Nissan brings on the “ong” with new red and orange colours for X-Trail and Serena

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official franchise holder for Nissan vehicles here in Malaysia, is welcoming in the year of the tiger with new colours for the X-Trail and Serena. Specifically, the Nissan X-Trail will now be offered in
Monarch Orange
, while the Serena S-Hybrid is now available in
Radiant Red
 – both colours lifted from the
Almera
‘s colour palette.
The new colours are only available on specific variants. On the X-Trail, the new Monarch Orange colour is only offered on the
2.0L Mid variant
 (
RM139,643
), which – aside from the striking new paint job – comes with standard equipments such as LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree surround view monitor, and a basic set of ADAS systems including lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear-cross traffic alert.
As for the Nissan Serena, the Radiant Red colour is only available on the
Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star
 variant (
RM152,103
). Standard features on the range-topping variant include LED headlights, 16-inch alloys, leather seats (with second-row captain chairs), hands-free powered sliding doors, a 6.75-inch touchscreen head-unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
ETCM assures its customers that these cars are all 2022 units and not repainted older cars, so there’s no need to worry about your resale value and the likes.
Aside from the new paint jobs, ETCM is also extending its 1.88% Interest Rate campaign for selected Nissan models until the 28th of February, as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations. Customers who purchase and register a Nissan vehicle during this campaign period will also standa a chance to win Lazada vouchers worth up to RM50,000.
Additionally, customers who test drive the all-new Nissan Almera during the campaign period will also stand a chance to win Watsons vouchers worth RM500.
Back in 2019, ETCM also introduced the Imperial Red and Passion Red colours for the Nissan Serena and X-Trail as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations.


2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe revealed, bumps and bends ready [+Video]

Ladies and gentlemen, make way for the new Mercedes-Banz S-Class Coupe, a proper good looking £100,000 two-door machine. This coupe version of the super luxury class in the Mercedes line up has just be officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. This gorgeous looking thing is almost identical to the concept which was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.
The 2014 Mercedes S-Class Coupe is the replacement of the CL coupe and it uses the same engine as its four-door twin. For now, Mercedes will only offer one variant, the S500. It is powered by a
twin-turbo 4.7-litre V8
, producing
455hp
 and
700Nm
 of torque. No official figures on its performance but it should be quicker than the sedan which does 0-100kph in 4.8 sec and a limited top speed of 250kph. Dimension wise, the coupe is 89mm shorter than the saloon and the roofline is lowered by 85mm.
Like the S-Class saloon, the coupe is readied with the Magic Body Control suspension, or “suspension with eyes” as they call it. What it does is, it scans the road ahead for bumps and prepares the ride stiffness of the car accordingly for optimum comfort. This coupe however has something new called ‘curve tilting’ function, world’s first. It leans into bends by tilting individual struts to brace the car, counteracting natural body roll and provides better stability in high speed maneuvers and sharp cornering. This however only works between the speed of 30 and 180 kph.
The coupe does carry some striking details that makes it looks stunning. The mirrored silver front and rear bumper inserts put the right kind of bling on it. From the front, it shares the same 3D pin grille and huge badge as the new A-Class. If you would like to make your S-Class Coupe even more bling than it already is, you can opt for headlights that features 47 Swarovski crytals; 17 for the daytime running lights, and 30 in the turn indicators. This is definitely world’s first.
The S-Class Coupe features the touchpad controller from the new C-Class, which allows smartphone-style gestures to control the infotainment system. It also gets a sportier three-spoke steering wheel, superb looking switchgear,
head-up display, and a standard panoramic glass roof which can.. wait for it… become opaque or transparent just at the touch of a button!
The Mercedes Benz S-Class Coupe will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. There is no official words on its pricing but it is speculated to be around £100,000 in the UK. Both the S500 and the S63 AMG will be available in November 2014. The higher range S600 and S65 AMG V12 missile on wheels could be on their way as well.
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VIDEO GALLERY
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IMAGE GALLERY


Would you get this pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line at RM399k?

While the
Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift
 recently made its global debut, that is not stopping Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to introduce a new variant of the outgoing model. Introducing the new locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line.
This is the first time
the Coupe version of the GLC is assembled at MBM’s Pekan plant and the company went
for a feature packed product strategy. Equipped with the top of the line
2.0-litre engine, sporty AMG Line and advanced driver assistance systems.

QUICK FACTS
 Name

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line
 Engine
 1,991cc; 4-cylinder turbo
 Transmission
 9-speed automatic
 Max Power
 245 hp @ 5,500 rpm
 Max Torque
 370 Nm @ 1,3000 – 4,000 rpm
 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
 6.5 seconds; 236 km/h
 Price (OTR without insurance)
 RM399,888
Dressed in the AMG Line,
the GLC 300 Coupe checks all the boxes as the GLC 250 Coupe that was on offer
previously – AMG body kit, diamond grille, aluminium-look running boards, LED
Intelligent Light System and 20-inch multi-spoke light-alloys.
Inside, you’ll find Artico leather seats (red or black), AMG sports pedals, black piano-lacquer or light longitudinal-grain aluminium interior trim, AMG flat-bottom sports steering wheel, COMAND Online infotainment system, Burmester surround sound system and powered sunroof. Comprehensive list of equipment, but be sure to check out what the
facelift model
 has if you haven’t.
Under the hood rests the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out
245 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque paired to a 9-speed 9G-Tronic. Century sprint is done in
6.5 seconds
while top speed is registered at
236 km/h
. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, Dynamic Select and Sports Suspension are standard fitment here.
Safety is a big step
up compared to the previous GLC 250 Coupe. The new model variant gains Lane
Tracking Package, Blind Sport Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Collision
Prevention Assist Plus and Attention Assist.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC AMG Line is priced at RM399,888 on-the-road without insurance, a full RM46,000 cheaper than the fully imported (CBU) GLC 250 Coupe on offer previously.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe AMG Line


Bentley Continental GT3 is the fastest on renewable fuel at Pikes Peak, placed fourth overall

In its third and what is expected to be its final entrant, the Bentley Continental GT3 was the fastest racecar to complete the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb using sustainable fuel.
The car, driven by legendary Rhys Millen, finished second in the Time Attack 1 category and fourth overall. The time of 6:36.281, good enough to beat other sustainability-focused entrants and fully electric competitors, could have been faster if not for a very late engine issue that estimated to cost the team an additional 16 seconds and the win.
The 99th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb saw a reduced competition distance (by a third) due to treacherous weather conditions at the summit with the chequered flag being waved at Devil’s Playground, 12,780 ft above sea level rather than the 14,115-ft summit.
Check out the full onboard run with breathtaking scenery in the 2019 Bentley Continental GT
Bentley was aiming to achieve an unofficial Pikes Peak “triple crown” with Continental GT3 Pikes Peak being entered in the Time Attack class, after already taking records for Production SUV record with the
Bentayga W12
 in 2018 and Production Car record a year later with a
Continental GT
.
The Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak is quite different from the circuit racing FIA-GT3 machine. First up are the massive front and rear appendages that add
30% more downforce
. The rear features the biggest wing ever fitted to a Bentley together with a highly efficient floor diffuser.
Meanwhile, the front bumper has an integrated dual-plane splitter flanked by separate dive planes.
Find out more about the Fanatec steering wheel that allows usage from sim to actual Bentley race car!
Mechanical grip has also been increased via a dedicated Pikes Peak suspension setup that is softer for low-speed cornering performance and the brakes are water-cooled for maximum performance during the hill climb race that ascends nearly 5,000 ft (1,524 metres). The car was using Pirelli P Zero slick tyres for the event.
As for power, the unrestricted
4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
 pumps out at least
750 hp
 and
1,000 Nm
 of torque at sea level. For the Pikes Peak time attack, the engine has been thoroughly upgraded for more power, switching to larger turbochargers pushing over 2.2 bar of boost with dedicated wastegate exhaust pipes and even stronger internal components.
A new carbon fibre intake manifold has also been made to withstand the higher pressures. The engine runs on
RON 98
 renewable racing fuel which is a blend of
advanced synthetic fuels
 that can offer up to an
85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
.
Lessons learnt from using synthetic and renewable fuels will also be applied to road cars, as Bentley will
continue to offer the internal combustion
 engine for the next nine years.
GALLERY


Video: Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G review

What
Toyota

has definitely done is
change the way a Corolla drives

and ultimately how we see one of the longest-running names in the automotive world with its edgy new exterior design.
At launch
, the new Corolla is available in Malaysia in two variants – the 1.8E and 1.8G.
With a price tag of RM128,888 and RM136,888 respectively, prices for the Corolla since our review have been revised following the
Sales Tax Exemption
 to
RM123,972
 for the 1.8E and
RM134,505
 for the 1.8G model.

The new Corolla shares the same
TNGA-C platform
 as the

C-HR
,
 the
new Corolla Cross
 and the
Lexus UX we got to test earlier this year
. Underneath the hood is a 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing
139 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque. Both variants are fitted with a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox. In the 1.8G variant, you even get paddle shifters for manual changes.
Between the current 1.8G and the 1.8E, there’s a huge difference in what you get. The 1.8E may be RM11k cheaper (post Sales Tax Exemption) but it doesn’t get wireless charging, electronic parking brake, Blind Spot Monitor, adaptive high beam, panoramic view display, Digital Video Recorder, rear sunshade, chromatic rearview mirror, leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning, Optitron instrument cluster, automatic wipers, LED headlamps, paddle shifters, and even the 17-inch rims.
As for the rest of the Corolla we reviewed, we’ll leave it to you to find out in the video. For the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia following the Sales Tax Exemption, click

here
.


