Honda is back again with the new Insight, due for launch by end of 2018

The new Honda Insight prototype will be making its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January as an early introduction to the all-new 2019 Honda Insight – an upscale five-seater sedan which will sit atop the Civic in Honda’s model line-up.
First introduced in 1999, the Insight was America’s first hybrid vehicle, a technological marvel with optimised aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminium structure. It was also the first Honda vehicle to utilise Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.

The all-new Insight will adopt an entirely new approach in terms of styling, features and performance as expected by mainstream buyers – a hybrid vehicle without compromise. Unlike the first two generations of the Insight, the all-new model will be powered by
Honda’s two-motor hybrid system
 that will chart competitive fuel economy ratings.
With the Insight due for launch later in 2018, it will further affirm Honda’s aim to make electric vehicles 2/3 of Honda’s global vehicle sales by 2030.
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Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is a luxury SUV that wants to save the planet

With only 70 units to be made, the new Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is Bentley’s most sustainable car to date. To date,
Bentley

has successfully electrified half of its offerings. Based on the Bentayga Hybrid, the
Bentayga
 Odyssean Edition pushes sustainability further by also using sustainable materials in addition to the Hybrid powertrain.
Yes, the same plug-in hybrid system with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine powers the Bentayga Odyssean Edition. This means that it makes the same combined output of
462 hp
 (metric) and
700 Nm
. The powertrain is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Odyssean Edition launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just
5.3 seconds
.
As for the electric component of the hybrid system, the electric motor alone is capable of 136 hp (metric) and 400 Nm. Storing electricity in the Odyssean Edition is an
18-kWh
 battery pack that gives the car an electric range of
45 km
 (WLTP).
Three ‘E’ driving modes are available in the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, namely the “EV Drive”, “Hybrid Mode”, and “Hold Mode”. The “EV Drive” mode, as its name suggests, lets you drive on electric power only. The car starts in this mode, and the “EV Drive” mode can take you up to 135 km/h should you desire.
RELATED:
Bentley Continental GT Convertible Mulliner Riviera Collection is the perfect match for your yacht
“Hybrid Mode” maximises the Bentayga’s efficiency and cleverly utilizes information from the intelligent navigation system. What this means is that on planned long journeys, the car uses predictive E-mode and engine coasting when necessary. When you set a destination, the system will ensure that the 18-kWh battery is at 0% state-of-charge (SOC) at the final destination, maximizing overall efficiency. “Hold Mode” essentially holds the battery’s charge for later use and is the default mode when in “Sport”.
To one-up the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid in terms of sustainability, the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition makes use of the following sustainable materials:
Open pore koa veneers
Sustainable natural leather
Tweed upholstery panels
ALSO WATCH:
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, 2.9L V6 from RM945k – 5 Things
Bentley says the Open Pore Koa veneers use 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers. Minimising waste, the open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness. The leather upholstery is authentic but is a sustainably-sourced natural leather. As for the tweed upholstery panels, they are made of 100%British wool which minimizes the carbon footprint of the Odyssean’s manufacturing process.
Distinguishing the Bentayga Odyssean Edition from the Bentayga Hybrid are the Pale Brodgar accents around the car and an Odyssean-exclusive set of wheels. To help you spot the 70 limited units of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, here are its distinguishing features:
Ombré embroidery
Three-colour interior, unique and bespoke to Odyssean
Unique 22-inch wheels with Pale Brodgar accents
Pale Brodgar on front and rear bumpers
Pale Brodgar on headlight and taillight surrounds
Pale Brodgar on lower body side chrome
RELATED:
2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed debuts – 6.0L W12, 626 hp, 900 Nm
To match the Pale Brodgar Accents, Bentley has curated six colours for the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition. However, customers still have the freedom to choose from over 60 colours for the car.
As for Bentley specifications, the Bentayga Odyssean Edition comes equipped with the Front Seat Comfort Specification as standard. This gives the front seats 22-way adjustability and a heating and ventilation function.
Also standard for The Odyssean Edition is the Touring Specification driver assistance system. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Bentley Safeguard. Bentley Safeguard is Bentley’s suite of onboard radar and camera systems that constantly monitor the surrounding traffic and roads. Production of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition will begin in Q1 2023.
RELATED:
Bentley Batur previews brand’s future EVs… while using a W12 engine
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Hyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDI turbodiesel now in Malaysia, priced at RM156k

After what seems to be forever, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has finally added a
turbo diesel variant
 to the third-generation Tucson range. The 2.0L CRDi is the second forced induction mill following the recently introduced 1.6L T-GDi petrol.

Curiously, HSDM has decided to drop the 2.0L Premium bringing the Tucson range to three variants – 2.0L petrol Elegance,
1.6L T-GDi turbo petrol
, 2.0L CRDi turbodiesel. However, the base price of the entry level Tucson has been revised downwards to RM126,188,
RM3,802.87 cheaper
 than before. HSDM has positioned the turbodiesel variant as the range topper, retailing at RM155,788, on-the-road without insurance.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance
Hyundai Tucson 1.6L T-GDI
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDI
Engine
1,999cc; 4-cylinder Nu MPI
1,591cc; 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection
1,995cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission
6-speed automatic
7-speed dual-clutch
6-speed automatic
Max Power
153 hp @ 6,200 rpm
175 hp @ 5,500 rpm
176 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
400 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
9.3 seconds; 201 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM126,188
RM145,688
RM155,788
The range topping Tucson 2.0L CRDi gets the exact same kit as the turbopetrol variant – LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless entry and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. Like before, an optional body kit and
19-inch alloys
 (245/45 profile tyres) are available for a small fee. Continental ContiMaxContact tyres are provided in the 1.6-litre variant, while the 2.0-litre variant gets Hankook Kinergy GT tyres.

Inside, equipment dittos the T-GDi variant as well. Standard features include leather upholstery (optional black, red or white), eight-way powered driver’s seat, multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, 8.0-inch Android based touchscreen infotainment system, 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster,
front camera
,
smart powered tailgate
 and
 reclining rear seats
. Boot space is also retained at
488 litres
.
Motivation now comes from a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel that churns out
176 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claims the turbodiesel equipped SUV complete the century sprint in
9.3 seconds
 before maxing out at
201 km/h
.
Safety equipment reads six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Down-hill brake control (DBC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HSAC).
All purchase of the Hyundai Tucson come with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty package and a
 3-Years or 50,000 km free service
. A 24-hour road assist service is also available now for new and existing Hyundai vehicles. The discontinued Tucson Premium (previously known as Executive) was
one of our favourite SUVs
 and its only flaw was the subpar powertrain. Now that the new Tucson range comes with blown mills, the only question you should ask yourself is which pump you’d rather frequent: petrol or diesel.
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L CRDi

Hyundai Tuscon 1.6L T-GDi


Video: Aston Martin DB11 V8, Things You Need To Know

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur (AMKL) has just introduced the
Aston Martin DB11 V8
 to go alongside the
V12 powered DB11
. Here are Things You Need to Know about the road-tax friendlier DB11 V8:
Powered by an AMG-sourced 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the new variant packs
503 hp
 and
675 Nm
 of twist paired to an eight-speed ZF sourced automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. The new V8 can propel the DB11 from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.0 seconds flat
, just 0.1 seconds off the V12 in case you’re scoffing at the
puny V8
. Top speed is quoted at
301 km/h
.
Prices for the DB11 V8 starts from
RM1.8 million
 (inclusive of taxes and duties) before slapping on some of the endless options available from the Gaydon based carmaker.


Facts & Figures: Maserati Ghibli Hybrid launched in Malaysia

Naza Italia-Maserati, the official distributor of Maserati vehicles in Malaysia, is proud to announce the arrival of the renowned Italian automaker’s
first hybrid vehicle
, just a little over a year after its global launch.
The new electrified premium sports sedan is priced from
RM427,800
 inclusive of full specifications and options before local duties and taxes.
PERFORMANCE
Lie beneath the elegant look of the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is the high-tech and innovative hybrid powerplant. Maserati approach to hybrid propulsion focuses on both higher performance as well as fuel saving.
Combined system outputs are a whopping
330 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque from the electrified 2.0-litre engine that includes an electric supercharger or eBooster.
Engine: 2.0-litre engine, four-cylinder, exhaust turbocharger, electric supercharger, 48-volt BSG, petrol
Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic transmission
Drivetrain: Rear engine, self-locking rear limited-slip differential
Horsepower: 330 hp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @ 2,250 to 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 255 km/h
Fully developed in-house by Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, Italy, this electrified powertrain is unique in its segment, delivering a performance akin to a V6 turbodiesel without the weight penalty.
EXTERIOR
Apart from the normal design pack, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid will also be offered with the GranSport trim in Malaysia. The exterior features an updated front grille with gloss black highlights, Nerissimo package and 20-inch wheels.
Blue accents are tastefully applied to identify the Ghibli Hybrid, with blue colour on the three iconic side air ducts, the Brembo brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar.
Exterior features include:
18-inch wheels
Twin exhaust system, optimised for Ghibli Hybrid
Blue-painted 4-piston Brembo brake calipers
Boomerang-like tail light clusters
GranSport design package
Sport bumpers
20-inch wheels
Nerissimo black highlights
Full LED Matrix headlamps
INTERIOR
On the interior of the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, sculpted sport seats are upholstered with a premium full-grain “Pieno Fiore” natural leather, like no other leather used in the automotive industry. It is processed to develop a unique character throughout the years with dark blue contrast stitching and the Trident embroidered on the headrests.
Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system with 10.1” HD touchscreen
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround Sound System with 15 speakers, 1,280 W amplifier and QuantumLogic Surround
Carbon twill high-gloss trim pieces
Alcantara roof lining
GranSport design
Sports seats
Sports steering wheel
SAFETY
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid will also be equipped with the company’s latest Active ADAS suite, featuring assistance systems such as Active Driving Assist, Pedestrian recognition and Surround View Camera.
PRICING
The new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid in Malaysia is priced starting from
RM427,800
 and
RM456,800
 for the GranSport design pack and inclusive of full specifications and options but before local duties and taxes.
The price includes a three-year standard warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a free maintenance program of three years/60,000 km whichever comes first (inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus of three years/60,000 km).
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Meet the new King of the Ring, the all-electric NIO EP9 hypercar – 1,360 hp!

