2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA debuts with mild facelift, mild-hybrid engine tech

The second-generation
Mercedes-Benz CLA
 has just been given a mid-lifecycle update, four years since the model made its debut at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Just as before, the Mercedes-Benz CLA will be offered in two body styles – a four-door coupe, and a
shooting brake
. And of course, they are still available in a wide variety of powertrain options, including two fire-breathing AMG variants – 35 and 45 S.
Similar to the
recently-updated A-Class
, design changes here are minimal. Up front, the grille now gets the diamond pin-style star mesh pattern, while the headlights also get a new daytime-running light signature, featuring a segmented bottom half.
Round the back, the tail lights also get a slight tweak to its light signature, alongside a new diffuser at the bottom. But aside from these, the rest of the exterior remains completely unchanged. Both the coupe and shooting brake variants come with 17-inch wheels as standard, but can be sized up to 19-inches as optional items.
ALSO READ:
 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class updated with mild facelift and new 48V MHEV engines
It’s also the same story on the inside, where the most obvious change is in the form of a new steering wheel, that first made its debut on the new E-Class back in 2020. For the AMG models, the steering wheel also comes with an additional dial for quick access to your performance settings.
The screens on the dashboard also get newly designed displays in three new styles – Classic, Discreet, and Sporty, but more importantly, the MBUX touchpad controller on the centre console has been completely jettisoned, replaced by a shallow storage cubby for your phone.
The headliner changes on the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA are actually found underneath the bonnet, as nearly all petrol engine options now come with a mild-hybrid system, with the only exceptions being the AMG 45 S, and the CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid.
The 48V system, which utilises an integrated belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) unit, is capable of generating a temporary power boost of up to 14 hp when needed. While actual performance figures are unchanged from before, the RSG also allows for a quieter and smoother engine start-up, as well as a ‘sailing’ feature where the combustion engine is shut off during steady cruising.
ALSO READ:
Next-gen E-Class to be last ICE-only car by Mercedes-Benz, set for 2023
The powertrain line-up for the standard CLA-class remains unchanged from before, with a total of four petrol, three diesel, and the aforementioned plug-in hybrid variants on offer.
For us Malaysians, we are perhaps more familiar with the 1.3-litre turbocharged inline-four-powered CLA 200 with
163 hp
 and
270 Nm
, as well as the CLA 250 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes an unchanged
224 hp
 and
350 Nm
, since they’re both also shared with the
A Class
. Both of these powertrains are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.
As for the AMG variants, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 35 is now also equipped with the RSG mild-hybrid tech, and is now paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, replacing the previous 7DCT unit. Meanwhile, the CLA 45 variant has now been dropped, leaving the CLA 45 S variant at the top of the range.
As with the regular line-up, performance figures here have remained unchanged – the mild-hybrid-equipped CLA 35 makes
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
, while the angry A 45 S puts out
420 hp
 and
500 Nm
 from its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine.
As part of the launch, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a limited-edition model for the 45 S 4Matic+ variants, dubbed the “AMG Street Style Edition”. The special edition model, pictured here in Mountain Grey Magno paintwork, features unique decals on the outside, plust luorescent orange accents on the interior.
Here in Malaysia, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA was only offered in the four-door coupe
AMG 45 S variant
, and it’ll most likely stay that way here for the 2023 update here in our market, unfortunately.
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No, these are not engines – they’re hand built, limited edition coffee makers!

There a lot of you who enjoy a good cup of coffee and there are just as many if not more who enjoy driving and appreciate cars along with their mechanical marvels. Few however, are truly enthusiastic about both.
For those who are, and the even smaller group who can truly, freely fork out exorbitant amounts of money for an art piece that makes the liquid gold, these automotive-inspired espresso machines made by
 Super Veloce
 are nothing short of centre pieces.
Heck, these ground coffee/capsule type espresso makers are such spectacular items that they can even be ornaments in a living room as what you’re about to see are all hand-built masterpieces in limited numbers, out of aerospace materials.
Royale
Price: POA
Inspired by Formula 1 engines from the 1990s, looking at the components list of the “V12” espresso maker makes you wonder if they were building something for space exploration. Among them are aerospace-grade alloy, stainless steel titanium, Royal Purple Amethyst and thermoset Gold Leaf carbon fibre, 18 carat white gold, 18 carat yellow gold and diamonds!
Aurum 18 carat
Price: 44,490 Euros (approx. RM209,100)
Limited to only 10 units for the entire world, there’s more silver in this than gold compared to the Royale. It’s also made of 18 carat gold, stainless steel titanium and aerospace-grade alloy but without the fancy gold leaf carbon fibre, white gold and diamonds.
Nero Carbonio
Price: 13,829 Euros (approx. RM64,995)
Available in V8, V10 and V12 form, the Nero Carbonio is finished in motorsport-grade Jet Black and thermoset carbon fibre. No aerospace material or gold here although the stainless steel titanium still applies.
Serie Titanio
Price: 10,015 Euros (approx. RM47,069)
Like the Nero Carbonio, the Serie Titanio is also available in V8, V10 and V12 engine configurations but unlike the Nero Carbonio, this one’s fully customisable with six different colours – Red, Blue, Orange, Gold, Black, Titanium – applied through an aerospace anodising process.
Veloce RS Black Edition
Price: 10,200 Euros (approx. RM47,939)
Paying tribute to the last of the air-cooled engines from the 993-generation Porsche 911, only 993 units (and aptly so) will ever be made. It’s handcrafted from aerospace-grade materials such as surgical stainless steel, aluminium alloy, titanium and carbon fibre.
Espresso Veloce Flat Six
Price: 9,398 Euros (approx. RM44,170)
The Flat Six pays tribute to the last of the air-cooled flat-six “Boxer” engines by Porsche from the period of 1994 to 1998. It’s made of anticorodal alloy and 316 Titanium and 304 grade stainless steel.
GALLERY
Royale
Aurum 18 carat
Nero Carbonio
Serie Titanio
Veloce RS Black Edition
Espresso Veloce Flat Six


TMS 2019: Is this unnamed Daihatsu the next Perodua SUV?

Among the hustle and bustle of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu quietly displayed an upcoming compact SUV – without a name, even – at their stands.
With the rumours floating about on a new compact SUV from Perodua with the code name D55L, could this be our first look at the upcoming local B-segment SUV?
The unnamed SUV is styled to portray a sporty and aggressive appearance. The front facade features a tall face, with a large hexagonal grille taking the spotlight. Flanking the grille are the headlight enclosures, which features LED reflectors and an eyebrow-styled turn indicator light strip.
Underneath the headlights are the fog lamps, parking sensors and vertical LED daytime-running lights, tucked neatly in an angular moulding on the bumpers.
The compact SUV also features a stereoscopic camera setup at the top of the windshield, pointing at the inclusion of advanced safety features such as auto emergency braking.
On the side, the wheel arches are wrapped in black cladding, joining the front bumper lips, side skirts and the rear bumper to create a rugged look. The five-seater SUV rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with 195/60 section tyres.
The C-pillar of the compact SUV is painted in body colour, while the rest are painted in black along with the roof to create a “floating roof” effect, similar to that of the
Volvo XC40
.
Moving on, the rear design of the B-segment SUV emanates a certain sense of familiarity to the current-generation
Perodua Myvi
, with two-piece horizontal taillamps joined by a gloss-black trim piece.
The lower apron features a decorative black “vent”, along with the bumper-mounted registration plate, further emphasising the similarities between the two cars.
Moving inside, the dashboard features a layered design, with attention drawn directly to the free-standing infotainment display. A satin silver air-conditioning vent is placed right underneath the touchscreen display, followed by the automatic climate controls and the push-start button on the lower section.
The hexagonal-shaped motif of the grille also carries into the interior, with the air vents, instrument cluster housing, door handles and door card pockets all featuring the geometric design.
The centre control stack is angled slightly towards the driver, joined by a centre console featuring the gear selector, mechanical hand brake and arm rest separating the front passengers.
Powering the compact SUV is a 996-cc three-cylinder engine, capable of producing
98 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque. A CVT gearbox transfers the drive from the engine to the front wheels.
Daihatsu has not provided any information on the launch date of the unnamed SUV, although the car looks to be production-ready in its current form. Would you get one if this handsome SUV makes its way to our shores with a Perodua badge?
IMAGE GALLERY


Nissan has now officially made half a million Leaf EVs

Nissan has delivered its 500,000th unit of the Leaf EV to its new owner in Norway, celebrating World EV Day (9th September) in the most awesome way possible.
The milestone was achieved at the company’s plant in Sunderland, England, almost a decade after the model first went on sale. The British plant has produced more than 135,000 units of the Leaf since the model began production at the site in 2013.
Collectively, Nissan says that the 500,000 Leaf EVs on the road have driven more than 14.8 billion clean air kilometres since 2010, and helped prevent more than 2.4 billion kilograms of CO
2
 emissions.

The 500,000th unit is actually new owner Maria Jansen’s second Leaf EV. “My husband and I chose to buy a Nissan Leaf back in 2018, and we loved it,” she said. “We’re very excited to become the proud owners of the 500,000th Nissan LEAF. This car really meets our needs with extended range and enhanced technologies.”
The second-generation Nissan Leaf was
 launched in Malaysia last year
, nearly two years after its global introduction. Locally, we only get the 40 kWh battery pack option which promises a range of 270 km range on the WLTP scale. In other markets though, there is also a 62 kWh Leaf e+ variant which delivers 384 km of range, along with a bit more poke.
On our variant, the electric motor on the front axle delivers
150 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque, capable of pushing the Leaf from a standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable
 7.9 seconds
, onward to a limited top speed of
155 km/h
.
Other notable features on the fully-electric hatchback include the
e-Pedal
, which automatically slows down the car using regenerative braking when the driver lifts off from the accelerator, allowing the Leaf to be driven normally with just one single accelerator pedal.
Aside from the Leaf, Nissan’s next big electric push will be with the
Ariya SUV
, slated to go on sale in Japan first in the middle of 2021. The fully-electric SUV is offered in four different variants consisting of two battery options – 63 kWh and 87 kWh – and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive powertrains.
Range is rated at 600 km for the larger battery, while the smaller one manages 450 km of pure electric range.
The Nissan Leaf is priced at RM181,263 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 and extra savings. For the latest updated price list of all Nissan models in Malaysia, click
here
.


