BMW X4 F26 launched in Malaysia, xDrive28i from RM439k [+Video]

Barely after a week introducing the facelifted
X3 F25 LCI
,
BMW Group Malaysia
 launches the
F26 X4 Sports Activity Coupe
 (SAC). Following the success of the X6 SAC, the X4 is set to mirror the steps of the X6, but in a more compact package.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW X4 xDrive28i
Segment
Compact SAC
Engine
1,997cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Max Power
245 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,800 rpm
Price
RM 438,800.00 (M Sport RM 468,800.00)

While the X6 is related to the X5, it’s logical for the X4 to be related with the X3. Although the X3 is available here in both petrol and diesel flavours, the X4 is only available with a petrol engine which is called the X4 xDrive28i.
EXTERIOR

Dimension-wise, the X4 roughly shares almost the same footprint as the X3. The front looks similar to the X3 LCI that was recently introduced, but the X4 gains a shapelier bumper. The trademark kidney grille and bonnet remains the same as in the X3 but after the A pillar, everything went sloping down all the way to the tailgate.

Side profile is the vehicle’s main design characteristic of being an SAC. Obviously the X4 is lower (51mm lower) than the X3, but the dropping roofline might rob a bit of the headroom for the rear passengers. There’s still
500 litres
 of luggage space under that tailgate, and extendable for up to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded down.
There’s also the optional
M Sport package
 that features
M Aerodynamics package
 for the exterior, and a different set of wheels but measuring the same
19-inch
 diameter as the standard variant.
INTERIOR

The dashboard is shared with the X3, and the X4 also finished in
xLine trim
 which includes the xLine door sills and a
205W
,
nine-speaker
 audio system as standard. Upgrade to
M Sport
 and you will get the door sills replaced with a set of “M” items, a
600W Harman Kardon
 sound system with
16 speakers
, and a pair of front
 sports seats
.

Head-Up Display
 is exclusive to the M Sport variant, but both variants will be fitted with dual zone auto climate control, auto lights, auto wipers, 40-20-40 split folding rear seats, navigation system, a rear tailgate that opens and closes by sensing a leg movement under the rear bumper, and a rear view camera.
PERFORMANCE

The
 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged
 engine in the X4 xDrive28i produces
 245 hp
 at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque at 1,250 – 4,800 rpm. This should enable the X4 to sprint from
0-100 km/h
 in just
6.4 seconds
.
Top speed
 is
232 km/h
.
Power is sent to the
xDrive all wheel drive system
 with variable torque distribution via the same
8-speed automatic
 with
ECO PRO
 mode with
coasting function
 that helps to achieve a fuel consumption of
7.3 l/100 km
.
WHAT ELSE?

BMW Group Malaysia also organized a xDrive Experience for local media using the X1, the new
X3 F25 LCI
, the recently
facelifted X5 F15
 and of course, the BMW X4. We went on road and off road to rest out the xDrive capabilities, impressive nonetheless.
Buyers will be able to choose from five colours, Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Sparkling Brown, and Melbourne Red but the last colour is offered exclusively to the X4 with M Sport Package. The X4 xDrive28i retails at
RM 438,800.00
 and comes with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI), but you have to top up another
RM 30,000.00
 for the
 M Sport Package
.
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VIDEO GALLERY
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PHOTO GALLERY


ETCM ramps up production of Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, shorter delivery time

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has just announced that the company is increasing the production capacity of the all-new
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
 to cope with the heightened demand. To date, ETCM has collected 5,500 bookings and of that, 4,000 units have been delivered as of 30 October 2018.
Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM, Christopher Tan said: “Our assembly plant (TCMA) has been focusing on increasing its production whilst ensuring the highest level of product quality, and continuously speeding the deliveries. We are extremely thankful to our valued customers for their continuous support, understanding and patience.”

According to ETCM personnel, with the increased production, the company is expected to fulfil the remaining backlog orders up to October 2018 by the end of November.
Equipped with an improved 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid system and CVT, the front-wheel-drive Serena S-Hybrid commands
150 hp
 and
200 Nm
 of torque. Other innovative features such as Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, seven USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto makes the Serena S-Hybrid the number one MPV in Japan.


All-new 2022 Ford Everest teased for Malaysia – to launch on 23 September

Only about a month after the launch of the 2022 Ford Ranger,
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)
 has now teased the all-new 2022
Ford Everest
 for Malaysia. Only one mystery image has been shared by the Malaysian Ford distributor, telling us to “save the date” for September 23, 2022, for the launch of the new Everest.
Like how the Fortuner and Pajero are related to the Hilux and Triton, the Everest is built on the same platform as the Ranger. And like the
all-new Ranger
, the 2022 Ford Everest sports the same C-Clamp headlight design as seen in the teaser image shared by SDAC.
Unveiled globally in March this year, the Ford Everest has already made its debut in Thailand in several variants, including a 2.0L Turbo Sport 4X2 6AT and a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4X4 10AT. In Thailand, the Ford Everest fetches a price of 1.464 million baht (approx.
RM183,230
) for the Sport variant and 1.854 million baht (approx.
RM232,000
) for the Titanium variant.
Both the single-turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines offered in the Thai-spec Everest are already available in the Malaysian version of the 2022 Ford Ranger, so we are expecting to see the same powertrains to be used on the Malaysian-spec Everest as well. The single turbo engine produces
170 hp
 and
405 Nm
, while the bi-turbo engine produces
210 hp
 and
500 Nm
.
RELATED:
Ford’s proudest feature on the 2022 Ranger is not what you think it is
Inside the cabin, the Thai-spec Ford Everest is equipped with either a 12-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit depending on the variant. Advanced safety features in the Thai-spec Everest include daptive cruise control (ACC) with stop and go, lane-keeping assist (LKA) and lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot detection (BSD), forward collision warning (FCW) with brake support, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) and evasive steer assist.
The 2022 Ford Everest for Malaysia is likely to be equipped just as well.
ALSO WATCH:
All-new 2022 Ford Ranger launched in Malaysia, from RM109K


The BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is now here for the fashionable crowd, RM729,800

BMW Malaysia today introduced the
all-new BMW X6
 on our shores. Available in a single variant at launch, the BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport will retail at
RM729,800.
Based on the
G05 X5
, the two share a very similar, imposing front end. The X6 gets a more angular pentagonal kidney grille, and it even comes with the ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination for the extra wow-factor.
Flanking the large kidney grille are the BMW Laserlights headlights with high-beam assistant. The slim-line headlights design, along with the horizontal LED fog lights emphasises the vehicles width (15 mm wider than before), giving it a more prominent stance.
The BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is equipped with the BMW Individual Exterieur Line package in “Aluminium satinated”, which covers the kidney grille, window surrounds, and roof railings in satin aluminium.
The rear is characterised by the full-LED three-dimensional taillights, reimagining the familiar BMW L-shape. The large air vents at the sides, which BMW calls “Air Breathers”, further accentuate the overt styling of the coupe SAV.
Decked out in M Sport gear, the X6 comes equipped with 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour design, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport brake, as well as M Sport exhaust system.
Inside, the familiar BMW driver-centric dashboard in the X6 features twin 12.3-inch display panels – one each for the BMW Live Cockpit Professional instrument cluster and the infotainment system, running on BMW Operating System 7.0.
Rear passengers don’t miss out on the fun too, as the X6 is equipped with two 10-inch touchscreen displays at the back, as part of the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional package.
Other standard interior items include four-zone climate control, Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system, head-up display, two-part panoramic glass roof that is now 83% larger, as well as the ‘CraftedClarity’ glass shifter knob for the extra touch of exclusivity.
Thanks to the M Sport package, the all-new X6 also comes with M leather steering wheel, as well as sport seats for the front occupants – upholstered in Vernasca leather as standard. As standard, the local-spec BMW X6 also comes with a BMW Display Key, which can be charged wirelessly inside the car – along with your mobile phone.
Under the hood of the BMW X6 xDrive40i is a
three-litre in-line six engine
, generating
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. The powerplant is paired to an
 eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission
, sending power to all four wheels via the BMW xDrive system.
BMW quotes a century sprint time of
 5.5 seconds
, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
 250 km/h
. While driving more sensibly, BMW says that the X6 xDrive40i can achieve a fuel consumption figure of
9.0 l/100km
.
The all-new BMW X6 is sprung with double-wishbone up front, and a five-link rear suspension at the rear. Unsurprisingly in a car of this calibre, the X6 comes with all the software wizardries such as Dynamic Damper Control, and Driving Experience Control, allowing you to tune the car to suit your mood and driving style.
Safety wise, the local-spec X6 comes equipped with BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional suite, which includes rear Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Change Warning, Active Cruise Control with ‘stop and go’ functions, as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant with narrow passage support.
Parking Assistant Plus is also available as standard, which includes the standard Parking Assistant, as well as the Reversing Assistant which remembers the last 50 metres of the drive, allowing you to back-out of a tight spot semi-automatically along the same route.
The all-new BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is offered in six exterior shades – Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red. As for the interior, the Vernasca leather is available in either Black (available for all exterior colours) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).
The BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport is now available for booking at BMW’s new digital showroom at
www.shop.bmw.com.my
, with a booking fee of RM5,000.
Alongside the X6, BMW Malaysia has also launched the
840i Gran Coupe
.
As with all modern BMW vehicles, the X6 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme, 24-month tyre warranty programme for the run-flat tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Service Online, as well as access to the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with the included BMW White Card.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the all-new BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport can also be owned with
monthly instalment plans starting from RM8,328
 (based on estimates of a 80% loan, on a five-year tenure).


Aston Martin DBS Superleggera teased, to replace the Vanquish

Aston Martin has just announced that the “DBS” nameplate will make a comeback in their next-generation flagship Super GT. The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, as it is officially called, will complete the British Marque’s Second Century Plan to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models.
The upcoming DBS Superleggera will be the replacement for the Vanquish, promising “highest levels of performance, craftsmanship and design”. Looking at the new cars coming out from Gaydon, you can bet your hopes on that statement.

Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin, Marek Reichman said, “When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. It’s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. It’s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it’s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries”.
Expect the new Super GT to be powered by a derivative of the DB11’s
V12
 and
V8
 twin-turbo powertrains – pushing out well over
 600 hp
 on the V12 and over
500 hp
 if it’s a V8. If the company were to follow the Vanquish product strategy, we may also see a hotter “S” (
Vanquish S
) variant to join the line up in the future. The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will be revealed in the second quarter of 2018.


BMW Concept X2 unveiled, a sportier X1 derivative?

Just like how Mercedes-Benz and Audi are expanding their SUV lineup, BMW is also following suit. As of now, the Bavarian giant has plans to introduce the X7 flagship, but before that let’s draw our attention to the BMW Concept X2.
Debuted just recently at the Paris Motor Show, the Concept X2 is basically a sportier version of the
X1
. The X1 is a conventional four-door SUV, but here the Concept X2 is breaking away from the norm, and fuses coupe-like design, giving it a sportier and more muscular stance.

At the back, the scalpel-like headlights and the dual exhaust pipes complete the look, making the Concept X2 a tad more distinctive compared to the
X4
 and
X6
.
The signature kidney grille here is glaringly oversized, but the devil’s in the details. BMW cheekily flipped it upside down in order to bring character to this concept. Keen loyalists will be pleased that there’s a BMW logo right next to the Hofmeister kink in this X2.
Judging from the X1 it’s based upon, the X2 could be sharing the X1’s 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo mill and the sDrive front-wheel drive configuration. Do expect a production-ready X2 sometime next year or in 2018, probably with a less over-the-top bodywork and smaller tyres.
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Toyota uses technology in beauty treatment devices for vehicle painting

Toyota has developed a new airless painting method that uses static electricity instead of air, to replace the conventional ways used in the vehicle body painting process.
The newly developed airless painter, the
first of its kind in the world
, achieves over
95% coating efficiency
 (the amount of paint sprayed versus the amount that actually sticks onto the vehicle body), the
highest in the world
, from conventional efficiency of approximately 60 to 70%.
By doing so, the company is also expected to reduce its CO2 emissions by about 7%.
Toyota is advancing its efforts to achieve its “Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge”, one of the targets included in the
Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050
 announced back in 2015.
Using conventional painting methods, paint particles are scattered by the air ricocheting off the vehicle body. By comparison, the new airless painting method uses electricity to spray the paint (electrostatic atomiser) and the statically charged particles coat in such a way that they gravitate toward the vehicle body (electrostatic painting) thereby
achieving higher coating efficiency
.
Electrostatic atomisation technology is
used in beauty treatment devices
 and other instruments that spray fine amounts of liquid but as with typical Japanese resourcefulness to fine tune and optimise, with Toyota, it’s applied to vehicle body painting.
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Porsche Macan Turbo gets Performance Pack, now makes 440hp & 600 Nm!

The
Porsche Macan Turbo
 is the top of the line variant in the Macan SUV line-up. With a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6, the Turbo packs a fearsome amount of power under its hood. Even so, the guys at Porsche felt the need to give the engine a little rub.
Porsche has just introduced a Performance Package to extract an additional
40 hp
 and
50 Nm
 from the engine, bringing the total output to
440 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque. This brings the century sprint time down 0.4 seconds to a blistering
4.4 seconds
. Porsche also said with the Sport Plus mode engaged, the acceleration time from 80 km/h to 120 km/h has reduced by 0.2 seconds to
2.9 seconds
. With the upgrade, the Macan Turbo can achieve speeds of up to 272 km/h compared to the standard 266 km/h.
To compliment the significant power upgrade, Porsche has also made some tweaks to the brakes, suspension and chassis. Firstly, the front brakes are now 30mm larger than standard and features a six-piston brake callipers painted in red. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has been tuned to be 15mm lower. An active air suspension that lowers the ride height by 10mm can also be specified, for a price.
Additionally, to differentiate the Performance Package Macan Turbo, customers can tailor their Macan with a range of exterior options. This includes 21-inch 911 Turbo design wheels and gloss black accents around the main headlamps. The interior can be specified with black leather with Alcantara combination, coloured or carbon trims in numerous area.
No news if this package will be made available in Malaysia yet, but we feel that it’s only a matter of time before Porsche Malaysia introduces this.
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Ford Kuga Special Edition hits nationwide showrooms, priced at RM168,888

Ford, through Sime Darby Auto Connexion, has introduced a limited edition variant of its popular compact SUV, the
Kuga Special Edition
. It’s priced at RM168,888 inclusive of road tax and insurance; that’s nearly
RM8,000 more
 than the standard Kuga.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford Kuga Special Edition
Engine
1,596cc; GTDI EcoBoost with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT)
Transmission
6-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Max Power
178 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
240 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
Price
RM168,888 (OTR
WITH
 insurance)

For that chunk a dough, you get retractable panoramic sunroof, new 19-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on the standard),
Adaptive Cruise Control
, electronically adjustable leather seats, automatic parking system, active park assist and collision mitigation by braking. The SE’s cabin will also benefit from multi-coloured LED ambient lighting system. Honestly, that’s an absolute steal of a package added on top of an already impressive and popular SUV.
Powering the Kuga SE is the same 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine punching
178 horsepower
 at 5,700 rpm and
240 Nm
 of torque at 2,500 rpm. There’s also a
special colour
 to go with the variant – Ginger Ale. For those who don’t know, the Kuga was given a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating with an overall score of 88 percent, the highest in the compact SUV segment. To add to that, the Kuga also retains its
seven airbags
 count.
Packaged in the Kuga SE is Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP), which is a
three-year or 60,000km
 maintenance programme covering parts and labour for free. The ESP also covers free replacements for selected wear and tear parts, such as spark plugs, shock absorbers, engine belts, brake pads and even wiper blades.
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Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 now available at 20 Petronas stations, 30 more by year end

Petronas Dagangan Berhad announced that their Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 is now available at 20 Petronas Station spanning across five states in the Peninsular. It’s a part of their move to offer the better quality diesel in at least 50 stations by end of 2016, as reported earlier. Below is the list of the stations currently offering Euro 5 diesel:
Johor:
Lebuhraya Pasir Gudang
Linkedua Arah Selatan
Jalan Mawai, Kota Tinggi (Tun Sri Lanang)
Selangor:
NKVE Damansara
NKVE Klang Bound
Technology Park Malaysia 1
Federal Highway FAS
Federal Highway Temasya
KM 0.7 Besraya Arah Utara (Solaris Serdang)
KM 305 Plus Arah Selatan (Solaris Putra)
KM 12.3 Federal Highway Arah Klang
Silk Highway
USJ 20
Wilayah Persekutuan:
Mutiara Damansara
Sprint Highway
Taman Melati
Lingkaran Tengah 2
MRR2 Arah Kepong
Pahang:
Bentong R&R
Negeri Sembilan:
Mambau
At the recent
Petronas Dynamic Xperience
 drive from KL to JB, a few concerns were also addressed during the feedback session with the participants, particularly with the implementation of
B10 biodiesel
. Petronas Fuel Engineer,
Mr Mohamad Hafiz Abd Aziz
 ensures that when the time comes, the B10 biodiesel will only be implemented on their
Euro 2M diesel
 while their
Euro 5 will remain with B7 blend
.
He also added that upgrading works is underway on their Pengerang plant to be able to
produce Euro 5 diesel locally by 2019
, but meanwhile the fuel will continue to be sourced from Singapore.
On the latest Dynamic Xperience, they’ve invited a few members from various luxury car clubs to experience the
Dynamic Diesel Euro 5
 on their own rides. Previous Dynamic Xperience events have involved off-road excursions in Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, and Pahang using their Euro 2M Dynamic Diesel.
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MAA: Perodua sold the most cars (145k units) in H1 2023, followed by Proton, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi

In a biannual report by Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) today, the sales figures for all cars for the first half of the year were shared. The total industry volume for the first six months of the year was
366,037 units
 which is a 1.29% growth from the same period last year. Topping the charts is
Perodua
 with
144,690
 units sold.
For the first half of the year, Perodua saw
144,690 units
 sold which results in a 39.5% market share.
Proton
 follows closely behind with
76,012 units
 sold and a 20.8% market share. This is followed by
Toyota
 with
48,145 units
 (13.2% market share),
Honda
 with
33,727 units
(9.2% market share), and

Mitsubishi
 with
11,811 units
(3.2% market share).
Compared to the same period last year, Perodua saw a 14% growth from 127,343 units. As for Proton, the company saw a 32% growth (the largest in the top 5) from 57,402 units. Toyota, on the other hand, saw a 6% growth. While the top three companies report growth for the first six months of 2023, Honda and Mitsubishi sales reportedly shrunk by 15% and 6% respectively.
As for the total industry volume for the first six months of the year, the Malaysian automotive industry saw a peak in March with 78,894 units sold. It was the year’s highest monthly number. As for the trend, the TIV saw growth up to March due to the PENJANA incentives but later saw an immediate drop in April with 47,765 units sold. Sales later picked up again in May and June with 63,103 units and 62,569 units respectively.
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This guy bought a toothbrush and won a Proton X70

Want to hear something even more mind-blowing? The grand prize winner, Ashwin Radha Nathan from Sabah, did not even buy the toothbrush himself to participate in the Menang Menang Menang campaign – his sister did!
When asked if and how he’d split the car with his sister, Ashwin gracefully replied, “I’ll give it to her”. While we wouldn’t hold him to it, you must be wondering how lady luck shares her fortune; we’re left scratching our heads too.
Two 1st prize winners
each walked away with RM38,000 cash while a further
 10 2nd prize winners
 pocketed RM8,000 each.
10 3rd prize winners
walked away with a 3D2N holiday package with RM2,000 pocket money.
That’s not all,
 100 special prize winners
 were not left empty handed with product hampers. Overall, the campaign garnered close to 50,000 entries.

