda EV
The Mazda 6e electric saloon is the European version of the China-only EZ-6, and it is slated for launch in Singapore and the United Kingdom in the second half of 2026.
While the car will be built in China through a joint venture between Mazda and Chinese state-owned company Changan, it will be further tuned to suit European taste for the export market. This is in terms of the steering, suspension and pedal calibration.
On the outside, the 6e is about the same size as the Toyota Camry, though its wheelbase, at 2,895mm, is 70mm longer than the benchmark saloon. This should translate to a significantly more spacious cabin than Mazda's current contender in the segment, the 6 Sedan.
In terms of driving range, the 6e can travel up to 552km before its batteries need to be recharged.
'Sawadee' car for Singapore
Changan's new Thai factory will produce the Deepal S05 (pictured here on a production line in China) for markets such as Singapore.
PHOTO: JONATHAN NG
The first made-in-Thailand Deepal S05 rolled off the assembly line at Changan's factory in Rayong on May 16 to mark the factory's official opening.
This is the first overseas electric vehicle factory for Changan, which is a state-owned car company. Changan joins Chinese rivals including BYD, MG and GAC to have manufacturing operations in Thailand.
Besides Deepal, the plant will also produce cars under the Changan, Deepal and Avatr brands.
The factory has workshops for welding, painting, general assembly and batteries, among other functions. The annual production capacity is expected to double from 100,000 units to 200,000 units by 2027.
The S05 is a mid-sized electric sport utility vehicle competing against the likes of the BYD Atto 3. Expected to be launched in Singapore later in 2025, the S05 will likely come from the Rayong factory.
Made-in-Singapore flying car to take flight in US
The Crimson S8 'flying car' will take to the skies in 2026, albeit only in the US.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Home-grown aeronautical company Neo Aeronautics is aiming to make its 'flying car' available for rental to tourists and adventure seekers in 2026 at clubhouses set up in scenic and tourist spots in the US.
The Crimson S8 is a compact machine that can fit into a standard parking space. Four pairs of electric propellers mounted on carbon fibre arms enable it to take off and land like a helicopter.
The S8 will undergo further development before launching in the US in 2026.
There are currently no plans to launch the Crimson S8 in Singapore.
Virtual self-driving grand prix racing in UAE
Come November, 10 research teams, including one from Singapore, will compete in the autonomous racing league at the Yas Marina Circuit in the UAE.
PHOTO: A2RL
Singapore will be among 10 countries competing at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League Car Championship on Nov 15. This will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Singapore's entry is a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University and UAE-based technology group Kintsugi.
The teams will compete to develop the autonomous driving system to extract maximum performance from the Dallara Super Formula SF23 racer on track. The vehicle is similar to the one used in the 2024 event, but with upgraded sensors and systems.
New for 2025 is A2RL Sim-Sprint, a virtual racing series to speed up the refinement of autonomous vehicle algorithms. The organiser says this extends A2RL into a year-round development ecosystem.
Go to a2rl.io to learn more about the autonomous racing series.
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