BMW Malaysia grooming ‘High Voltage Experts’ in preparation for EV future

Electric vehicles are on an upward trend in Malaysia and with more and more cozying to the idea of electric car ownership, BMW Malaysia is getting ahead to prepare itself and its customers for when EVs ownership becomes more mainstream.
In doing so, the company is cultivating highly skilled individuals in the field of electric mobility through its BMW High Voltage Expert Certification programme.
A ‘BMW High Voltage Expert’ is an individual who specialises in the area of BMW electric vehicles. The programme is conducted at the BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Malaysia, to train BMW High Voltage Expert capable of performing servicing and repair works on BMW i vehicles worldwide.
RELATED: BMW Malaysia starts charging subscription fees for things your car already has
To qualify as a BMW High Voltage Expert, the prospect must first be an existing BMW High Voltage Technician. A BMW High Voltage Technician has to first undergo a pre-selection process which includes a knowledge assessment and an interview. The prospect would also need to obtain first aid certification and undergo a full body check-up.
The prospect will then undergo 15 days of intensive training, and is required to pass two theory and four practical examinations before proceeding to the next stage. This is followed by a final theory exam and practical demonstration with high live voltage to secure the certification.
BMW Group Malaysia, Managing Director, Hans de Visser said, “Since BMW Group Malaysia first introduced BMW i to the country back in 2015, we have envisioned a Malaysia where electric mobility is fully embraced and have been working hard to that end. We understood the obstacles faced by Malaysians in adopting EVs, such as range anxiety, which we have been alleviating by rolling out EV infrastructure across the country.”
“At the same time, service and repair are also important points of consideration. As such, the need for qualified experts in the field of Electric Mobility is crucial to our preparation for electrification and introduction of BMW i in the country,” he added.
RELATED: Gallery: BMW iX3 M Sport ‘Impressive’ electric SUV from RM318k


2017 Hyundai Grand Starex Royale Deluxe facelift announced, new design for RM168,888

Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has just announced the
Hyundai
 Grand Starex Royale facelift for 2017. The facelift exercise is largely an aesthetic makeover for the 11-seater family mover featuring a bolder and more imposing appearance.
Introduced to the Malaysian market since 1998, the Starex became a popular choice for consumers looking for an affordable full-sized
MPV
. With a price tag of
RM168,888
 OTR inclusive of road tax and insurance for
the Grand Starex Royale Deluxe 2.5GLS Diesel (A) VGT
, it is definitely an attractive package for those looking for a large people mover.
At the front, the facelifted model gets a more prominent mesh-design chrome grille with revised front bumper that houses the new fog lamps. Parts that are carried over from the pre-facelift model are the halogen reflector headlamps and wing mirror mounted LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the Grand Starex Royale packs a little more aggression with a sportier tailgate spoiler with integrated third brake light, revised tail lamps with black housings and a redesigned rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlets. A pair of new side skirts completes the look of the facelift model.
Powertrain remains the same with a
2.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel
 with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and turbo cooler that produces
168 hp
 at 3,800 rpm and
392 Nm
 at 2,000 – 2,500 rpm mated to a five-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.
As standard the Grand Starex Royale is equipped with cruise control, dual SRS airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Safe Drive Recorder.
HSDM is offering the Starex in
three
 exterior shades – Creamy White, Timeless Black and Hyper Silver. With a price tag of RM169k, its positioned well below the likes of Toyota
Vellfire
,
Alphard
 and
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
; bear in mind that neither of the alternatives are able to fit 11 people at one go.
At that price point, it even undercuts the grey imports while providing a peace of mind to customers with HSDM’s
five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty
 and 24-hour road assist service for all its new (and old for the road side assist) passenger vehicles.
The Hyundai Grand Starex Royale facelift is available for viewing, booking and test-drive at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide from December 2016 onwards.


Gallery: The Kia Optima EX offers D-segment experience for C-segment money

Remember the
Kia Optima EX we shared about last month
? Well, sorry for the lack of pictures but since Kia has the car on display at the
 2019 Malaysia Autoshow
, here’s a closer look at the car.
If you observe closely, at
RM139,888
with 5-years  unlimited  mileage  warranty, this car which sits below the
powerful Optima GT
, is nothing short of a value buy.
While it may lack the luxury of leather seats, it’s doesn’t exactly feel like a “kosong spec” car.
Frankly, the only major difference from the Optima GT is that the EX gets a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to a 6-speed automatic with
 163 hp
and
 196 Nm
, as opposed to the turbocharged Optima GT’s 245 hp and 350 Nm.
But if you think about it, not everyone needs that kind of performance. Granted it would be a little underwhelming on our major highways, especially when overtaking, but it should perform sufficiently in urban areas.
In terms of equipment, it still gets the twin projector LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and LED combination tail lights. New to the car, in comparison to the Optima GT is the imposing “vertical intaglio grille” and 17-inch wheels as opposed to 18-inch in the GT.
With the fabric seats being the only drawback for the RM30,000 difference in asking price, the cabin still gets powered seats for the driver (cause who cares about the passengers), a newly-added 360-degree Around View Monitor, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mazda files for eight more rotary-related “e-SkyActiv R’ trademarks

With all that’s happened in the Mazda camp these few months, it’s hard to believe any more that they’re
not
 making a new rotary sports car. Following last week’s news of a
hydrogen-powered rotary engine
, another Japanese automotive publication,
Hatena Blog
, has now found eight new Mazda trademark filings to support that rumour – including a new logo and three “e-SkyActiv R” names.
Source:
Hatena Blog
It doesn’t take a genius to see that the logo clearly references the rotors in a rotary engine, and it also resembles the Japanese marque’s rotary logos of its early days, including the Spirit R ones. Mazda also managed to incorporate an ‘e’-letter cutout into the logo, which we presume that it points towards some kind of electrification.
Mazda also recently applied trademark for a new ‘R’ logo – is the Spirit R coming back? Read more about it here!
The trademarked names further corroborate our hunch – e-SkyActiv R-Energy, e-SkyActiv R-HEV, and e-SkyActiv R-EV. The “e-SkyActiv” name is in-tune with Mazda’s current branding for their electrified powertrain, and well, the R at the back is pretty self-explanatory.
Source:
Hatena Blog
If we had to guess, the R-HEV is probably destined for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle, with the rotary engine directly powering the wheels in a parallel hybrid set-up, while the R-EV points towards the rotary range extenders, recently confirmed for the
Mazda MX-30
.
That leaves us with R-Energy, which sounds like a name from an overzealous energy drinks company. We’re kidding, but we still aren’t too sure what to make of it – could it be referencing to an alternative form of energy source (read: fuel), such as Hydrogen?
Mazda will be unveiling a rotary-powered range extender variant to the MX-30 EV next year. Read more about it here!
Of course, the usual disclaimer still applies: a trademark
application
 doesn’t necessarily have to mean anything or turn into an actual product eventually; companies sometimes just trademark things as a placeholder, or to prevent others from having a similar name to what they’re planning to release.
But then again, with that much smoke, there must be a fire; with that many rumours swirling about the very same topic within such a short timeframe, it seems more than likely that Mazda is actually working on a rotary engine and/or a sporty coupe. We can’t wait to see what actually comes out!
Recent Mazda patents suggest that the company is making a new sports coupe based on the RX-Vision concept! Check it out here.
As for the other four trademark applications,
Hatena Blog
 thinks that they’re just trim names to be applied to JDM models: ‘Field Journey’ and ‘Sports Appearance’ for the
Mazda CX-5
, ‘VS Terracotta Selection’ for the
MX-5 Roadster RF
 (in addition to the existing VS White Selection), and a ‘Pro-X Ross Style’ that’s stumped most journalists online.
[source:
Hatena Blog
 via
AutoBlog
]


RM4.8 million Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign showcased in Tokyo

Nissan will be showcasing a demo unit of the limited-edition
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign
 at its Nissan Crossing exhibition centre in Ginza, Tokyo.
The car exhibited was used for circuit driving in order to test the rigidity and durability of various exterior parts such as the body, rear wing, and carbon parts.
The GT-R50 by Italdesign was a joint effort by Nissan and the Italian design house to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Italdesign and the GT-R name.
The GT-R50 is based on the Nismo version of the GT-R but its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine has been caressed to push out 720 hp and 780 Nm, from 600 hp and 652 Nm. Each engine has an Italdesign-exclusive 50 serial number on it.
Aside from the completely new rear end design, which has drawn mixed opinions for its unconventional looks, the GT-R50 by Italdesign also features an adjustable rear wing – an item not available in the standard Nismo production car.
In case you haven’t heard, the GT-R50 by Italdesign comes with a whopping price tag of – please be seated for this –
€990,000
 (approx. RM4.8 million ringgit).
According to Nissan, only a few units remain with deliveries expected to begin from mid-2021 after undergoing approval procedures in respective markets.
GALLERY


Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, a 20-unit commemorative special

Only 20 units have been built and they’re all sold out. That explains the exclusivity of the Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, aimed to celebrate the 100th year since the birth of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini.
This roadster is basically the
Centenario coupe
 which, of course, is also sold out. Based on the
Aventador
, the roadster retains most of the aggressive lines and bodywork from its coupe variant. At the back lies the same
6.5-litre V12
 engine producing
760 hp
 and
 690 Nm
 of torque.
In the words of Automobili Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali, the car is meant to deliver “the freedom of a true open-top super sports car for a pure drive experience”. Lamborghini has also said the Centenario model will pave the way for how their future models will look like. We really can’t wait to see what’s in store for Lamborghini for the next couple of years to come.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP Allure full review