Coinciding with the 62
nd
 anniversary of Merdeka Day on 31 August as well as Malaysia Day after that, the Menang Menang Menang aimed to encourage Malaysians to support local products whilst cultivating a patriotic spirit.
In keeping with the patriotic theme of the campaign, the
Proton X70 Premium
 was selected to headline the campaign as the Grand Prize.
“The Proton X70 is one of the most sophisticated vehicles currently on sale in the market. It not only proudly carries Malaysian branding, but also offers consumers fantastic value for their money. These qualities are also embodied by Yee Lee’s products, and it is the reason why we chose it as grand prize of the

campaign,” said Bobby Ang, Managing Editor of Aurizn.
The collaboration between Yee Lee Corporation Bhd and Aurizn is the first collaboration of its kind between a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company and an automotive media.
“Yee Lee has been in business for more than 50 years, having been established in 1968, when Malaysia was just formed. We lived through the ups and downs of this country, we have grown and prospered together with it, and we are proudly Malaysian,” said Mr Lim Ee Young, Group Managing Director of Yee Lee Corporation.
“We currently carry a wide range of home-grown fast-moving consumer goods that benefit all Malaysians with competitive pricing and superior quality. From cooking oil, to detergent, oral care products, and even instant noodles, our products are there to serve Malaysians for their daily needs,” he added.


Updated Mazda MX-5 goes on sale in UK, more power & updated tech

Mazda UK has just officially launched the updated Mazda MX-5 (convertible and RF) for their local market. The new open-top sportscar gets the uprated 2.0-litre SKyActiv-G engine, upgraded i-ActivSense safety tech and a more refined cabin.
At the forefront of this update is the reworked 2.0-litre naturally four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with lighter pistons and con-rod, revised camshaft, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake. The result 24 hp and 5 Nm gain in power to
184 hp
 and
 205 Nm
 of torque as well as a higher redline of
7,500 rpm
 (previously 6,800 rpm).
As for the smaller 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, it benefits from improved combustion and reduced internal friction that nets it a power increase of
132 hp
 and
152 Nm
 of torque.
The more powerful 2.0-litre MX-5 convertible now completes the century sprint in
 6.5 seconds
, 0.8 seconds quicker than before while the RF version accelerates 0.6 seconds quicker with the six-speed manual box and 0.5 seconds quicker for the six-speed automatic variant. Mazda has also retuned the exhaust silencer to allow the exhaust note to sing a cleaner and more powerful tune.
The enhanced performance did not sacrifice efficiency as well, with the new engines being compliant to the stringent Euro 6d Temp emission regulations thanks to more efficient combustion, i-ELOOP and i-stop kinetic recovery and stop-start technology.
On the safety front, UK-bound MX-5 will come equipped with Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert amongst others.


This is why the hybrid engine in the Honda NSX is truly worthy of its name

How do you pay homage to a super sportscar with a rich history and cult-like following? For Honda, and specifically the
NSX
 team, it’s about creating an engine that is truly worthy of its name.
In a video released by Honda’s luxury vehicle division, Acura, NSX global development chief Ted Klaus shares his idealogy behind the beating heart of the mid-ship sports car.

Hand built in Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA, the bespoke hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine is not something that you’d naturally expect from an NSX, given its heritage – the original NSX used a 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine that was derived from an existing product from the Honda line-up.
However, Klaus said that “The development leaders of the original NSX told us not to copy what they did. NSX is all about pushing into the future and going beyond.”
The engine was developed and built with racing in mind with the get go, from the engine placement, to the angle between the pistons – exactly 75 degrees. Sure enough, the same engine powered the NSX GT3 race car to multiple victories in “almost bone-stock” form.
The video also goes more in depth into the engine’s place of origin – a 4,000 square foot room in the Anna Engine Plant, where each engine is hand-built from start to finish by a single craftsman.
We car enthusiasts are a weird bunch who can argue about almost everything – but if there’s one thing that can pique everyone’s interest, it’ll be watching an engine being built in an almost tranquilising manner; a master demonstrating his craft.


Who needs a tow truck when you have a Land Rover Discovery?

Land Rovers are possibly best known for their talents in adapting to the most extreme of terrains and almost limitless ability to scale the roads least traveled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=9DsK0SH0h9s
Their most recent feat, is on a whole new level – possibly of the highest order. We’ve a Range Rover hauling a Boeing airplane many years ago, this time the Discovery Td6 displayed its impressive towing capabilities by pulling a
100-meter road train
, a common sight in the vast Outback regions of Australia, to celebrate the arrival of the 2018 Discovery.
The Td6 may have a
maximum certified towing capacity of 3,500kg
 on public roads but it towed a
110-tonne road train
, using a factory-fitted tow bar attachment, for a distance of 16 km without a single hint of struggle. This was only possible with Discovery’s 3.0-litre diesel engine producing over
254 hp
 and
 600 Nm
 of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed transmission.
The single turbo engine features low-pressure exhaust re-circulation and a two-stage oil pump for improved response, refinement and efficiency which as a result can return a healthy fuel economy rating of
7.2L/100km
 (claimed).
It’s the latest stunt in a series of successful towing demonstrations by the Discovery range. In 1989, during the launch of the original Discovery I, it was used to pulled a train and last year, the Discovery Sport premium compact SUV towed a trio of rail carriages over the Rhine River.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota’s latest concept could mean that a fully-electric Hilux pick-up is coming soon

During Toyota Motor Thailand’s 60th anniversary celebration yesterday, the marque’s President and CEO, Akio Toyoda, unveiled not one, but two new pick-up truck concepts as part of its (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) IMV pick-up truck portfolio, designed to cover “two different ends of the automotive spectrum for different needs and different customers”.
Toyota IMV 0 Concept
The first, dubbed internally IMV 0, is a “truly affordable” and versatile pick-up designed to “support economic growth and mobility for all”. It gets a pretty rugged-looking exterior design with a unique flatbed-like truck bed at the rear, although it’s meant to act as a “blank canvas” for owners to customise according to their use cases, ranging from food trucks to delivery vehicles.
No other specifications on the IMV 0 have been revealed just yet, including its powertrain, but Toyoda confirmed that the model will eventually make it into production, despite still being “over a year away”.
Toyota Hilux Revo BEV Concept
For us, however, it’s the second concept that really piqued our interest. It’s called the “Hilux Revo BEV Concept”, and as the name suggests, it’s a fully-electric, battery powered
 Hilux
 pick-up truck.
It’s based on the single-cab, workhorse variant of the
current Toyota Hilux
, with the only visible difference being the new closed-off grille up front, new headlamps, as well as an additional charging port on the front left fender of the pick-up truck.
The ladder frame chassis had to be modified to accommodate the electric powertrain, but aside from mentioning that the Thai engineers had a hand in designing the concept, the company did not reveal any specifics regarding its technical details, nor when – or even if – the concept will eventually become a production vehicle.
Despite the company previously committing to a carbon neutrality target, Toyoda was quick to point out that they still do not think that there’s a “one-size-fits-all approach” to vehicles and powertrains. “I believe we need to be realistic about when society will be able to fully adopt Battery Electric Vehicles and when our infrastructure can support them at scale,” he said during the presentation.
RELATED:
Toyota Hilux swaps diesel for hydrogen, development of FCEV pickup begins
“Because just like the fully autonomous cars that we were all supposed to be driving by now, I think BEVs are just going to take longer to become mainstream than the media would like us to believe. And Frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals.
“Personally, I would rather pursue every option, not just one – options such as emission-free synthetic fuels and hydrogen. I still believe Hydrogen is as promising a technology for our future as BEV.”
So what does that mean for the fully-electric Toyota Hilux? Your guess is as good as anyone’s at this point in time. But with most major pick-up makers in the world, including Ford and Ram, all already committing to electric versions in the near future, it seems like it will soon become inevitable for Toyota too.
This also isn’t the first time Toyota has shown off a fully-electric pick-up concept. When the company
announced its BEV plans for the decade
 last year, they’ve also shown off a pick-up EV concept, although that particular model resembles the larger American-market Tundra more than the Hilux.
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Toyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030