2015 Perodua Myvi facelift launched in Malaysia to take on the Iriz, price from RM42k [+Video]

Hot on the heels from its
Axia
 launch late last year, Perodua, the leading Malaysian compact car maker today introduces the
New Myvi
 with four variants altogether.
The first of which is the
1.3-litre category
. We have the base model,
Myvi Standard G
 (MT/AT), attractively priced from
RM 41,500
 and a new variant called
Myvi Premium X
 (AT) retailing from
RM 47,500
.
Next up is the
1.5-litre
 category which includes the
Myvi SE
 (MT/AT), which starts from
RM 50,500
 and
Myvi Advance
 (AT), which tops out at
RM59,500
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Perodua New Myvi Standard G
Perodua New Myvi Premium X
Segment
B-Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1298cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI
1298cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI
Transmission
5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto
4-speed Auto
Max Power
90hp @ 6,000 rpm
90hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
117Nm @ 4,400 rpm
117Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Price
from RM 41,500
from RM 47,500

Name
Perodua New Myvi SE
Perodua New Myvi Advance
Segment
B-Segment
B-Segment
Engine
1495cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI
1495cc DVVT, DOHC with EFI
Transmission
5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto
4-speed Auto
Max Power
102hp @ 6,000 rpm
102hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
136Nm @ 4,400 rpm
136Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Price
from RM 50,500
from RM 58,500

EXTERIOR
Let’s start with the colour, shall we? In addition to the popular colours already available on existing models, two new metallic colours were introduced today.
Electric Blue
 for the SE and Advanced variants and
Cosmic Gold
 for the Standard G and Premium X variants.
The 1.5litre variants get projector headlamps with
LED Guide Lights
 and fog lights. The Advance variant meanwhile, gets kitted up with a plethora of upgrades: Carbon fibre-look front bumper, skirting with chrome finish, reflectors and diffuser on the rear bumper, rear LED lights a rear spoiler.

INTERIOR
More than just a facelift, the interior gets an update too. Standard on the lower variants (Standard G and Premium X) are fabric seats (beige/grey on the 1.3litre variants, black and red on the 1.5 SE) and black, monotone dashboard. There’s the all-new
retractable cup holder
 for the driver’s side and underneath it, a multi-purpose compartment for keeping your smart tag away from prying eyes and a new
Multi-info Display
 sit right in the middle of the speedometer.

On to the Advance variant, the adjustable steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with red stitching. The red stitching motif continues on to the
leather semi bucket seats
. This variant also get an updated
Multimedia system
 with
navigation
 and
reverse camera
 as opposed to a Radio CD player on the Standard G. Premium X and SE variants on the other hand has MP3/WMA, USB and Bluetooth.
Weirdly enough, there a
hidden tissue holder
 located right behind the front passenger seat. How one stretches and manage to tear one off without accidentally pulling a muscle is beyond me. Right, moving on. Rear seat are 60:40 pplit folding seats and can be extended for a full-flat mode.

PERFORMANCE
Performance wise, they remain the same as the previous generation’s power plant. However, there’s a new Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (E-AT) system that improves on the fuel efficiency as compared to the old one. Fuel consumption on the 1.3litre variants will do 18.1km/l on the manual and 16.7km/l with the auto. As for the 1.5litre variants, the manual will achieve 16.4 km/l and 15.4 km/l on the auto.
SAFETY
The New Myvi is now improved with a
4-star rating
 by the
Asian NCAP
, who were at hand to present the certification during the launch. Standard on all variants: Electronic Power Steering (EPS),
a pair of SRS airbags
 for the driver and front passenger seats,
Isofix
 points and the
Anti Snatch Hook
 that made its debut on the Axia last year. The Premium X, SE and Advance variants get
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
 with
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
 and
Brake Assist (BA)
.

WHAT ELSE?
For Perodua Myvi Premium X and above, there are front corner sensors for manoeuvring through tricky parking situations; which can be deactivated when driving or in a traffic situation. So yes, safety is optional or rather, no one drives well enough to park a small car.
 [divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


The new Ford Fiesta ST sounds surprisingly good, hits 237 km/h on AutoBahn

You’ve seen us share a video on the
 new Fiesta ST
 looking
rather underwhelming with Launch Control
 but this video makes up for it and salvages some street cred for the hot hatch.
That’s cause it sounds pretty darn good if you asked me – both on the outside and from within the cabin. From inside, check out how eager the pokey little 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine is and how relentless the speed is.
Also, notice how the centre “floating” display is positioned in the same way as the ones in most Mercedes-Benz’, except this one seems to protrude a lot more – unlike before when it was flush in the dashboard – not sure what it would do to visibility.
The new Fiesta ST makes close to 200 hp with nearly 300 Nm of torque – allowing to breeze through a 0 to 100 km/h run in just 6.5 seconds, before topping out at 231 km/h.
I guess this video proves that wrong.
Credit:
AutoTopNL


UK Police’s Ford Mustang Mach-E is the new silent stalker

While it is common to see Vauxhalls, Volkswagens, BMWs, Volvos and even
Lotus
 being used as patrol cars in the UK, the offering of a ‘green’ yet powerful example for duties by mainstream automakers have been rather limited.
Ford in the UK together with its long-term partner, Safeguard SVP, has built an emission-free concept car using the latest fully electric
Mustang Mach-E
, following many enquiries from the UK police forces looking for greener solutions to the current products currently available to them.
Under evaluation by various police forces is the Ford Mustang Standard Range AWD, with a combined output of
269

hp/580 Nm
 and a century sprint time of
6.3 seconds
. With more data and usage patterns from users, Ford is planning to offer the Extended Range variant, increasing the driving range from 399 km to 539 km to further add improve the vehicle’s patrolling and emergency services capabilities.
Two months ago, the Ford Mustang Mach-E set a
new EV efficiency record
, taking just only 45 minutes of charging on a
1,352 km
road trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End – the longest “direct distance” journey in the UK!
As for pursuing very determined and serious road offenders, Ford UK is also offering the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT version, capable of supercar-like sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.7 seconds
 thanks to
487 hp/860 Nm
 output.
In Germany, even the Polizei uses modified BMWs. Check out this 620 hp BMW 8 Series for law enforcement duties here!
Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce the current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system.
Meanwhile, the 999 livery is a first-off design that utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements.
In the UK, Ford is offering the Mustang Mach-E in five variants, priced from GBP41,330 (approx. RM237k) for the single motor standard range variant, to GBP57,030 (approx. RM327k) for the AWD extended-range variant.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT with supercar-like performance is meanwhile priced from GBP67,225 (approx. RM385k).
The Dubai Police joins the Italian 2021 Mille Miglia race with a Mercedes-Benz SLS patrol car. Find out the reason here.
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Car dealerships & car wash now open to those not fully vaccinated – 3 per car

Following the news that Klang Valley and Malacca has moved to
Phase 3
of the National Recovery Plan, here are some updates for those who are not fully vaccinated.
As of today, the 1st of October 2021, those who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to visit showrooms, car washes, and morning markets. Dine-in privileges are still strictly for those who are fully vaccinated.
As for the number of occupants allowed per car (for those who are not fully vaccinated), the limit has now been extended to
 three

occupants
. States which are still in Phase 2 of the NRP, the limit remains the same at two per car.
As for taxis and e-hailing services, the number of passengers allowed in a vehicle has changed to three although all three passengers are required to be in the backseat; even though it makes absolutely no sense at all.
States which are still in Phase 2 of the NRP includes Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Perak, Sabah and Johor, while states in
Phase 3
 are Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu, Malacca, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya. The last three are considered to be one area.
For those who have been fully vaccinated, the number of passengers allowed per car is based on the seating capacity of the car.
Expired road tax and driving licence renewal deadline extended to December 31st. Read about it here!


New tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown?