Peugeot Malaysia has finally launched the highly-anticipated
Peugeot 3008 SUV
 in Malaysia, now let us tell you whether this range-topping 3008 1.6 THP Allure is the car for you.
Locally, you can have the 3008 in two variants, the entry-level Active priced at RM142,888 and the top-spec Allure priced at RM155,888. Both variants are powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder THP engine that kicks out
165 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque. A six-speed automatic is tasked to send drive to the front wheels. Main rivals for the French SUV include the
Honda CR-V
,
Mazda CX-5
,
Volkswagen Tiguan
 and
Renault Koleos
.
Customers can choose from
five exterior shades
 – Metallic Copper, Magnetic Blue, Amazonite Grey while Ultimate Red and Pearl White (featured in the video) are a
RM1,590
option.The fully-imported Peugeot 3008 is backed by a 5-Year or 120,000 km warranty with 24-hour Peugeot Assistance.
IMAGE GALLERY
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP


Lamborghini has sold out all of its pure internal combustion models, forever

If you’ve somehow been holding out on getting a
Lamborghini
without any of the electrification business, bad news – all of its pure internal combustion models are now already completely sold out. This was according to its CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who was quoted as saying in Germany’s
WELT
 newspaper.
According to Winkelmann, the order books for the Lamborghini Huracan and Urus have all been completely filled out until the end of their production.
The Italian supercar maker first
 announced its electrification plans back in 2021
. Dubbed “Direzione Cor Tauri”, the plan will see Lamborghini’s entire line-up be electrified by 2024, ahead of its first fully-electric EV model in 2030. The electrification plan will see a total investment worth over EUR1.8 billion (approx. RM9.1 billion).
Its last pure combustion car, the
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
, was unveiled in December last year with a planned production limit of only 1,499 units – all of which are now already spoken for.
RELATED:
Lamborghini’s first EV, due in 2030, won’t be an SUV
Lamborghini has since unveiled its first ever production plug-in hybrid model in the
Revuelto
 earlier this year. Billed as the successor to the Aventador, the Lamborghini Revuelto is powered by a V12 engine mated to three electric motors, for a total system output of 1015 hp.
Lamborghini expects that the hybrid Revuelto model to be sold out by the end of 2025.
Following the Revuelto, Lamborghini will also be updating the
Urus
 – which represents
over 60% of all Lambos sold
 – some time next year with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This will then be followed by the
Huracan
 replacement, which will also be a plug-in hybrid of some sorts.
Off the back of its best year in sales in its history, which saw 9,233 cars delivered worldwide, Lamborghini has started its 60-year anniversary strong by selling 5,341 vehicles as of the end of June – 5% higher than the same period last year. Most of its customers are in China, the USA, and Germany, says Winkelmann.
ALSO READ:
Lamborghini Urus Performante “Essenza SCV12” unveiled – Limited 40 units, for Essenza owners only
[source:
 Reuters
]


SpyBuzz: Peugeot 308 facelift leaked, global debut by Q2 2017?

The leaked images of the
Peugeot 308
 facelift have surfaced on the Internet, hinting at the upcoming refresh for the
Volkswagen Golf
‘s rival. The second-generation 308 has been around since 2013, followed by its
Malaysian launch in 2015
.
It may take a trained eye to identify the changes between the facelift model and its predecessor. For starters, the front grille is new, so as the aggressive front bumpers and fog lights. The headlights now feature continuous LED strips for the daytime running lights, replacing the individual LED “dots” on the pre-facelift version, while changes at the back are bare minimal at best.
It also appears that nothing much has changed on the inside, and it seems that the facelifted 308 won’t get the second-generation i-Cockpit like in the new
3008
 and 5008 SUVs.
Powertrain options are still unknown at this point of time but don’t be surprised if the 1.6-litre THP engine and the six-speed automatic transmission is retained on this facelift. That powertrain combination, developed together with BMW, has been around since the first-generation 308.
The introduction of the Peugeot 308 facelift could take place by the end of Q2 2017. At present, there are two variants available on sale for the Malaysian market, the
308 Active
 for
RM119K
, and the range topping
308 THP
 at
RM133K
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Muhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!

Season 5 of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship finally came to a close last Sunday at the grand finale event held at 1 Utama shopping centre, with Muhammad Iqbal Suji being crowned champion in the 2022 edition of the tournament.
Racing in front of a live audience and online fans, the 24-year-old sim racer from Selangor finished the final round of races ahead of nine other finalists to clinch a grand prize of RM20,000 cash. Standing alongside Muhammad Iqbal Suji on the podium were Muhammad Uzair in second, and Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira who finished in third place in the championship.
The three-race grand finale showdown consisted of a 15-minute sprint race and a 30-minute feature race at Brazil’s Autodromo Interlagos, followed by a final 40-minute feature race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, with the sim racers getting behind the wheel of a 1,000bhp Toyota TS050 Hybrid.
After an eventful day with the three drivers swapping places in the championship lead, an emotional Muhammad Iqbal Suji finally came home first to win the championship, finishing some eight seconds ahead of Taj Izrin Aimar in P2.
“Winning the event made me recall all the emotions and frustrations of not getting the position that I felt I deserved over the last few years and now that I finally have, it feels great and steaming hot!,” said Muhammad Iqbal.
RELATED:
Gran Turismo, the sim racing game, is now an official Olympic sport
Following the victory, Muhammad Iqbal will now lead a three-man Malaysian team, comprised of his two other compatriots in second and third place, to the Asia Pacific regional finals of the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup on October 2. If victorious, the trio will also take on the colossal task of representing Asia in the global finals, which will be held in Monaco on November 25.
“Toyota’s on-track and online racing activities are about empowering the dreams of individuals – propelling them to excel. The organizing of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship gives those who excel online an ideal platform to further develop and unleash their fullest potential with some even transitioning into real racing,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K, adding that Toyota’s combination of physical and online racing since 2018 has given the company the opportunity to contribute immensely to greater promoting Malaysian motorsports.
Aside from the main GR Velocity race, the grande finale weekend also featured four exhibition races involving drivers and celebrities competing in the T
oyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge
; members of the media (including yours truly, finishing in second place); invited gamers, as well as the young drivers in the Vios Challenge rookie class.
The celebrity race was won by actor Zizan Razak, followed by presenter Nabil Ahmad and actor Shukri Yahaya, who coincidentally also happen to be the top three contenders in the Promotional Class of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge series. The Vios Challenge rookies, meanwhile, saw four young drivers – Adele Lew, Nabil Azlan, Sharique Zulqarnain, and Muizz Musyaffa – taking up the challenge.
GALLERY


This Porsche 911 GT3 screaming to 9,000 rpm is a feast to the ears!

It’s been nearly six weeks since any of us have done anything significant, again. Who would’ve thought that after coming out from MCO 1.0 last year that we’d be once again deprived of life’s simple pleasures? Driving, in our case.
Coming across this video then, of the
992 Porsche 911 GT3

revving its heart out, did not help.
Find out more about the 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 here!

On one hand, the sound of the 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine screaming all the way to 9,000 rpm is the war cry we all need. It’s the inner voice that’s been pent up for more than a month, locked in at home without any method of release (which in our case, is again, driving).
Just when most engines in normal would be on the verge of exploding at 6,000 to 7,000 rpm, the 911 GT3’s party has just begun – with 3,000 or so rpm to go!
Porsche did 300 km/h non-stop in the new 911 GT3 for 5,000 km, only stopping for fuel. Read about it here!

And
having driven the previous 911 GT3 ourselves in Sepang
, the REAL magic, lies in the last 1,000 rpm when the engine feels like it’s unleashing an inner power. The intensity of the sound and mechanical sensations is unlike any other – it’s signature Porsche.
On the other hand, well, there’s the lockdown.


The Ferrari 250 GTO is probably the only car that’s literally worth more than its weight in gold

Gold has always been the embodiment of wealth, partly because of its significance in jewellery, and also partly because it’s just a very expensive material – so much so that there’s even a saying that goes along the lines of “worth its weight in gold”.
While the saying is usually used figuratively to express a non-tangible value, there are actual physical things – albeit few and far in between – that are worth more than its own weight in gold, literally. One of which, is the Ferrari 250 GTO, as figured out by Reddit user,
subtle_anarchist
.
This particular Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for a whopping USD70 million in 2018.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is often regarded as the “Holy Grail” of collectibles. Only 36 individual units were ever built (in two body styles), so there’s the rarity factor at play. Couple that with the Ferrari clout, and the fact that these cars are all featured in many iconic races in the 60s, resulted in them regularly fetching more than USD40 million at auctions worldwide.
But one particular example of the Ferrari 250 GTO was worth more than the others:
 chassis number 4153GT
, a Series I model that was sold for a whopping USD70 million just two years ago, setting the record for the most expensive car ever sold.
According to Ferrari, the 250 GTO weighs in at just 880 kg dry. At the USD70 million price, this particular unit of the 250 GTO costs USD79.55 per gram.
And what’s the price for pure gold you ask? According to the (very descriptive) website
goldprice.org
, the price for a gram of gold today is USD55.84. So if the Ferrari 250 GTO is made out of
pure gold
, it’ll “only” cost around the region of USD49 million. Let that sink in for a moment.
Now, of course, not every single Ferrari 250 GTO is worth USD70 million. But looking at how sought after this car is, it won’t be surprising to see it going past the pure-gold-price every now and again – and eventually even surpassing the current USD70 million record. The last unit listed at the RM Sotheby’s auction was sold for USD48.4 million in 2018.
You know how gold has always been the “go-to” option for someone looking for a relatively stable investment? Well, maybe it’s time for the rare earth material to move over for classic cars like these.
GALLERY


Check out these new wallpapers of old Hondas for your PC

Today, car images are all in some way shape or form digitalised, illustrated and heavily-edited. It’s rare that anyone will ever see a tasteful acrylic painting of a car on display – like shifting a manual transmission, these paintings are a lost art.
But for those of you who still appreciate the simplicity and craftsmanship of hand-drawn images, you’re in for a treat. Kazuhiro Ikeda, who goes by the pseudo name of Bow, painted a series of classic Honda’s (and some modern ones) to draw a connection (pun intended) and depict the daily lives of a Honda owner.
There are over 30 different drawings of different generations of Hondas, dating back to the first-generation Honda Civic, the S800 and the CR-X, to name a few. My personal favourites are the Honda S2000 and NSX; which I’ve made my personal mission this weekend to see them framed and hung in my room.
I wish I was more artsy and articulate, to be able to discuss art with you guys but I’m clearly not. So here’s a gallery instead, of every iconic Honda imaginable, if your PC is in need of a new wallpaper. The images are also
compatible for both
iPhones
 and
Android
 smartphones
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Audi to launch 12 production EVs by 2025, SUVs, coupes & sedans planned

At the global premiere of the
all-electric Audi e-Tron SUV
 in San Francisco, Audi also took the opportunity to highlight the brand’s commitment towards pure electric vehicles (EV). A total of 12 production EVs will bear the four-rings emblem by 2025 starting with the e-Tron SUV and Audi is prepared to offer one EV in all key market segments from the high-volume A segment to the large-sized D segment.
The electric portfolio is spearheaded by two SUVs, the
e-Tron
 and the
e-Tron Sportback
 debuting in 2019. A new electric platform based on the e-Tron GT concept will be presented by the end of 2018 at the LA Auto Show. The e-Tron GT will be a dynamic couple with flat floor assembly and its inner workings were developed in collaboration with Porsche, so you know the car’s character is packed with Audi DNA.