Mazda charts its own course, sings ICE ICE Baby

In 2017, Mazda sold around 1.6 million cars across the globe – its highest ever total. You’d think that tidy number would slot them comfortably in the top 10, didn’t you?
In an age where multi-brand groups or alliances rule (VW, Toyota and Renault-Nissan groups all topped 10 million each), 1.6 million would only place Mazda at a modest 15
th
 place, behind the likes of Honda (7
th
 at over five million units), Suzuki (10
th
 at over three million units) and even Geely (13
th
 at close to two million units).
Kudo espouses Mazda’s vision to always produce cars that fulfill lives, yet be gentle on the environment.
“Mazda is still small, our resources are limited, besides we have no intention to become a big manufacturer like Nissan or Toyota,” said Hidetoshi Kudo over small talk on the eve of the
Mazda Asian Tech Forum 2018
. Kudo carries a lengthy job designation and a weighty responsibility to match, it reads as ‘Executive Officer in charge of R&D Administration and Product Strategy’.
Five consecutive years of growth, but is it enough?
It’s almost alien these days to hear an automotive executive not talk about growing sales numbers or paint a rosy picture of how a brand is going places. After all, Mazda is on the back of five consecutive years of sales growth (globally), but to profit in this cutthroat business, surely it has to sell more cars. Maybe Kudo-san is just being humble.
But as the Mazda Asian Tech Forum 2018 (held at the Mine Proving Grounds in Nagao, Japan) unfurled the next morning (on a Sunday no less), it soon became clear this is a car company that is charting its own course.
A test mule fitted with the next-generation Skyactiv-X powertrain and technology.
Instead of painting a future of electrified vehicles driven by computers, like so many others are doing, Mazda is convinced that the good old internal combustion engine (ICE) has much more to offer in the next generation lean-burn compression ignition Skyactiv-X engines (which we will cover in the next installment), but more importantly, pleasing the driver and passengers is central to that vision. Don’t fret, Zoom-Zoom is alive and well.
A more holistic solution to a problem
It’s not that Mazda doesn’t love polar bears or thinks global warming is a hoax, it’s just that it adopts a more holistic view in how greenhouse gases are tabulated while still meeting regulatory compliance.
Mazda takes into account emissions from well-to-wheel (not just tail-pipe) and from the production and disposal life-cycle of a vehicle. It aims to reduce corporate average well-to-wheel emission to 50% of 2010’s level by 2030.
This study by IEA says that ICE will still factor in 84% of all new vehicles in 2035.
According to International Energy Agency’s 2015 Energy Technology Perspective (which Mazda quoted),
internal combustion engines would still be present in 84% of all vehicles sold in the world in 2035
, with the majority being hybrids (plug-ins or otherwise) while the remaining being pure EVs.
There are other studies which are more bullish on electrified vehicles but Mazda is working on the premise that the transition to pure electric will be gradual, and that improving and refining internal combustion technologies along with a shift to renewable power sources and best environmental practices remains the most realistic way to combat CO
2
 in the foreseeable future.
Not quite left field, but still plucky
Of course, the best laid plans can easily be scuppered by policy changes by governments, e.g. the ban on ICE-powered cars could be brought forward in Europe. To this end, Mazda targets to launch mild hybrid models and even a fully electric one (rumoured to incorporate a rotary engine for on-board charging) as soon as next year.
Better late than never: Mazda to launch mild hybrid models and even one EV by 2019.
Interestingly, a plug-in hybrid won’t be ready till 2021, which only serves to highlight just how complex it is to develop a vehicle with a dual-power source as opposed to a straight EV. Kudo also alluded to the
growing collaboration with Toyota
 on future EV models sharing the same platform. Though few details were revealed, this may well be the safety net for Mazda to fall back on.
The reality is, that has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible for independent carmakers to stand toe-to-toe against multi-brand conglomerates with economies of scale.
Mazda is an exception to the general rule, perhaps no longer as left field as when it championed rotary engines (which didn’t quite work out) but still plucky enough to be producing the MX-5 Miata roadster as well as a range of mainstream cars that are genuinely good to drive while returning class-leading fuel efficiency.
That Mazda is betting on ICE is a gutsy move on its own, it won’t be an easy ride in this period of transition, but nothing good is ever easy to do.


Stellantis reaffirms climate change commitment, new solar panels installed at Gurun plant

In an effort to strengthen its commitment towards carbon neutrality,
Stellantis
 has announced a new partnership with Leader Energy Group to expand solar power energy generation at its plant in Gurun, Kedah.
The partnership covers the installation, operation, maintenance, and financing of new solar photovoltaic systems, which were installed on the rooftop of the Gurun plant in October after four months of on-site construction.
Adopting solar power is another step in meeting Stellantis’ 2038 global carbon net-zero emissions target, as part of its
Dare Forward 2030
 strategy. The solar power system at the Gurun plant will be able to generate up to 2,189.81 Kilowatt peak (kWp) of electricity, and over the course of 21 years, the system is expected to generate 54.811 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy, accounting for an estimated 34% of the plant’s annual energy consumption requirements.
The new renewable energy source will also offset approximately 1,963.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to 50,340 trees planted in a year.
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Stellantis takes over Naza’s Gurun plant as regional manufacturing hub
“Stellantis is focused on building sustainable and profitable business models in the markets where we operate. We are excited to work with partners like Leader Energy that help us contribute to the fight against climate change,” said Stellantis Head of ASEAN and General Distributors, Cirstophe Musy.
“This partnership is a positive step for the ASEAN region and will assist Stellantis in achieving its industry-leading target of carbon net zero by 2038, mapped out in the
Dare Forward 2030
 strategy,” he added.
ALSO READ:
New Peugeot cars now come with free 5-year warranty and maintenance
The collaboration with Leader Energy Group, a Malaysian-based power company with over 20 years of operation in the power sector across Asia Pacific, is part of Stellantis’ continuous efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its operations around the world.
Earlier this year, the company has also ramped up its solar projects in Michigan, U.S., as well as the implementation of solar power systems at its Mangualde plant in Portugal.
Stellantis
took over full ownership
 of the Gurun plant back in November 2021, which now serves as a regional hub that produces and supplies key Peugeot models including the
2008
,
3008
, and
5008
to markets in ASEAN including Malaysia, Philippines,
Thailand
, and Cambodia.


The Koenigsegg Gemera is a 1,700 hp “family car” for four

Koenigsegg, the Swedish carmaker that makes
ultra-fast
 and ultra-limited “megacars” such as the
Regera
 and
Jesko
, has just made a four-seater family car. It’s called the Gemera, and of course being Koenigsegg, it’s not just any regular family car.
Koenigsegg founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg says, “The Gemera is a completely new category of car where extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness. We call it a Mega-GT.”
And just how “Mega” is it? Well, just let the numbers do the talking –
 1700 hp
,
 3500 Nm
 of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in
1.9 seconds
, onward to a Vmax of
400 km/h
. ‘Bonkers’ or ‘insane’ might be better words here.
Power comes from a electrified drivetrain –
600 hp
 and
 600 Nm
 from a two-litre three-cylinder twin-turbo Freevalve engine, named “The Friendly Giant”, mounted behind the passengers midship, with power sent to the front wheels.
The rest of the power output comes from three electric motors – one for each rear wheel and one on the crankshaft of the engine, providing
1,100 hp simultaneously
, or 1,400 hp when counted individually.
The three motors can drive the Gemera silently all the way
up to 300 km/h
, and the 800V battery gives the “Mega-GT” a pure-electric range of up to
50 km
.
To help you with all that grunt, the Koenigsegg Gemera comes with
all-wheel steering
 and
all-wheel torque vectoring
 to help with low-speed maneuvering, cornering, as well as high-speed stability.
Despite having a long wheelbase of 3,000 mm, the all-wheel steering gives the Gemera “corners with agility and can achieve a turning radius only seen in smaller cars”, according to Koenigsegg at least.
While the performance is frankly mind-boggling, Koenigsegg doesn’t want you to just focus on that either. Above all else, the Swedish carmaker says that the Mega-GT experience is meant to be “shared with family and friends”, fitting four adults and their carry-on luggage for “family trips, in comfort, style and safety”.
To do that, the Gemera comes with a surprisingly functional and plush interior, with no discount on equipment. All your regular family needs are here, including four individually heated memory foam seats, front and rear seat central 13-inch infotainment displays with front and rear wireless chargers, eight cup holders (four cooled and four heated), Apple CarPlay, 11-speaker sound system, tri-zone climate control, ISOFIX mounts on both rear seats, and even on board internet and Wi-Fi.
Sure, there are only two doors, but the “Koenigsegg Automated Twisted Synchrohelix Actuation Doors” or KATSAD is specifically made extra long, along with the absence of the B-Pillar, to make ingress and egress effortless for both front and rear passengers.
As for safety, the carbon fiber monocoque is fitted with six airbags, side- and rear-view cameras, stability control, TC, ABS, as well as an “ADAS 2.5” advance driver assistance system.
Of course, the very competent and very fast family car will definitely not come cheap – Koenigsegg didn’t even bother mentioning the price in the press document for us mere mortals.
However, with
only 300 units
 to be produced, those who can afford should definitely snap one up, quick.
IMAGE GALLERY


Afraid of the outdoors? Get your new Volkswagen delivered to your doorstep!

It’s all about minimising time spent outdoors these days; whether it’s going out to get food or groceries, limiting our movement and activity outside from home has been the only proven method in battling Covid-19.
As such, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is looking to address this matter with a new sales initiative that will give Volkswagen owners the option to have their cars delivered right to their doorstep.
The service is available at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide and if you’re wondering what charges are like, delivery is free for owners
 located within a 20 km radius
 from their selected dealership.
These vehicles will be delivered on a flatbed carrier truck and will be fully covered in canvas to protect the exterior during delivery so the image shown is merely for illustration purposes. Adhering to strict safety guidelines, the carrier trucks are cleaned and disinfected before and after each delivery, with drivers regularly checked and practising Covid-19 safety measures.

Owners will also receive an SMS notification once their new car has been collected from the dealership and is being delivered. As an added safety measure, the owner’s Welcome Kit and documents will be safely placed in the locked car while the keys will be sealed in an envelope.
For owners seeking additional peace of mind, the
Volkswagen Deep Sanitisation service
 package is now available
with prices starting from RM80 to RM150 depending on vehicle size
. The treatment eradicates more than 99% of germs and bacteria inside the car and its air conditioning system.


The new BMW X5 (F15) now in Malaysia, price from RM559k [+Video]

The ‘Boss’ is back to rule the roads, it is the all-new
BMW X5
. Officially launched today by BMW Group Malaysia, this third generation X5 is set to raise the benchmark of premium SUV market. Available in two variants, the petrol engine BMW X5
xDrive35i
 and the diesel engine BMW X5
xDrive30d
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
BMW X5

Segment
J-Segment – Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) @ Sport Activity Vechicle (SAV)
Engine
Petrol – 2,979cc 6-Cylinder In-line (305hp, 400Nm)
Diesel – 2,993cc 6-Cylinder In-line (258hp, 560Nm)
Price
xDrive35i    RM 598,800
xDrive30d
   RM 558,800

With the acquisition of Land Rover in 1994 by BMW, design and development began using Range Rover’s parts and technology to build the first SUV by BMW.  From there, the first generation X5 codenamed ‘E53’ was introduced in 1999, which became an instant hit and somewhat changed the SUV scene drastically.
Seven years later, its DNA was inherited by the second generation X5 (E70) except it had curvier lines and was equipped with newer technologies. The third and latest generation was then unveiled in September 2013 at Frankfurt International Motor Show.
“Since its original introduction in 1999, the BMW X5 has remained the uncontested market leader in the premium SAV segment to this day. It is a matter of fact that the BMW X5 is known as ‘
The Boss!
’ and we now welcome a new Boss in Malaysia,” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia.
Specifications

Exterior

The appearance of the new X5 carries the signature X model characteristics that shouts out power, strong presence and sportiness. It now has a more prominent face with larger kidney grille, with the headlights extended all the way to it.
Lighting the way is a pair of
Adaptive LED Headlight
 that comprises an accent light, low-beam and high-beam function, anti-dazzle high-beam headlights, LED fog lights, cornering light, turn indicators, daytime driving lights and Adaptive Headlight with variable light control.