The Honda HR-V quickly became a crowd favourite here in Malaysia, ever since its local introduction
back in 2015
. Among the many reasons for its success, one thing that’s clear is that the HR-V lacked serious competition in the segment at the time.
Of course, after other carmakers started realising how lucrative the segment is, rivalling models started filling in the space – but at that point, it’s pretty much already too late as the HR-V already pulled off a massive lead.
The situation is going to be a little different when the upcoming
all-new Honda HR-V
 launches here in Malaysia, as there’s now a myriad of competent options available in the B-segment SUV space, such as the
Proton X50
 and
Toyota Corolla Cross
. Despite that, we still think the all-new Honda HR-V will take over the sales baton from its predecessor – and here’s why.
Hey there, good-looking.
1. ALL-NEW DESIGN
The Honda HR-V took the market by storm due to its unique and fashionable design at that time. Designed to cater to the mid-20’s to 30s crowd, the Honda HR-V came with unique features such as the coupe-like roofline and hidden rear door handles that appeals to those who are looking to stand out from the sea of three-box sedans. It’s in its name, really, as ‘HR-V’ supposedly means
H
ip & Smart
R
unabout
V
ehicle.
For the all-new model, Honda managed to keep the “hip” in its design, all while adding in an air of class for an even more upmarket feel, appealing to a larger demographic than before. And that’s not just limited to its exterior styling, too.
While we can’t tell you how the materials feel without examining the car in person, the dashboard design (based on official photos) does give you the sense that you’re sitting in a properly premium. We can’t say the same for most of its competitors out there right now, perhaps aside from the Proton X50, though the latter is let down by its infotainment system software.
We concede that design is mostly a subjective thing, but a personal friend of mine has already held off her booking for the Proton X50 after seeing photos of the all-new Honda HR-V, so take that as you will.
2. EVEN MORE SPACE
The current Honda HR-V is often lauded for its interior space, with a smart packaging (
those ULTRA seats!
) and a massive 437 litres cargo space at the back, the latter second only to the Toyota Corolla Cross (440 L).
While the dimensions of the all-new model are nearly identical to the outgoing model, Honda says that it has completely overhauled the proportions of the compact SUV with an emphasis on
space efficiency
. As a result, the all-new model boasts an increase of 35 mm in the rear legroom department, and a more versatile boot space for “a wide variety of luggage, bicycles, and other sports and lifestyle-related equipment”.
Need to carry more people than cargo? Then perhaps the Mitsubishi Xpander or Honda BR-V might be better suited for you. See how they compare here!
With so much space offered on a compact-class vehicle, it’s not unseemly to expect C-segment shoppers opting to downsize to the Honda HR-V when it comes to buying a new family vehicle. Plus, with SUVs getting better to drive day by day, some sedan and hatchback buyers might even spring for an SUV just for that extra versatility, without sacrificing on driving fun!
3. ECONOMICAL DAILY COMMUTE
With the country’s economy in its current state, we won’t blame you for penny-pinching. If you’re looking for a new family car that will give you the most kilometres from every drop of petrol, then the upcoming all-new Honda HR-V might be your best bet.
The reason, is none other than the
e:HEV powertrain
 underneath the bonnet. Similar to the
Honda City RS
, the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine functions mainly as a generator for the electric motors, only driving the wheels directly during higher speed for increased efficiency.
As a result of the fancy powertrain set-up, the all-new hybrid Honda HR-V e:HEV is rated for a combined fuel consumption figure of just
4 litres/100km
 based on the WLTC test cycle, compared to 5.9 l/100km on the petrol-only variant. For context, the outgoing model is rated at 6.6 L/100km, and is based on the more lenient NEDC test cycle.
Of course, this is all based on a hunch that the Malaysian-specification model will also feature with the e:HEV powertrain. But seeing that we were the first country in the world to launch the City RS, we’d say that the chances are pretty high.
4. THE HONDA BADGE
This one really just explains itself, doesn’t it. Over the last few years, Honda has carved itself out to be
the
 brand of choice in the non-national segment, especially within the younger crowd. Any fresh-graduate with a Honda City is automatically seen as being “more successful”, and who doesn’t want to feel superior?
The Honda badge carries a certain prestige with it these days; even though the notion of the “
lambang H
” has somewhat become a joke on the internet, its effects – be it psychological or actual sales numbers – can’t be ignored. And don’t get us started on resale value.
With the Honda HR-V set to become the marque’s latest all-new model to be introduced here in Malaysia, don’t be surprised to see it flying off the shelves (figuratively, obviously) shortly after its launch – just take a look at how the all-new City performed, and you’d agree too.
Everything we’ve mentioned above will probably be bettered by its rivals in the years to come, as carmakers release newer versions or even new models to compete against the Honda HR-V. But until then, we’re convinced that the Honda HR-V will retain its crown as the best-selling non-national compact SUV.
The phenomenon has already begun in Japan, where Honda
received over 32,000 orders
for the all-new HR-V within the first month of the model’s debut –
six times more than its projected monthly sales figure
. Only time will tell if we’ll see the same enthusiasm for the model here in Malaysia, but all signs are pointing towards yes.
Do you agree with us? Let us know in the comments section below!


Porsche Panamera gains GTS variant, 4.0L bi-turbo V8 with 460 hp & 620 Nm

Porsche has just introduced a new GTS variant to its
Porsche Panamera
 and Sport Turismo line up. Powered by an updated 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, the four-door saloon (and
shooting brake
) gains a host of adrenaline pumping options as standard.
At the heart of the Panamera GTS is a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that has been fiddled to push out
460 hp
 and
620 Nm
 of twist, 20 hp & 100 Nm more than its predecessor. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via the brand’s quick shifting eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes
4.1 seconds
 while top speed is rated at
292 km/h
 for the saloon and
289 km/h
 for the Sport Turismo.
As standard, the GTS variants of the Panamera comes equipped with the Sport Chrono package, Sport Exhaust System, Sport Chassis (lowers the car by 10 mm), Larger Brakes (390 mm diameter front; 365 mm rear), adaptive air suspension and a recalibrated Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for sportier handling characteristics.
The Panamera GTS models’ get the Sport Design package as standard that paints the front and rear bumpers, air intakes, side air vents and side sills in black. Both variants ride on 20-inch Panamera Design multi-spoke wheels as standard.

Inside, you’ll find a Black theme on the Alcantara upholstery – contrasted by the anodised aluminium trims – multifunctional sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, Connect Plus infotainment screen, Porsche Advanced Cockpit, Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control and a heads-up display – a first for the entire Panamera range.
IMAGE GALLERY
Porsche Panamera GTS


Mercedes-Benz to set up regional after-sales logistics hub in Malaysia – operational in 2024

Mercedes-Benz
 has finalised the planning for a regional After-Sales Logistics Center at Senai Airport City, Johor Bahru, with the signing of a long-term lease agreement for the location. The hub is scheduled to begin operations in 2024.
The new distribution Centre will become a part of the global Daimler AG After-Sales Supply Chain Network, and will serve as a distribution site for spare parts across the Asia Pacific region and other countries, responsible for the importation, storage, as well as regional management of spare parts and accessories distribution.
The marque has enlisted developer Tiong Nam Logistics Solutions as the lead developer for the location, as well as the owner of the new warehouse. The hub will have a build-up area of approximately 1 million square feet, and will be equipped with the latest building and storage management systems.
A new company, “Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific (Malaysia)”, has also been established in the country for the operation of the new After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia, and is 100% owned by Mercedes-Benz AG.
Mercedes-Benz has been named the world’s most valuable luxury car brand for the sixth year in a row. Learn more here.
“With our planned After-Sales Logistics Center, Mercedes-Benz is committed and will invest to strengthen our foothold in Malaysia. We have found excellent conditions and great support in cooperation with MIDA and the related ministries,” said Mercedes-Benz VP of Global Service & Parts Operations, Thomas Schulz.
“Located strategically in Johor Bahru, this new After-Sales Logistics Center will enable us to reaffirm our position as a global and regional distribution hub whilst creating new jobs for the region. Both our customers and our dealer networks will enjoy a good service and high-quality standards through this new infrastructure.”


Wood to replace steel in automotive manufacturing – a viable but distant future

Adamant in making cars lighter yet stronger, global automotive manufacturers are turning to what seems to be an unlikely and unfathomable alternative to steel: Wood.
Cellulose nanofibres
, a material made of wood pulp is seen as a viable alternative in the long term.
Weighing just one-fifth of steel
 but
five times stronger
 it however, faces competition from carbon-based materials and is far from being commercially-viable.
As manufacturers move towards production of electric cars, weight reduction will be essential as with less weight there will lesser batteries needed to power the car – and fewer batteries mean reduced cost.
Credit: NHK World / japanbullet.com
As reported by
CNBC
, researchers at Kyoto University, Denso (one of Toyota’s biggest supplier of components) and DaikyoNishikawa are all working with cellulose nanofibre-incorporated plastic materials. The potential application of cellulose nanofibres has been enabled by the “Kyoto Process” – a method that can see
production cost slashed to one-fifth
.
Similarly, it was also claimed that Kyoto University Professor Hiroaki Yano reportedly told Reuters in an interview that it is the lowest-cost, high performance application of cellulose nanofibres hence the focus on its use in automotive and even aircraft parts.
The university is currently in the process of developing a prototype vehicle, along with auto parts suppliers, using the said material and due for completion by 2020.
Source/Cover Photo:
CNBC


Michelin Pilot Sport 4 now available for SUVs, coming to Malaysia soon?

Michelin’s highly acclaimed Pilot Sport series has now been expanded further, this time catering to the booming SUV market. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV (PS4 SUV) is a dedicated sports tyre adapted for SUVs and not merely a “sporty SUV tyre” as the tyre maker claims.
High-performance SUVs
are becoming a common sight and its much higher centre of gravity and heavier
weight pose as a new challenge for tyre makers to create a rubber that can
withstand much higher and larger centrifugal forces. The PS4 SUV addresses just
that using tyre technology taken from Formula E for maximum high-speed control with
additional reinforcement to cater to SUVs.
Like the standard
PS4
 and
PS4 S
, the PS4 SUV features an
asymmetrical tread pattern
 – the outer part for dry conditions and the inner section for wet conditions. The ultra-reactive thread pattern was inspired from Michelin supplied Formula E racing tyres and are also equipped with ‘Dynamic Response’ technology, a belt with a hybrid reinforcement made of aramid and nylon. All these combined gives the driver optimum contact patch and unparalleled steering precision.
Based on an independent
test carried out by the TUV SUD, the PS4 SUV has superior dry and wet braking performance
compared to the competition. Michelin’s motto of Safe When Worn is also present
here as tested, braking an average 5.2 metres shorter than its competitors when
comparing wet braking performance (from 80 km/h to stop) on worn tyres.
Michelin said that the PS4 SUV replaces the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres and the excellent tyre life, comfort and robust characteristics of the Latitude Sport 3 have been carried over to the PS4 SUV. These were achieved using rigid tread blocks and a two-layer high-density casing ply to ensure maximum comfort and low rolling noise.
Michelin’s Premium
Touch Technology that adds a velvet finish onto the sidewalls are also present here,
giving the tyres an exclusive look as well as acts as rim-protectors from kerbs
and pavements.
A total of 53 sizes are available for the Michelin PS4 SUV – 18 of which are new sizes to cater to a wider range of vehicles. Available rim diameter ranges from 17- to 23-inches while selected 18-,19- and 20-inch sizes are available with Michelin’s Zero Pressure run flat technology.
IMAGE GALLERY
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Global Debut