Audi and Porsche are also working together on a Premium Platform Electric (PPE) that is being developed from the ground up exclusively for electric drivetrains. It will be the basis for multiple Audi EV models covering from B to D segments of the market and naturally, dedicated SUV styles are also part of the plan.
For the smaller, but high-volume A segment, Audi is collaborating with several other Volkswagen Group brands on the development of a modular electrification platform (MEB) which like PPE, is developed for electrified powertrains from the ground up. This platform will be served as a basis for lower range EV models in the Audi range and one of these is being developed specifically for China, the single most important market for Audi.
Audi e-Tron GT Concept

Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, Peter Mertens said: “In the future, virtually every market segment will include models powered by a combination of electric motors and a combustion engine, and that can be charged at an electric outlet.”
“The Audi e-tron is definitely a highlight in the history of our company and the starting signal for our electrification strategy,” Mertens added.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi PB18 e-Tron Concept in San Francisco

Audi e-Tron SUV Global Premiere

 Audi integrates the screen into the door panels

Audi e-Tron Aicon Concecpt


Sime Darby Swedish Auto opens four-storey 3S Centre in Ara Damansara

Volvo Car Malaysia and new dealer-partner,
Sime Darby Swedish Auto
, today opened the doors to their latest Volvo 3S Centre at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara.
The new
50,742 square feet
 facility is built according to Volvo Car’s global retail standard – the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). Spread across
four storeys
, the new Volvo 3S Centre will be the first 3S Centre in the region to be equipped with a
Virtual Reality Studio
 and
“Reception at the Counter” bay
 – immediate service without prior appointment.
The ground floor houses the showroom as well as the service centre, while a car detailing area is spread across the second and third floor. The fourth floor houses the wheel alignment and balancing zone.
The service centre comprises of
eight repair and service bays
 in total, including the two “Reception at the Counter” bays, manned by eight highly skilled personnel. The new service centre expects a
 monthly service throughput of 400 vehicles
.
Aside from the VRE, the Volvo 3S by Sime Darby Swedish Auto also adheres to the marquee’s principles of sustainability. All customer parking bays will be equipped with an
electric vehicle charger
, while the showroom also attempts to reduces usage of single-use plastic and paper by adopting a
Digital Silent Salesman
 (DSS) tablet beside every model on display.
At the launch, Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Nalin Jain said, “The partnership we have with premium dealers such as Sime Darby Swedish Auto is the key to expanding the Volvo brand’s Swedish-inspired ideals and heritage especially within regard to its retail experience, new car sales and customer service improvement. There is an amazing potential.”
When asked about sales target for 2020, Nalin says that the brand has “very aggressive sales targets” this year, especially with the expansion of the Swedish brand’s dealership network in recent years. However, no specific numbers were given.
Volvo 3S Ara Damansara is located at
 Block 6, Sime Darby Motors City, 6 Jalan PJU 1A/7, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
. Operation hours for the showroom is from
8.30 am to 6 pm
 from Mondays to Fridays, from
9 am to 6 pm
 on Saturdays, and
10 am to 6 pm
 on Sundays and public holidays.
The Service Centre opens from
8.30 am to 5.30 pm
 on Mondays to Fridays, and from
 8.30 am to 12.45 pm
 on Saturdays.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 debuts – Brand’s wagon lives on for the fans

After introducing to the world the
E-Class
 W214 sedan,
Mercedes-Benz
 has now just unveiled the wagon version of the new luxury vehicle, and has kept the tradition for its name. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214.
Wagons might not be the most popular form of vehicles out there, including in Malaysia. But to why Mercedes-Benz has decided to not give up on this segment, it explained that the estate model is an integral part of the luxury segment and has a loyal fan base, particularly in its home base, Germany. The E-Class Estate S214 is offered in three trims, which includes the Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line.
Design-wise, the E-Class Estate is naturally developed based on its sedan sibling. At the front of its exterior is a black-panel surface that connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ models.
The headlamps also come with Mercedes-Benz’s optional Digital Light. A chrome-framed radiator grille backlit by optical fibres is also optionally available for all lines – Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line.
RELATED:
All-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app
Mercedes-Benz says that the roofline of the E-Class Estate S214 is designed in a more dynamic manner than its predecessor, the W213. The German luxury carmaker has also made the new E-Class Estate more aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.26, undercutting the 0.27 Cd value achieved by its facelifted predecessor.
The E-Class Estate S214 is available in three different powertrains. This includes the petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) E 200, diesel MHEV E 220 d, and the petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) E 300 e.
The E 200 features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired to a 9G Tronic automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels only, and the engine produces
204 hp
 and
320 Nm
 on its own.
There is also an intelligent starter generator (ISG) that provides an additional
23 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of boost. Going from 0-100 km/h with the E 200 takes
7.8 seconds
, and top speed is rated at
231 km/h
.
The E 200 d’s MHEV system consists of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, and is mated to the 9G Tronic automatic transmission. With power sent to the rear wheels only, the engine produces an output of
197 hp
 and
440 Nm
.
Just like the E 200, the E 220 d also features an ISG that gives an additional
23 hp
 and
205 Nm
 of boost. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in
7.9 seconds
, while top speed is rated at
230 km/h
.
The PHEV E 300 e features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with the 9G automatic transmission. There is also an electric motor that produces
127 hp
 and
440 Nm
. With power also sent to the rear wheels only, combined output for the E 300 e is rated at
308 hp
 and
550 Nm
.
RELATED:
Not only taking our jobs, ChatGPT is now in Mercedes-Benz’s voice control system
All power options of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class S214 come with the brand’s Agility Control suspension and single-chamber air suspension on the rear as standard. Mercedes-Benz claims that the latter can maintain ride comfort even with a full load on board, and ensures that the vehicle remains horizontal even when laden. Mercedes-Benz is also offering its Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping as an option.
Dimensions-wise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 measures
4949 mm
 long,
1,880 mm
 wide, and
1,469 mm
 tall (
1,470 mm
 for the E 300 e), with a
2,961 mm
 long wheelbase, This makes it
28 mm
 wider than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also grown by
22 mm
, which Mercedes-Benz says enables passengers sitting at the back to enjoy more knee room and leg room.
Speaking of knee and leg room, let’s talk about the E-Class Estate S214’s interior. Mercedes-Benz is giving buyers of the wagon customizability options, by allowing them to choose between a large library of interior colour combinations.
Car interiors nowadays, especially in luxury vehicles, are all about digitalisation and screens. The E-Class S214 is no exception, as it is equipped with a driver display as well as a central display. Customers can also opt for the brand’s MBUX Superscreen as an option, which extends to the central display. A front passenger screen is available as an option as well.
Just like the E-Class W214 sedan, the E-Class Estate comes with an infotainment system that allows users to install third-party apps. At market launch, the E-Class Estate is available with apps such as TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom, Vivaldi, and Pocket Casts. Just in case customers need to conduct video calls in the E-Class Estate, the luxury wagon can also be opted with the optional selfie and video cameras, which comes together with the optional MBUX Superscreen.
RELATED:
2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ facelift launched in Malaysia – from RM510k
The new E-Class Estate is fitted with Nappa leather seats, quilted and perforated diamond patterns that follow the shape of the seat. The seat with Microcut offered as part of AMG Line interior is also perforated. The Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation also comes as an option.
Safety-wise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214 is equipped with Active Distance Assist Distronic, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera, and Speed Limit Assist. The Driving Assistance Plus package is also offered as an optional extra. This package consists of Active Steering Assist, which assists with lane-keeping.
As already on motorways, the E-Class can now also restart automatically in city traffic and on country roads after a longer standstill. In the case of Active Steering Assist not being available due to the lane markings not clearly visible, the car signals this to the drive through vibration on the steering wheel.
RELATED:
2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia, RM650k – 687hp, 1020Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs
GALLERY


Kia proves the new K5 is more than just a pretty face with dramatic stunt

When we first saw the all-new Kia K5 last year, we couldn’t stop
singing praises for its looks
 – both
inside and out
. Kia however, wants to convince us all that its new D-segment packs a whole lot more than just a pretty face. How? By subjecting the Kia K5 to a 360-degree flat spin jump stunt, and broadcast it during the 72nd Emmy Awards telecast, of course.
Kia Motors America marketing operations director, Russell Wager said, “Partnering with the 72nd Emmy Awards puts the all-new K5 front and center during one of the most watched live television events of the year. The K5 launch is like nothing the midsize sedan category has ever seen and this latest initiative highlights the ‘It Factor’ that sets the K5 apart from everything else.”
 https://youtu.be/JmoLtL8A43w
To achieve the ambitious stunt, the driver had to enter the ramp at an angle, then swiftly kick the rear of the Kia K5 out into a slide right before it reaches the edge of the ramp. The rotational force from the slide flips the car around, landing on the rear wheels, acting as an anchor to turn the car forwards again, completing the stunt.
As the board behind the ramps suggests, the Kia K5 featured in the stunt is the
GT variant
, packing a 2.5-litre T-GDi engine that outputs
290 hp
 and
 422 Nm
 of torque. Paired to a dual-clutch transmission, the Kia K5 GT is capable of sprinting to 100 km/h from a standstill in
6.6 seconds
.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPfeBQhJ7ZU
Aside from the flat spin jump, Kia also released a separate
“triple threat” stunt video
, featuring three K5 GTs – two jumping across the ramp, and one more underneath it doing a 180-degree spin simultaneously, ending with a cool family photo along with the tagline “boring doesn’t fly around here” at the background.