Carved within the body of the F15 X5 are distinctive aerodymaic features to reduce drag, such as Air Curtains for the front apron, Air Breathers on the side walls and Aeroblades at the rear of the car. Then there’s the Air Blade on the D-pillar that makes the car look broader, and at the same time improves airflow. Both petrol and diesel models are fitted with
19-inch
 rims with different designs; Star-spoke and V-spoke respectively.
Interior

The cabin design creates a large space luxurious atmosphere with superior functionality. The
 Leather Dakota Terra
 upholstery, which is made exclusively for the all-new X5, provides the premium level of comfort and I have to say, the smell is addictive. On top of that, the interior lighting features LED technology that runs along the door panels and through the dashboard creating a lounge-like environment.
Interior trim does vary between the two models as the xDrive35i gets the Fine-wood American Oak trim while the xDrive30d has a sportier Oxide Silver Dark Matte trim. Continuing on with the differences, the petrol version gets the paddle shifters and third row seats, which the diesel variant doesn’t. Hence the xDrive35i can be a seven-seater with the additional seats on the third row.

The all-new X5 now comes with full-colour
BMW Head-Up Display
 that is only available in the petrol variant xDrive35i. It projects relevant driving information directly into driver’s line of sight, allowing driver to fully concentrate on driving. Hi-res and full colour icons with traffic symbols are displayed on the windscreen, which may not be fully visible if the driver wears polarized sunglasses.
The car now comes with the
 iDrive Touch Controller
 that accepts handwriting input for the iDrive system via the integrated touchpad in the controller. Information and navigation system is displayed on the beautiful looking hign-resolution 10.2-inch screen.
Also displayed here is the view from the
Surround View Camera system
. Digital pinhole-like cameras are fitted around the car creating an accurate bird’s-eye perspective (360° Top View). This enables easier parking and maneuvering in tight situations by monitoring the view on the control display. With the system, driver can choose between the three options Rear View Camera, Surround View and Side View.
Performance

The all-new BMW X5 is powered by it TwinPower Turbo engine together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Available in two variants, the petrol variant BMW X5 xDrive35i is fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, producing
306hp
 and
400Nm
 of torque. The diesel variant BMW X5 xDrive30d is fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine, producing
258hp
 and
 560Nm
 of torque.
For an over 2-tonne machine, acceleration figures are impressive. The xDrive35i completes a 0-100km/h sprint in
 6.5 seconds
 while the xDrive30d achieves that in
6.9 seconds
. Fuel consumption figures are equally impressive, 8.5 litres per 100km and 6.2 litres per 100km respectively.
One of the signature features is of course the BMW xDrive which now adapts to road and travelling conditions with even greater sensitivity. The system carries out precise adjustments of torque split providing better traction and car control on all terrains and conditions.
Adaptive Comfort Suspension Package
 makes it debut for the first time and exclusively available for the BMW X5 xDrive35i. It features Dynamic Damper Control function and self-leveling pneumatic rear suspension for the utmost comfortable ride.
What else…

“We are confident that the All-New BMW X5 will continue expanding its lead as the top-selling leader in the SAV segment. With further enhancements to performance, handling, comfort, versatility and premium ambience, the All-New BMW X5 is set to deliver BMW’s hallmark notion of driving pleasure and will be a key contributor to BMW Group Malaysia’s ongoing success,” said Dr. Pils.
The all-new BMW X5 (F15) will be available in all BMW showrooms this weekend. The petrol version X5 xDrive35i is priced at
RM598,800
 (OTR without insurance) while the diesel version X5 xDrive30d is priced slightly lower at
RM558,800
(OTR without insurance). Both are available in Alpine White, Space Grey and Black Sapphire. Sparkling Brown and Sophisto Grey are colour made exclusively for xDrive35i model while the xDrive30d get an exclusive Glasier Silver.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Gallery: 2021 facelift Mercedes-Benz E 200 Avantgarde

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently launched the new
facelift E 200 Avantgarde
 and with the invitation of Cycle and Carriage Mutiara Damansara, we got to take a closer look at it in their showroom.
The first thing you’d notice are the drastic changes to the headlamp and taillight designs which are now sleeker and more futuristic. You obviously get LED lighting system, with adaptive high beam assist but the more sophisticated Multibeam LED headlamps are only reserved for the E 300.
Unlike the sporty exterior of the E 300 AMG Line, the E 200 Avantgarde has a simpler, more elegant look with a more subdued body kit. We’d even argue that the 18-inch wheels look better than the 19-inch set on the E 300.
To really differentiate between the E 200 and E 300, Mercedes-Benz has even gone to the extent of designing different grille shapes; hexagon for the E 200 and trapezoid for the E 300.
The distinctions between the E 200 and E 300 are even more apparent in the cabin. The former gets a simpler steering wheel design, polished aluminium door trims instead oak wood like in the E 300.
Underneath the hood is the M264 2.0-litre engine soldiering on with a 9G Tronic 9-speed automatic gearbox. The combo helps deliver
197 hp
 and
 320 Nm
 to the rear wheels. The E 200 will do 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h.

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Video: BMW iX xDrive40 fully-electric SUV review

The
BMW iX
is a car of many firsts; it’s the first to feature the BMW Curved Display and the first to feature a hexagonal steering wheel. It’s also the first fully-electric SUV we’ve driven.
It’s everything you’d expect of a BMW SUV; it’s spacious, it’s comfortable, it drives well and it’s very well equipped. The only slight inconvenience we experienced in the few days we had was charging time.

If you’re merely using a conventional household 3-pin wall socket to charge the car, as we have tried, it’s going to be tough to start every day with a “full tank” as it takes nearly 24 hrs to get the car charged to 100% in return for 425 km of electric driving range.
It’s not exactly a deal-breaker with fast-charging options available but with the rest of the iX being so compelling – in the way it drives and rides – it might prompt an unexpected dive into the electric car movement.
Watch and find out what else the BMW iX offers!


Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo sets new Nurburgring record

We’ve seen a myriad of records set at the Nurburgring this year as more and more manufacturers are opting for the Nurburgring as the proving ground of their latest high performance offerings.
There was the highly-anticipated
 FK8 Civic Type R
 as the
fastest FWD vehicle
 around the famous track, the
Porsche GT2 RS
 as the
fastest RWD
and the
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
 as the
fastest production SUV
.
It doesn’t stop there; recently, the
Mercedes-AMG E63S Estate
 was crowned the
fastest wagon
 around the ring while the
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
 was crowned the
fastest saloon
 around the 20.8 km track. Even the Chinese had a piece of the action with the
world’s fastest EV
 in the
NIO EP9
.
And then we have this, the
 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
. It recently set a record for the fastest time around the Nurburgring while
towing a trailer containing a classic Porsche Junior 108 tractor
!
Conducted by trailer company Moetefindt, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo displayed its (towing) prowess with a 12 minutes 6 seconds time around the track, hitting speeds of up to
180 km/h
.


Vietnam to host F1 in 2020 with 22-turn 5.565 km street circuit

Formula 1 (F1) has just announced a new destination for their race calendar, at the busy streets of Hanoi, Vietnam. The inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix is set to commence in April 2020.
The Vietnamese GP will be F1’s fourth street circuit, joining Monaco, Singapore and Azerbaijan. It is also the fourth race in Asia following Malaysia’s departure from the sport. The
22-turn, 5.565 km
 is located in the vicinity of the My Dinh National Stadium and will feature a unique hybrid layout, combining street circuit with a permanent section within the city’s topography.

Taking inspiration from other famous circuits around the world, the final design will be the culmination of F1’s Motorsports team, circuit design company Tilke, City of Hanoi authorities, FIA and VinGroup – the official race promoter for the Vietnamese GP.
The circuit will feature a combination of slow-speed hairpins, high-speed S corners and a 1.5 km straight where F1 cars are expected to hit
335 km/h
 through the speed trap. FIA representatives are in the midst of obtaining a homologation licence for the circuit once the governing body is satisfied with the track’s safety and meets their Grade 1 requirements.
VinGroup, the country’s largest conglomerate focusing on real estate development has signed a multi-year deal to host the Vietnamese GP. The group is also responsible for
Vietnam’s first national car brand, VinFast
 which is expected to hit showroom floors in 2019.


Gallery: Honda City Hatchback vs Toyota Yaris – Which is the better-looking hatch?