Porsche 718 Spyder RS unveiled – 492hp, 0-100km/h in 3.4 secs

With 2023 being Porsche Sports Cars’ 75th birthday,
Porsche
 introduces the new 718 Spyder RS. The new sportscar is the carmaker’s most powerful version yet of the mid-engined roadster and sits on top of the 718 model line.
At the front, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS features a front end that is identical to the one on the
718 Cayman GT4 RS
. Its front bonnet is made of CFRP and features an air outlet above the bumper.
There are also sideblades at the outer ends of the bumper of the 718 Spyder RS to assist in increasing the sports car’s downforce. Besides, two NACA ducts are also included to enhance the mid-engined sports car’s brake cooling without affecting its aerodynamic performance.
Porsche has also made the front spoiler lip of the new sports car slightly shorter than the one on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. In conjunction with the larger rear wing, it helps with producing a higher overall downforce for the car and therefore requires a larger spoiler lip to achieve aerodynamic balance.
At the back, the 718 Spyder RS features a tear-off edge that is shaped like a ducktail. Fitted onto the mid-engined sports car are 20-inch forged aluminium wheels. Customers are also able to pick their new sports car’s exterior to be covered in colours such as the new Vanadium Grey Metallic, as well as the Arctic Grey, Shark Blue and Ruby Star Neo.
Being a roadster, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS features a manually operated single-layer soft top. Claimed by the carmaker to be lightweight and compact, the soft top consists of two parts, a sun sail and a weather deflector, which are both removable and can be stored in the car itself.
The entire roof weighs 18.3 kg, which is 7.6 kg and 16.5 kg lighter than the regular 718 Spyder and 718 Boxster respectively. When the weather is clear, owners can also choose to leave the soft top at home entirely and shave off another eight kilograms from the weight of the car.
Keeping the 718 Spyder RS lightweight was also one of Porsche’s main focuses. Weighing
1,410 kg
, the 718 Spyder RS is 40 kg lighter than the 718 Spyder, and also weighs five kilograms lesser than the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. This effort from the sports car company contributes to the 718 Spyder RS’ better performance and creates a new benchmark for the 718 model line.
The chassis of the mid-engine roadster features components found in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the
718 Spyder
. Designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding roads, as the carmaker claims, the 718 Spyder RS comes standard with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM). This suspension setup also comes with sports tuning and is lowered by 30 mm.
The Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) is also included together with a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD). The car’s ride height, camber, track and anti-roll bar can all be adjusted individually too.
Under the hood is Porsche’s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine, which is also found in the
911 GT3
 sports car & 911 GT3 Cup racing car. Capable of producing
492 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque, the mid-mounted engine is able to rev up to 9,000 rpm.
Mated to the engine is a seven-speed PDK dual-l-clutch transmission, which allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.4 seconds
. Hitting the 200 km/h mark takes
10.9 seconds
 with this mid-engine roadster.
Compared to the non-RS 718 Spyder, the 718 Spyder RS gains an extra 79 hp, and sprints to 100 km/h half a second faster. Its top speed is also 8 km/h more, at
308 km/h
.
Porsche GT Cars Head, Andreas Preuninger said, “The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars.”
“The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience,” added Preuninger.
The interior of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is according to Porsche, reduced to the functional and ergonomic essentials. Featuring a leather dashboard trim, the sports car’s interior also comes with an RS sports steering wheel that is wrapped in Race-Tex and features a yellow 12-o’clock marking.
There are also the standard full bucket seats, made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish. The seats are covered in black leather, with a perforated Race-Tex seat centre that features the Carmine Red colour. This then contrasts with the background finished in Arctic Grey.
Porsche is also offering the Weissach package as an option. Featuring designs inspired by the limited-edition 935 from 2018, this package includes lightweight forged magnesium wheels, and sports exhaust system tailpipes made out of titanium. Inside, the upper part of the dashboard is also covered with anti-glare Race-Tex.
If the car itself isn’t enough to satisfy your needs, there is also an optional Porsche Design Timepieces handcrafted chronograph. This chronograph is solely available exclusively to buyers of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS only.
The sports car will be making its public premiere in June at Porche Sports Cars’ 75th-year festivities in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Shortly afterwards, it will also be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England as well.
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BMW M3 & M4 Competition M Heat Edition, 15 units each, Japan only

Introduced alongside the
F30 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition Shadow
 in Japan are the BMW M3 and M4 Competition M Heat Edition. Only 30 units (15 units each) will be built and is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market only.
Finished in BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue Metallic, both cars are fitted with the
Competition Pack
 as standard. The M Heat Edition further adds the full range of M Performance carbon fibre body and
20-inch M 666 multi-spoke alloy wheels
.
Inside, the M Heat Edition M cars are equipped with M Performance Alcantara Sports steering wheel, M Performance carbon fibre interior trims, M Performance stainless-steel pedal set and footrest and exclusive M Heat Edition badges.
Mechanically, both cars are armed with a 3.0-litre M twin-power turbo inline-six that pushes out
444 hp
 and
549 Nm
 of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual transmission. Century sprint is clocked in 3.8 seconds on the double-clutch while the manual-equipped gets there in 4.0 seconds flat.
The four-door M3 Sedan M Heat Edition is priced at ¥13,610,000 (RM490k) while the two-door M3 Coupe M Heat Edition is priced at ¥13,850,000 (RM498k). Closer to home, the M3 and M4 duo are priced at RM738k and RM748k respectively.
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Koenigsegg begins experimenting with “volcano fuel”

Despite the shortage in semiconductors as a result of the global pandemic, reducing its yearly production of over 30 cars a year previously, Koenigsegg Automotive has announced plans to expand its factory and production capacity to four figures per year.
That’s not all. Founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg also said they’re experimenting with ultra high-voltage battery packs and biofuels
using emissions from volcanoes
!
The 1,700 hp Koenigsegg Gemera
According to Christian, the technology
originates from Iceland
 where CO2 emitted from semi-active volcanoes is collected and converted into methanol.
The fuel,
known as Vulcanol
,
produces 90% less carbon emissions
 compared to dinosaur fuel. It can be used not only to power the
Koenigsegg Gemera
‘s inline-3 cylinder engine for example but also to power the factories and transportation throughout the production and supply chain.
Find out more about the Koenigsegg Gemera here!
The Agera RS.
“If you take that methanol and you power the plants that do the conversion of other fuels and then power the ship that transports the those fuels to Europe or the U.S. or Asia, wherever it goes, you put the fuel completely CO2-neutral into the vehicle,” Christian said.
“You don’t have to pollute the planet just because you want to have a fast, interesting sports car,” he added.
Watch how the Koenigsegg Agera RS became the world’s fastest production car here!


The new Bugatti Bolide packs 1,850 hp with a top speed of over 500km/h!

Bugatti is at it again; following releases like the
Centodieci
, the
La Voiture Noire
, and the
Divo
, they’ve broken new barriers to bring us this – the
Bugatti Bolide
 – and despite everything you’ll come to learn of the car, Bugatti has
yet to decide if it will go into production
.
As it is a Bugatti, we’ll cut to the chase and give you the low-down on this extreme, track-focused hypercar as Bugatti is calling it. It’s got the same amount of horsepower and torque, at
1,850
 courtesy of an 8.0-litre 16-cylinder quad-turbocharged engine which has been revised in every way possible.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5t0PLqMy74
You get new turbochargers, a revised intake and exhaust system, increased boost, a new cooling system and lightened drivetrain components. Speaking of weight reduction, Bugatti has gone to such extreme lengths to save weight that the
screws and other fastening elements on the Bolide are all made of titanium
. Lightweight aerospace titanium alloy materials were used in various sections of the car.
As for the brakes,
each caliper only weighs 2.4 kg
 while the forged magnesium rims only weigh 7.4 kg in the front and 8.4 kg at the back. Given that the Bolide is meant to be a track day hypercar, it’s even fitted with a compressed air jack system to make tyre changing easier.
Other items to help the Bolide with unforeseen incidents on the track include an automatic fire extinguishing system, a towing device, alongside central locks for the wheels, lightweight polycarbonate windows, and a six-point harness system.
Sadly, Bugatti did not reveal how quickly the Bolide can get off the line, aside from indicating that performance figures are
comparable to a Formula 1 car
 and that top speed will be well
in excess of 500 km/h
. What a buzz kill!
President of Bugatti, Stephan Winkelmann, however, hinted at what the Bolide would feel like by noting that “driving the Bolide is like riding on a cannonball”.
The only real indication of how quick the Bolide is was derived from its lap time of
5:23:1 around the Nurburgring circuit
. To give you a sense of how quick that really is, the
overall lap record is 5:19:5.
It was set by
Porsche’s LeMans-winning 919 Hybrid Evo
, a full-fledged hybrid race car that’s meant to be driven by extraterrestrials.
This is in part due to how little the Bolide weighs; at
only 1,240 kg
. That’s more or less the weight of a Toyota Yaris but with nearly 20 times the power – just let that sink in.
A noteworthy section of this lightweight construction is the intake scoop that has a “morphable” outer skin. If the vehicle is driven at a slow speed, the surface of the scoop remains smooth. In contrast, a field of bubbles bulges out when the Bolide speeds up. As for the body itself, visible carbon parts have been increased by 60% where only 40% of the car’s surface is painted.
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Two reasons why we can’t have the Volkswagen Golf GTE in Malaysia

The Golf GTE was first
previewed to the Malaysian market
 back in 2014 and we haven’t heard about it until recently when Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) – distributor of Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia – expressed that they are eager to introduce the GTE (plug-in hybrid) models here. Surely that got us and everyone else excited especially since the Golf GTE just
recently underwent a facelift
.
However, we spoke to reliable sources familiar with the matter and learnt that to introduce plug-in hybrid models – the Golf GTE in particular – will be an uphill battle. Here’s why.
1) Difficult to justify the demand volume to principal holder, Volkswagen Group (VAG)
Due to the small demand in the Golf models in Malaysia, VPCM is unable to command the quantity needed for the Golf GTE to make a sensible business case. Besides that, should the Golf suddenly becomes VPCM’s bread and butter model, the company would most definitely first look into locally assembling the Golf before introducing the Golf GTE.
2) Lack of facilities for local assembly and after-sales support of the Golf GTE (or any GTE models in fact)
With the tax incentive for locally assembled plug-in hybrid models, VPCM will have to introduce the Golf GTE as a CKD unit to be able to price it attractively. No one wants a Golf that costs more than a
BMW 330e
 right?
However, assembling a plug-in hybrid model is not as straightforward as a regular internal combustion models as the assembly will be handling high-voltage battery packs and model-specific parts. The concern is that VPCM will have to heavily invest in the upgrade of their facilities as well as train their service personnel to cater for Golf GTE. The large investment towards a small volume hatchback just doesn’t make any sense, for now.
While there are no concrete plans for the Golf GTE to be introduced to Malaysia anytime soon, the silver lining is that should VPCM return to its former glory, you can bet that there will be some exciting models coming our way. Perhaps one way to fast track that to reality is to buy more Volkswagen cars?
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All-new Peugeot 3008 launched in Malaysia, 2 variants from RM142,888!