It’s official. The future of automobile is silent and green. Late last year, NextEV (Chinese EV startup) unveiled the world’s fastest EV around Nürburgring Nordschleife –
the NIO EP9
. Today, the EP9 is also the title bearer of the fastest road-legal car around the Green Hell.
NextEV has just achieved a new record-breaking lap time of 6 minutes and 45.9 seconds, shaving off a staggering
19.22 seconds
 off its previous record of 7 minute and 5.12 seconds! This makes it the fastest road-legal vehicle to conquer the 20.8 km track. There’s even an on board recording as proof!
To recap, the EP9 is a two-seater full-electric hypercar with a carbon monocoque and aero-driven chassis. It is powered by four electric motors, one on each wheel, to generate 1 megawatt of power, equivalent to 1,360 hp. This allows the EP9 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 7.1 seconds. If you have a runway as long as the one in Fast & Furious, the EP9 will max out at 313 km/h.
At launch, only six units of EP9 have been produced for investors, but the company expressed plans to produce 10 additional units, all made to order for interested parties. Want one? NextEV is asking for a cool USD $1.48 million (RM6.4 million).
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Celebrating ZF Malaysia’s 15th anniversary – also introducing the OPENMATICS tracking system

In conjunction with its 15th
anniversary
,
ZF
 Sales and Service (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (ZFSSM), a subsidiary of leading automotive supplier,
ZF
 Group,  has renewed its commitment to enhance urban transport modernisation in Malaysia.
General Manager of Business Unit Services, Mr Siew Chee Kok said, “Urban
centres
face demand for commercial vehicles that are reliable, safe and most importantly, cost effective and productive. Sustainable urbanisation poses a challenge as automotive industry requires vehicles to have low operating costs given the high intensity of vehicle usage without compromising safety and speed. ZFSSM intends to be the enabler for the Malaysian transport network by lending our expertise to modernise urban transport backed by
ZF
 Group’s innovative products and technologies,” explained
ZFSSM has been played a huge role in the Malaysian automotive industry for the last 15 years; from supplying aftermarket SACHS shock absorbers to Proton and Perodua, to providing rail shock absorbers for Rapid KL.
In keeping up with its commitment to support sustainable urbanisation, ZFSSM has equipped 300 MRT single deck city feeder buses with
ZF
 EcoLife, a high performance 6-speed automatic transmission for buses. To date, there are more than 900 city buses in Malaysia equipped with
ZF
 EcoLife transmissions with various torque outputs ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 Nm to ensure utmost efficiency in buses that can weigh up to 32 tonnes in gross vehicle weight.

On the vehicle fleet management front, ZF also offers connectivity solutions with OPENMATICS, an innovative telematics solution that allows fleet management to be transparent, thus avoiding driving without loads, taking into account driving and rest periods in route planning and monitoring fuel consumption. It can be accessed via mobile applications like Google Play and Apple Store.
OPENMATICS Asset Tracking solution enables tracking and monitoring of valuable assets allowing for efficient and modern logistics as prevention of loss of goods. The core element of the technology are Bluetooth Smart TAGs that can be easily installed anywhere, be it on transport containers, pallets, swap bodies or cargo itself. They can be used for up to five years before being recycled by OPENMATICS.
Backed by over 100 years of German innovation, ZFSSM’s product range includes its strong aftermarket brands such as SACHS, LEMFÖRDER, TRW, BOGE, and its connectivity product, OPENMATICS.  The year 2017 marks the 15th
anniversary
 of
ZF
 Sales and Service (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen ID.7 debuts in camouflage, EV luxury sedan with 700km range

The sixth ‘ID’ all-electric car by
Volkswagen
 is here, and it is the Volkswagen ID.7. Still hidden in a brightly-coloured ‘digital camouflage’ for now, the ID.7 is premiering at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) happening in Las Vegas from 5 to 8 January.
Built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the ID.7 is the second MEB-platform global car after the
ID.4
. With the ID.7, Volkswagen is expanding its ‘ID.’ family into the “upper middle class of the high-volume segment”. The ID.7 has a wheelbase of 2.97 metres, making it the size of a
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 or a
BMW 5 Series
.
As for range, Volkswagen says that the ID.7 will have
700 km
 of all-electric range on the WLTP test cycle. No information on the battery and electric drive system has been revealed by the company, but an official image hints at a rear-wheel-drive (RWD system)
Tech innovations/highlights on the Volkswagen ID.7 include:
The new display concept
The augmented reality head-up display
A 15-inch screen
New air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system
Illuminated touch slider
RELATED:
Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance previewed for Malaysia at VW Fest 2022 – 520km range EV SUV
The steering wheel still seems to have the
capacitive controls
The floating screen on the centre of the dashboard is now much larger than what you would see on the Volkswagen ID.4. The official images also show the new digital instrument cluster which is no longer sitting on the steering column.
With the new air conditioning system, the ID.7 can detect when the driver is approaching based on their key and will already start to cool or heat the interior (based on the weather) before the driver gets into the vehicle. Newly designed “Smart Air Vents” control the flow of air and move dynamically to distribute the air over large areas as quickly as possible.
RELATED:
Make buttons great again – Volkswagen ditches capacitive steering controls for ‘real’ buttons
The ‘digital camouflage’ of the premiere unit of the Volkswagen ID.7 features a digital design with unique paintwork, which lights up the ID.7 interactively. 40 layers of paint have been applied, of which some are conductive while others have insulating properties.
A total of 22 areas of the vehicle can be controlled separately and are electrified below the top layer of paint (electroluminescence) so that they light up. If all this is connected to a sound system, the rhythm is visualized by illumination of individual areas.
RELATED:
Volkswagen Golf to live on in EV era – ‘ID. Golf’ name possible, GTI & R to live on too
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We need this Pothole Detection Technology on the Ford Focus

No one likes potholes. They make the journey uncomfortable, messes up the wheel alignment and sometimes even damages the suspension if its severe enough. Ford knows this very well and has come up with a solution to make going over potholes a little more bearable in the
all-new Ford Focus
.
Coined as the
Pothole Detection Technology
, the system detects when a wheel is falling into a pothole and adjusts the suspension to limit the wheel drop. By doing so, the wheel does not fall too far into the pothole and therefore not strike the road as harshly on exit. The rear suspension will react even quicker after being pre-empted by the front wheels.
This innovative pothole detection technology is a feature available with the optional Continuously Controlled Damping technology on new Focus that adjusts the suspension damping every two milliseconds according to the body, steering and braking inputs for the smoothest ride quality.
Ford Focus vehicle dynamics supervisor, Guy Mathot said: “Our engineers are always searching for the roughest roads to really test our suspension to the limit, but more and more we’re noticing that the rough roads are finding us. Potholes are a problem that isn’t going away anytime soon, but with our advanced suspension technology for all-new Focus, we’ve been able to reduce their impact.”
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Here’s how the next 4 Series might look like, courtesy of the BMW Concept 4

The IAA motor show 2019 is now well underway in Frankfurt. BMW took this opportunity to unveil the BMW Concept 4 — a future-focused interpretation of the BMW Group’s DNA that represents the coupe of tomorrow.
The Concept 4 will most likely become the new design guideline for the next 4 Series, and we are fortunate to have a closer look at what is coming next!
The front end of the Concept 4 is sharp and angular, with huge air intakes and aggressive use of lines. However, what takes the spotlight of the front facade is the new vertically-aligned kidney grille. According to Head of BMW Design, Domagoj Dukec, “The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars. The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range.”
The vertical kidney grilles dominates the entire front of the Concept 4, and is an homage to the legendary classics such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi, highlighting the illustrious history of BMW in making coupes.
Within the kidney grilles, the horizontal trim elements with a faceted cut gives the grille an enhanced depth effect. Looking closer at the kidney grille and air intakes also reveals that the intricate gratings are made up of an array of small “number 4s” joined together, an elaborate attention to detail.
Another thing you might notice on the front of the Concept 4 are the slim headlights — they have no glass cover! The LED light elements are arranged directly into the body to give the front end a greater sense of modernity and technical sophistication.
Looking at the Concept 4 from the side, the silhouette of the vehicle is instantly unmistakable as a BMW coupe. The extended front bonnet, long wheel base, flowing roof line and short overhangs oozes the BMW coupe DNA from every angle. The new exterior paint tone named “Forbidden Red” accentuates the use of lines to form contours on the body of the Concept 4.
 A lot of effort is put into the most minute details of the Concept 4, as we have just seen from the front grille details and three dimensional headlights. Another example of the attention to detail can be seen with the wing mirrors, which extends outwards directly from the weather strip, with split toning to ensure it blends well with the rest of the body. The designers even managed to hide a floating BMW logo within the wing mirror housing, which will only be seen if you are specifically looking on it!
The 21-inch alloy wheels on the Concept 4 are also a work of art and equally rich in details. The designers used differently finished surfaces to emphasise the contrast between the foreground and background.
The rear of the Concept 4 sits low to the ground, and the two large air outlets at the lower section further emphasizes the broad stance of the car. The iconic “L” shape of BMW rear lights makes a return on the Concept 4, with the LED rear lights consist of a single fibre-optic element, which lends the L shape a “heartbeat graphic” visual effect. Just like the front headlights, the BMW Concept 4 also does away the glass cover for the lighting elements.
The BMW Concept 4 manages to look modern and fashionable, yet retaining many of the existing characteristic BMW elements into the design. We think the Concept 4 looks incredible especially with the “Forbidden Red” paint work, and can’t wait for these design cues to make way to production ready cars!


This full-scale LEGO Toyota Supra can be driven up to 28 km/h!

As part of a new partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, Legoland Japan Resort in Nagoya has commissioned the build of a full-sized replica of the Toyota GR Supra. What is impressive about the replica is that it accommodates two persons and can be driven!
However, the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica will only be a static display and for photography as part of a new campaign by Toyota Gazoo Racing. The new attraction is also in conjunction with the
35th anniversary
 of the Toyota Supra being launched in Japan.