The B-segment hatchback market was set ablaze when Honda unveiled the
all-new City Hatchback
 in Malaysia. With a modern design, plus all the modern creature comforts that one would expect in a car these days, the Honda City Hatchback does sound like the obvious choice for the segment today… but we can’t just brush away the good ol’ dependable
Toyota Yaris
 too.
Although it’s now a few years old, the Toyota Yaris has been given several iterative updates over the years to bring it up to speed with the other younger competitors out there. So how does it stand up against the Honda Civic Hatchback? We’ll be going into a deeper dive over the next couple of weeks, but for now, here are some photos to help with your first impressions!
In the interest of price and performance parity, we opted for the Honda City Hatchback V, one step under the range-topping RS variant, to go up against the Toyota Yaris G. That means it unfortunately loses some of its extra flairs, like the sportier rear bumper, two-tone 16-inch wheels, and extra black accents on the front fascia.
Still, when compared to the Yaris, the City Hatchback does look significantly more modern, thanks to the slimmer LED taillights and cleaner lines. Credit where it’s due, though, we have to say that the Toyota Yaris’ new front fascia design from its
 latest facelift update
 does help even things out quite a bit, especially when contrasted to what the model launched with
back in 2019
.
ALSO READ:
All-new Honda City hatchback vs Honda Jazz – What are you getting more (or less)?
The same story continues inside, where the two cannot be further apart in terms of appearance. While they are mostly equal in terms of functionalities and amenities, the Toyota Yaris’ dashboard design, especially with the faux stitching (
moulded on hard plastic!
), just makes it look 10 years older than the City Hatchback.
The Honda City Hatchback, in this V specification, also feels a lot more premium thanks to its leather-wrapped seats; the Toyota Yaris will have to settle for fabric seats across its entire variant line-up.
Both the Toyota Yaris and Honda City Hatchback V feature a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine and CVT gearbox powertrain combo underneath their bonnets. However, in terms of outputs, the City Hatchback trumps the Toyota with
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
, compared to the Yaris’
107 hp
 and
140 Nm
.
How much does the 14 hp and 5 Nm extra translate to actual driving? Well, that’s a story for another day (
keep your eyes peeled, we have a lot more content on these two cars coming right up!
). But for now, enjoy the detailed photo gallery below, and let us know which of these two is the better-looking car in the comments section below!
READ MORE:
Honda City hatchback has raised the bar for B-segment cars
GALLERY
Toyota Yaris G
Honda City Hatchback V


Why Perodua Aruz and not “all-new Kembara”?

Perodua has just announced that their soon-to-be-launched SUV will be called the
Perodua Aruz
. Loaded with the latest tech and an attractive indicative starting price of RM72,200, it would appear to be popular among shoppers who are in need of a spacious seven-seater. Question here is, what’s wrong with calling it the “all-new Kembara”?
Kembara in Bahasa Malaysia loosely translates to travelling in search of adventure which clearly reflects the ethos of the Kembara – a go anywhere machine for the adventurer. While the humble K3-VE 1.3-litre four-cylinder DVVT engine might be uninspiring for many, the Kembara came with four-wheel drive and proper all-terrain tyres which allow owners to take on the beaten track any time of the day. In the late 1990s, this was a big deal.
Source: Wikipedia
However, Perodua sees the new Aruz taking on a very different approach, an SUV for the urban setting packed with creature comforts to suit the urban lifestyle. The name “Aruz” was inspired by the BM word “
arus”
which translates “current” or “to flow” in English. It symbolically represents a continuous flow that signifies progress and in Perodua’s own words “This progress, in turn, represents the Aruz’s ability to elevate your life,”. With that in mind, it can’t be called the “new Kembara” now, can it?

Order books for the Perodua Aruz are now open with two variants available, the
1.5 X at RM72,200 and 1.5 AV at RM77,200
. Both quoted figures are estimated on-the-road without insurance. There are five exterior shades to choose from and every purchase comes with a 5-Years/150,000 km warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Perodua Aruz Open for Booking


Explore the Bentley Bentayga facelift with new “choose your own adventure” virtual tour

The ongoing
Covid-19
 health pandemic has forced us all to do things a little differently. For us, face masks have become an integral part of our daily lives; and for carmakers, big lavish launch events just don’t make sense any more. To celebrate the arrival of the new Bentayga in the region, Bentley Motors Asia Pacific has launched a new interactive virtual experience so that all of us – not just the media – can explore the new luxury SUV in detail while still being mostly holed up at home.
Bentley’s interactive virtual tour harks back to the good old days of “choose your own adventure” children books.
“As these unprecedented times have given rise to changing media consumption habits, we are inspiring our customers and Bentley enthusiasts to embark on a virtual adventure for the Bentayga,” said Bentley Motors Asia Pacific Head of Marketing, Calista Tambajong.
“Each individual maybe drawn to different aspects of the new Bentayga; through the interactive virtual experience, we are imparting freedom to our audience to choose the way they explore the new Bentayga,” she added.
Unveiled globally in June this year, the new Bentayga facelift is the first model to be announced under the company’s
Beyond100 plans
. The updated Luxury SUV was
launched in Malaysia
 in October this year, and since the model first debuted globally five years ago, Bentley has already hand-built more than 20,000 units at its Crewe facility.
The Bentley Bentayga facelift is characterised by its heavily-revised styling, with exterior elements heavily borrowed from the rest of the Bentley model line-up. The similarities can be best seen at the rear, where it now carries an oval-shaped tail light motif in place of the B-shaped items from the outgoing model.
Other exterior highlights on the new Bentley Bentayga include the new LED matrix headlamps – consisting of 82 individual LEDs – inspired by cut crystal glassware. The grille has also been enlarged, and now placed more upright than the pre-facelift model to give it a more imposing stance.
Inside, the redesigned cabin gains a new steering wheel, a new digital instrument cluster, along with a redesigned dashboard with cues taken from the
Flying Spur
. For instance, the circular air vents atop the centre stack have been replaced by a sculpted “wing” vent with a Breitling clock sitting proudly in the middle. Right below the new signature air vent is the new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The new Bentley Bentayga can be optioned in either a four- or five-seater configuration; the former benefiting from a 30 mm increase in knee room in the upright seated position and almost 100 mm in the reclined position, while the latter can now be had with rear seat ventilation – previously only reserved for the four-seater variant.
The new Bentley Bentayga is powered by the same 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine as before, capable of making
550 hp
 and
 770 Nm
 of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, The new Bentley Bentayga V8 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just
4.5 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
290 km/h
.
Customers in Malaysia will get to choose between the regular Bentayga or a “First Edition” model, which is equipped with Bentley Dynamic Ride adaptive suspension system, Touring Specification, as well as the Mulliner Driving Specification options – the latter includes 22-inch black-painted Diamond Turned wheels, along with sport pedals.
The new Bentley Bentayga is priced starting from
RM743,900
, while the “First Edition” carries a higher price tag of
RM935,000
; both prices stated without duty, tax, insurance, and other associated costs factored in.
The interactive virtual experience for the Bentley Bentayga is available
here
, and will be available until the 4th of January 2021.
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Goodyear Malaysia unveils new entry-level UHP tyres, Eagle F1 Sport – from RM294

Goodyear Malaysia
 has unveiled the latest addition to its
Eagle F1 range
 today. Dubbed the Eagle F1 Sport, the new rubber is classified as an Ultra High Performance (UHP) model, which is said to be suitable for the “aspiring racing enthusiast”, thanks to its more affordable price point.
The new Eagle F1 Sport is designed with specific elements to improve handling and braking performance, most notably the signature Eagle Claw shoulder tread design. Goodyear says that the additional stiffness helps improve cornering stability and steering precision, while the ActiveControl Technology helps maximise contact patch of the shoulder when negotiating bends and corners.
The high-silica tread compound with upgraded polymer matrix help enhance the Eagle F1 Sport’s braking capabilities on both wet and dry surfaces. Additionally, the improved cavity shape also provides a wider footprint for better contact and pressure distribution.
The unique tread design also comes equipped with noise barrier strips between the ply and liner, which reduces tyre noise and provides a smoother ride. The road noise and vibrations are further minimised by the narrower lateral grooves on the tread.
As an additional feature, the tyres are designed with a wide rim flange protectors, which helps protect your shiny wheels and tyres from accidental curb damages while manoueuvring and parking.
Positioned under the Eagle F1 Assymmetric 5, Goodyear says that the new F1 Sport is ideal for owners of sportier passenger cars who want to make their daily drive more exciting with improved handling and braking performance. The company also says that this tyre is particularly suitable for customers looking to upsize their existing wheels, thanks to its more aggressive appearance.
The new Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport is now available at all Goodyear AutoCare centres across Malaysia, with tyre sizes ranging from
16 to 18-inches
, priced between
 RM294 to RM678
 per tyre. The full list of available tyre sizes is available on Goodyear Malaysia’s website,
here
.
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Volvo shows off new 2D ‘Iron Mark’ logo!

With the likes of Volkswagen, Nissan, and BMW altering their logo/emblems to reflect a new era of automotive manufacturing, Volvo too has followed suit with something of their own. They all seem to look almost the same now, don’t they?
Just like the Volkswagen and BMW’s new logo, Volvo has taken a 2D approach for its new logo. Perhaps it exudes a futuristic look? One thing is for sure, future emblems could have little to no colour, as we have seen with the new minimalist Volkswagen and Nissan logo.
The logo has actually been previewed (somewhat), through the
Volvo Concept Recharge
 revealed two months ago. International reports claimed that the new logo will be debuted from 2023 onwards although Volvo has yet to release an official statement about it.
In other news, Volvo also announced recently that their new
EV models will feature names
, instead of alphanumeric names. Unlike the alphanumeric approach, Volvo said the names for the new EVs will be ‘more interesting and emotional’.
The company also recently announced that future Volvo interiors will be
leather-free
. Instead, they will be replaced with trims made of recycled plastic bottles and corks from wine bottles. By 2025, 25% of materials in new Volvo vehicles will be made of recycled and bio-based material.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Hap Seng Star opens new showroom in Puchong

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) together with authorised dealer, Hap Seng Star Sdn. Bhd. has just opened a new 3S Autohaus in Puchong South. The RM6 million showroom is Hap Seng Star’s 10th Autohaus and 34th overall for MBM.
Covering a space of 21,577 sq. ft, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus is furnished with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept; a signature of the three-pointed star’s latest corporate identity.
Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner
The 27-member team at the new Autohaus offers a one-stop solution in sales, financial and after sales services. Equipped with 12 work bays, the Autohaus is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month, catering to customers residing in and around Puchong, USJ and Putrajaya.
Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd, Chief Executive Officer Harald Behrend said, “With the launch of this Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus, we are proud to announce our 10th authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia. While this is a significant milestone in our history as a passionate dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to deliver the highest standards of customer service to those who are part of the Hap Seng Star customer family.”
Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, “We are constantly looking to expand our dealer network, both in terms of coverage and to ensure that we are in the most advantageous locations to better serve our customers. It gives us great pleasure to congratulate Hap Seng Star on the launch of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus and wish the team all the success in both sales and after sales.”
“We will continue enhancing our customer touchpoints nationwide while investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services, as we remain focused on providing our customers with the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience.” Dr Claus added.