We’ve seen it in showrooms, we’ve spotted it out in the wild and now it’s finally here, the
all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV
. First presented to the world in mid-2016, the second-generation mid-sized SUV gets a complete makeover, a new cockpit design as well as a host of new technologies.
Designers at Peugeot has ditched the MPV look of the outgoing model in favour of a more conventional SUV design. The new SUV now sits on PSA Groupe’s new EMP2 modular platform which shaves
100 kg
 compared to the previous model. Dimensions have grown too, now measuring at 4,447 mm in length, 2,098 mm in width, 1,624 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,675 mm.
In comparison, the 3008 is 149 mm shorter in length, 3 mm wider, 55 mm shorter in height and has a 15 mm longer wheelbase than the
all-new CR-V
. Priced at
RM142k
 and
155k
, the new 3008 has its crosshair aimed at Honda’s flagship SUV. But does it have what it takes? Let’s find out.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Active THP
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP
Engine
1,598cc; turbocharged inline-4
Transmission
6-speed Automatic
Max Power
165 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
8.9 seconds; 206 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM142,888
RM155,888
EXTERIOR
As mentioned earlier, the new 3008 now features more conventional SUV styling but the designers at Peugeot did not merely come out with a more rugged 2008. Instead, the intricate but impactful details separate the 3008 from its other siblings.
On the
entry level Active THP
, forward illumination comes from a pair of halogen reflector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and halogen fog lamps. The lower front bumper trim is cladded in plastic while the grille, fog lamp housings and roof rack are finished in chrome. Round the back it gets the family
‘lion claw’ LED taillamps
 and a chrome trim across the lower bumper section.

Stepping up to the
 Allure THP
, you’d get more premium features such as
full LED headlamps
 with daytime running lights, GT-Line horizontal slat grille, silver painted front lower bumper and additional chrome stripes on the side. Both variants rides on 18-inch ‘Los Angeles’ alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 profile tyres.
INTERIOR
While there are several notable differences on the exterior, the cabin tells a completely different story. Both variants are armed to the teeth. With the
next-generation i-Cockpit
 architecture, standard equipment reads leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control,
12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster
, electronic parking brake, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start and rear air vents.

Discerning the two variants are the leather upholstery with eight-way powered seats with memory function and LED mood lighting on the more expensive THP Allure and fabric upholstery with manual-levelling seats on the THP Active. Boot space is rated at
520 litres
.
PERFORMANCE
Motivating the all-new 3008 is a carryover unit from the previous generation 3008, the
1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 producing
165

hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque, a 25 hp and 3 Nm deficit from Honda’s 1.5-litre V-TEC Turbo mill. Drive is channelled to the front-wheels via a
six-speed automatic transmission
.
Its century sprint is completed in
8.9 seconds
, just one-tenth slower than the 2WD turbocharged CR-V. While the Pug has lesser peak horsepower, it will register a top speed of
206 km/h
, a shade faster than the CR-V’s 200 km/h rated top speed. Fuel economy is rated at 7.0 litres per 100 km.
The 3008 is equipped with
Advanced Grip Control
 which allows the driver to cycle between five driving modes – Normal, ESP Off, Sand, Mud and Snow. Each mode alters the traction control system and regulates torque and braking on each driven wheels to ensure maximum traction on whatever surfaces.
SAFETY
As standard, the 3008 is equipped with
 six airbags
, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Stability Programme, Hill-Start Assist, Hill Assist Decent Control (HADC),
Lane Departure Warning
, speed limit recognition, driver attention alert and reverse camera.
While its lack of driver assistance systems pales in comparison to the
CRV’s Honda Sensing active systems
, bear in mind that the 3008 is aimed at Honda’s lower two variants, the 2.0L 2WD and 1.5TC 2WD; both of which
does not come equipped with Honda Sensing
. This places the 3008 on par with its main rivals in the safety department.
WHAT ELSE?
The all-new Peugeot 3008 is available in
five exterior shades
 – Metallic Copper, Magnetic Blue, Amazonite Grey while Ultimate Red and Pearl White will set your wallet back another
RM1,590
. The fully-imported SUV is backed by a 5-Year or 120,000 km warranty with 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service. We had the luxury to
sample the 3008 in Bologna prior to its local debut
, albeit a left-hand drive unit, and found it to be an attractive package overall. It’s a shame that we won’t be getting the more powerful and efficient turbodiesel because it proved to be our favourite among the lot.
IMAGE GALLERY
Peugeot 3008 1.6 Allure THP


Mazda has given the updated CX-5 in Japan a 2.5L turbocharged engine

Mazda in Japan has introduced an updated version of the
CX-5 that Eu Jin reviewed
 almost a year back with plenty of interesting updates, but they’re primarily “beneath the surface”.
The highlight of which is a new 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G turbocharged petrol engine making
230 hp
 and the same amount of torque as the
2.2-litre diesel model
 at
420 Nm
. It’s the first model in Japan to be offered with the engine.
Transmission options are limited to the 6-speed automatic transmission, with an option for front or all-wheel drive. What’s really interesting is the fact that Mazda even bothered to offer a 6-speed manual transmission for the diesel variants. The
new GVC Plus system
 is another addition to the updated model.
The Advanced Smart City Braking Support (SCBS) system now features an additional nighttime pedestrian detection function, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now available along with additional tweeters to the sound system. Climate control switches have also been redesigned.
For the more “extra” owners, there’s an Exclusive Mode model that’s equipped with 19-inch alloys, much like the ones you see on the
gigantic CX-9 Eu Jin reviewed a few months back
. Inside, the Exclusive Mode is furnished with Deep Red Nappa leather, real woodgrain trims, a frameless rear-view mirror and a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument display.
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SIC partners BRM Chronographes as official timewear

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has embarked on a three-year partnership agreement with a French watchmaker, BRM Chronographes. In the contract, BRM Chronographes is now the Official Timewear for SIC, and BRM Chronographes will provide timepieces for SIC.
The timepieces mentioned include an
official clock for the circuit
, as well as
15 watches as prizes
 for the champions of the
Malaysian Championship Series
 (MCS) and the
Malaysia Superbike Championship
 (MSBK) for the next three years.
Founded in 2002, the motorsports-inspired French watchmaker made its mark here in Malaysia in 2015, where their first flagship store in Asia opened in Starhill Gallery.
“We are glad to cement this partnership with BRM Chronographes as they are an excellent fit for SIC. They are well-known for their passion for motorsports, and have collaborated with many organisations and teams in the motorsports arena around the world. BRM Chronographes is also known for the quality of their timepieces, and this again gels with us, as precision timekeeping is crucial in a high-octane field like motorsports,” said
SIC CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali
.
Mr Vincent Chin, CEO of BRM Chronographes (Malaysia)
 added “We are honoured to have this opportunity to work with Sepang International Circuit as their Official Timewear partner. BRM Chronographes has always been passionate about the world of motorsports, and what better partner in Malaysia than the guardian of Malaysia’s Home of Motorsports.”
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Mazda CX-4 to be unveiled soon, but the looker won’t come to Malaysia

The Mazda CX-4 is a coupe-inspired crossover which Mazda calls the “exploring coupe”. At launch, it will sit between the CX-3 and CX-5 and is set to make its global debut at the Beijing Motor later this month April.
Its sleek and curvy exterior appears consistent with the
Koeru crossover coupe
 concept unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. As you would expect of Mazda, the front fascia is distinctly
Kodo
 and shares the same shade of Soul Red Metallic paint job. Move your eyes to the rear and you’ll spot the sloping roofline which could be an indication of headroom compromise.

Judging from the interior pictures, the CX-4 inherits most of the bits and pieces from the CX-3. The  MZD-Connect infotainment system is positioned right where it belongs, and a Heads-Up Display is also available as well.
While no details on the powertrain have been revealed up to this point, we think the CX-4 will be powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, since both the
CX-3
 and
CX-5
 share the similar 154 hp petrol lump. Being a Mazda, it should drive inherently well too.
Sadly, the CX-4 is only bound for mainland China – for now. It’s scheduled to go on sale in 2017, so the upcoming Beijing show will mark the first time world lays eyes on the CX-4. We’re a little bitter that it won’t make it to Malaysia, because as far as we’re concerned, the CX-4 pushes all the right buttons for Malaysians who are looking for wheels that turn eyes.
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myTukar set for hyper-growth with four new outlets by end of 2020

myTukar Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s fastest growing online used car trading platform is set for a hyper-growth following the recent opening of three new outlets in Malacca, Penang and Ipoh in September, with another four more due in Q4 of 2020, bringing the total branches nationwide to 16.
To-date, myTukar’s 2,000 strong dealership network has transacted over 23,000 vehicles with an estimated value of RM750 million. The additional four more branches targeted to open in Q4 include a second outlet in Johor Bahru which will also be myTukar’s Southern Logistics hub and a major hub for car inspection.
Other outlets will be opened in Kuantan, Batu Pahat, and Seremban. Currently, myTukar is located at Glenmarie, Puchong (Central Logistics Hub & Puchong 2
nd
 Branch), Selayang, USJ (Central Logistics Hub), Cheras, Klang, Kajang and Johor Bahru. They’re joined by three newly opened outlets at Malacca, Penang and Ipoh.
Each new myTukar outlet can accommodate up to three cars at any given time and is equipped with free WiFi, refreshments, and a comfortable waiting lounge. Each outlet is managed by qualified and professional inspectors to provide a comprehensive 158-point inspection and evaluation within 30 minutes or less. When in full operation, the 16 branches can serve up to 300 cars per day.
myTukar, CEO, Fong Hon Sum said, “The opening of multiple new branches is the most significant milestone for myTukar since we began operations in 2018. We are driven by our mission to digitalise and transform the traditional way of selling used cars.”
“This nationwide expansion strategy is in line with and complements CARRO Group’s strategy to continuously expand and digitalise car trading for the South East Asia Region. CARRO Group is Southeast Asia’s largest car marketplace and currently has a presence in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” he added.


Mitsubishi’s upcoming HR-V rival teases new floating screen, Yamaha sound system

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
 is set to unveil a new compact SUV at GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2023. The compact SUV by Mitsubishi will rival the likes of the
Honda HR-V

in the ASEAN region, although its name has yet to be confirmed.
Ahead of its debut, Mitsubishi has unveiled several details about the car including some glimpses of its exterior design through teaser videos and images. From what has been shared by Mitsubishi so far, the unnamed SUV boasts comfort, a spacious cabin, versatile storage spaces, a compact body size, and safe road handling, making it a “best-suited buddy for an exciting life”.
Considering how compact SUVs are utilized in the ASEAN region, Mitsubishi’s HR-V rival features characteristics that make it easily maneuverable, pretty much like the Mitsubishi Xpander. The compact SUV has a ground clearance of 222 mm, four driving modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud), and Active Yaw Control (AYC). AYC improves control of the vehicle by adjusting the driving force on the front left and right wheels.
One key feature that Mitsubishi highlights for its new compact SUV is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium Sound System. Co-developed with Yamaha, the sound system was designed to answer the needs of ASEAN customers. The main takeaway of the sound system is that it adjusts itself with the vehicle speed to deliver the best sound quality at any driving speed, even when driving on rough surfaces.
RELATED:
All-new Mitsubishi compact SUV set for August debut in Indonesia – ASX successor?
Mitsubishi Motors chief product specialist, Masahiro Ito said, “In developing the all-new compact SUV, we enhanced road performance through repeated testing in Japan on a course that mirrored the road conditions of the ASEAN region, as well as thorough, extensive road testing in the region itself.”
“We developed the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium with special attention to high-quality sound so that customers who come on board can enjoy an exciting driving experience. This all-new compact SUV is full of Mitsubishi Motors-ness and attractions befitting a Mitsubishi vehicle, so please look forward to the launch.”
RELATED:
Here’s your first look at the all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Triton – global debut on 26 July

GIIAS 2023 will be open to the public from
August 11
 to
20
, 2023. The new Mitsubishi small SUV will reportedly be called the Destinator, and that shall be confirmed upon its launch.


MIDA, Perodua announces partnership to help digitalise Malaysian automotive suppliers

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and
Perodua
have announced a new partnership, which will see the introduction of the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme, aimed at upgrading the local automotive suppliers with cutting-edge technologies and machinery, and to digitalise their manufacturing processes through adoption of Industry 4.0.
At an event held at MIDA’s headquarters in KL Sentral yesterday, the parties welcomed five more new companies to the programme to bolster the three-company strong line-up, the latter also showcased their progress in their respective projects.
“The initiation of the MIDA-Perodua collaboration in 2020 was crucial to ensure a steady development of our local player’s capabilities in the automotive industry. Under MIDA’s initiative to facilitate these companies to adopt digitalisation and Industry 4.0, we have been successful to contributing immense growth in Perodua’s manufacturing volume, through the empowerment of its industry partners and service providers.” said MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman.
“The Government has undertaken concerted efforts to review existing policies and recalibrate investment strategies to ensure that Malaysian business environment remains conducive to global investors. The Government has also been persistently undertaking efforts to promote and facilitate local companies to scale up and accelerate their adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technology through various incentives and facilities,” he added.
ALSO READ:
Daihatsu Ayla EV concept unveiled – Electric Perodua Axia in the making?
Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad added that the Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme is aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance local technology ecosystem development activities, particularly in the supply and value chains, research and development activities, as well as innovation and commercialisation.
“The programme has shown a promising sign as the first group of participants had implemented their proposed projects. […] The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not only for the automotive supplier’s benefit, but the impact of this programme will contribute greatly to the national’s digital transformation agenda.
“The programme also can fast track Malaysia’s industries, from small to large, as it provides both funds and guidance. Perodua’s role has always been to develop the automotive ecosystem and this programme is another example of our commitment towards this objective,” he said.
ALSO READ:
All-new 2022 Perodua Alza bookings now 39k units strong, 4,000 units delivered
Photo: LSF Technology
The first phase of MIDA-Perodua strategic partnership saw participation from three “Perodua friendly partners”, including LSF Technology, J.K. Wire Harness, and Autoliv Hirotako Safety. These automotive suppliers have been granted Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) as part of the Government’s initiative to assist the local companies to embark into the global supply chain.
Moving forward, MIDA and Perodua have identified five more new additional vendors to join the programme, including Armstrong Auto Parts, Ingress Aoi Technologies, Namicoh Suria, P.D. Kawamura Kako Manufacturing, and Kumpulan Jebco. These companies have been selected due to their potential and growth opportunities from digitalisation, the press release says.


Watch how well the new Proton X70 withstands a head-on collision

The upcoming
 Proton X70
 has just been awarded a 5-star rating by the ASEAN NCAP in its recent safety crash test – with a score that puts it near the top of its segment for occupant safety.
The X70’s impressive rating is largely down to Proton’s use of Hot Press Forming (HPF) technology for body structures – similarly applied to
the Proton Iriz, Proton Persona, Proton Preve and Proton Suprima S.
The HPF body structure is also supplemented with six airbags for all variants, ISOFIX child seat mounting points as well as seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
As a result of these features, the X70 was able to attain a perfect score for the side impact and head protection tests. Under the new test procedures, safety assist technologies were also taken into consideration and makes up 25% of the overall score.
Fortunately for
Proton’s first ever SUV
, whose
 specifications were recently revealed
, it’s provided with features like the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) – a first for a Proton.
Summing up, the X70 scored better than the
Honda CR-V
 in the Adult Occupant Protection test, while the Japanese SUV had the better score for Child Occupant Protection. Both the CR-V and X70 scored equal points in the Side Impact Protection test, with the X70 attaining a better score for frontal collisions.
For those eager to get a glimpse of Proton’s first ever SUV, it will be making its public debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) happening soon, with five units on display.
IMAGE GALLERY


Experience the 4WD prowess of the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017

The show is on the road with the 16th edition of the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 after it was officiated yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – and it promises to offer something for everyone, in automotive sense, throughout the next three days till the 12th of November.
What I’d strongly recommend you to look out for is a huge white outdoor tent, just outside of the main exhibition area (Hall A) with the word “Toyota” on it with a huge poster saying “Hilux & Fortuner Test Drive Event” –  it’s possibly the most exhilarating thing you can do this weekend.
That’s because you’d be taken on taxi rides in the new Hilux and Fortuner, through a series of ramps which puts them in the most compromising positions to demonstrate how the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) systems help get the vehicles out of the stickiest situations.
You’d also be driven up a ramp (which might be a little nervy for those with a fear of heights) – with a 35-degree inclination followed by another 35-degree slope for a demonstration of the the vehicle’s Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and the Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
Elsewhere there is also a course specifically prepared through a tricky and unapologetic muddy terrain where the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) would be put to the test.
At the main exhibition area, Toyota will be displaying the
new Harrier
and
the C-HR
, and one of the cars participating in the Vios Challenge One-Make race series happening 25th-26th November 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY


Proton sales up 118% since 2018 – 5,100 average SUV sales per month

Proton’s recent success has been quite obvious, even by just a glance on the road. We may have become quite desensitised to their monthly sales report, but when you view Proton’s achievements over a longer period, they actually look mighty impressive.
In a recent business briefing event,
Proton
 shared that it has achieved a record growth of 115% since 2018, jumping from 63,556 units sold per year, all the way up to 136,026 units in 2022. And that’s made even more remarkable, when you consider that a majority of these were during
Covid-19
lockdown times.
The incredible jump in sales performance, of course, comes down primarily to the new SUV models –
X70
 and
X50
– which made their debut in
December 2018
 and
October 2020
 respectively.
In fact, Proton says that they are delivering 5,100 SUVs per month on average, made up by 2,000 units of the X70, and 3,100 X50s. To date, there are already over 158,000 Proton SUV owners on the roads.
WATCH:
2022 Proton X70 1.5TGDi Premium 2WD review – 3-cylinder brilliance?
But the annual sales growths were not just due to the SUVs. Over the last five years, Proton has also completely revamped its bread-and-butter PIES (
Persona
,
Iriz
,
Exora
,
 Saga
) model line-up, and each one of them have also seen commendable improvements in their average monthly sales figures.
One standout in particular is the Proton Saga, which saw a 148% jump in terms of average monthly sales figures, from 2,349 units in 2018, to 5,834 units from 2019-2022. The Proton Saga was
last updated in mid-2022
with several creature comfort additions, and has since raked up a large amount of orders for the national carmaker, regularly ranking as the top seller in its segment.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium S review – redefining the National car
The national carmaker has ambitious plans moving forward, including an
EV roadmap
 that starts with the
mild-hybrid-powered Proton X90
 this year. The PIES models will also see continuous updates with new powertrains, while the company also looks to
aggressively expand its export sales
, starting with the reentry to the two largest markets in ASEAN, Indonesia and Thailand.
By 2027, Proton aims to become the leading car brand in passenger vehicles in Malaysia, and top-3 within ASEAN. That’s a tall order, but the national carmaker seems to already have a plan on how to achieve it.


Honda Malaysia suspends business operations till 1st April

This follows after the “Movement Control Order” announcement by the government yesterday after the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
Business operations which will be temporarily suspended includes Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka, sales offices and dealerships nationwide.
In spite of this, a quick check with Honda Malaysia revealed that services such as their roadside assistance will still commence.
However, as the dealerships are closed, should the vehicle be towed to one, the vehicle will unfortunately be left in the compound and will only be tended to when business operations resume on the 1st of April 2020.
Honda Malaysia said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates accordingly.


Review: 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo – More than just the best bang for buck SUV

With its right indicators on, the Mazda CX-5 piloted by yours truly was politely beckoning the W204 C200 in front to give way. Instead of giving way, the German sedan started to accelerate only to give up after a few minutes when the driver realized that he couldn’t reduce the size of this ubiquitous SUV in his rear view mirror.
Quick Facts
Name
Mazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo 4WD High
Engine
2,488cc; 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
228 hp @ 5,000rpm
Max Torque
420Nm @ 2,000rpm
Price (OTR w/o Insurance)
RM181,770.40
No matter, because the only tell tale sign that this isn’t just any SUV is the “small red T” on the tailgate.
Launched in October 2019
, the flagship model of the popular CX-5 range looks almost identical to its lower-priced and powered siblings. It even has the same wheels as the previous flagship, the
2.2L diesel variant
.
There’s no go-faster bits in terms of aesthetics when it comes to this RM181k SUV. If you are a person who prefers to arrive earlier than to announce your arrival, read on.
The looks of the second generation CX-5 needs no alteration. Even after two years on, it’s still every bit the eye turner especially when it’s coming from the other side of the road.
Its flat, crease-free bonnet supported by a pair of well-defined headlights gives the car a steely gaze to contrast that curvaceous bodywork.
The same premium classy feel can be said of the interior as well. Wherever plastic panels and trims are expected to be, it’s instead lined with supple leather – lending the interior an air of “premiumness”.
Taking prominence in the instrument cluster is a circular screen that emulates the style of a needle-type speedometer – displaying drive information without any over-the-top graphics and colours. Again, classiness done right.
The car also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It doesn’t integrate as well into the MZD Connect system like
BMW’s Operating System 7.0
, but the physical knobs and buttons by the gear lever does offset the minor inconvenience.
Things are not so rosy at the back. While the seats are supportive enough, it lags behind the recently launched
Subaru Forester
 in terms of legroom, headroom, shoulder room, and USB ports.
For those with two child seats to install along with an arsenal of devices to keep the peace in the second row would understand the importance of the features mentioned above.
At 442 litres, boot space was more than sufficient. The retractable tonneau cover that latches to the tailgate is a nice touch. It saves you the trouble of operating the cover every time you retrieve something from the boot. The levers on both sides of the boot to flatten the second row were pretty handy too.
The charm of this turbocharged CX-5 lies in the drive. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged mill powering it along, swift is an understatement. Encounter(s) with entry-level German sedans notwithstanding, this Japanese SUV is an exemplary highway cruiser.
Of the driving modes, normal suits the car’s character better, there’s no need for that extra eager throttle pedal in Sports mode.

That said, prod the throttle ever so firmly with your right foot and the car will surge ahead with respectable urgency that one would associate with the well-sorted naturally-aspirated mill of yesteryear.
A review about any Mazda would not be complete without the mentioning its rather excellent GVC system. In this instance, it’s the more advanced GVC+ system that also adds the use of brakes in the equation.
While this writer’s rear end is not sensitive enough to tell the difference between the both, but suffice to say one could care even less about their hands and right foot coordination when it comes to cornering, the electronics will take care of it. The assurance of AWD is of course the cherry atop the GVC+ cake.
With an output of 228hp at a sub-200k price, the Mazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo 4WD High (yeap that’s the full name) is the SUV that offers the most
kudas
 for the buck in its class; although Mazda did not advertise it as such.
Add superior driving dynamics into the mix and it’s an even more attractive package. The closest competitor is the
Toyota Harrier
 and that’s at least RM60k dearer.
Sure it could do with more toys like adaptive cruise control which is offered by its competitors. Fuel consumption is not great too, but that’s like saying binging on Netflix is too time consuming.
In a segment filled with capable contenders, this range update is a timely one. The addition of the CX-5 2.5L Turbo variant in the local line-up ensures that this Hiroshima-based car maker stays ahead of the pack, literally and figuratively. And that’s not too bad for the SUV buyers looking for a fast SUV with superior driving dynamics, isn’t it?
Image Gallery


Rimac Nevera sets a new 1/4-mile record of 8.58 seconds!

The Rimac Nevera has been selling big performance numbers since the project formally started over
two years ago
. With four motors (each wheel driven by an individual motor) and a 120 kWh battery pack, the fully electric Nevera has an unfathomable
1,914 hp
 and
2,360 Nm
 of torque.
In official performance tests by Rimac, 0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just
1.97 seconds
 with a top speed of
412 km/h
. Rimac has already performed their own 1/4-mile assessment of the Nevera which set a new unofficial world record time of 8.62 seconds on an unprepared airstrip in Croatia.
Now with the opportunity to perform a recorded 1/4-mile time at a certified drag strip in the US, Rimac was curious to see how the Nevera performs on a specially prepared surface as well as car preparations done by a more experienced 1/4-mile drag driver.
Closer to home, the first episode of Autobuzz Drag Series 2021 took place at KLIA! Watch it here!
In the US, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association, governing body of drag racing)-certified drag strips have PJ1 TrackBite (glue) surface at the start line to provide high amounts of traction to ensure little to no wheelspin for effective launch of Top Fuel dragsters.

Driven by Brooks Weiselblat from Dragtimes who provided the Youtube video, the Rimac Nevera consistently hit times of under 9 seconds covering the quarter-mile run at Famoso Raceway. The intelligent Launch Control in the Nevera “learns” the grip levels on the surface and adjust the motor torque output accordingly.
After a few more preparation burn-outs by Weiselblat to heat up the regular Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, he and the Nevera set the 1/4-mile in a production car world record time of
8.582 seconds
 (with 1-feet rollout) at a top speed of 269.6 km/h. The run was the 11th of the day in quick succession, without any performance degradation between the runs.
The fastest century sprint (0 to 100 km/h) on that day just was just 2.0 seconds, climbing another 100 km/h in speed taking just another 3.3 seconds.
Rimac test and development driver, Miroslav Zrncevic, said they are confident that the Nevera has much more to give with additional testing and experience on the PJ1 surface and looking forward to returning.
This Rimac has been masquerading as an Asian racing car. Find out which electric racing car here!
Earlier in July, Volkswagen
 transferred ownership
 of Bugatti to Porsche, in which the latter has formed a partnership with Rimac forming a JV under a 45-55 ownership ratio. Curiously, the
Bugatti Chiron Sport
 holds the unofficial 1/4-mile time for a combustion engine production car with a time of 9.4 seconds.
Only limited to 150 examples, the Rimac Nevera will cost
USD2.44 million
 (RM10.1 million) each.
GALLERY
Dragtimes quarter-mile of Rimac Nevera
2021 Rimac Nevera


The new Kia XCeed looks like a desirable SUV, would you want one?

Kia has just released
first images of their new Kia XCeed crossover, a sporty and stylish alternative
to their traditional large SUVs.
Conceptualised at the brand’s European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, the XCeed has a swept-back, coupe-like silhouette that also hints towards the car’s sporty handling characteristics. The short rear overhangs and low roofline gives the car a strong visual impact on the road, but Kia has emphasised that the XCeed will have comparable levels of interior space and luggage capacity to other rivals.
Chief Operating
Officer at Kia Motors Europe, Emilio Herrera commenting on the XCeed: “The
sporty design and demeanour of the new Kia XCeed CUV makes it more innately
desirable than many taller, larger SUVs. Yet it offers this without
compromising on versatility, with its intelligent packaging achieving the cabin
and storage space of an SUV in a sportier body and more compact footprint.”
Details on the ground are scarce at the moment but Kia will reveal the car in full on 26 June 2019. So till then, let us know if the side profile of the Kia XCeed works for you or not.


Hot new Porsche Macan GTS arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM710,000

A little after eight months after
the Macan GTS variant broke cover
, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the brand’s official Malaysian importer has finally introduced the very car alongside the new turbocharged 911.
The Macan GTS’ arrival brings the
model lineup
 up to a total of five variants, beginning with the Macan, Macan S, Macan S Diesel and Macan Turbo. The GTS sits just below the range topping Turbo, one that makes 400 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Macan
Macan S
Macan S Diesel
Macan GTS
Macan Turbo
Engine
1,984cc; inline-4
2,997cc; V6
2,967cc; V6
2,997cc; V6
3,604cc; V6
Transmission
7-speed PDK
Max Power
252 hp
340 hp
245 hp
360 hp
400 hp
Max Torque
370 Nm
460 Nm
580 Nm
500 Nm
550 Nm
0 – 100km/h; Top Speed
6.7 seconds; 229 km/h
5.4 seconds; 254 km/h
6.3 seconds; 230 km/h
5.2 seconds; 257 km/h
4.8 seconds; 266 km/h
Price
RM435,000
RM590,000
RM560,000
RM710,000
RM820,000
The GTS shares the same
3.0-litre V6 engine
 as the Macan S, but produces
20 hp
 and
40 Nm
 more. Drive is actively sent to all four wheels through the famous
seven-speed PDK dual clutch
, and it’s 0.2 seconds quicker off the line than the Macan S. As with all GTS models, this Macan: sits 15mm closer to the ground thanks to sportier chassis tuning, gets a new set of 20-inch matte black RS Spyder design wheels, Porsche’s sports exhaust and some black exterior accents.

Inside, the GTS gets touches of Alcantara and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This can be optioned with the Connect Plus module which offers online navigation with real-time traffic info. Just like the
updated Macan
, Apple CarPlay is supported.
Bundled along with the GTS is a 4-Year warranty and free maintenance package. Its RM710k sticker price excludes registration fee, road tax and insurance. Of course, just like any other Porsches, the Macan GTS can be personalised to any individual’s tastes.
Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch our video on our recent trip with Porsche to Cambodia!

IMAGE GALLERY


The Ferrari SF90 Spider is the world’s most extreme convertible

Ferrari has officially unveiled the SF90 Spider, the open top version to the bonkers
SF90 Stradale launched just recently in our country
, promising the same insane hybrid performance, but with more wind in your hair.
The hybrid powertrain from the coupe was carried over to the Spider completely unchanged, which means its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 and three electric motors still put out an insane
1,000 hp
 and around
900 Nm
 of output. 0-100 km/h times is also unchanged from the coupe at
2.5 seconds
, as is its top speed of
340 km/h
.
Surely adding extra weight with the roof mechanism will cause some penalty on performance, right? You’d be right – 0-200 km/h is a touch slower at 7 seconds (+0.3 seconds), but it’s not like you’d realise it anyway, since it’s still faster than the
LaFerrari
 around the company’s own Fiorano test track with a time of 1:19.5 seconds – that’s 0.5 seconds off the hard-top SF90 Stradale, but 0.2 seconds faster than “The Ferrari”.
Much like all other Ferrari convertible these days, the SF90 Spider is also equipped with an aluminium retractable hard-top, which takes 14 seconds to open or close and is operable on the move at up to 45 km/h.
The roof mechanism and associated chassis reinforcements brought about an additional 100 kg, bringing the Spider’s kerb weight to 1670 kg. Despite that extra heft, Ferrari says that it will still feel nimble around bends thanks to the improved stability and traction brought by the RAC-e electric motors on the front wheels, which supposedly equates to an “equivalent weight reduction” of around 200 kg.
With years of constant improvement to the RHT architecture, Ferrari has managed to shrunk the roof mechanism to occupy only 100 litres of space as opposed to the nearly 200 litres required by a “traditional” system, which means that it can still be placed above the mid-rear-mounted engine right behind the passenger compartment.
Accommodations of course had to be made for the RHT storage compartment, including a pair of vents on the engine cover to ensure that the engine bay is sufficiently ventilated even when the RHT is retracted, as temperatures inside reach nearly 900 degrees celcius according to Ferrari.
Ferrari also says that the Spider was designed specifically to minimise aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, but still delivering the same aerodynamic performance as the SF90 Stradale with its roof up.
Aerodynamic elements carried over from the Stradale include the air-channels at the front to direct air to the underbody, forged wheel designs, and the ‘shut-off Gurney’ rear wing which has been slightly tweaked to better suit the Ferrari SF90 Spider’s aerodynamic profile. There’s also new subtle trim elements in the cockpit to channel air away from the driver and passenger when the roof is down.
The entire passenger cell has also shifted forwards slightly, though it’s barely noticeable even when put right next to a SF90 Stradale. Other changes in appearance include a 20 mm lowered roofline, a slightly slimmer A-pillar, and a slightly more raked windscreen.
The most discerning feature on the Spider – aside from the lack of roof of course – is the iconic Ferrari rear buttresses, which have been shaped in line with the headrests to minimise any loss of rearward visibility. Even then, the Spider is still very stylistically similar to the coupe variant.
Inside, the Ferrari SF90 Spider is pretty much identical to its coupe sibling, featuring the use of a curved 16-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a whole host of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel for most of the driving controls – including the d-Manettino switch.
Just like the Stradale, the SF90 Spider can also be optioned with the Assetto Fiorano upgrade package, which includes Multimatic shock absorbers, a 21kg weight loss thanks to the use of carbon-fibre on the door panels, underbody, and rear wing, as well as titanium springs and exhaust, along with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres.
The Ferrari SF90 Spider is priced starting from EUR473,000, which makes it roughly 10% more expensive than the Stradale. First deliveries will begin in the second quarter of 2021, with the left-hand drive markets receiving the new topless Ferrari first.
GALLERY


Lexus LC 500 Coupe, the perfect super GT with a 5.0L V8 that will stun your friends

The story of how the
Lexus LC 500
 came about is an interesting one because Lexus never intended to make a high-performance luxury coupe. At the 2012 North American International Motor Show (NAIMS), Lexus displayed the LF-LC concept car. Response towards the concept’s design was so positive that Lexus decided to turn the concept car into a production model.
Introduced back in 2016 at the NAIMS (naturally), the LC 500 only went into production March this year. Despite that, Malaysia is fortunate enough to be the second ASEAN country after Indonesia to receive this 2+2-seater Luxury Coupe, in full 5.0-litre V8 guise, no less.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Engine
4,969cc; naturally aspirated V8
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Max Power
470 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Max Torque
540 Nm @4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.4 seconds; 270 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM940,000
EXTERIOR
Underpinning the LC is Lexus’s new
Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L)
 platform as seen on the latest
LS flagship sedan
. Designers have adopted a “Seduction and Technology” theme to create a commanding yet elegant look. Lexus’ signature design cues like the Spindle grille and arrowhead LED daytime running lights can’t be missed.

Its sweeping roofline gives an athletic profile while the sharp edges at the rear and pronounced body lines accentuates the car’s muscular appearance. The headlamps and tail lamps are Lexus’ first attempt at ultra slim design.
The design elements are not all for the red carpet only as Lexus has incorporated high levels of aerodynamic performance into the design to ensure maximum performance and comfort. The result is an uninterrupted airflow all round. To achieve this feat, Lexus has introduced the brand’s first retractable door handles, aero stabilising fins on the A pillars and aero ducts on the sidewalls. The
active rear spoiler
 tucks away neatly below 80 km/h but deploys at high speed to generate higher downforce.
INTERIOR
“Seduction and Technology” continues into the cabin of the LC 500 to create an ideal balance between sporting intent and luxury. The low bonnet line and slim A pillars gives the driver a commanding forward view despite sitting close to the ground like a sports car. Lexus has also paid great detail to ensure that all the controls are thoughtfully laid out to minimise driver distraction when operating the controls.

Lexus’ latest generation TFT instrument cluster display, as seen on the
LFA supercar
, is also introduced to the LC. At the centre sits a 10.3-inch wide Electro Multi Vision (EMV) infotainment system connected to a
13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System
 for maximum aural experience.
Other intricate details of the LC include a 365 mm diameter leather wrapped steering wheel with cross-section changes allow for variations in grip and twisting of wrist, Pressure Dispersing Cushion at the seats to help hold the occupants snug around bends and silk webbing seat belts that are smooth to the touch.
PERFROMANCE
Driving the LC 500 is a high-revving 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates
470 hp
 and
540 Nm
 of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission that boasts shift times rivalling dual-clutch transmissions yet lighter than most eight-speed units. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes
4.4 seconds
 while top speed is registered at
270 km/h
.
Lexus has also fitted the LC with a
Torsen limited slip differential
 at the rear axle and adaptive dampers for optimum cornering stability. Drivers are also able to reap the most from the LC 500 both on track and daily use through the Drive Mode Selector – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Customise.
WHAT ELSE?
Customers can have their LC 500 in
 11 different exterior shades
 and
three interior themes
. Lexus Malaysia is offering a 5-Years unlimited warranty package and 5-Years or 100,000 km free scheduled service package.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class teased – Malaysia launch on 25 Feb?

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
 has begun teasing the
all-new 2022 W206 C-Class
 on its social media pages, with a cryptic post hinting at an imminent launch this Friday, 25th February.
In a
Facebook post today
, the company invited the public to “discover [their] latest models” at their Mercedes-Benz Universe event this weekend. While not unusual for a run-off-the-mill corporate post, it’s the accompanying photo that caught our attention.
Screenshot:
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook
That’s right – hiding not-so-subtly behind the illustration is what we believe to be the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as seen from its headlights profile and the two “power humps” on the bonnet.
This was not the first time MBM has teased the arrival of the all-new C-Class, but it’s the first time the company has referenced any sort of launch timeframe. With the purported launch date just a short two sleeps away, what can we expect, then?
As usual, no official information has been provided by MBM just yet. However, the car has already been spotted here in Malaysia, and from the spyshot above sent to us by our reader George L. (
thank you!
), it’s clear that the compact luxury sedan will be offered in at least two variants at launch.
Screenshot:
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia/Facebook
Based on the model’s current-generation offerings here, we’re inclined to believe that the all-new model will again retain the C 200 and C 300 guises here in Malaysia – the former with an Avantgarde kit, while the latter with the full-blown AMG Line treatment.
Standard equipment lists will have to wait until the launch, but we are fairly confident that the
 C 300
 will see a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet, potentially with the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid integrated starter generator (ISG) within its nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz C 200 meanwhile could be a little more interesting, as the
current W205-generation model
 in Malaysia has had its mild-hybrid powertrain (as part of the launch specifications) swapped out for a more conventional 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill as part of its facelift update, due to market preference.
W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with AMG-Line exterior
Globally, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C 200 is offered solely as a mild-hybrid EV, with the M264 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet paired to a 48V ISG motor, making roughly 200 hp and 300 Nm of torque as seen on the Singaporean-spec C 200.
One thing’s for sure, though, is that the range-topping variant will definitely come with a panoramic sunroof, as seen from the photos above – so that’s one thing off the checklist. Not too long more to wait now!


Jaguar F-Pace SVR updated with new looks, more grunt under the hood

Following the debut of the updated F-Pace SUV, Jaguar has now also given the
performance-oriented SVR variant
 a refresh, with more grunt under the hood alongside some performance-oriented tweaks, a nip and tuck to its exterior design, and pretty much an all-new interior to match.
Like before, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is powered by the tried-and-true 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. While horsepower output is unchanged, the new F-Pace SVR gains an additional 20 Nm of torque to make
 550 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. As a result, the century sprint is now completed three-tenths faster than before at
4.0 seconds
, while top speed is increased by 3 km/h to
286 km/h
.
To handle the extra torque from the powertrain, Jaguar has given the new SVR the same torque converter eight-speed automatic gearbox from the
Nurburgring record-breaking XE SV Project 8
. Other changes include a retuned rear Electronic Active Differential for better torque distribution, new electronic steering power-assistance system, as well as revised chassis bushes to go alongside the retuned adaptive suspension system.
The configurable driving modes also received an update to its software, resulting in a more defined difference between the different driving modes, in particular between Dynamic and Comfort; Jaguar says the new F-Pace SVR is now “more comfortable and enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace”, without compromising its high-speed dynamics.
There’s also a new Dynamic Launch feature, which uses driveline inertia to maintain power to the wheels during gear changes, which supposedly helps with the F-Pace SVR’s acceleration from a standstill. The SVR also receives a new Integrated Power Booster for the brakes, which uses an electric booster rather than a vacuum system to deliver improved stopping performance and enhanced brake feel.
As for visual changes, the SVR receives pretty much the same set of changes to the facelifted “regular” Jaguar F-Pace, including the slimmer LED headlights, “double chicane” tail lights, and larger grille. There’s a new front bumper with bigger side air intakes which according to Jaguar helps with brake and engine cooling, and while changes look to be minimal, the overall drag coefficient has actually dropped from 0.37 Cd to 0.36 Cd.
Changes to the interior are more obvious, headlined by the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display running on Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, over-the-air software update capabilities, and an optional wireless charging pad.
The overall dashboard architecture has also been simplified, alongside a newly-redesigned steering wheel with zinc-alloy pedal shifters, and a new chunkier gear selector. The racing-inspired front bucket seats are wrapped in Alcantara as standard, but can also be optioned with Windsor leather.
GALLERY


BHPetrol launches improved Infiniti Petrol with enhanced additives

BHPetrol has just launched its new Infiniti Petrol with improved additives available for both RON95 and RON97 grade fuels. The improved formulation promises lower internal friction and enhanced cleaning agents for smoother performance and better fuel economy.
New innovations that make up the new Infiniti petrol include a new
Friction Modifier
, enhanced
Corrosion Inhibitor
 and superior
Deposit Cleaning Agents
. BHPetrol claims that the dosage of the additive is 800 parts per million (ppm), twice the recommended dosage by the additive company. The new additives help to reduce friction in the engine, promotes cleaning of carbon deposits as well as providing a layer of protection on the metal surfaces of the engine.
Motorist pumping the new Infiniti petrol can expect an increase in performance, improved fuel economy as well as cleaner exhaust emissions. The retail price of the improved Infiniti Petrol remains the same as the prices announced by the Government. For the month of November 2018, RON97 is priced at Rm2.81 per litre while RON95 is fixed at RM2.20 per litre.
The new Infiniti Petrol is available at all 380 BHPetrol stations nationwide.