Lexus Malaysia introduces the new RX 350 L, now with 3 rows and 7-seats

Launched in the USA at the end of last year, the
new RX 350 L
 is now available in Malaysia with a price of RM 475,000, the first ever variant of the RX in its 20-year history of the model to feature three rows and seven seats.
The new RX 350 L will now be part of the 2018 RX line up consisting of the RX 300, RX 350, RX 350 F SPORT and RX 450h Hybrid. Except the RX 350 L, all the other models will retain the two row/five-seater layout.
As with all Lexus models, the RX 350 L will feature the signature spindle grille up front flanked by slim LED headlights on either side. The lower section of the rear bumper now features a single tailpipe instead of the two that were on the RX 350 before.
Besides the blacked-out C-pillars that now creates a ‘floating-roof’ effect, the Lexus spindle theme repeats at the rear with L-shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate, stretching to the rear fenders.

More importantly, the new RX 350 L is now
 110 mm longer
 while its roofline had been changed over the rear portion of the vehicle. The edge of the roof extends slightly further back and the angle of the rear window is now steeper, providing comfortable headroom for the occupants in the third row.
The third row comes with full-sized seats, providing the passengers with the same levels of comfort and luxury as those in the middle row. Access to the third row is provided with a lever that slides and folds the second-row seats forward for walk-in convenience.

The second row has 40/20/40 split backrests to provide cabin layout flexibility while the third row has power operation for seat adjustment. The RX 350 L also comes with a three-zone air conditioning system with separate controls for the rear occupants.
Performance wise, the RX 350 L comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing
 289 hp
 with
358 Nm
 of torque. Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent Wide (VVT-iW)
Variable Valve Timing is used on the intake camshaft, along with VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission with Drive Mode Select.
The Drive Mode Select systems offer three driving modes – Normal, Sport S and ECO.
The RX 300 variants in the 2018 range are identical to the RX 200t variants sold before – with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The RX 300 is available in Premium, Luxury and F Sport variants with prices ranging from RM388,800 to RM422,900.
There are seven colours to choose from where the paint used contains high-performance macromolecular polymer which gives a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat for a long-lasting finish.
All new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Toyota Land Cruiser owners required to keep it for a year, preventing sub-sale

We have heard of speculators buying limited edition supercars (such as the Ferrari LaFerrari) and getting into trouble with the brand after selling flipping them almost immediately for a handsome profit.
Who would have thought that getting your hands on an
all-new Land Cruiser LC300
 would be so tedious as well?
The Toyota Land Cruiser is so popular in the Gulf Emirates, it’s in the police fleet within weeks! Check out their range of tourist-attracting patrol cars here!
News of such a farce has surfaced in Japan, where
Creative311
 reported that customers who placed their bookings were required to
 sign an agreement to not sell the new Toyota Land Cruiser for at least a year
.
The Japanese document that was translated by
Caradvice.com.au
 said that the company intends to make buying a new Land Cruiser a fairer process while customers can get the models they want via legitimate channels.
The document ends with a sentence saying that the act of unauthorised parallel trading may infringe on foreign exchange law or jeopardise global safety in export destinations. Perhaps the sub-sale restriction is to prevent the vehicles from being sold largely by unofficial channels.
This is as Toyota dealers in Japan registered
over 20,000 pre-orders
 for the new Toyota Land Cruiser and are concerned about not being able to meet such demands.
The new-generation Land Cruiser is built on an all-new GA-F platform that is some 200 kg lighter yet stiffer than its LC200 predecessor that originated from the late 2000s.
Two new twin-turbocharged V6 engines are on offer, with the 3.5-litre petrol developing
415 hp
 and
650 Nm
 of torque. The diesel mill meanwhile generates
309 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. Both engines are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The suspension system now features a world-first Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), where hydraulic fluid is used to keep the body level on smooth roads while extending suspension stroke during off-road. Other areas of improvement for better off-road driving include a Multi-Terrain Monitor and the Multi-Terrain Select drive mode.
Toyota Land Cruiser twin-turbo V6 accelerates like a hot-hatch! View the video here!
GALLERY


Subaru XV named safest Small Family Car by EURO NCAP

Subaru UK announced that the all-new Subaru XV (European spec-ed) had been named the safest vehicle in the Small Family Car category from the 2017 Euro NCAP testings, earning it the “Best In Class” title.
The XV achieved the best scores in the Small Family Car class for three out of four aspects –
Adult Occupant
,
Child Occupant
 and
Pedestrian Protection
. It also performed outstandingly in the
Safety Assist
 tests with its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support System. All in all it achieved the maximum
five-star overall rating
 in the 2017 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
The XV is one of the first models, aside from the Impreza, to feature the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), for higher levels of safety performance, driving enjoyment and ride comfort. The SGP platform offers enhanced body and chassis rigidity – 70% increased torsional rigidity, 70% increased front suspension rigidity and 100% increased rear sub frame rigidity.
Also contributing to the XV’s outstanding results is Subaru’s Eye Sight technology which utilises two digital cameras that monitors traffic movement to warn the driver of threats ahead and to apply pre-collision braking in emergency situations. The system also prevents unintentional lane departure. The XV also comes with seven airbags, including one SRS knee airbag.


Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro launched in Malaysia, now RM65k cheaper at RM525k!

The second-generation Audi Q7 was introduced to the Malaysian market some time last year in the sole
3.0-litre supercharged V6 guise
. For those who fancy a Q7 but can’t stomach the asking price of the 3.0-litre variant, fret not because Audi Malaysia has added an entry-level variant to their Q7 line up, the Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro.
Audi Malaysia explained that the 2.0 TFSI is a direct replacement of the second-generation Q7 3.0 Quattro. Although a base variant, the 2.0 TFSI Q7 still packs an extensive list of equipment, features, performance and off-road capabilities the full-sized SUV is known for.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Engine
1,984cc; inline-four, direct injection turbo
Transmission
8-speed tiptronic
Max Power
252 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
7.1 seconds; 233 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM524,900
EXTERIOR
On the exterior, the 2.0-litre Q7 wears the same fascia as its 3.0-litre twin. Therefore, Audi’s signature Singleframe grille, automatic LED headlamps with double-arrow LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, twin exhaust outlets, aluminium roof rails and roof spoiler all come as standard.
The only way to tell the two variants apart is the smaller 19-inch five-spoke cast aluminium alloys wrapped in 255/55 profile tyres and the more obvious 2.0 TFSI badge on the 2.0-litre Q7.
INTERIOR
Inside, the differences are more apparent. In the 2.0-litre, the sporty three-spoke steering wheel have been swapped out for a four-spoke design with the paddle shifters retained. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the steering column is no longer electronically adjustable.
The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit is not standard here, unfortunately
The fancy 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit was also given a miss, and is replaced with a conventional Driver Information System with a 7-inch full coloured instrument cluster. Another feature that was omitted from the 2.0 TFSI is the 558 watts 15-channel amplifier with 19-speakers BOSE 3D sound system. The entry variant gets a 180 watts 9-channel amplifier with 10-speakers Audi Sound System.
However, Audi Malaysia has
retained
 most of the conveniences available in the more expensive variant such as comfort key, leather upholstery, powered front seats with memory function for driver’s seat,
four-zone deluxe climate control
, electric parking brake with hold assist, parking system advanced with surround view camera, park assist, powered tailgate, automatic anti-glare rear and side mirrors and cruise control.
Boot volume on the Q7 is rated at 770 litres but the
electrically operated
 50:50 split third row seats can be folded flat to free up 1,955 litres of cargo space.
PERFORMANCE
Despite having a smaller capacity engine under the hood, the 2.0-litre TFSI, when mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission is able to deliver
252 hp
 and
370 Nm
 which drives all four wheels. With the
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system
, the Q7 2.0 TFSI is able to sprint to 100km/h in a brisk
7.1 seconds
 all the way to a top speed of
233km/h
.
Besides that, the smaller engine with start/stop system and energy recovery offers better fuel consumption of
7.4 litres per 100km
 as compared to the 3.0-litre’s 7.9L/100km. Still think you need that 3.0-litre?
The 2.0 TFSI is the same unit powering the soon-to-come Audi A4 (B9) 2.0 TFSI quattro
As standard, the 2.0-litre Q7 gets
adaptive air suspension
 to ensure superior ride quality and driving dynamics. Managed by a continuous variable electronically controlled air spring damper system, the vehicle will always remain levelled regardless of the load distribution.
With the adaptive air suspension, the Q7 gets an advanced Audi drive select that features seven different damper settings. In addition to Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Comfort and Individual, the off-road capable SUV gets two modes – Allroad and Lift/Offroad specifically for going off road.
In Allroad, the vehicle’s ride height is raised by 25mm to prepare the car for mixed terrains. On the other hand, Lift/Offroad raises the ride height to the maximum 60mm for additional ground clearance when tackling extreme terrains, improving approach and departure angles.
Another feature of the air suspension is a Convenient Loading mode that lowers the rear axle by 45mm to ease loading and unloading cargo from the boot.
SAFETY
The base variant Q7 gets the same safety features as the top spec model. As such, the Q7 is equipped with eight airbags, ABS, ESC with traction control, EBD, Electronic Differential Lock, hill descent control and tyre pressure loss indicator.
WHAT ELSE?
As a CBU unit, customers are able to choose from seven different exterior shades: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Orca Black and a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect. Additionally, customers can also spec an optional S-line package that includes a sportier body kit, S-line steering wheel, 20-inch cast aluminium wheels, sport seats (among others) for an additional RM15,000 over the asking price of RM524,900.
In short, the Q7 2.0 TFSI Quattro immediately made the Q7 a good
 RM65k
 more accessible to buyers without losing out all that much. Should the base Q7 check a good number of your boxes, order books for the four rings SUV are now open. If you still can’t decide between the 2.0 or 3.0 TFSI, check out what GC thinks of the 3.0-litre Q7
here
.
Disclaimer: The Q7 you see here is of the 3.0 V6 TFSI quattro, and not the actual specification of the 2.0 TFSI quattro.


Lotus welcomes the new Eletre – its first-ever, fully-electric ‘Hyper SUV’

After more than 70 years of sports car design, engineering, and manufacturing, the brand known for its commitment to lightness and pure driving has yet again, revealed a completely unprecedented product, a fully-electric Hyper SUV called the Eletre.

Not only the first fully-electric SUV by Lotus, the Eletre is also the first 5-door production car and the first-ever model that’s not a sports car by the company. So what’s it all about then?
For starters, you get two electric motors driving all four wheels offering AWD capabilities,
600 hp
 (no torque figures were revealed), a 100 kWh battery, and the ability to offer 400 km of electric driving range with just 20 minutes of charging using a 350kW. The maximum driving range is rated at over 600 km. 0 to 100 km/h can be done in just
under three seconds
.
As standard, it will be fitted with air suspension while optional features include rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and torque vectoring. Lotus said the Eletre has been developed to deliver everything you would expect from a Lotus – outstanding ride and handling, highly communicative steering, and exceptional driver engagement.
The emphasis on the Eletre’s design was just as paramount as its electric powertrain and one of the main features of the exterior is the Active Front Grille – a network of interconnecting triangular petals that close and open depending one when the car needs better cooling or better aerodynamics. The 23-inch wheels and 10-pot brake calipers you see here are optional items.
The Eletre does not have side mirrors but instead uses an Electric Reverse Mirror Display (ERMD) which consists of three cameras – one for rearview, one to create a 360-degree view and a third that works with the cars driver assistance system. ERMD also works hand-in-hand with the Eletre’s LIDAR sensors – one installed on each side of the car. is also fitted with LIDAR sensors on each side of the car that work together with
The Eletre’s comes with a carbon fibre roof spoiler that channels air to the active tailgate spoiler that deploys in three different angles, depending on vehicle speed.
Lotus said walking up to the Eletre in itself would be “a peacock moment” due to the SUV’s dynamic ‘walk-up’ sequence involving its exterior lights, door handles and active front grille.
The immersive experience with the Lotus Eletre begins before the driver even enters the car. Unlocking it triggers a light sequence from the head and taillights, the active front grille ‘breathes’, all while the illuminated door handles are being deployed.
Inside, the Eletre is available either as a four- or five-seater while the panoramic sunroof is standard only in the Chinese market and optional around the world.
The interior is dressed with microfibre material at the vital touch points and wool-blend fabric on the seats. The materials are 50% lighter than leather according to Lotus, further reducing the weight of the car. Most of the harder trims in the cabin are made of recycled carbon fibre.
The light strip that runs across the dashboard changes in colour for an interactive effect when the driver is answering a call, or changing the air-con temperature. Below the light strip are two displays – one for the driver and another for the passenger to display information relating to the car, journey, music selection and more.
Beneath them is a 15.1-inch OLED touch-screen with more information projected on the head-up display with augmented reality (AR) technology.
Driver aids are aplenty in the Eletre including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, rear-cross traffic alert with brake assist.
The Eletre is only the first of many more exciting fully-electric vehicles from the company as Lotus Group, CEO, Mr. Feng Qingfeng highlighted.
Following the new Eletre, Lotus has announced that it will launch a four-door sports coupe (Type 133) in 2023 and a D-segment SUV (Type 134) in 2025, and an
all-new electric sports car (Type 135) by 2026
.
GALLERY


Yes, the BMW M3 is indeed PDRM’s new steed [UPDATED]

[Update 8.50 pm: The new vehicles are now confirmed to be “technical evaluation” units, according to
photos taken outside the Selangor PDRM’s headquarters
]
The internet was set ablaze this morning, with photos and footages of a new police-liveried
BMW M3
 spreading like wildfire on social media and instant messaging apps.
Due to the lack of official communications from the
Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
, many understandably had doubts about the whole ordeal, wondering if it’s just props for an upcoming Malaysian movie. The livery on the side that says “
Polis
 High Performance” certainly doesn’t help instil any confidence.
But as it turns out, the new cars are indeed meant for official police use… if a Facebook post by user Nornikman Mesri is anything to be believed. “Eight nights without sleep… these are not movie props,” the post read.
Nornikman Mesri is the founder of Armorblaze, the firm that helped install the liveries and body protection wraps for the new cars. According to his Facebook post, there were a total of five vehicles that received the new PDRM liveries – the BMW M3, two
BMW X3s
, and two
Volkswagen Tiguans
.
The Honda Civic Type R was also recently seen sporting PDRM liveries! Read more about that here.
And if you’re still in disbelief, here’s something that should put your doubts to bed: When the new police cars left Mesri’s premises, there were even uniformed police present to escort the new cars out! We’re certain that movie props will not get the same treatment. Check out the video for yourself
here
.
PDRM recently also received over 1,200 new patrol vehicles, consisting of 197 Proton X70s and 1,078 Honda Civics! Check it out here.
There hasn’t been any official news from the police thus far, although we presume that it’s because they have yet to install the necessary equipments (such as VHF radios) for their official duties.
New photos that surfaced online have now shown that these vehicles are indeed designated for “technical evaluations” for the Selangor police’s escort guard division (
Cawangan Pengawal Pengiring
) – all that’s left are the official confirmations from both PDRM and BMW Malaysia!
[Source: Nornikman Mesri/Facebook]
GALLERY


Check out the new Volvo Car Leasing – the gateway to stress-free Volvo ownership

Volvo Car Malaysia today launched the Volvo Car Leasing in collaboration with MyMotor (MYEG Fintech) –  a first for Volvo Cars in the Southeast Asia region; offering customers an opportunity to drive a Volvo, worry-free, with the insurance, road tax, maintenance cost, and warranty covered.
“Our company philosophy is centred around people, their needs and what they care about. Now with Volvo Car Leasing, our customers are able to choose an appropriate model based on their current need or station in life and change it when the need arises,” said Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland.
Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland and Chief Executive Officer of MyMotor, Mr Justin Cheah at the Volvo Car Malaysia headquarters.
The programme will be available for all Volvo models sold in Malaysia, at all participating dealerships. Customers can drive home a new Volvo from as low as
 RM2,762 per month
 which is inclusive of a
 comprehensive insurance package
,
 road tax
,
 and maintenance cost
.
At the end of the leasing agreement, customers could either choose to select a new model to drive home, purchase the car at market rate or Future Guaranteed Value (FGV), or simply return the car to the dealership.
Volvo Car Leasing also allows customers greater financial flexibility when compared to a typical hire-purchase agreement, freeing up valuable credit to purchase other assets on top of not having to worry about incidentals related to car ownership.
Every Volvo leased under this programme comes complete with our
 Volvo Service Agreement Plus (VSA+)
 which covers a list of service actions including a wide range of wear and tear items, giving the customer peace of mind with his or her Volvo ownership experience.
Check out our
review of the Volvo S90 T6 and V90 T6
 here!
In conjunction with the launch of Volvo Car Leasing, all models will be
offered with a promotional rate
 that is applicable from today till 31 August 2018. Volvo Car Leasing will also be offering
 free petrol vouchers worth RM300
 for all bookings received within this promotional period.
For more information on the available models, applicable rates, VSA+, and Volvo Car Leasing and any current promotions, please visit
Volvo Car Malaysia’s webpage
. Alternatively, you may contact your preferred Volvo dealership for further assistance.


Audi S8 4.0L V8 only has 100 Nm more than a standard A8 PHEV

Most people are happy to take a back seat in a luxury limousine but there are a small group of thrill-seekers who thinks speed and luxury can go hand-in-hand.
For the same reason, the automotive world is graced with four-door limousines with enough firepower to light up a drag strip, like this all-new Audi S8.
Now in its latest-generation, the S8 gets a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 TFSI generating
 571 hp
 and
800 Nm
 of torque. Interestingly that is only 100 Nm more torque than a standard A8 with a
3.0-litre V6 TFSI plug-in hybrid system
.
An onboard 48V mild-hybrid system helps with fuel savings of up to 0.8 litres per 100 km. Audi has not disclosed century sprint times or top speed of the S8 but we can expect it to be in the sub 4 seconds mark if it wants to keep up with the competition.
Chassis equipment
include predictive active suspension, dynamic all-wheel-steering, Quattro
all-wheel drive and a sport differential. Customers can also opt for the
optional carbon ceramic brakes for better stopping power and reduced unsprung
weight.
The predictive active suspension, depending on drive mode, works together with the air suspension to adjust the ride height and even tilt the body of the S8 to ensure the passengers are not affected by the lateral forces.
In maximum attack (Dynamic) mode, the S8 is even more poised with a maximum roll angle of only 2.5 degrees compared to the standard suspension that rolls up to 5 degrees.
Other than the S-specific
elements to the digital displays and interior trim, the S8 gets all the tech
and features available on the regular A8 including 38 driver assistance systems
that Audi offers.


Honda Malaysia issues recall involving 12,329 City and Jazz models

A recall has just been issued by Honda Malaysia concerning an improper hydraulic pressure control software in the CVT gearbox. Only two models are affected with this fault – the
City
 (model 2014) and
Jazz
 (model 2015).
The total number of vehicles affected is
12,329
, the bulk of which affects the City (12,232 units). To date, only 97 units of the Jazz were identified with the problem. This ‘product update’, as Honda calls it, will
rectify the Powertrain Control Module
 through a CVT software update containing the solution – a stress reduction software.
Honda Malaysia explained, “Due to the stepping in and releasing of the accelerator pedal at high speed, high hydraulic pressure will cause great stress to be generated to the drive pulley shaft and
may cause the shaft to break
, thus experiencing a loss of power during driving.” There have been no injuries or crashes related to this issue as of today, and Honda Malaysia regrets the inconvenience caused to its customers.
Customers who are affected with the issue will be contacted via notification letters. Recipients are advised to
 send their vehicles to the nearest authorised Honda dealer for inspection
. If rectification is needed, all cost incurred will be borne by Honda Malaysia. No other models besides the City and Jazz are affected in this campaign.


The Lamborghini Urus selling better than expected, more women buyers

Lamborghini’s new super SUV, the
 Urus
, is scaling the sales chart beyond all expectations, with most buyers being new to the Lamborghini brand, according to CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Almost two thirds of the Urus’ buyers have not owned a Lamborghini before. Since it was launched, the Urus had been well received particularly in Russia and India, along with an increase in female buyers.

Although Lamborghini is reaching out to the lucrative SUV-buying demographic, it is claimed that the brand will keep production numbers low to preserve the brand’s exclusivity.
Lamborghini’s sales in general has continued to strengthen, particularly in Germany and the U.K. along with unexpected growth contributed by “new money” from crytocurrency investors. Production is expected to hit close to five figures by end of 2019, where half of which will be the Urus.
The Urus features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering
 650 hp
 and
850 Nm
 where 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.6 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h – the highest top speed for an SUV. ‘
There are 6 driving modes available through the “Tamburo” drive mode selector – Strada (Street), Sport, Corsa (Race), Neve (Snow), Terra (off-road) and Sabbia (Sand).
IMAGE GALLERY


Chery becomes first-ever Chinese carmaker to export over 50k units a month

Chery
has sold 50,614 vehicles outside of China in July 2022, making it the first-ever Chinese marque to export more than 50,000 vehicles in a single month. The figure represents 38% of its total global sales in July (131,533 units), and a 90.1% increase in exports over the same period last year.
With the July figures accounted for, Chery has now exported nearly 200,000 vehicles in the first seven months of 2022 (+36.8%), or roughly a third of its global sales total so far this year.
The sales performance, in spite of the ongoing challenges caused by the after effects of
Covid-19
 and logistical difficulties, was largely contributed by Chery’s new SUV line-up, particularly the Tiggo models.
The Tiggo 8 Series saw a total of 31,263 exported in the first seven months of 2022, marking a 43.3% growth over the same period last year. The company adds that the model is also serving as the presidential and state transport in several countries and regions, a testament to the model’s quality and stature.
RELATED:
 Chery CKD plant for Malaysia in the works, SUV models to compete with Proton X50, X70
As for specific country figures, Egypt saw 1,846 Chery vehicles sold in July, boosting its sales total in the country up to 12,591 units in the first seven months of the year. Another highlight for Chery was South Africa, with 1,262 units sold in the month of July to bring the marque’s market share up to 4.01% in the nation, a record high figure for the company.
The Chinese carmaker is reiterating its commitment to its globalisation strategy, and says that it will further strengthen its brand and global operations in the second half of the year. Headlining its globalisation efforts will be the
 Omoda 5
, the first member of Chery’s new global Omoda series, which has also already been confirmed for Malaysia alongside the
 Tiggo 7 Pro
 and
Tiggo 8 Pro
.
ALSO READ:
Chery returns to Indonesia, to become new base for ASEAN exports
Chery is also targetting to launch new energy vehicles (NEV) in 14 countries this year, including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, covering a variety of powertrains such as pure electric, plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid systems.


Video: Road trip in the GR Yaris, JCW Clubman & AMG A45S, with GitiSport S2 tyres!

It couldn’t have possibly gotten any better than this – three high performance hatchbacks, open roads, winding B-roads, and new tyres to shred. Recently, we went on a road trip with the
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC
, the
MINI JCW Clubman
, and one of the most loved cars within the AutoBuzz team, the
GR Yaris
.
Obviously it was all about fun, but we also had new performance by Giti, the GitiSport S2 to test, and while it may not be a household name like the Michelins and Goodyears that we’ve been used to (and comes at a premium), suffice to say, the more affordable GitiSport S2 tyres didn’t let up.

In short, with the three cars having very different characters, the German-engineered GitiSport S2 coped well with the JCW Clubman’s weight and load, with the AMG A 45’s brute performance, and the ballet-like agility of the GR Yaris really well. Granted, they may not be as superior as the Michelin PS4, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport or even the Goodyear Assymetric 5, but considering the costs, the GitiSport S2 is a rather close second.
With the new GitiSport S2 tyres, the rubber compound has been tweaked to make the tyres more durable and allow it to withstand higher temperatures. With a redesigned thread pattern, Giti says it has even shorter braking distance than before.
Giti said the tyre’s shoulders are stiffer for better cornering and more precise steering but even so, in the time that we drove on less than ideal road condition, it didn’t feel bumpy at all. The GitiSport S2 tyres also come with a curved design by the edges, which helps the tyre cut through water. As a result, Giti says aquaplaning resistance have been improved by 10% compared to before.
Just reading this wouldn’t do the tyres (and cars) and justice…so why don’t you check the video out and experience the fun we had!


You can now charge your PHEVs at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

Schneider Electric along with Resorts World Genting has recently launched the first electric vehicle charging station at the Awana SkyCentral Transportation Hub Car park at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GPHO).
The Schneider Electrics’ EVlink Smart Wallbox charger is compatible with all electric vehicles on the road today, capable of charging up to 10 times faster than a domestic socket outlet.
Located Level B1 of the GPHO parking facility, the charging station is open 24 hours and is free of charge.
There are nine charging bays available, located at each with 7.4kW charging power via a Type 2 socket outlet, offering 40 km of electric range from an
average charging time of four hours
.
Resorts World Genting, Vice President of Hotel Operations, Mr. Ganesan Subramaniam said, “We can confidently say that many of our customers drive PHEVs and there is a need to have EV charger at the carpark.”
“There is an average of 50% occupancy rate in the 5,000 bay car park during the weekdays and on public holidays and weekends over 100%,” he added.


Proton starts off 2020 with a bang, 8,506 cars registered in January

Riding on the wave of its
success in 2019
, Proton has announced its sales performance for January 2020, reporting a total of
 8,506 units registered
 in the first month of the year.
The figure represents a
20.2% increase
 over the same period last year, marking the brand’s best performance in January in over four years. The national carmaker also claimed that its
market share
 increased to
19.5%
, a 4.9% increase over the same period last year.
Despite the short month due to Chinese New Year celebrations, the company claims that the January performance is well within expectations. Last month, Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong announced the carmaker’s target to sell
132,000 cars this year
.
The main contributor to Proton’s sales figure is once again the updated
Proton Saga
, moving
3,871 units
 in January. The
 X70
, launched slightly more than a year ago, also held its position as the market leader for its segment, with
1,367 units
 registered.
The Proton X70 is still currently being sold as imported (CBU) units, however the locally-assembled model is due to be launched very soon, with
production already started in December
 last year. Do watch this space!
Elsewhere, Proton delivered
2,109 units
 of the
Persona
 in January, representing a 84% increase over the same period last year. Meanwhile, its hatchback cousin,
 Proton Iriz
, recorded a figure of
785 units
 registered – 465% increase from its corresponding period.
Dr. Li Chunrong said in the announcement, “This is a great start to the year on the back of our performance in 2019. January is always a tough month but we still managed to have our best showing in four years.”


SpyBuzz: Hyundai i30N to get 2.0L turbo, 260 hp, 6-speed manual [+Video]

One way of telling if a car manufacturer is serious about a product is if you see them conducting winter/ice testings. Hyundai it seems, is not keen on playing second fiddle now after the i30N hot hatch was spotted in Sweden.
Piloting the test mule is none other than Hyundai’s factory rally driver, Thierry Neuville. The Belgian praised the i30N’s traction and stability on challenging terrains, and he admitted that it’s rather easy to handle.
The Golf GTI fighter from Korea will become Hyundai’s first “N” model in their range of high performance cars, and the i30N is the third variant of the i30 line, after the
hatchback
 and
estate
 variants. It will be powered by a
2.0-litre turbocharged
 engine that will supposedly produce
260 hp
. It will be front wheel drive and can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6DJtDHveh4
Hyundai’s objective with the i30N is to produce high performance cars that are affordable and fun at the same time – the very reason of this segment’s existence. The Hyundai i30N will be unveiled later this year, and it’ll be interesting to see if this Korean hot hatch could take on established giants such as the
Golf GTI
 and
Focus ST
.


Witness a real life GT3 race car at Sunway Velocity Mall

It’s not everyday that you get to be in the presence of an
Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 race car
 but from the 13th till 22nd of April 2018, even your kids will get to witness the full-scale version of the “animated character” from the Chuck Chicken series.
In conjunction with the Chuck Chicken Junior Warriors competition, a multi-stage obstacle course competition for primary school students, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 racer will be on display at the Main Atrium of Sunway Velocity Mall – bringing life to the animated series.
Participants will be divided into categories based on age and gender, where they will have to conquer a course made up of inflatable obstacles. There will also be Chuck Chicken merchandises on sale featuring characters from the animated series along with the caricature of the Aston Martin race car.
Also, stand a chance to win limited edition Chuck Chicken merchandises by watching the video above and answering these questions:
 1. What is the title of this video?
 2. What is the racing number of the new racer?
 3. When is the event date for Chuck Chicken Junior Warrior Competition at Sunway Velocity Mall?
Share the above post and your answers on your Facebook timeline, with the hashtags #sunwayvelocitymall and #cmrteurasia. The contest ends on the
15th of April 2018
 where a total of 50 winners will be selected.
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche releases the 911 GTS, slots between Carrera S and GT3

This is the second generation of the
911 GTS
, and it’s positioned between the Carrera S and GT3 variants in the 911 range. Available in either a
coupe or a cabriolet
 driving the
rear or all four wheels
, it’s also offered with a choice of
seven-speed manual or Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe
 (PDK) transmission.
The
3.8-litre flat six
 engine in the back of the 911 GTS produces
430 hp
, which is 30 hp more than the Carrera S. The GTS rides 10 mm lower than the Carrera S too, thanks to the
 PASM active damper system
 that’s fitted as standard along with the
 Sport Chrono package
.
Compared to the Carrera S, the sprint time from
0 to 100 km/h
 drops one-tenth of a second, at
 3.8 seconds
 if equipped with the PDK transmission while the top speed is just above 300 km/h. However the
 fuel consumption
 remains the same, ranging from
13.9 – 12.2 l/100 km
 depending on the variant.
Externally those hips don’t lie, they are indeed greater in width as the GTS is using the wider Carrera 4 body. More noticeable telltale from the outside are those matt black
20-inch wheels
 with
 centre wheel locks
, unique bumpers, and
smoked bi-xenon headlamps
 with the
Porsche Dynamic Light System
 (PDLS). The changes are less obvious inside, but the GTS gets Alcantara upholstery as standard.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


China exclusive long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series Li debuts, more room at the rear

BMW has just presented the China market exclusive long-wheelbase version of the eight-generation BMW 3 Series sedan at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The 3 Series Li addresses the local demand for spaciousness and comfort in a premium compact sports sedan.
Compared to a standard wheelbase 3 Series, the 3 Series Li has a 110 mm longer wheelbase (2,851 mm vs. 2,961 mm) which transforms the overall length to 4,829 mm (120 mm more). To put things into perspective, the
G30 5 Series
 measures 4,935 mm in length, making the 3 Series Li a big car.
The longer wheelbase
translates to a roomier cabin, most of which benefits the rear passengers. Besides
the visually longer rear doors, everything else are identical to what the
standard 3er is with available equipment include LED projector Headlamps, M
Sport body kit, M Sport suspension, 19-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, 12.3-inch
LCD instrument cluster, 10.25-inch Control Display with BMW Intelligent
Personal Assistant and more.
In China, the 3 Series
– both SWB and LWB – are offered in a sole 325i guise, powered by a 2.0-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Unlike the
330i that we have in Malaysia
, China’s 3 Series comes with the full suite of advanced driver’s assistance system including Lane Departure Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning, crossing traffic warning and Driving Assistant Professional.
The new G20 BMW 3 Series will be produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) at its Tiexi plant in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW 325 Li Long-wheelbase for China


New vs Old: 2014 Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 vs 2012 VW Golf R Mk6 compared

During our time with the
Golf R Mk7
, we managed to catch up with its predecessor, the
Golf R Mk6
. We literally mean catching up because the R Mk6 is no slouch of a car. Packing close to
 270 horses
 ready to be deployed to all four wheels, the R Mk6 costs
RM 268,888
 when new and it was the first to get a downsized
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
 after the passing of the huge
3.2-litre V6
 in the
Golf R32 Mk5
.
The downsizing of the engine for the
Golf
 R Mk6 has proven to be a brilliant move, not only it’s friendlier to the environment and sips less fuel, it reduces the mass over the front axle for better handling, and the 4-cylinder also happens to be
more powerful
 than the old V6 too.
So the ingredients are retained but the recipe has been revised, freeing up more horses from the 4-cylinder in the R Mk7. For the Malaysian-spec R Mk7 at least, it generates
276 hp
, while torque has climbed from 330 Nm to
380 Nm
. The selling price is also bumped up to
RM 293,888
.
Combined with
45 kg reduction
 in weight, the sprint time from
0 to 100 km/h
 is quicker, from
5.7 seconds
 in the R Mk6 to
5.0 seconds
 in the R Mk7. Although
top speed
 is still
electronically limited
 to
 250 km/h
. The Mk7 R is
more economical
 as well, sipping only
6.9 l/100 km
 compared to 8.4 l/100 km on the R Mk6.
The R Mk6 never really had its foot in the wrong place in terms of its ride and handling, and the R Mk7 inherits the same poise and composure but with a little bit more polish. The main difference is, on the R Mk7 you can
fully switch the traction control off
, unlike the over-protective R Mk6. This allows more freedom for you to explore the car’s limits of adhesion as long as you’re willing to.
On the outside, the R Mk7 follows the understated approach of the R Mk6 and their predecessors with subtle R touches to spice things up. Parked next to the R Mk6, the R Mk7 looks wider and flatter due to the growth in width and length by 13 mm and 64 mm respectively, but it’s lower than the R Mk6 by 25 mm.
The R elements on the exterior of both cars are identical: simple grille, huge air intakes on the front bumper, side skirts, 19-inch wheels, twin-exit tailpipes, and R badges; however the details are distinctly different.
For example on the R Mk7, the
Lapiz Blue
 shade is deeper than the
Rising Blue
 on the R Mk6, the slats on the front side air intakes have been reduced, side mirror caps are now in matte silver instead of gloss black, Cadiz alloys have took the place of a set of Talladega wheels, and the amount of tailpipes at the back end have been doubled to four.
Similarly on the inside, you will find a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles,
blue needles
, push start button, piano black trim, glass sunroof, and leather upholstery in both cars. Although the R Mk7 is missing the gorgeous Motorsport Bucket Seats in the R Mk6, the seats in the R Mk7 is just as accommodating.

Whichever you look at it, the R offers supercar-baiting performance in a conventional compact hatch shell. The way the R makes it so accessible is nothing short of amazing and sometimes we wonder how can VW make it any better, but they are already teasing with a madder
Golf R400
 with 400 hp from essentially the same turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. It might still be a concept car at this stage but judging by the growth of progress these days it’s only a matter of time we’ll get to see it in the showroom.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY
Golf R Mk6

Golf R Mk7

Golf R Mk6

&

Golf R Mk7


Track-only McLaren Senna GTR confirmed, 1,000 kg downforce monster

Just when we thought things couldn’t get more extreme with the
McLaren Senna
, the Woking-based carmaker has just released initial details of a track-only McLaren Senna GTR variant that is currently in its prototype testing stage.
Like the sold-out Senna, production numbers of the GTR variant of McLaren Ultimate Series is capped at
 75 units worldwide
 and all of them are already snapped up. The track-only machine will be available in
left-hand-drive configuration only
. Deliveries are expected to begin from September 2019 once production of the road-going Senna is complete.

While the car is in its development phase, based on the official design sketch from McLaren, we can tell that radical does not even begin to describe its track-carving intent. The chassis of the Senna GTR will feature a wider front and rear track, wider fenders and ridiculously wide front splitters and diffusers. The end plates of the active rear wing appear to extend downwards towards the diffuser presumably to promote cleaner airflow and downforce.
McLaren claims that the revisions on the bodywork allow the Senna GTR to generate 1,000 kg of downforce – 200 kg more than its road-legal brethren. To complement the 1-tonne downforce, engineers have fitted the car with a suspension system derived from the brand’s GT3 customer racing programme as well as Pirelli slick race tyres. Together, the Senna GTR is projected to deliver 20 per cent greater maximum deceleration with forces exceeding 3g.
The M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 in the Senna GTR application makes
825 hp
 and
800 Nm
 of torque to drive the rear wheels. Although the final vehicle weight is yet to be confirmed, the GTR will weigh lesser than the regular Senna’s 1,198 kg dry weight.
IMAGE GALLERY
McLaren Senna


Ford Ranger 2.2L Wildtrak launched, with features from the 3.2L model

Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is now offering the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L at RM 127,888 for Peninsula Malaysia and RM133,888 for East Malaysia; both on-the-road prices without insurance.
The 2.2-litre Ranger Wildtrak now gets Ford’s latest SYNC 3 in-car connectivity system through an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other noteworthy additions to the 2.2-litre Ranger Wildtrak includes a 240V power socket in the back seat, a feature we found to be the most interesting addition to a car since the introduction of air-conditioning.
More notably, it’s not just a Ranger dressed up in Wildtrak clothings; it now gets the full suite of safety systems that previously was only exclusive to the 3.2-litre model. The 2.2-litre Wildtrak now gets the Adaptive Cruise Control treatment, along with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Forward Collision Alert and Mitigation by Brakes, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control.
The Wildtrak now also gets
 six airbags
 – front, side and curtain airbags – instead of the miserable two available in the 2.2 XLT. The rest of the interior, such as upholstery and trims are similar to the 3.2-litre Wildtrak variant.
The Ranger Wildtrak is powered by the 2.2-litre turbocharged Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine with an output of
158 hp
 and
385 Nm
 of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.2L is available in three colours – Cool White, Pride Orange and Shadow Black – and comes with an early bird offer of 2-years/40,000km (whichever comes first) free service and maintenance. The same offer is now also available for the Wildtrak 3.2L variant.
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