Honda Malaysia celebrates 1 Million units sold by giving away 7 special edition models

Honda has launched a “1 Million Dreams Campaign” in celebration of its 1 million sales unit milestone where they’d be giving out seven special edition models including the Jazz, City, BR-V, HR-V, Civic, CR-V and Accord.
The special edition models feature a dual-tone exterior, red strips on the front, side mirrors and wheels. These cars will also be finished with a “1 Million Dreams” emblem on both sides of the front fenders.
On the inside, the special edition models come with “1 Million Dreams” embossed on the front seat headrests, along with red stitching on the leather steering wheel. Each “1 Million Dreams” model will also be accompanied by a special edition leather key pouch.
In
showing their appreciation to

frontliners
 in Malaysia for their tireless battle against COVID-19, Honda Malaysia has allocated one of the seven special edition models specially for them to win through this campaign.
To participate, participants can take part in any of the six (6) activities prepared by Honda Malaysia to earn as many entries as possible, to be submitted at Honda authorised dealers or via Honda Malaysia’s website.
Participants can collect the entries by:
Downloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app
Playing the 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game at
Honda Malaysia’s official website
Test driving a Honda vehicle
Booking a new Honda vehicle
Servicing or repairing a Honda vehicle
Registering a new Honda car within the “
1 Million Dreams Campaign
” period
As Honda Malaysia is collaborating with several brands in this campaign, those who purchase a Beyond Standard or A-Series mattress from Cuckoo can also stand a chance to win the special edition Honda.
Shopee will be giving away a special edition Honda HR-V via the Shopee Lucky Prize contest on its app. Shopee will also be giving out 1 Million Shopee coins to 150 lucky winners weekly, and other prizes worth 5 Million Shopee coints.
That’s not all, Watson members can participate in the contest by spending more than RM50 in a single receipt at any Watson store or online.
The campaign runs
from 25th of February to the 24th of March 2021
. Winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled in March 2021.


Polestar kicks-off production of Polestar 2 in China

Volvo and Geely’s performance EV brand, Polestar, has just announced the commencement of production for the
Polestar 2
 at Luqiao, China, despite the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
The Luqiao plant is owned by parent company Geely and operated by Volvo Cars. Polestar says that the plant is an example of how the newly-formed brand can leverage the expertise of its parent companies.
Polestar Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ingenlath commented, “Being able to produce in Luqiao means we are able to bring Polestar 2 to market with high build and quality standards right from the beginning.”
Ingenlath also commented on the difficulty of starting production under the current circumstances. “This is a great achievement and the result of huge efforts from the staff in the factory and the team securing the supply chain. I have a huge amount of respect for the entire team – thanks to them!”
Despite the commencement of production, Ingenlath clarifies that the health and safety of the staff will still be prioritised.
The Polestar 2 will also be the first electric vehicle to be produced at the Luqiao plant. First introduced in February 2019, the fastback EV is powered by two electric motors, generating a combined output of
408 hp
 and
660 Nm
 of torque.
Packed with a
78 kWh
 battery, the Polestar 2 is rated for a range of
470 km
 on the WLTP test suite. Polestar 2 is also the first car to feature an Android-powered in-car infotainment system.
Deliveries of the Polestar 2 is scheduled to begin in the summer this year, starting from Europe, followed by China and North America.


Smart #3 debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023, fastback version of Smart #1

Smart
 has officially debuted its first-ever sports utility coupé, the
Smart #3
 at the Auto Shanghai on
April 17, 2023
. With this new model, Smart continues its original vision of finding the best solutions for future urban mobility.
The exterior design of the Smart #3 is essentially a sportier rendition of
Mercedes-Benz’s
 global design team’s design philosophy, with state-of-the-art connectivity remaining as the guiding foundation. It features seamless, smooth lines and athletic curves that are depicted to enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance.
Slimmed-down CyberSparks LED headlights, a “shark nose” and an A-shape grill make up the front fascia of the Smart #3. At the side, the fastback profile, two-tone roof, curvature lines on the doors, as well as door-mounted side mirrors create a sporty and elegant silhouette. Additionally, the taillights with pixelated elements further support the premium feel.
Although the range of the Smart #3 has not been officially revealed, based on Smart’s video teaser video which claimed the car to have ‘extended range’ and ‘exceptional aerodynamic efficiency’, you can expect the Smart #3 to deliver more than the car it is based on, the
Smart #1
.
Smart Europe CEO, Dirk Adelmann quoted, “We are proud to finally present our first ever sports utility coupé, the all-new Smart #3 to the world. As an all-electric pioneer smart is committed to the uncompromising quality of experience and interactions.”
He added, “Our goal has always been to address the multifaceted and changing needs for mobility. Therefore, Smart will keep on expanding its product family to offer a variety of cars that optimally suit different customer groups and lifestyles.”
RELATED:
Smart #1: Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far
Moving inside, the sporty energy continues with circular-shaped air-cond vents that resemble turbine intakes. The dashboard flows upwards into a console that houses the central cockpit, with a 12.8-inch elevated central screen on top.
The interior provides an airy atmosphere thanks to the halo glass roof as well as the multi-coloured ambient lights. Smart also invested in making the Smart #3 a comfortable car to drive and ride in by giving the car a longer wheelbase and integrating sporty headrests into the seats. Entertainment-wise, Smart has equipped the #3’s infotainment system with a 13-speaker Beats® Soundsystem, which complements the Smart #3’s avant-garde cabin experience.
What’s more, customers are able to choose their Smart #3’s interior colours as well. Options available include the Photon Orange Metallic, Electric Blue Matte exterior as well as Vibrant Brown.
Closer to home, Smart #1 will be arriving in Malaysia in Q4 2023, and will be distributed by
PRO-NET,
 which is Proton’s EV subsidiary.
RELATED:
Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023
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Porsche Cayenne facelift debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023 – Turbo GT gets 659hp, 0-100km/h in 3.3 secs

Before going into its fourth generation, the third-generation
Porsche Cayenne
 has been given a facelift with rather comprehensive updates. Making its world debut at
Auto Shanghai 2023
, the Porsche Cayenne facelift introduces more luxury and more performance.
On the outside, the Porsche Cayenne facelift has evolved ever so slightly, with sleeker looking headlights and subtle changes all around. Now standard on the Cayenne is a set of high-definition Matrix LED headlights with more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp. Its brightness can be regulated in more than 1,000 steps depending on the driving situation.
Facelifted 3rd-generation Porsche Cayenne
At the front, the grille and vents are now bridged by a black trim, making the Cayenne appear visually wider. As for the wheels,
Porsche
 says there is now an extensive range of 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels for customers to choose from.
At the back, the Porsche Cayenne sports 3D taillights which have become part of the brand’s new look. The rear plate number has been moved down to the rear bumper, creating a cleaner lower apron on the tailgate. Besides that, the Cayenne facelift also gets 3 new colour options.
RELATED:
Coming to Malaysia, here is the GWM Tank 500 at Auto Shanghai 2023
As for powertrain options, there are 4 powertrain options with Europe only receiving 3 of them. The powertrain options include:
3.0L V6 turbo engine (Cayenne)
Hybrid 3.0L V6 turbo (Cayenne E-Hybrid)
4.0L V8 biturbo (Cayenne S)
4.0L V8 biturbo (Cayenne Turbo GT, outside Europe)
In its entry-level form, the Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that outputs
353 hp
 (metric) and
500 Nm
. This engine is also the base for the hybrid powertrain of the Cayenne E-Hybrid which outputs
470 hp
 (metric). The hybrid Cayenne gets a
25.9-kWh
 battery that provides
90 km
 of pure electric driving range.
The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Cayenne S replaces the previous V6 engine. Making
474 hp
 (metric) and
600 Nm
, the Cayenne S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.7 seconds
 onward to a top speed of
273 km/h
.
RELATED:
Malaysia-bound Ora Lightning Cat at Auto Shanghai 2023, up to 705km range
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT at Auto Shanghai 2023
Outside of Europe, the Cayenne Turbo GT is still the range-topping model in the Cayenne range. Powered by a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, it produces a total output of
659 hp
 (metric). The Cayenne Turbo GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in
3.3 seconds
, with a top speed of
305 km/h
.
Before its world debut, Porsche had already revealed the interior of the Porsche Cayenne facelift, shown sporting the new Porsche Driver Experience. For the first time ever, the Cayenne features an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. On top of that optional screen, there is also a 12.3-inch screen as the main head unit and a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster.
RELATED:
2nd-gen Lexus LM debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023, previews next-gen Alphard
Another interior highlight of the Porsche Cayenne facelift is the relocated gear selector. No longer on the centre console, the gear selector is now located on the dashboard, beside the steering wheel. The ‘hood’ for the instrument cluster has also been taken out. With the gear selector relocated, the HVAC controls are now located on the centre console.
RELATED:
Porsche Cayenne facelift interior unveiled: Taycan-inspired, April 18 world debut
GALLERY
From Auto Shanghai 2023
Cayenne
Cayenne E-Hybrid
Cayenne S (Coupe version)
Cayenne Turbo GT


More motorsports series turn to virtual racing after race cancellations

The Coronavirus pandemic is still causing an upheaval across the globe. As a result, most if not all motorsport events have already been cancelled or postponed to a later date.
In an effort to keep the fans busy, Formula 1 announced its
official Virtual Grand Prix Series
 last week to ‘replace’ its cancelled races, featuring several actual F1 drivers such as Lando Norris, along with simulator racers and football stars.