From the
video
 shared by LEGO, the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica is constructed over a specially designed and scaled steel frame to hold the bricks. Thanks to computer-aided design, a total of
477,303

bricks
 were needed to construct the scale model, including a fully replicated interior with two seats and the shift lever.
Assembled in a day?! Watch GC guides us through his build of the LEGO Technic Ferrari 488 GTE consisting of over 1,600 pieces
.
A team of 21 were tasked with the project that took 5,400 hours to design and construct the full-size replica. The actual
construction took 2,400 hours
 according to the team at LEGO.
The best part of the replica is that it can be driven. An electric motor and a small battery can move the replica up to speeds of 28 km/h. With so many bricks plus the structural frame beneath, it comes to no surprise that the LEGO Toyota GR Supra replica weighs more than the actual car, tipping the scales at 1,885 kg, over 300 kg more! On the exterior, only the 19-inch forged alloy rims and Michelin tyres are items from the real
Toyota GR Supra
.
Children who participate in the Legoland Japan Driving School will also receive a very cool Toyota Gazoo Racing “Special Driving License” and a commemorative block under this two-month campaign.
Here is a quick recap on the performance of the Toyota GR Supra- 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine developing
388 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and drive the rear wheels. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes just
4.1 seconds
.
The Toyota Supra’s BMW-sourced engine is said to develop more power than published. Find out how much power did the Supra register at the dyno shop!
For those who would like to assemble their own LEGO Toyota GR Supra, the LEGO Speed Champions Toyota GR Supra is priced at
RM89.90
 and can be bought through
Lazada
,
Shopee
 and at all LEGO certified stores!
As for the actual Toyota GR Supra, UMW Toyota Motor currently offers the sportscar from
RM589,987
 inclusive of a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Watch our review of the Toyota GR Supra
here
.
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“Driver-focused” Bentley Flying Spur S looks sinister, but gets no extra power

Just a week after they revealed the
Continental GT and GTC S
, Bentley is now completing the S family of models by bringing the same “dramatic visual presence and heightened aural drama” to the
Flying Spur
, with a new driver-focused S model for the four-door sedan.
Much like the Continental GT, the S treatment on the Bentley Flying Spur is largely just a styling exercise. It’s characterised by the “black brightware” (i.e. chrome delete) all around, with only the Bentley badge and lettering on the bootlid as the only shiny items remaining on the exterior.
The headlights and taillights are also tinted for a sportier look, and – perhaps more importantly – the Bentley Flying Spur S is also distinguished by two unique alloy wheel options in either 21- or 22-inches, with the red brake callipers peeking out from beneath.
RELATED: Bentley expands Continental GT and GTC range with new ‘S’ model
Inside, there’s a new two-tone combination upholstery, with leather used on the seat bolsters, door pads, and dashboard, while the suede-like Dinamica microfibre covers the steering wheel, gear lever, and seat cushions.
The seats are fluted as standard, but quilting is also available as an option if you’re looking for a little more sophistication in your ride, while the S badge (or alternatively the Bentley wings) are embroidered on the headrests. Other unique interior details include new graphics on the instrument cluster borrowed from the
Continental GT Speed
, a metal S badge on the dashboard, and illuminated ‘S’ door sill plates.
Despite being dubbed as the driver-focused model, the Bentley Flying Spur S unfortunately gets no increase in power. It is, however, offered in two powertrain options – a V8 option and a 2.9-litre V6 hybrid, making it the first time in the company’s history that an S model is applied to a hybrid product.
The former gets a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine underneath its bonnet, with
550 hp
and
770 Nm
on tap allowing for a century sprint time of
 four seconds
 and a top speed of
 319 km/h
 (198 mph). The hybrid meanwhile combines a 2.9-litre V6 with an electric motor for a total of
544 hp
and
750 Nm
 of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
4.1 seconds
, while also giving it a 41 km EV range.
Although power output is not increased, the sportier Flying Spur does at least get enhanced handling chops, thanks to the Dynamic Ride 48V system and electronic all-wheel steering that comes as standard with the S badge. The former uses an electrical system to apply up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds to keep the body flat and stable under spirited cornering.
Additionally, the V8 models also get a redesigned sports exhaust for added “aural pleasure”, but unfortunately those who go with the Hybrid S will need to settle for “sound enhancements” (read: fake noise through the speakers) that’s only available in Sport mode.
The Bentley Flying Spur S, together with the rest of the S family, will make an appearance at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed that’s happening from 23 to 26 June, with the Flying Spur, GT, and GTC models taking part in the famous hill climb run as part of the First Glance class.
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Sime Darby Motors launches new one-year subscription programme for group employees

Sime Darby Motors (SDM) today launched its Employee Mobility at Ease Programme (EMAEP), a new subscription programme designed specifically for all employees of Sime Darby Berhad and its subsidiaries in Peninsular Malaysia.
The programme is billed as an “innovative mobility solution”, promising greater accessibility and flexibility to owning selected SDM franchise cars and used cars, with minimal or zero down payment.
Just like a normal subscription service, the programme offers Sime Darby employees the convenience of owning a car, without the usual hassle of traditional car ownership such as depreciation costs. The fixed monthly fee not only covers the car, but also insurance, road tax, scheduled maintenance, as well as general wear and tear.
What the programme stands out apart from the other consumer-facing subscription services, though, is that the lock-in period (or subscription term) is only a brief one year. Upon completing the tenure, the employees can then choose to either upgrade or switch to different models based on their needs.
Is a vehicle subscription plan a good choice for fresh graduates? Check out our overview here!
The recently-launched Sime Darby Auto City, spanning 8.6 acres with six flagship 3S centres. Check it out here!
The cars from the EMAEP programme will then head to Sime Darby’s used car arm,
Sime Darby Auto Selection
‘s (SDAS) inventory, ensuring a constant supply of used cars to be sold off to the general public.
Commenting on the launch of EMAEP, SDM Malaysia’s Retail and Distribution Managing Director Jeffrey Gan said, “The modern marketplace is asking for mobility solutions, not just transportation and EMAEP is the logical response to society’s changing mobility needs. EMAEP guarantees mobility and the joy of experiencing a new car every year, with peace of mind.
“SDM is constantly looking at ways in which we can leverage on our expertise and customer know-how to elevate our value proposition. This programme addresses customer’s wants for convenience and choice but also complements our existing initiatives by SDAS to provide consistent and quality used car supply,” he added.
SDAS recently launched its
new online used car shopping platform
, allowing customers to search from a wide range of high quality used cars, from used to nearly new vehicles. The cars on the platform are also not just limited to SDM’s stable of franchise brands.
Additionally, SDAS also offers after sales service for cars sold through their platform, thanks to the new
multi-brand service centre
 in Glenmarie, Selangor. There’s also a
new Extended Warranty programme
 available for pre-owned cars on its platform, offering extra piece of mind for customers.
For more information, visit Sime Darby Auto Selection’s website, linked
here
.


Mitsubishi’s “new Evolution” may not run on petrol anymore

No no no no no…this is unlikely a replacement for the last Lancer Evolution X that was last rolled out a few years ago – this does not in any way indicate the return of the Lancer Evolutions we all loved growing up. This follows after recent announcements that
Mitsubishi has joined the Alliance of Nissan and Renault
.
Mitsubishi Motors will instead be projecting the brand’s future direction with an exciting premier of the Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT at upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. It will be the first model to bear the Evolution name since it was discontinued with the Evo X.
Details have been scarce at the moment, but it will adopt Mitsubishi’s signature
4WD
 electric drivetrain with “
advanced Artificial Intelligence technology
“. Sporty credentials should be expected as Mitsubishi described it to be of a
low-slung, highly-aerodynamic SUV Coupé shape
.
More details will follow as Mitsubishi announces what will be its new flagship concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October.


There is only 1 of 1 Bentley Bentayga V8 Design Series you can buy in Malaysia

Bentley Kuala Lumpur has announced the arrival of the new
Bentayga V8 Design Series
 in Malaysia – a special edition model that combines
Mulliner exterior and interior styling
. There is only one unit of the Design Series available in our market; at a cool RM1,045,000 before taxes and duties.
Key features of the Bentayga includes the seven-spoke Paragon wheels from the Mulliner collection in Palladium. The wheels are also fitted with self-levelling badges also from the Mulliner collection – like the ones you’d find in a Rolls-Royce.
The Designer Series V8 Bentayga is also dressed with Blackline trims as standard. As such, the Bentayga is differentiated with a body-coloured front bumper apron, twin gloss black tail pipes and Design Series badging on the lower section of the front doors.
Inside, the Bentayga Design Series is specified with a Duotone interior theme that’s a blend of orange accents on a white Beluga hide. The highly distinctive orange accents that contrast against other colours in the cabin is a first on a Bentayga, introduced through the Design Series.
The Design Series also features all-new carbon fibre weaves on the dashboard and door panels. The weave is presented in a diamond-quilted pattern with a high gloss finish.
The Design Series Bentayga also comes with the Front Seat Comfort package that bundles heated and ventilated seats with massaging functions, electrical height adjustments and cushioned headrests and at the front is a diamond-jewelled Breitling clock, the centre-piece of the cabin.
Unlike the
W12 model we reviewed
, the 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol-powered V8 in the Design Series makes 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque with 0 to 100 km/h done in just 4.4 seconds.

GALLERY


It looks like Porsche is “engineering” a super-stretched Taycan

That is quite a lot of legroom! Photographed in this clean workshop, Porsche seems to have cut a Taycan into half and trying to make a super-stretched limousine for a special customer.
Not quite. In fact, this is just another day’s work at Porsche’s interior engineering department. The team led by Klaus Bernhard is busy projecting the future needs of customers onto a car that doesn’t yet exist.
Bernhard and his team are experts in ergonomics and use the
Package Functioning Model (PFM)
 to recreate as closely as possible to the ideal finished product. PFM’s internal ‘seating box’ allows Bernhard to enact all the daily interactions the users might experience.
“Getting into the car, how you feel inside, getting out again – we evaluate everything. These are the things you have to actually experience because just a few millimetres can make a difference between feeling comfortable or not,” Bernhard elaborates.
The PFM in this particular setting is modelled for the upcoming
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
. The main aim of the Taycan Cross Turismo is the increase in space, flexibility and versatility. This is the second Porsche sedan model to have a sporty fastback profile (some will debate that it’s an estate/station wagon), the first being the
Panamera Sport Turismo
.
L-R: The Panamera Sport Turismo, the upcoming Taycan Cross Turismo and the Taycan 4S.
Head of the Taycan model line, Stefan Weckbach said the company developed a completely new roofline, added roof rails, more generous passenger space and a bigger trunk for this model.
“We have also increased the ground clearance and optimised our suspension system so the Cross Turismo comes with a cross utility vehicle specific driving mode. This make sure it does well on gravel roads in terms of stability, performance and dynamics,” added Weckbach.
Meanwhile, Bernhard and his team have worked closely with the engineers and designers to optimise the best boot space for both usability as well as volume. Capacity is essential, but so too is the size and shape of the objects likely to be consuming it.

The fully-electric
Porsche Taycan
, with prices in Malaysia starting
from RM 585k
, has had an amazing first year of
sales
, and the addition of a more usable Cross Turismo will only further solidify Porsche’s lead in the premium electric vehicle segment.


All-new Ford GT gets 10-inch high-res instrument cluster! [+Video]

There are many reasons to get excited with the
Ford GT
. Not only is the GT downright beautiful to the eyes, but now, it has a special meter cluster that actually takes all that up a notch. The Ford GT is the first Ford to receive an all-new 10-inch high-resolution digital gauge.
The digital gauges were inspired by real race cars, each displaying crisp, high-res graphics. The tachometer bar is now located at the top and runs from left to right. The speed and gear displays are most prominent, and as the image suggests, the Ford GT could even go up to
346 km/h
!
A total of five modes are offered –
Normal, Wet, Sport, Track
 and
 V-Max
. Each individual mode will display relevant information that the system deems most essential to the driver. In both Sport and Track mode, the gear selection screen will take centre stage, moving the speedometer to the side. As for the V-Max mode, the speedometer is the prioritised info.
The good news is, this digital cluster will be fitted onto other Ford vehicles in the future. Now can you imagine that!
IMAGE GALLERY

 V-Max mode

 Wet mode

 Track mode

 Normal mode


Ken Block joins Audi to work on new EVs

EVs can be pretty dang fun, as we’ve
experienced with the Porsche Taycan
 – but that’s not exactly what most people think of when you say “electric”. So in an effort to “rebrand” EVs, Audi has now enlisted the help of a certain
Ken Block
to help convince the non-believers.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll most definitely know who Ken Block is. But just in case, here’s a quick recap: Ken Block is a 53-year-old drifting extraordinaire most known for his over-the-top
Gymkhana videos
 on YouTube.
He’s a rally driver by trade, and has competed in the World Rally Championships and World Rallycross Championships (and the electric Projekt E counterpart) with his team, Hoonigan Racing Division. Got it? Great.
Ken Block is apparently stepping away from Gymkhana videos, and has passed the torch to Travis Pastrana. Read more here.
Ken Block, Audi V8 quattro (DTM)
Ken Block says that the partnership with Audi closes a circle for him, as watching the Audi Quattro’s dominate in the WRC was what inspired him to become a rally driver himself.
“Audi is the brand that ignited my passion for motorsport. I am extremely excited to start this new chapter,” said Block. “Together, we will develop innovative projects and push the boundaries of electric mobility.”
Ken Block, Audi Sport quattro S1
Exactly what the partnership entails hasn’t been made clear yet, but Audi says that the 53-year-old drifting extraordinaire will work with the brand on “exclusive joint projects in the field of electric mobility” – whatever that means.
What we think truly convinced Block, though, was the chance to finally drive some of the brand’s most historic race and rally cars, including the Audi Sport Quattro S1, Audi V8 Quattro, and the e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo, which he already did on his very first visit to Audi HQ.
We’re kidding, but still – let’s hope that the video footage for the drives will see the light of day soon, preferably in the Gymkhana style.
Ken Block is selling his “dream car” collection, including two Gymkhana Ford Fiestas. Check them out here.
Ken Block, Audi RS e-tron GT
Ken Block was also given the keys to the
Audi RS e-tron GT
 during his visit, the most powerful fully-electric car currently in the brand’s model line-up – and of course, he only had good things to say.
“The Audi RS e-Tron GT really surprised me. The design is exquisite with great attention to detail and a perfect finish. The driving experience is amazing: the car is incredibly fast and handles very well. The centre of gravity is very low so you can change direction quickly.”
Ken Block, Audi RS Q e-tron
“Electric mobility is the future,” says Block. “I see the electric car as a leap forward for us as a society in order to create something that can not only reduce emissions and hopefully make the planet a better place, but not only that: it’s also about performance.
“I love anything that makes me go faster. Electric cars can do that. And as far as sound goes, I have kids who don’t care about that. They think that the sound of electric cars is just as cool as the sound of internal combustion engines.”
Ken Block, Henrik Wenders, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi RS e-tron GT
“Ken Block shares our love of performance,” says Head of Audi Brand Henrik Wenders. “He has the ability to inspire people. With his progressive thinking, he will accompany us on our way into an electrifying future. Welcome to the team!”
Back in January, Block announced the end of his 11-year-long partnership with Ford Performance, who supplied many of the fuel-guzzling, tyre-slaying drift monsters featured in his Gymkhana videos. Perhaps his stint with the electric rally cars in the RX Projekt E series and the 2020 Dakar Rally has finally convinced him to dive into EVs.
Hopefully, that means we’ll still be seeing more tyre smoke madness in his Gymkhana videos, just without the engine noise – ironically similar to what Ford has done with the
Mach-E 1400
.


The new Kia Seltos is a night club on four wheels with Sound Mood Lighting

Previously we talked about the
exterior lighting of the all-new Kia Seltos
, and why it was so unique. This time we take a look at the unique lighting system inside the cabin and other features the Kia Seltos will come with.
The range-topping GT Line will be fitted with a
Sound Mood Lighting System
, a first in the Kia SUV segment. This system emits a soft light from unique 3D-patterned surface panels located on the door cards.
The uniqueness of the Sound Mood Lighting system is that it emits
pulses according to the beat of the music played in the cabin
, and it comes with eight customisable colours and six themes to illuminate the cabin.
Aside from the above, the Kia Seltos GT Line will come equipped with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, and for additional comfort, both driver and passenger will get ventilated front seats.
To further enhance the driving experience, the Kia Seltos GT Line will feature a
Heads Up Display (HUD)
 and 7.0-inch colour Supervision display multi-info display in the instrument cluster that will be able to display a variety of information such as the vehicle’s speed, radio stations/playlist and cruise control information.
Sitting proudly on the centre console is the 8.0-inch infotainment with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
 connectivity. Below the Automatic Climate Control, the Kia Seltos GT Line gets a wireless charging pad.
On the exterior, the GT Line will sport LED headlights, LED fog lights, a glossy black grille, front parking sensors, LED rear combination lights, and sportier 17-inch dual-tone alloy rims.
The EX variant, on the other hand, shares quite a bit with GT Line such as LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy rims, 8.0-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a six speaker audio system, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, cruise control, self-dimming rear-view mirror, rear air-con vents, stability control and six airbags.
Both variants of the Kia Seltos will be powered by a 1.6-Litre Gamma naturally-aspirated MPI four-cylinder engine, offering
123 hp
 and
151 Nm
. The petrol mill will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.
The Kia Seltos is
now available for booking
 at selected Kia showrooms nationwide; the full list of participating showrooms can be found
here
. Following the Sales Tax Exemption announcement, for the latest price list of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


Audi A3 and S3 sedans earn 5-stars in US NCAP crash test

Just last week we saw Audi roll out the most brutal variant of the A3 range – the
RS3 Sportback
. While the five-cylinder beast shreds its tyres alongside the fearsome A45 AMG, its lesser siblings, the
A3 and S3 sedans
 have done themselves some good at the US NCAP crash test, effectively making them among the safest vehicles in its class.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sedan
Audi A3 1.8 TFSI Sedan
Audi S3 TFSI Sedan
Segment
Luxury C-Segment
Engine
1,395cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl
1,798cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl
1,984cc; turbocharged inline 4-cyl
Transmission
7-speed dual clutch (dry) automatic
6-speed dual clutch (wet) automatic
6-speed dual clutch (wet) automatic
Max Power; Max Torque
122 hp @ 5,000 rpm; 200 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
180 hp @ 5,100 rpm; 280 Nm @ 1,350 rpm
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 380 Nm @ 1,800 rpm
Price
RM179,900
 (OTR without insurance)
RM240,888
 (OTR without insurance)
N/A

Like all other crash tests, cars undergoing the US NCAP crash test will be fitted with crash test dummies to measure bodily impacts in the event of a crash. The A3 and S3 sedans both repeatedly went through rigorous frontal, side and rollover tests.
The five star rating is strictly limited to cars that provide the greatest amount of crash protection and rollover safety beyond the required US federal law.
On a side note, the
A3 Sportback e-tron
, Audi’s first e-tron (plug-in hybrid vehicle) model also earned a five-star crash safety rating but from Euro NCAP.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


‘All new’ Chery Tiggo 8 Pro revealed – to launch in Malaysia June 2023, PHEV variant by year-end

The
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
 is set to launch in Malaysia
sometime around June this year
, but it won’t actually be the same car that was shown off in the
preview last year
. Instead, we’ll be getting an ‘all-new’ version, dubbed the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which has just made its official debut in China last week.
Chery
says that it’s an all-new generation model, although having seen it in person in Wuhu, China, we’re more inclined to call it a major facelift update – think the
 facelift for the third-generation Toyota Vios
. Anyway, we digress.
On the outside, the new 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro now wears a “galaxy”-inspired front grille, with new prism-shaped inserts on the mesh, drawing your attention to the new illuminated Chery emblem.
Round the back, the Tiggo 8 Pro is also now fitted with a new full-width tail light, alongside a fancy-looking third brake light that’s integrated into the roof-mounted spoiler. The wheels are also now 19-inch items, an inch bigger than the previous unit seen during the local preview. However, that can still change depending on the final equipment list for the Malaysia-specification car.
While the styling updates does make the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro look quite a bit better (in our opinion), the main highlight on this 2023 model is actually on the inside. The updated seven-seater SUV now gets a completely reworked dashboard, featuring a more horizontal layout and a neater dual-screen set-up atop.
The bottom level of the multi-tiered dashboard design houses the new touch-sensitive climate control buttons, eschewing the weirdly old-school sci-fi secondary screen from the outgoing model for a much more modern design. Look closer, and you’ll start to find some Mercedes-inspired details, including the push-start button, door card designs, and Burmester-style speaker grilles.
RELATED:
Chery Malaysia to begin CKD production in June, Tiggo 8 Pro launch expected in July
To be fair, these small details do really help give the new 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro a much more premium look and feel – even the switches on the new flat-bottomed steering wheel also come with detailed knurling. And it’s not just looks, either – on the range topping variants, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro even comes with a high-end Sony sound system.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max will be offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four powertrains over in China, but for Malaysia, we’ll only be getting the bigger 2.0-litre mill. Outputs are unchanged from before, at
250 hp
 and
390 Nm
. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Chery Malaysia has also confirmed the arrival of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant for the Tiggo 8 Pro, which will be making its official debut in the country late-2023. The PHEV’s powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, as well as what the marque calls a 3DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) gearbox, for a combined output of
 241 hp
 and
 510 Nm
.
Pricing for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia is not confirmed yet, but rumours are suggesting a figure of around the RM160,000 mark. Either way, you can expect it to be priced similarly to the
Honda CR-V
, which the company is naming it as its chief competitor, despite it being only a five-seater SUV compared to the Tiggo 8 Pro’s seven seats.
ALSO READ:
Chery to produce 30,000 cars annually in Malaysia CKD plant
GALLERY


The five vehicles that defined Malaysia

The local automotive landscape is like a hearty plate of Nasi Lemak – made up of diverse ingredients that culminate into something that is unmistakably Malaysian.
On the eve of our long-awaited Malaysia Day holiday, we have compiled a list of vehicles that define us. While they may not be of local origins or manufacture, they’ve been every bit as Malaysian as the Nasi Lemak.
 1. Land Rovers of Cameron Highlands
Image Source: http://youmustroam.com/malaysia/cameron-highlands-heaven-and-hell/
There is a large concentration of
Series 1 and 2 Land Rovers
 at Cameron Highlands. Beaten up by rust, dirt and the elements, these 7,000 Land Rovers have soldiered on to serve the local agricultural industry despite being way past their prime.
According to this amazing piece from
Road and Track
, owners pay only 10 percent of road tax, with the caveat that these Land Rovers never leave the Cameron Highlands. Safe to say they are fated to deliver fresh produce and supplies until their demise, if that day ever comes. Calling these trusty workhorses resilient would be an understatement.
Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/antoinecst/land-rover-series/
As Land Rover does not have an official workshop at Cameron Highlands, it’s the owner’s ingenuity that keeps those Landies working. Salvaging engines and parts from Japanese makes are common, and sometimes, a hammer is all it takes to fix them.
Image source: http://two-scenic-cyclists.com
Simply put, there could be no better testament to the hardiness of Land Rovers than those found in Cameron Highland.
2. Nissan Sentra Genting Taxis
Image Source: Nissan
The roads that lead to the country’s sole (hillside) casino is known to put a smile on keen drivers. However, if there was a group of drivers who can zip up and down the winding roads up the hilly resort, with finesse that would shame the boy racers, it would be the Genting taxi drivers in their
Nissan Sentra B13.
These Sentras of the early 90’s were family sedans with no sporting credentials – its
 1.6-litre
 engine produced a modest
 110 hp
. The combination of their lightweight construction and the driver’s experience through the winding section have made them some of the slickest vehicles up the hill. Some have gone as far as to say that the downhill rides in those taxis have been no less exhilarating than a game of Baccarat.
Sadly, these taxis are no longer around. So the urban legend about a Sentra taxi outgunning cars worth 10 times its value will never be verified…
3.
Mercedes 911 Lorry
In the 80s, a robust German workhorse helped build the country. Known as “
Kurzhauber
” (short-bonnet), this truck can be seen in rural areas hauling timber, oil palm and construction materials.

The truck’s cab is sheltered only with a wooden roof as some even had their doors removed. These things are so basic that some put in makeshift chairs to make it more comfortable with a simple dash mounted fan being the only luxury. Whatever you make of it, drivers swore by it because it just slogs faithfully without a complain, and it has helped put food on their tables, with credit to the 3 pointed star.
4. Bas Mini Wilayah
Image Source: http://www.seniorsaloud.com/2015/11/
The Thais have tuk-tuks and the Filipinos have the Jeepneys; KL-ites relied on a certain
pink mini bus
 to get around back in the day. These compact buses were pretty basic – air conditioning was unheard of, and the recommended capacity of 25 was merely a suggestion.
Manned by a two-person driver and conductor crew, the latter used to squeeze in as many passengers as possible, while the former made sure that you’d reach your destination in record time. The spectacle of these buses zipping through traffic was enough reason for tourists to visit KL!
Image Source: Ruby.my
While monorails and modern city buses have proven to be safer, quicker and more reliable, these mini buses provided an economical means of transportation and fond memories for city folks of yesteryear.
5. Roti Bike
Image Source: https://smpeters5.wordpress.com/tag/kuala-lumpur/
A motorcycle laden with
bread and snacks
 with a rhythmic honking manner was a common sight in kampungs, residential areas, and flats. Generations of Malaysians have relied on this
roti bike
 for literally their bread and butter.If you think balancing that huge load on a “kapcai” is hard work, don’t forget they have to brave the erratic Malaysian weather to bring food to you.
Like most traditional industries, the roti bike is gradually ceasing because of stiff competition from hypermarkets and convenience stores. The emergence of avocado toast is not helping these humble sellers either.
Image Source: https://hiveminer.com/Tags/malaysia%2Crotiman
But to the few who are still plying the trade, they are fuelled by the children’s joyous smiles.
So, there you go, 5 vehicles that are no-less Malaysian than Malaysian manufactured vehicles. Meanwhile, do share with us which vehicles we might have missed out on.
Happy birthday, Malaysia.


BMW M4 Coupé is the Official Safety Car for the Malaysian MotoGP

BMW Group Malaysia has just announced that the
BMW M4 Coupé
 will be the
 Official Safety Car
 for the upcoming
Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
 that will take place next week, from
24 to 26 October
 at the
 Sepang International Circuit
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW M4
Coupé

Segment
C-Segment, 2-Door Coupé
Engine
2,979cc, inline 6, M TwinPower Turbo
Max Power
431hp @ 5,500-7,300 rpm
Max Torque
550Nm @ 1,850–5,500 rpm
Price
 RM 748,800

The BMW M4 Coupé was
quietly introduced
 to a few potential customers at the Sepang Circuit, together with its four-door compatriot, the M3 Sedan. Both models get the same
3.0-litre inline-six
 cylinder engine featuring BMW’s
M TwinPower Turbo
 technology that makes
431 horsepower
 and
550 Nm of torque
. As for the Safety Car M4,
no changes
 have been made under the hood, so the numbers are equal to that of the production model M4.

For those who are keen to see the Safety Car
 in the flesh
, you can head on over to
Glenmarie’s Auto Bavaria
 on
23 October
 (Thursday) at
2pm
to catch the special showcase of the said M4 Coupé.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia
 will also be present over the MotoGP weekend at SIC, with their latest offering –
special lower seating kit
 variants of the
BMW F800GS
,
R1200GS
 and
R1200GS Adventure
 motorcycles.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan Leaf e+ has more power and 384 km range, but we won’t be getting it

Nissan has officially launched the long-range version of their best-selling electric vehicle. The
Nissan Leaf e+
 boasts increased driving range courtesy of a larger battery pack as well as increased output from the electric motor.
Juicing the Leaf e+ is a newly developed 62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers 55% more capacity and 25% improved energy density while retaining the similar dimensions to the 40-kWh battery pack on the standard Leaf. This significantly boosts the Leaf e+ driving range to
384 km
 from 285 km based on the WLTP combined cycle.
Max output is also bumped from 147 hp and 320 Nm to
217 hp
 and
340 Nm
 from the revised electric motor. Century sprint is now dispatched in
6.9 seconds
 with a higher top speed of
158 km/h
. However, Nissan says the benefit of the increased output is in the acceleration where going from 80 km/h to 120 km/h is now 13% faster compared to the regular Leaf.
Other than the 5 mm increased overall height, the packaging and features of the Leaf remains unchanged. Items you’ll find include 17-inch alloys, 8.0-inch touchscreen NissanConnect infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote Climate Control, dual-tone exterior paintwork and Nissan’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving technology.
Prices for the
long-range Nissan Leaf e+ starts from £35,895 (RM190k) before UK Government incentives.
When converted into Malaysian Ringgit with duties and all the relevant taxes applied,
we may be looking at a price point of over RM250k, which is overly optimistic for
a hatchback.
Hence, we can be certain that the variant Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will be
launching for the Malaysian market
 will be the standard 40-kWh Nissan Leaf with 285 km of range (WLTP combined cycle).
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan Leaf e+ in Scarlet Ember Tintcoat


BMW Malaysia starts charging subscription fees for things your car already has

It’s only been a couple of days since BMW South Korea caused a big hoohah on the internet, for introducing subscription fees for the heated seats in their cars. But
BMW Malaysia
 has also now followed suit by introducing several new subscriptions on its ConnectedDrive Store, for things that are already built into the car you bought.
This isn’t the first time that BMW Malaysia has attempted the subscription model. Back when Apple CarPlay was introduced on BMW models here in Malaysia in 2019, the company also
introduced a monthly subscription fee
 for the feature, before (partly) walking back on it following the
brand’s global directives caused by customer outrage
.
Click to enlarge – a snapshot of the BMW ConnectedDrive Store as of 14/7/2022.
The “Apple CarPlay Preparation” is still listed on the ConnectedDrive Store with a one-time fee of RM1,299, that’s meant for older cars that did not already have the feature enabled from the factory. But today’s news is not that, because BMW Malaysia has added even more items onto the store, including ones for actual driving-related items such as the Adaptive M suspension at RM1,880 – something that you’ve probably already paid for, when they installed the part into your car in the factory.
Owners of BMW electric vehicles like the
 iX
and
 iX3
will also need to pay RM640 for the
Hans Zimmer-made IconicSounds Sport
package, and a USB Map Update for the on-board navigation system will set you back RM269 per year.
Those aren’t even the most egregious ones in the list, too, because they’re still a one-time fee after all. How about the Driving Assistant Plus ADAS system, which came as standard on most recent BMW models in Malaysia, now costing RM170 a month to use (RM1,690 annually, RM2,640 for a three-year subscription, or a RM3,750 one-time fee)?
Other new subscription items that are now listed on the ConnectedDrive Store also include:
High beam assistant – RM40 monthly, RM370 per year, RM550 per three years, or RM800 for unlimited access
Front seat heating – RM80 monthly, RM780 per year, RM1,230 per three years, or RM1,750 for unlimited access
Steering wheel heating – RM50 per month, RM410 per year, RM690 per three years, or RM950 for unlimited access
BMW Drive Recorder – RM55 per month, RM235 per year, RM549 per three years, or RM1,239 for unlimited access
Granted, all of these subscription items do offer a one-month free trial, and items such as the heated seats and steering wheel would probably never be used in our climate anyway. But charging extra on a monthly basis for items that are already technically paid for, in a car that you own, still does leave a sour taste in our mouths.
BMW’s justification for these subscription services is that customers can save money by paying for items only when they need it. But what do you think about them? Let us know in the comments below.


Video: McLaren 600LT Coupe, Things You Need To Know

In case you’re wondering, the
600LT
 is essentially a more extreme version of the
McLaren 570S
. The LT on the other hand, stands for “Longtail” which was formerly a designation for the McLaren F1 GTR race car and has since been applied onto the likes of the
675LT
.
The McLaren 600LT is home to a reworked 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an output of
 600 hp
 and
620 Nm
 of torque. Power is delivered through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to the rear wheels, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just
 2.9 seconds
 – 0.1 seconds slower than the
Ferrari 812 Superfast
 – and before you know it, 200 km/h will arrive just under five seconds later.
The McLaren 600LT Coupe goes for
 RM998,000
 before you start weighing in the taxes and options, which will be plenty as you’ll see in this video.
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McLaren 600LT in Malaysia


Volvo will deploy in-car cameras to detect intoxicated drivers

Volvo once announced that by 2020, no one should be killed or seriously injured in their cars. In achieving that, they’ve announced a new addition to their SPA2 vehicle platforms due in the early 2020s – in-car cameras.
Intoxication and distraction
 has been singled out as the two primary areas of concern for traffic safety. Figures by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have shown that in the U.S.,
almost 30% of all road fatalities in vehicles in 2017 involved intoxicated drivers
.

Details on the exact amount of cameras and their positions in the cabin have yet to be announced but Volvo says these sensors and in-cameras will monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if the driver is detected to be intoxicated or distracted and did not respond to warning signals.
When the sensors detect a complete lack of steering input for extended periods of time, drivers having their eyes closed, weaving across lanes or reacting too slowly, the system will intervene.
These interventions could involve limiting the car’s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call assistance service and actively slowing down and safely parking the car – remotely.
This follows after the brand’s announcement recently that they’d be
limiting the top speed on all its cars to 180 km/h from 2021
. Although the company did say that it will look into
whether car makers have the right or even obligation to install such systems
 in cars.
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The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team “served donuts” on a helipad…again!

It’s been nearly five years since David Coulthard, Red Bull ambassador and 13-time Grand Prix winner, performed donuts on the Burj Al Arab helipad in Dubai and they’re at it again.
This time on a 700-foot high, 1000 Museum building in Miami, in efforts to promote the Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas this weekend.
The race car used was the double title-winning Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB7, driven by Sebastian Vettel en route to winning the 2011 Driver’s title. Alongside Mark Webber, the duo even went on to clinch the Constructor’s title in the same year.
Getting the car up to the helipad was as challenging as the task of “serving donuts” itself; it had to be carefully craned up to the 63rd floor of the building in downtown Miami – with help of a 100-strong crew.
This, however, is not the first time the Red Bull team had successfully pulled off such a daring stunt. After clinching their “quadruple double”, winning the Driver’s and Constructor’s title for the fourth consecutive year (2010-2014), the team celebrated their remarkable feat by becoming the first to do donuts on the Burj Al Arab helipad.
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Nissan Almera Turbo in Malaysia now comes with free Tomei aero kit and tint, worth RM8k!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor
 has just unveiled a new set of accessories from Tomei for the
Nissan Almera Turbo
, which – for a limited time – will now come as a complementary free gift on all new purchases of the B-segment sedan here in Malaysia.
The Tomei kit is priced at RM8,000, although they will come with different items depending on which variant you choose. Starting with the base VL and VLP variants, the package includes an aerokit consisting of two-tone bumper extensions and boot lid spoiler, ICE Cool window tint film, and sports pedals for the driver – the latter also comes with a foot rest.
Moving up to the range-topping VLT variant will net you the additional door handle protectors, Almera-branded door sill plates, as well as door visors, in addition to what’s already available on the standard base kit. The Nissan Almera Turbo VLT already comes as standard with a boot lid spoiler, but if you still want to spruce it up even more, you can also opt for a Tomei GT wing for an extra RM1,400 (also available on the VL and VLP).
All of these Tomei accessories and body kit will come with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty. Existing Nissan Almera Turbo owners can also have these accessories fitted on, at the aforementioned RM8,000 price tag.
ALSO WATCH:
How far can we travel in the Nissan Almera Turbo with just RM50 of fuel?
The Nissan Almera Turbo is not exactly new any more, with it being launched here in Malaysia back in 2020, so a new shiny body kit could help the B-segment sedan feel just a bit fresher.
Three variants are available on offer, although all of them are powered by the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, making
100 hp
 and
152 Nm
. Autonomous emergency braking is also standard across all variants, although the fancier features such as blind-spot monitor and 360-degree surround view monitor are only available on the higher-end variants.
Pricing for the Nissan Almera Turbo starts from RM83,888 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the entry-level VL variant, moving up to
RM89,888
 and
 RM95,888
 for the VLP and VLT variants respectively.
RELATED:
All-new Nissan Almera finally reaches the Philippines – factory-fitted N-Sport body kit!


“Hi Proton”, Tun Mahathir tries out Voice Command on the Proton SUV

Last week,
Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad personally sampled the soon-to-be-launched Proton SUV
 in the close to production right-hand drive (RHD) guise. The premier was
impressed by the SUV’s
 quality and finds it to be a perfect car for the Malaysian market.
Shortly after that, a video clip of Tun Mahathir sampling the Voice Command system of the SUV surfaced onto his official YouTube channel. The PM closed the sunroof by simply saying “Hi Proton, close the sunroof” to which the Voice Command system replied, “The sunroof is closed”.
A presumably Proton personnel demonstrated various other functions that can be controlled via
Voice Command
 such as turning on the radio, changing the tuner channel and adjusting the volume of the sound system. In China, the
Geely Boyue
 can also operate the climate control functions via voice chat, albeit in the Mandarin language.
Despite the system shown in the video operate using the English language, it is certain that Proton is working around the clock to roll out a Bahasa Melayu compatible system. After all, the Malay language is the nation’s National Language. The system will first be English compatible simply because the system is already readily available on other Geely Group models.
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Tun Mahathir Test Drives Proton SUV RHD


New Lexus ES with TRD F Sport parts is all kinds of cool!

TRD has revealed the a variety of F Sport goodies for the
 Lexus ES
 and we want it bad! Not only does it extend the lifespan of the ES, which has been around for years now, but it has also turned a ‘premium uncle sedan’ into one that even a learner driver would want.
The ‘sport parts list’ as Lexus puts it, consists of 10 different items including an Aerodynamics Package, wheels, and a sports muffler.
The 2021 Lexus ES facelift finally gets a touchscreen infotainment system! Read about it here!
The Aerodynamics Package includes a front splitter, side skirts, side mirror caps, a sports muffler, and rear diffuser.
Review: Lexus ES 250 Luxury – Effortless opulence. Check out our review of the Camry’s cousin here!
The front splitter is said to reduce drag, and channel air under the car and towards the side. It also helps improve stability and traction with better downforce.
The side skirts and side mirror caps continue to channel air towards the rear while the latter also reduces wind noise in the cabin by directing air away from the side windows more efficiently. The sports muffler and rear diffuser come hand-in-hand; the latter helps improve airflow out of the undercarriage for better stability.
TRD’s new collection also comes with new shoes for the ES made from forged aluminium. They’re available in two different sizes – 19 and 20 inches. To further improve the ES’ handling,
 as if TNGA hasn’t already
, TRD is also selling a set of braces for the ES’ undercarriage. This helps increase the rigidity of the chassis for better control and road holding.
Video: Here’s how Toyota’s TNGA is transforming their new cars…watch it here!
Inside lies a visual enhancement (by the door armrests) that even Lexus would be proud of. It features an Arrowhead monogram, a symbolic motif of Lexus, that consists of more than 70,000 lines laser-etched by hand.
Prices range from 35,200 Yen (approx. RM1,300) to 959,600 Yen (approx. RM36,000). For more info on the ‘sports parts list’, click
here
!
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Kia Sportage turbodiesel to launch in Malaysia soon, AWD GT, 400 Nm!

Naza Kia Malaysia has revealed at a private media event their plans to introduce the turbodiesel variant of the
fourth-generation Kia Sportage
.
As a recap, Kia Malaysia is currently selling two variants of the SUV – KX 2WD and GT 2WD. Both variants are powered by the same 2.0-litre Nu MPI four-cylinder that develops
152 hp
 and
192 Nm
 of torque. Paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels.
When the diesel powered Sportage comes, it will be the range topping model in all-wheel drive (AWD) wearing the GT trim. The engine of choice is a 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel pushing out
182 hp
 and a whopping
400 Nm
 of torque. Power is permanently sent to all four wheels via a six-speed slush box. Fuel economy is rated at
6.5 litres of diesel per 100 km
.
It will get HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, quad LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. Inside, there’s leather seats, keyless entry and push-start, dual zone automatic climate control, powered seats and paddle shifters. Expect the same, if not more equipment to be fitted here.

The Sportage scores a maximum 5-star crash safety rating at Euro NCAP (regardless of variants) thanks to an impressive safety kit comprised of six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and VSM, hill-start assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Stop Signal.
With the increasing availability of the cleaner Euro 5 diesel and soaring petrol prices, perhaps now’s the right time to look into a diesel powered car. Question is, which would you put your money on, the Kia Sportage CRDi,
Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv-D
 or the
Hyundai Tucson CRDi
?
IMAGE GALLERY
Sportage GT


KLIMS18: Proton X70 finally makes public debut! Still no price yet…

After numerous closed doors previews for loyal customers and media, Proton has finally revealed their first-ever SUV in full at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, marking the first-ever public debut of the
Proton X70.
Wearing the brand’s first-ever alphanumerical model designation, the X70 is the first car to come into reality after Proton’s new partnership with China automaker, Geely. Three out of
four variants
 are on display here at the Proton booth – Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD.

All variants spot the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no option for paddle shifters). With
183 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of twist available, 2WD variants of the X70 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds with a rated fuel consumption of
7.8L /100 km
.
The X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that allows the driver to alter the transmission and steering characteristics into three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes the display hue to Green, Blue and Red.
In the Executive and Premium models, the car comes equipped with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED combination taillamps, roof rails, keyless entry/start and a manual operated tailgate. On the Executive variants, it rides on 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. One little surprise Proton had in store for KLIMS 2018 is the upgraded 19-inch alloys on the Premium variant, shod in 225/55 profile Continental UC6 SUV rubbers.
Inside, the models displayed all share the similar cabin design and layout – LCD instrument cluster, black leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, 360-degree surround view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser,
8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command
, six USB charging ports, rear air vents.

The Premium 2WD variant gets even more bells and whistle such as Brown Nappa leather seats, panoramic sunroof, nine-speaker Kenwood surround sound system as well as a powered function for the front passenger seats.
Safety-wise, all variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points.
The Premium 2WD gets the full suite of
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
 that adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW – emphasis on the warning), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. This earns the X70 the full
5-Star ASEAN ANCAP Crash Safety Rating
.
Depending on the variant, the X70 is available in five different exterior shades – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red
Proton did not reveal their pricing strategy for the highly anticipated SUV at KLIMS 2018, saving the grand reveal for a later date. However, the company has assured that the Proton X70 will be officially launched before we enter a new calendar year.
The X70 is available for bookings at all Proton showrooms nationwide as well as
online
. Come on over to KLIMS 2018 to touch and feel Proton’s turnaround product and decide whether you want to be one of the early birds to put your money down for one.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018

Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018

Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018


You won’t mistaken a Mercedes-AMG C63S for a regular C-Class anymore

With the launch of the updated C-Class range,
it is only a matter of time before the top of the line Mercedes-AMG C 63 gets a
refreshed with all the latest goodies.
As with its range of AMG vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has unleashed both the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan and Coupe at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
QUICK
FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe
Engine
4.0-litre bi-turbo V8
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Max Power
510 hp @ 5,500 – 6,250 rpm
Max Torque
700 Nm @ 2,500 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.0 seconds; 290 km/h
3.9 seconds; 290 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM 768,888
RM 820,888
Resting under the hood of these
C-Klasse
is the same M177
4.0-litre bi-turbo V8
 generating
510 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. A new
9-speed AMG Speedshift 9G MCT
 automatic is tasked to transfer power exclusively to the rear wheels. With launch control engaged, the Coupe will go from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.9 seconds
 while the Sedan manages a touch slower at 4.0 seconds – still ridiculously fast for a family saloon. Top speed is electronically limited to
290 km/h
 on both cars.
The
AMG Dynamic Select
 system has also been retuned on the facelifted cars, now featuring a new “Slippery” mode for maximum traction on slippery conditions, joining the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and
Race
.
As for styling, our local-spec vehicles come as standard with
Panamericana grille
, Multibeam LED headlamps, AMG Night package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, AMG lip spoiler, red painted brake calipers and 19-inch AMG alloys – cross spoke design for the Sedan and five-twin-spoke design for the Coupe.
Stepping inside, both cars are updated with a
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AMG Performance steering wheel, powered front AMG Performance bucket seats with memory function, heads-up display,
64-colour ambient lighting
, Burmester Surround sound system and a powered sunroof.
Safety wise, the C 63 S twin gets the
Driving Assistance Package
 which bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pilot Distance Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Every purchase of a facelifted Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is covered with a 4-Years Warranty and are available with attractive financing package through Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.
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Toyota to begin manufacturing vehicles in Myanmar from 2021

Toyota Motor Corporation has decided to establish Toyota Myanmar Co. Ltd. (TMY) as its first vehicle production company in Myanmar where it will locally produce the Toyota Hilux beginning from February 2021.
Demand for new vehicles in Myanmar has soared in recent years with approximately 18,000 new vehicles registered in 2018 registering – twice as much as the previous year.
The
new Toyota Camry
 encourages you to be more playful behind the wheel, find out why!
Toyota currently sells the Hilux, Vios, Rush, and other models in Myanmar by relying on imports but will establish TMY in June 2019 and promote initiatives that will allow even more customers to choose Toyota vehicles.
Toyota plans to construct the new TMY plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, situated in the southern suburbs of Yangon city, the country’s largest metropolis with investments costing around USD52.6 million.
Check out our latest Vlog of the
new Toyota Yaris

here
.
The move will see Toyota hiring approximately 130 new employees with the intention to build an estimated 2,500 new Hilux per year using the SKD (semi knock-down) method when operations begin in 2021.


Michelin unveils new Primacy SUV+ tyres with improved wet and dry braking performance

Michelin has launched the new Primacy SUV+ tyres with a new range of improvements to better accommodate the growing SUV market and consumer’s needs.
“It is estimated that from 2021 to 2026, the SUV market in the East Asian region will continue to grow 5.9% year on year and achieve a 33% growth in 2026,” said Michelin Malaysia’s Managing Director, Oliver Biggart.
Among the new features include:
Michelin Premium Touch sidewall design with a velvet-like texture that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the SUV
Higher silica loading and functionalised polymer that offers improved wet and dry braking performance without compromising mileage or rolling resistance
MaxTouch Construction optimising the contact patch for more even wear and longer tread life
StabiliGrip sipesoffer better wet and dry braking performance due to improved water evacuation
The new tyres now also feature more tread depth and more sipes with a U-shaped groove design for improved safety in wet driving conditions. Its chamfered tread block also prevents the tread block from distorting under heavy load.
The Michelin Primacy SUV+ is now available in Malaysia at all Michelin’s authorized tyre dealers in 26 sizes, including 7 new dimensions, across the 16 to 20-inch range.


Rolls-Royce Phantom’s Privacy Suite is the most private space on the road

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars understand that its influential clients require the highest levels of privacy when making important business deals but now the British carmaker wants to offer another private location for these meetings. In the “Privacy Suite” of the new extended wheelbase Phantom.
Debut at the 2018 Chengdu Motor Show, the Privacy Suite is privacy in every sense of the word. Separating the front and rear passengers is an Electrochromatic Glass that changes opacity from fully see through to opaque with the touch of a button. The separator is complemented with improved sound insulation using a frequency-specific compound that mutes the conversations in the rear cabin to the front.

The only way of communication between the driver and the rear passengers is through an Intercom System that opens a direct line from the rear passenger to the driver at a press of a button whilst the driver can “call” the rear occupants, who can choose to accept or decline the call.
In addition, Rolls-Royce has installed an opening between the separator that is controlled solely by the rear passengers to allow document or objects to be passed between the front and rear cabins. Rear Privacy Curtains and Rear Privacy Glass extends the privacy levels even further.
Other options on the Privacy Suite equipped Phantom includes Bespoke Rear Theatre Entertainment system, Starlight Headliner and a Bespoke Clock in the rear.
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All-new Volkswagen Polo to be revealed in full glory this Friday

We’re now just days away from the global unveiling of the all-new,
sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo
. To date, over 14 million Polos have been sold, and the new B-segment hatchback will take centre stage in Berlin on Friday.
Volkswagen says the new model is more spacious on the inside and has ‘numerous technological highlights’. Among the engines it will reportedly get are the 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
According to Head of Design Volkswagen Brand, Klaus Bischoff, the new Volkswagen Polo will feature an expressive design which makes it sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand range. It is a car that will fit perfectly with our times, both visually and technologically.
Save the date, guys. Friday, 16 June 2017.


Which of these Supras tickle your fancy?

The annual Special Equipment Market Association or better known as SEMA is a feast for the eyes and a stimulant for the mind as to where the boundaries are when it comes to automotive tuning.

The most anticipated sports car of the year, the Toyota Supra, which in GC Mah’s video has proven to make more power than it’s advertised, will be making its appearance in various forms at one of the largest car shows in the USA and boy, do they look tantalising!
GR Supra Heritage Edition
The stock turbocharger of the new Supra has been tuned to produce 18% more airflow where along with a custom intake and a larger exhaust system, it now makes over 500 hp.
GR Supra Performance Line Concept
Built by Toyota Customising & Development (TCD) which specialises in customisation for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the Performance Line Concept focuses on aerodynamics with carbon fibre components such as the larger winglets on the front lip, side skirts for better downforce, door garnishes for smoother airflow through the side and a rear spoiler to maximise downforce at the back.
GR Supra Wasabi Concept
Funny as it’s name sounds, the “Wasabi Concept” is actually quite an important experiment as the Toyota Genuine Accessory Team will be using it to measure consumer interest as they make plans on future products.
It features a centre exit exhaust system, an aero package with spoiler, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels by Toyota, 6-pot front and 4-pot rear Brembro brakes and Ohlins adjustable suspension.
GR Supra 3000 GT Concept
This one gets a bit of a “vintage DNA” as Toyota calls it. Also built by Toyota Customising & Development (TCD), this 3000 GT Concept draws inspiration from the original TRD 3000 GT – a limited production, wide-body aero kit for the Mk 4 Supra in 1994 called the TRD3000GT in celebration of its success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship.
The hood vents and rear-wing styling of the 3000 GT Concept were modeled after the original. The rear bumper is incorporated with a diffuser that accommodates a custom HKS exhaust.
GR Supra HyperBoost Edition
This is possibly the most extreme concept yet and with a name like “HyperBoost”, it isn’t shy about it either. A carbon roof, oversized turbocharger and 750 hp makes this one of the most souped up Supras we have seen so far!
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Mitsubishi set to launch all-new Outlander PHEV in Japan by end of 2021

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is to launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the all-new Outlander fully evolved with a new-generation PHEV system. It will be introduced in Japan at the end of 2021 and in the second half of 2022 in the US.
It may be sharing the same Common Modular Family (CMF) platform as the Nissan X-Trail but the PHEV powertrain should be Mitsubishi’s very own.
Find out more about the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander here!
Mitsubishi said the Outlander is set to come with higher output from the electric motors and higher battery capacity which should mean improved electric driving range too. The improved performance is expected to allow the Outlander PHEV to run purely on electric power for 70km while returning over 700 km in total mileage.
In the previous model, the lithium-ion battery capacity was only rated at 13.8 kWh, that figure could be pumped up to 20 kWh in the new model.

Since the launch of the Outlander PHEV, it has been sold in more than 60 countries around the world. MMC’s goal is to reduce CO2 emissions of its new cars by 40% by 2030 through leveraging EVs — with PHEVs as the centerpiece.


Proton Perdana now open for booking, priced from RM100k to RM150k

The
Proton Perdana
, the first of four new Proton models to be unveiled this year, is now open for booking. It will be launched sometime in March.
It’s no secret now that the new Perdana is based on the eight-generation Honda Accord, done courtesy of a one-off deal signed between the two carmakers some years back. Two variants have been offered, but here’s a quick summary for a easier read:
QUICK FACTS
Model
Perdana 2.0
Perdana 2.4
Engine
2.0-litre R20A3 4-Cylinder i-VTEC
2.4-litre K24Z2 4-Cylinder i-VTEC
Transmission
5-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
Power
154 hp  @ 6,300 rpm
181 hp  @ 6500 rpm
Torque
189 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
222 Nm @ 4300 rpm
While the mechanical and electrical components from Honda remain untouched, Proton spent millions upon millions in reworking the car, particularly its aesthetics. We were given the opportunity to view the car in person (courtesy of a media preview event held by Proton) and suffice to say, the new Proton Perdana is definitely the company’s most handsome car to date.
Apart from its looks, the new Perdana gets a multitude of goodies as well. This includes an infotainment system that integrates reverse camera and GPS Navigation, dual zone auto air conditioning as well as power seat, but only for the driver. Safety wise, it comes with ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – otherwise known as Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
The new Perdana will look different compared to this one
Proton Chairman, Tun Dr.Mahathir, has also hinted that the pricing will between
RM100k to RM150k
 for the new Perdana. Stay tuned for more news and the launch of the new Perdana next month!


Lexus released another teaser of the LF-1 concept, successor to the LX?

Lexus has over the weekend released yet another teaser of the upcoming “LF-1 Limitless” concept car set to make its debut sometime in January next year – indicated as the new “flagship crossover” of the Lexus marque.
The concept is said to feature the future design language of the brand’s next generation of luxury crossovers.
https://assets.autobuzz.my/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/26150958/lexus_lf_1_limitless_teaser_12_19_17_3d31bd2fa8f89758ffdb2241835335b7d4b9dc00_low.mp4
The outgoing RX was only just launched in 2015 and recently Lexus unveiled a
three-row RX L
 which has its dimensions stretched by
110mm
 to accommodate either
a six or seven-seater
 configuration.
The seven-seater layout will feature two individual seats in the second row, leaving a gap in the middle for better access to the third row. It’s hard to imagine the fourth generation RX being replaced so soon with these “refreshments”, could the LF-1 be the new LX?
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota’s new, rugged box of fun is called the “Toolbox Joy” – what a fitting name

The upcoming Tokyo Motor Show is already on track to be an exciting one as it promises a series of interesting and rather quirky showcases by Toyota alone. There is the automatic
GR HV SPORTS Concept
 which allows you to shift gears as if it were a manual with a push of a button and then this, the Tj Cruiser.
Like a cross between with the Bentayga with its imposing headlamps and the H2 Hummer with its sloping front bonnet, the T and J in its name stands for
“Toolbox”
 and
“Joy”
. The Cruiser bit is meant to express the power of the vehicle and like the boxy Nissan Cube, they couldn’t have named it more appropriately.
Inside its square-shaped cabin, the front and rear passenger seats can be reclined completely flat for storing items of up to three metres in length. Also there are numerous tie-down points within the interior to enable easy anchoring of items from small packages to longer objects while the large openings of the MPV-like sliding doors enable easy loading and unloading.
On the outside, the hood, rood and fenders use materials with special coasting are scratch and dirt resistant. The Tj Cruiser is said to be powered with a 2.0-liter engine that is optimised with a hybrid system – which will power front-wheel and four-wheel drive drivetrains.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lamborghini Owners Malaysia to set new record for largest gathering and raise RM40k for charities

Over nine years ago, a parade of 77 Lamborghini supercars assembled in the city of Kuala Lumpur, landing a spot in the Malaysian Book of Records for the largest number of Lamborghinis at an event. Almost a decade later, Lamborghini Owners Malaysia (LOM) is now looking to surpass that feat.
LOM members will be assembling at KLCC’s open-air car park in front of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the 11th of June from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. The goal is to assemble at least 100 Lamborghini models this time.
“This record-breaking event which includes a drive element. Once the record is set, we will travel to Chateau, Bukit Tinggi where a gala dinner, dubbed Bulls Ball, will be held,” said LOM, Organising Committee Chairperson, Dato’ Rakesh Sachdev.
RELATED: The Huracan is Lamborghini’s most popular model ever, with 20,000 units produced
“Crowning the gala feast, LOM will honour the underprivileged with a sizeable contribution to representatives of four charities. Our goal is to raise a minimum of RM 40,000 from our members and partners,” he added.
Lamborghini enthusiasts are also invited to join the fun and be in the presence of the latest and rarest Lamborghini supercars such as the Lamborghini Gallardo MLE, Huracan Spyder, Urus SUV, and Aventador SVJ which are expected to make an appearance.
Established in 2014, LOM started with only 50 members but today the club boasts 150 members.
RELATED: Lamborghini unleashes a new 640 hp monster – the Huracan Tecnica


2016 Toyota Corolla Altis facelift coming soon, gets VSC and 7 airbags as standard!

The Corolla nameplate needs no introduction, really. Known here as the Toyota Corolla Altis, the once dominant C-segment sedan is now hugely trailing in popularity ever since the groundbreaking 10th generation
Honda Civic
 arrived in Malaysia.
Launched globally just months ago
, UMW Toyota Motors is finally teasing the car on their website.
Just like before, the 11th generation Corolla Altis will be offered in three variants –
1.8E
,
1.8G
 and
2.0V
. As predicted, no mechanical changes have been made in this refresh exercise. While the engine and transmissions (a “seven-speed” CVT) remain the same, the Altis benefits from a new set of suspension which will help improve ride.
The aesthetic enhancements are really subtle to say the least, but these are welcoming – if a tad underwhelming – revisions that are both timely and sorely needed. At the front, the grille and bumper are all new, as are the headlamps. As with the pre-facelift edition, the 2.0V gets auto levelling full LED headlamps.
New to the car is also the wheel design; the 1.8-litre variants settle for 16-inch rims, whereas the 2.0V will sit on larger 17-inch hoops. The LED tail lamps on the other hand, are very slightly different. The housing remains the same, just that the graphics differ. There are also fog lamps at the back now. A total of six exterior colours will be offered with the car.
In similar fashion to the
updated Vios
, the Altis now gets
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control
 and
seven airbags
 (Driver, Passenger, Curtain, Side and Driver Knee) across all variants, as standard. Previously, VSC was reserved only for the range topper, while the seven airbag package was a cost option. Yup.
The order books for the facelifted Corolla Altis are now open, with pricing for the 1.8E beginning at
RM120,900.00
, which is the same as before. The mid-spec 1.8G is priced at
RM123,900.00
.
The best value goes to the 2.0V, with an asking price of
RM138,900.00
, making

it RM8,000 cheaper than the original
 RM146,900.00
 price tag of the pre-facelift version. It’s probably going to take a whole lot more for the Altis to go against the
Honda Civic
,
Ford Focus
 and
Volkswagen Jetta
, but maybe Toyota is saving the best for the next generation Altis. Let this fight be its last, because the next bout will be hot!
IMAGE GALLERY


Dodge Viper to be axed in 2017, five final editions planned

The Dodge Viper, an iconic combination of sports and muscle car in one package, will meet its end after a quarter of a century. Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that next year will be the final production year for this brutish American car.
As a final sendoff, Dodge will unveil a series of limited-production, special-edition models. The five mentioned models (from left to right as per the picture above), are as follows:
Viper Snakeskin Edition GTC:
Receives a Snakeskin Green job, SRT stripes, and customised interiors. 25-unit only.
Voodoo II ACR:
Black with grey stripe, receives an aero kit, and carbon ceramic brakes. 31-unit only.
Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR:
Receives white exterior paint complemented with matching dual blue stripes.

Gets the most allocation with 100 cars.
Viper 1:28 ACR:
Black exteriors with a wide red stripe. Named after ACR’s Laguna Seca lap record. 28-unit only.
Dealer Edition ACR (not pictured here):
Painted in white with a blue center stripe and red driver’s stripe. Allocated for two Dodge dealers with the highest sales of the Viper models. 33-unit only.
In its most recent form, the SRT Viper is powered by an
 8.0-litre V10
 lump that outputs
 640 hp
 and
813 Nm
 of torque and mated with the one and only
six-speed manual transmission
. Over its 25 years of existence, there were countless versions of the Viper. Sadly, FCA is no longer seeing the business justification of preserving an assembly line of 75-people for a small but expensive production.
Though its days are numbered, CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted that the Viper could be revived via a shared FCA platform. That said, in the age where performance is boosted by forced induction and electrification, the days of raw power could be a thing of the past, which makes these five final editions of Vipers worthwhile.


Ford creates PVC partitions for its Transit vans

Designed for its
Ford Transit vans
 used primarily for commercial services, the shields which come with factory warranty, are made of transparent polyvinyl (PVC) plastic with integrated straps and suction mounts.
Once installed, the shields do not restrict passenger comfort, interior space or operation of the heating and ventilation systems. The transparent PVC material also allows the driver to retain full visibility of the windscreen, side windows and mirrors, and passengers can still hear and see each other as normal. Definitely
not as cool as what they did with the Ford Interceptor police vehicle
 though!
Users can quickly and easily fit, adjust and remove shields in the Ford Transit without requiring interior modifications, while the shield’s versatile design allows them to be flattened for storage.
The shields can be fitted to offer four separate configurations – between driver and front passenger, behind front seats to partition from the rest of the cabin, between driver, front passenger and behind the front seats and lastly, between and behind the driver and front passenger and between second-row seats.
Lightweight, flexible materials with secure mountings are designed to prevent injury in the event of an accident while the mounting points and strap positions will not prevent the airbags in the Ford Transit van from deploying.
GALLERY