Racing action starts at around the 2:03 mark.
However, Formula 1 is not the only series to introduce its own virtual racing league. VLN, the organisers of the Nurburgring Endurance Series, also kicked off their 2020 season at the Green Hell with a virtual race last weekend.
The race featured a
total of 56 cars
 across four classes, driven by teams and drivers from the actual Nordschleife Championship, as well as several seasoned simracing professionals.
Organised on the iRacing platform, the race ran for the
actual length of the real-world race
 – four hours. The virtual race was also
overseen by race director Frank Taller,
 who holds the same position in the races held at the Nordschleife – how cool is that?
Aside from the Nurburgring Endurance Series, Australia’s V8 Supercars Championships has also announced the All Star Eseries to fill the void left by the postponed races.
The Eseries will feature the
full cast of Supercars racers
, all racing from their respective homes. Ten races have been planned so far, with the first round starting on
April 8th
. It’s not all just for fun either, as a
Championship winner
 will be announced at the end of the Eseries, earning you extra bragging rights.
The All Star Eseries will be broadcasted on traditional TV channels such as Fox Sports, as well as V8 Supercars’ website and social channels and the Twitch game streaming site.


2017 Audi Q5 unveiled at Paris – lighter, more powerful with more tech!

Audi has just unveiled their next generation best-selling SUV – the all new Audi Q5 at the Paris Motor Show. The next generation Q5 has been redesigned from the ground up to be lightest, most powerful and efficient Q5 ever.
The Audi Q5 is a well-known nameplate around the world with its intelligent drivetrain and beautiful sculpture. Therefore, it was a challenge for the designers and engineers at Audi to reimagine and better their best-selling SUV model.
Dimension wise, the Q5 has grown slightly in every aspect and it now measures at 4.66 meters in length, 1.89 meters wide and 1.66 meters tall with the wheelbase spanning 2.82 metres long. The new Q5 is now 0.3 meters longer, 0.05 metres taller and 0.02 metres longer wheelbase than before. Thanks to a new mix of steel and aluminium, the Q5 is lighter by up to
90kg
, depending on engine choice.
The Q5 also holds the title for the slipperiest SUV in its class with a drag coefficient of just
0.30
. This is achieved partly with the new aerodynamic roof. This helps keep wind noise at a minimum, resulting in a class-best interior acoustics.
Visually, the Q5 is instantly recognisable as it retains its iconic silhouette. At the front, the Q5 now wears the company’s signature hexagonal “Singleframe” chrome grille. The LED headlamps now feature new graphics and a more angular design. At the rear, a pair of new LED combination headlamps makes it easily distinguishable from the outgoing Q5. Other subtler revisions include a bold line that runs across the tailgate and a new bumper with integrated tailpipes.

Elsewhere, the Q5 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard while customers have the option for sizes up to 21-inch.
Audi has completely repackaged the interior for more headroom, rear kneeroom as well as boot capacity. The rear boot accessed via a standard powered tailgate can accommodate 550 litres – up by just 10 litres from the previous generation. With the back seats folded down, the SUV is able to swallow up to 1,550 litres of goods.
Inside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air as the Q5 gets a complete interior overhaul. It now features familiar gadgetries found in most of their newer models. Besides the redesigned multifunctional steering wheel, buyers have a range of options to choose from, such as a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, 8.3-inch Audi MMI navigation plus display, Qi wireless charging tray, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, Audi tablet for rear passengers and heads-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield.

Audi’s standard navigation comes with a self-learning “personal route assist” function that learns the driver’s most frequent routes and recurring parking locations. This system will learn the driving patterns of the driver and uses the information collected to optimise subsequent trips. This can be exceptionally useful for the daily drive to the office.
Performance wise, the Audi Q5 comes in either a new 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI or a 3.0 TDI engine. The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel is capable of producing
187 hp
 with improved fuel economy. According to Audi, the 2.0 TFSI has been further developed, which now produces in
249 hp
 and has a fuel economy rating of
5.7L/100km
. Lastly, the 3.0 TDI has been extensively revised to produce
282 hp
 and
620 Nm
 of torque.
All powertrains can be had with either a
six-speed manual
 or a
 seven-speed S Tronic
 gearbox. In addition to that, the Quattro system now comes with
Ultra Technology
 as standard for the 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engine. Ultra-badged Audis are generally cleaner and more environmentally friendly, thus the Q5 Ultra benefits from a rear-axle disengagement feature when AWD is not needed. However, when necessary, the system will automatically reengage the rear-axles for better traction.
Audi has fitted the Q5 with an all
new five-link suspension
 and electromechanical power steering system. A Dynamic steering that varies its ratio according to driving speed and steering angle can be had at a cost. Audi also offers adaptive air suspensions that alter ride height over five stages. In the standard Audi drive select, two new modes have been added –
lift/offroad
 and
all road
 to further enhance the off-road capabilities of the new Q5.
On the safety front, the Q5 is fitted with Audi pre-sense city that comes with autonomous braking at low speeds. Other optional extras are bundled in three driver assistance package – Tour, Parking and Parking Advanced. Among the driver assistance Audi has on offer includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist.
The new Q5 is manufactured at Audi’s new plant in Mexico and will be arriving to UK’s shores early 2017.
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Mitsubishi welcomes the new decade with the striking all-new Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has taken the wraps off the all-new Outlander in the US and its world premiere on Amazon Live makes it the first automobile to be launched on the platform.
The all-new Outlander is the first global product that shares significant resources with the Nissan-Renault Alliance, which
MMC joined
 at the end of 2016.
The styling of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander takes many of the design cues from the 2019 Engelberg Tourer concept, further evolving the Dynamic Shield front design. The two-tier lighting continues with more attention paid to the grille design.
On the side, like the concept, two pronounced horizontal lines are pressed along the doors and a small black trim on the top of the C-pillar is used to create a floating roof effect. Variants in the higher positioning are equipped with 20-inch wheels.
Developed on a new platform, the new Outlander has been enlarged in all dimensions, especially on the width (+52 mm) and wheelbase (+36 mm). The 2,706-millimetre wheelbase is also seen on the
all-new Nissan X-Trail/Rogue
.
This is the first time MMC has used an
ultra-high tensile strength
 steel sheet with hot stamping around the cabin to create a high-strength cabin structure with little deformation while also achieving weight reduction.
The new Outlander continues to offer seating for seven. A major overhaul has been done to the interior, which the designers focused on the quality and touch-and-feel of the materials and colours. MMC also say legroom has been increased for the front and second-row occupants.

The dashboard is covered with soft-padding wrapped in leather with key switches finished in aluminium-look. A piece of genuine
aluminium
 is used on the lower console panel, which also features a compact shift lever that is also seen in the new Nissan X-Trail/Rogue.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander feature many first for MMC, such as the 12.3-inch full digital driver display and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The infotainment display measures nine inches and has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.
Other interior features include wireless smartphone charger, USB charging ports for the second row, Bose premium sound system, three-zone automatic air-conditioning and rear-door sunshades.
Powering the new Outlander is a newly developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. No outputs have been announced yet, but it is believed to be like the unit from its sister Nissan X-Trail/Rogue with performance numbers of
181 hp
 and
245 Nm
. The engine is paired to a CVT-type transmission with eight virtual speeds.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a
drive mode dial
 that has five settings, and an extra ‘Mud’ setting for models equipped with the 4WD system. Mitsubishi has also fine-tuned the 4WD system with an improved
Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
 integrated vehicle dynamics control system.
The S-AWC system integrates 4WD torque distribution and individual braking (ASC) to deliver precise steering and stability. Models with 2WD also have Brake Active Yaw Control system to have optimised individual braking forces in each corner to maintain driving stability on a variety of road surfaces.
As for safety, the standard suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is found under the MI-Pilot Assist naming. There are 11 airbags in total in the new Outlander. Rear passengers on the second row are protected by seat-mounted side airbags, while the front occupants have a centre airbag in between.
“Based on the product concept ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’, which means authentic and majestic in Japanese, the all-new Outlander has been crafted into a reliable SUV with significantly upgraded styling, road performance and a high-quality feel to satisfy the need of customers who want to expand their horizons and take on challenges of every kind,” said CEO of MMC, Takao Kato.
Built in Japan, the new Mitsubishi Outlander will commence sales in North America in April and other markets to follow.
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FIA WTCC safety car gets updated, Volvo V60 Polestar with 362 hp & a roll cage!

Since the beginning of the 2016 season World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the
Volvo V60 Polestar was appointed as the official safety car
 for the series. When the updated model year
2018 S60 and V60 Polestar
 was introduced, it is only natural that the safety car gets refreshed too.
Its Polestar-tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder Drive-E engine and eight-speed automatic combo now pushes out
362 hp
 and
470 Nm
 of torque – same figures as the road going versions. Drive is sent to all four-wheels. On the street car, the V60 Polestar sprints from zero to 100 km/h in
4.8 seconds
 with an electronically limited top speed of
250 km/h
.

Like the street car, the V60 Polestar safety car boasts
30 percent more downforce
 compared to the outgoing version thanks to aerodynamic enhancements from new carbon fibre parts. The safety car is also equipped with a
full roll cage
, rescue and communication equipment to meet the rigorous technical and safety requirements set by the FIA.
Thed Björk, 2017 WTCC driver for Polestar Cyan Racing said, “With its high safety levels and easily accessible performance designed for all-year drivability, the Volvo V60 Polestar makes for the perfect Safety Car. The new aerodynamic enhancements make the car even more predictable and rewarding to drive in inspired or critical situations, both on the roads and on the racing circuits.”
The new 2018 V60 Polestar WTCC safety car will make its first appearance in the WTCC Japan race happening on 28th to 29th October 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY