Two more BMW i Charging stations in Ramada Plaza, Melaka

BMW Malaysia continues to be committed to the electro-mobility here in the country with the unveiling of new BMW i Charging Facility at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka hotel. The two new charging stations join the premium automakers expanding network of charging facilities nationwide.
Currently, BMW i Charging Facility is available in Melaka, Kuching,
Ipoh and Penang
. Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia, Sashi Ambi said: “As the leading provider of premium electro-mobility in the country, we are committed to elevating the Sheer Driving Pleasure of our customers by ensuring state-of-the-art facilities are accessible at key strategic locations.”
“We are excited to see how much our network of charging facilities has expanded, as we continue to drive e-mobility forward through innovation, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry, as well as changing the infrastructure for premium electric vehicles in the country,” he added.
BMW Group Malaysia continues to be the leading brand for electro-mobility in the country with electrified vehicles accounting for over 57 per cent of the total BMW and MINI vehicle deliveries from January to November 2018. Sales of electrified vehicles have also increased by more than 34 per cent year-on-year from over 5,100 to over 6,900 units.
BMW Group Malaysia’s range of electrified vehicles

Dealer Principal of Seong Hoe Premium Motors, Mr. Loy Suan Chiow, meanwhile said: “We are seeing a rising adoption of BMW electrified vehicles in the state (of Melaka) and an increasing demand for the best-in-class charging facilities to power this shift to Electro-Mobility. Following the BMW i Charging Facilities introduced at Holiday Inn Melaka and Hotel Equatorial Melaka last year, the New Facilities at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka once again attests to our fruitful partnership with BMW Malaysia in making Visionary Mobility more accessible in the state of Melaka.”
BMW ChargeNow service which is offered as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC programme for all BMW iPerformance vehicles also grants owners 24/7 support and access to all charging locations of ChargEV’s growing network nationwide.


Nissan opens newly upgraded showrooms in Puchong, Kulai, & Sibu

Nissan
’s
 official distributor in Malaysia –
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)
 has announced the opening of its newly upgraded Nissan showrooms in Puchong, Kulai, and Sibu. The freshly upgraded Nissan showrooms all incorporate the new Nissan logo as well as Nissan’s latest retail concept, NRC-NEXT.
Set to serve costumes in the Puchong and Seri Kembangan areas, the Puchong showroom is explicitly located at No 2G, Jalan Bandar Tiga, Pusat Bandar Baru, 47100 Puchong, Selangor. Covering a total built-up area of 7,502 sq ft, the showroom can feature up to 6 Nissan display models, together with a fleet of test drive vehicles.
At the showroom, customers can view all Nissan models, which include the newly launched
Nissan Serena Hybrid J-Impul
. To make it even more convenient for its customers, ETCM has also allowed customers to arrange test drives at their homes and offices.
In addition, the Puchong showroom also features a dedicated new vehicle delivery area and a cosy customer lounge with WiFi connectivity. A fun kids’ corner is also available to give customers peace of mind while shopping for their new car.
RELATED:
Nissan Serena J Impul now in Malaysia, RM170k for kitted up MPV
The newly upgraded Puchong Nissan showroom is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. As for Sundays and public holidays, the showroom’s operation hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Aftersales support is available too, and is just 5 minutes away from the Puchong showroom, at Tan Chong Express Auto Serice (TCEAS) Puchong Jaya. Besides its Puchong showroom, ETCM has also announced the NRC-NEXT showroom upgrades of its dealer partners – Kulai Public Motor Sdn Bhd in Kulau, Johor, as well as Ngu Brothers Motor Service Sdn Bhd in Sibu, Sarawak.
RELATED:
Nissan’s next-gen ADAS system can help you avoid dangerous Grab riders at traffic lights
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2016 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e PHEV launched in Malaysia – from RM290k!

Shortly after BMW introduced the immensely value-for-money
330e iPerformance
, there’s no way Mercedes-Benz wouldn’t respond. With that comes this, the introduction of the first ever electrified C-Class to be sold in Malaysia – the C 350 e.
Previewed a little over a month ago at the company’s assembly plant in Pekan
, the
locally assembled C 350 e
 is available in three trims: Avantgarde (RM290k), Avantgarde with AMG Line (RM295k) Interior and AMG Line (RM300k). The C 350 e now sits at the top of the C-Class range, replacing the C 300.
QUICK FACTS
Name
C 350 e Avantgarde
C 350 e Avantgarde with AMG Line Interior
C 350 e AMG Line
Engine
1,991cc; DOHC, turbocharged + 340 Nm electric motor
Transmission
7-speed automatic
Max Power
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque
350 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
Price (before insurance)
RM289,888
RM294,888
RM299,888
To visually tell apart the plug-in hybrid C-Class from the rest of the range (apart from the badge) is through the blue-accented projector head lamps, blue brake callipers and a plug-in hybrid emblem on each side of the front wheel arch. There is also an extra cutout to the right of the rear bumper, which lets you charge the 6.38kWh lithium-ion battery.
Every purchase of the C 350 e comes with a standard three-point wall plug, but a RM7,500 wallbox can be optioned for. The former takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery (230V socket), whereas the latter cuts charging time down to 1 hours and 45 minutes. The electric motor alone makes
80 hp
 and
340 Nm
 of torque, while the
2.0-litre four-cylinder
 engine is turbocharged to make
211 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque (identical to the C 250). Together, they produce
279 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque, much higher than the Bavarian equivalent.

It still remains a rear-wheel drive, but the
seven-speed automatic
 has had its torque converter replaced by a clutch which decouples the transmission from the engine in pure electric mode. The C 350 e sprints from 0 – 100km/h in
5.9 seconds
 before topping out at a governed
 250km/h
, and consumes just
2.1 litres of petrol per 100km
 (NEDC combined cycle). In all-electric mode, expect to squeeze as much as 31km range on a full charge (top speed 130km/h).
Standard across the C 350 e range is the Airmatic adjustable air suspension whose behaviour can be altered through five driving modes: Individual, Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Economy. Its hybrid mode can also alternate between four phases – Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save and Charge. Included are also tri-zone climate control (programmable to activate at any time of your choice) and a 590-watt 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
With an asking price of RM290k, the C 350 e comes with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty. Deliveries of the Avantgarde will commence sometime this month, however the AMG Line will only be available next year. Would you pay the premium to get this plug-in hybrid over the 330e iPerformance? Let us know!
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW Group delivered more than 100,000 electrified vehicles in 2017

BMW Group has delivered more than 100,000 electrified vehicles to customers worldwide in 2017 as promised earlier in the year. To celebrate its success, the company has light up its headquarters in Munich to resemble a battery with their tagline – “The future is electric.”
Since the introduction of the
BMW i3
 in 2013, the group has shifted over
 200,000 electrified vehicles
, half of which were delivered in 2017 alone. In Europe, BMW Group is the leading carmaker in pure-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a market share of
21 percent
. Worldwide, the company has a 10 percent market share in the global electrified vehicle market.
Among its line up of electrified cars, the
BMW 330e
 proved to be the most popular with every tenth F30 3 Series sold is an electrified variant. The
2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid
 accounts for 13 percent of the models sold in 2017. Since its debut in June 2017, the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
 already accounts for one in 10 Countryman sold worldwide.
Currently, BMW Group has nine electrified models in total and the number is set to expand to 25 by 2025. The company also projects that electrified vehicles will account for 15 to 25 percent of its total sales by the end of the decade. BMW Group will also be offering
electrified versions of every single BMW and MINI vehicles
 from 2020 onwards.


Gallery: Mazda CX-30 2.0G High – a Mazda 3 with extra space

Ahead of its imminent launch in Malaysia, Mazda has started displaying the
CX-30
 in their showrooms. In case you’re wondering how Mazda’s latest crossover (which sits between the CX-3 and CX-5) looks like in metal, here is a detailed gallery for your viewing pleasure.
Built on the same platform as the Mazda 3, the CX-30 inherits many of the design cues from its smaller brother, in line with the latest iteration of the Kodo design language.
The similarities are most prominent up front, notably the gaping grille, flanked by the slim headlights. The Mazda CX-30 also utilises the light play technique on its side panels, although the character line running from the front bonnet is more prominent here.
Black plastic cladding runs around the entire bottom of the crossover, which gives the CX-30 a more rugged look. Pictured here is the Mazda CX-30 2.0G High variant, which rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. The entry-level variant will be equipped with 16-inch items.
Moving inside, the similarities are even more apparent, with the dashboard seemingly lifted directly from the Mazda 3. The CX-30 is well-equipped on the inside, with all variants receiving an 8.8-inch infotainment display with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, Voice command and eight speakers.
The High and Diesel variants do get a few more creature comforts, including key-less entry, powered tailgate, power adjustable seats with memory function (driver only), leather upholstery, dual zone air conditioning with rear air con vents, paddle shifters, and eight parking sensors.
Under the hood, the Mazda CX-30 will be available with two powerplant options. Firstly, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that generates
163 hp
 and
213 Nm
 of torque is utilised for both entry-level and High variants.
As for the Diesel variant, a 1.8-litre turbodiesel SkyActiv-D makes
114 hp
 and
270 Nm
. Power is sent to the front wheels on all variants, and both engines will be paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
As standard, all variants will be equipped with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system, as well as the i-Stop Idling Technology for enhanced fuel efficiency.
Safety wise, all variants come with
seven airbags
 as standard. As before, only the High and Diesel variants get to enjoy the additional safety features, including:
 – Adaptive Front Lighting System
– High Beam Control
– Blind Spot Monitoring System
– Rear Cross Traffic Alert
– Smart Brake Support
– Mazda Radar Cruise Control
The new CX-30 will be imported as a
CBU from Japan
, with prices starting from:
Mazda CX-30 2.0L 2WD –
RM143,119.20
Mazda CX-30 2.0L High 2WD –
RM164,119.20
Mazda CX-30 1.8 Diesel High 2WD –
RM173,027.70
Eight colour options are available for the new Mazda CX-30, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Titanium Flash, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic.
We must say that the Mazda-exclusive Soul Red Crystal does make the CX-30 look quite imposing, especially when paired with the large grille up front, finished in black. Moreover, you won’t be paying a price premium for the special paint job on the CX-30!
As with all new Mazda vehicles registered after 1st January 2019, the CX-30 will receive a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and free maintenance package, according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Geely Jia Ji is the most advanced MPV in China

Geely has officially launched their first ever
MPV, the Geely Jia Ji in their home country. At launch, the Jia Ji is offered
with a conventional petrol engine, mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, making it the
first ever hybrid powered MPV to be offered in China.
As
detailed before
, the Jia Ji can be had with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo TGDi with
183 hp
/
300 Nm
, 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid (MHEV) with
190 hp
/
300 Nm
 or a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid with
258 hp
/
385 Nm
. There is also an entry-level 1.5-litre turbo petrol that is available exclusively with a manual transmission.
Both the 1.5-litre MHEV and 1.5-litre PHEV
gets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (different set up to match the respective
powertrains) while the 1.8-litre TGDi unit gets a conventional 6-speed automatic
instead.
The 1.5-litre PHEV has a claimed pure electric range of
56 km
 on a full charge and when hooked onto a fast charger, it takes just 90 minutes for the battery to be fully recharged. Geely claims the Jia Ji PHEV can return a fuel consumption of
1.6L/100 km
 while the MHEV is rated at 5.9L/100 km.
The biggest selling point of the Jia Ji is the
availability of Geely’s “360-degree security identification zone” advanced driving
assistance technologies that gives the Jia Ji Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
The system bundles Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
Lane Keep Assistant (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency
Braking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW),
Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assistant (LCA) and Speed Limit
Identification (SLIF).
When condition permits, the Jia Ji can
follow the vehicles in front up to speeds of 150 km/h and even perform lane
change autonomously. Other driving assistant features include a 360-degree
camera and Automated Park Assist (APA).
The Jia Ji is available in either a six- or seven-seater configuration with three seating options: 2+2+2, 2+2+3 or 2+3+2. Onboard features include full LCD instrument cluster, 12.3-inch floating widescreen infotainment panel, electronic gear selector, AQS air cleaner & ioniser, active noise cancellation, roof mounted controls with motion activated ceiling light, ambient lighting, intelligent cup-holder with cooling and heating function, panoramic sunroof and a touch panel control for the rear climate control.
IMAGE GALLERY
Geely Jia Ji MPV


Porsche Taycan proves it can withstand the heat, and then some

The teasing will end eventually, but until 4
th
 September comes around (when it is launched), Porsche will do what they can to raise the anticipation and excitement surrounding the all-electric Porsche Taycan – arguably the most important model launch in decades.
This time around, the test team ran a pre-production Taycan for 24 hours straight, covering a distance of 3,425 km on the 12.6 km Nardo high-speed circuit in Italy, at an average speed of between 195 km/h to 215 km/h. Not sure if the Taycan will ever to subjected to such punishing speeds in the real world but it’s good to know that it can.

The test was more trying as it was held at the height of an unusually hot summer in Europe, with ambient temperatures hitting a peak of 42 degrees Celsius while the track registering up to 54 degrees Celsius. According to Porsche, the prototype ran continuously and without any problems, only stopping to top up its batteries via 800-volt quick-charging stations installed specifically for the test.


Malaysians can now restore classic Porsche 911s with Singer!

Not to be confused with a sewing machine brand,
Singer Vehicle Design
 is no stranger in restoring classic 911 into alluring masterpieces.  The California-based restoration company has signed a partnership agreement with Historic Motoring Ventures, allowing classic 911 owners from Malaysia and Singapore to enjoy the expertise from Singer.
The company was founded in 2009 by
Rob Dickinson
, cousin to Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, and now known as one of the world’s foremost distiller of the classic 911 essence.
“Our company’s heritage is based on utilizing the ultimate in automotive design, engineering and industry standards to meet and exceed the vision of our fine clientele,” said Rob Dickinson, creator and founder of Singer.
“Our partnering with
Historic Motoring Ventures
 will extend our passion to
Malaysia
 and
Singapore
 so that we can share our love for the 911 with collectors in the region while taking our unique celebration of Porsche to a whole new level.” he added.
The new local partner sources for a donor classic 911 before it’s shipped to Singer’s fine experts in California. The company will perform restoration using the latest techniques to enhance the cars’ performance, aesthetics, and modern day use-abilities. The end result after
4,000 man-hours
 and a painstaking eight to ten months of restoration work, is a well restored 911 that makes petrolheads like you and me drool.


The all-new Geely Boyue L looks like an SUV designed for aliens!

First shown-off with the codename FX11
, Geely has now officially unveiled its latest C-segment SUV, dubbed the Boyue L. The all-new Boyue L is the fourth model (second SUV) in Geely’s line-up with the ‘L’ suffix, and will slot in in-between the
Boyue
(
Proton X70
) and the
Xingyue L
.
The Geely Boyue L is now built on the marque’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which also underpins the
Volvo XC40
 as well as several
Lynk & Co
models. As the letter L in the name suggests, the all-new Boyue L is much larger than the existing Boyue/X70 model, measuring 4,670 mm long (+151 mm), 1,705 mm tall (+11 mm), and 1,900 mm wide (+69 mm), according to

Car News China
.
Perhaps more importantly, the Geely Boyue L also shows off the marque’s latest design language, previewing how future Geely models will look. The futuristic design is characterised by the unique lighting elements both front and back; the daytime-running light up front gets a full-width treatment, with LED lighting elements mimicking the grille design below, while the rear taillamps assembly also get slim vertical stacks on both corners, complementing the headlights design in front.
RELATED:
Geely has sold over 1 million Boyue SUVs globally – including the Proton X70!
Moving onto the inside, the dashboard is now headlined by a massive 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster, now running on the marque’s new Galaxy OS Air operating system.
The company says the screens on the inside are powered by a Qualcomm 8155 processor, which provides a smooth human-machine interface operation, and is capable of over-the-air updates and also features an AI-powered voice assistant.
Performance wise,
Car News China
 reports that the Boyue L will be offered with two petrol engine options, alongside two hybrids. The ICE options include a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four unit with
218 hp
 and
325 Nm
, as well as a 1.5-litre turbo mill with
181 hp
 and
290 Nm
. Both engines are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
As for the hybrids, they’ll consist of a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, both powered in-part by a 1.5-litre mill, and are paired to a unique three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) that also integrates two electric motors and a controller into the same housing.
The Geely Boyue L is due to go on sale in China in the fourth quarter of 2022. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the publication estimates the Boyue L to be priced from approximately CNY120,000 (approx. RM80k) in the nation.
[Photos: Geely via Autohome.com.cn]
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Honda Malaysia extends “12.12 sales” for the all-new City

Honda Malaysia
 announced that the
12.12 Special Sales
with rebates worth RM2,000 for the City has been extended to 31st of December 2020. This is to allow customers more time to visit their nearest Honda authorised dealerships.
On the extension, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “First of all, I would like to thank our customers for the overwhelming support towards the Honda brand. Since its official launch, we have delivered close to 5,800 units of the all-new City. To-date we have received over 11,100 bookings for it, with the 12.12 Special Sales receiving positive response.”

“With the travel ban lifted, we have decided to
extend the 12.12 Special Sales
 to allow more customers to enjoy the rebate, make inquiries, test drive, and place a booking for the City,” he added.
The rebate is
applicable to the S and E variants
 of the all-new City where customers can enjoy once they book and register their new City by 31
st
 of December 2020.
Mr. Ishiyama added, “The well-being and safety of our customers and Honda associates are our priority. We would like to emphasise that all Honda dealerships adhere to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) according to the guidelines set by the Government.”


2016 Nissan GT-R Nismo, could this be the final piece of the GT-R puzzle?

It’s nearly a decade old, and after the
facelifted
 model was unveiled, what’s next for the Nissan GT-R? According to Nismo (Nissan’s trusty tuning division), they’re not done with Godzilla, which led to the introduction of this monster – the Nissan GT-R Nismo Edition.
While the facelifted GT-R gets some minor exterior tweaks, Nismo did more than just adding aero parts; new 20-inch rims, and a larger rear wing. Being the performance experts of Nissan cars, Nismo stiffened the GT-R’s body structure with carbon fibre and used canards at the front to generate additional downforce. The Nissan’s V-Motion grille has been enlarged to improve air cooling.
The GT-R’s handling capabilities have also been enhanced thanks to stiffened coil springs, adaptive dampers and stronger anti-roll bars. Nismo claims this car is faster than the 2014’s version by 2 percent when tested in a slalom and handling course. This means the Nismo Edition should be slightly quicker than the 2014 GT-R Nismo’s Nurburgring lap time of  7 minutes 08.68 seconds.
Under the hood the same
3.8-litre twin-turbo V6
that’s mated to the same
 six-speed dual clutch gearbox
from the standard GT-R. However, thanks to larger turbochargers (courtesy of the GT3 race car), performance has been boosted to
 592 hp
 and
650Nm
 of torque. As for its performance, the Nismo sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering
2.6 seconds
 before maxing out at a whopping
314km/h
.
Inside, the use of Alcantara is extended from the seats to the centre armrest and also the steering wheel. The dashboard is made of carbon fibre, just like the facelifted model. However, the paddle shifters are now built into the back of the steering wheel instead of being affixed to the steering column.
The 2016 GT-R Nismo Edition is on sale now and should cost a little more than its predecessor, with a pricing of
 £125,000
 (approximately
RM750,000
). Right now, all it needs is to set a new Nurburgring record that will keep Porsche engineers wide awake at night, just like they did 10 years ago.
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche Classic builds “brand new” 911 Turbo, 20 years after production ended

Dubbed the “Project Gold”, it was built as a tribute and celebration of 70 years of Porsche Sports cars. Porsche’s Classic division took a completely unused 993-type bodyshell and built a brand new 911 Turbo that mimics the theme of the
2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
.
How cool is that?!
It took them one and the half years to build the car where the bodyshell was first put through a corrosion protection and painting process applied to today’s series-production vehicles. The collector’s item was then assembled and tuned by Porsche Classic specialists at the Porsche restoration workshop in Stuttgart.
Sitting at the back is a brand new 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine developing
450 hp
, for the same performance the original vehicle had in the 1990s.
The manual transmission and all-wheel drive system were also sourced from Porsche Classic’s range of genuine parts. The hand-stamped chassis number follows the last series-production model of the 993 Turbo which rolled off the production line in 1998.
The brand new 911 Turbo’s interior and exterior details, colour gradients and even badge positions were coordinated to mimic the 911 Turbo S Exclusive series that
wears RM76k shoes
!
The black wheels are highlighted by Golden Yellow design accents while the seats and interior trims are finished in black with Golden Yellow details. The bodyshell features similar air intakes of the 993 Turbo S that were also available as an option for the regular 911 Turbo in 1998.
The collector’s item which is limited to private track use, will then be auctioned off in October. Proceeds will be donated to the Ferry Porsche Foundation, a non-profit organisation established this year to mark the 70 years of Porsche sports cars celebrations.
The original 993 was the first 911 to feature a reworked aluminium chassis, with the Turbo version being the first to have a twin-turbo engine, making it the lowest-emission powertrain in the world in 1995.
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin will continue making ICE cars after 2030, because enthusiasts want them

The United Kingdom announced last month that it will be bringing forward its
ban of internal combustion engines
 from 2040 to 2030, but Aston Martin believes that its internal combustion engined (ICE) cars will not completely disappear even after 2030, despite the ban in its home country,
Autoblog
 reports.
Speaking at the
Financial Times
 Future of the Car summit, Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll said, “By 2030, 5% of business will still always be ICE. I never see it going down to zero.” He added that there is “always going to be enthusiasts” who are looking for ICE-powered cars, and will have the means to pay for it.
As a result, the company says that it will be continuing its investments in petrol engines in the coming years. Stroll announced that some of the company’s future models will continue using engines built by Mercedes-AMG, but they’ll be tuned in-house.
“Our current AMG engines are just that: AMG engines in an Aston. With this new deal, we will have bespoke AMG engines for Aston with different outputs, torque characteristics, etc. They’ll still be AMG components, but they’ll be bespoke-manufactured in Germany,” said Stroll.
Currently, most of the brand’s models are powered by the AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, though the company also has a 5.2-litre V12 unit – found in the
DBS Superleggera
 – that it partly designed in-house, and a
brand-new 3.0-litre V6
 that is currently in development.
The news comes after Aston Martin’s
 renewed partnership with Daimler
, which saw Mercedes-Benz’s parent company increase its stake in the British boutique sports carmaker up to 20%. However, as we reported earlier this year, the new “strategic partnership” was catered more towards electrification efforts, with Aston Martin being allowed access to Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation hybrid and electric powertrains.
As it stands, the United Kingdom will be enforcing a blanket ban on all ICE-powered vehicles sold in the country from 2030 onwards. However, it is presumed that owners will still be able to drive it on private properties, such as racetracks.
Aside from the United Kingdom, several other countries including
 France
,
Ireland
, and India, have also announced their plans to ban these cars at around the same timeframe.


Honda exec says EVs will always cost more than petrol cars, unless…

The time has yet to come for an actual budget electric vehicle (EV) to be available in Malaysia, let alone the world. It is an interesting case as premium EVs tend to cost less than their petrol-powered counterparts, but the inverse is true for entry-level EVs. A
Honda
 executive believes that the underlying reason is the use of lithium-ion batteries.
In the Malaysian market, an entry-level EV like the
Hyundai Kona Electric
 costs more than its petrol version. The Kona Electric is priced between RM 156,538 to RM 208,348, while the petrol version is priced from RM 124,188 to RM 161,388. Meanwhile, in the “premium” segment, the all-electric 3-door
MINI Cooper SE

costs RM 185,934, which is less than the petrol-powered 3-door MINI Cooper S which costs RM 264,228.
Honda’s Vice President of Business and Sales for America, Dave Gardner told
The Drive
, “We [Honda] don’t really believe that the current lithium-ion technology is the long-term solution.” He says that solid-state batteries will be “the game changer for us [Honda]” as it will allow for lower-priced EVs that are “in the neighborhood of what a nice [petrol-powered] vehicle costs.”
Solid-state batteries are still being developed at Honda and have been used in a few prototype vehicles. The tech isn’t exactly around the corner for Honda and the company has increased its R&D efforts in them. Last month, Honda announced that it is investing USD 310,000,000 into an experimental production line project to test the mass production of solid-state batteries.
RELATED:
This video of the Honda e will make you wish it was sold here!
The Honda e:Ny1 Prototype is an all-electric version of the all-new
Honda HR-V
, due for Europe in 2023
Other companies are also looking into the use of solid-state batteries. Daimler Trucks, for example, has delivered several buses with solid-state batteries to the city of Bremen in Germany. Meanwhile, Toyota is also actively testing its prototype vehicle with solid-state batteries. Some manufacturers believe that price parity between EVs and petrol cars won’t be reached until batteries reach a price of USD50/kWh (approx. RM227/kWh). Currently, lithium-ion batteries cost around USD132/kWh (approx. RM 600/kWh).
Dave Gardner believes that solid-state batteries will “be the turning point in terms of crossing that affordability threshold”. As for when they will be available on Honda cars, Gardner says “when that’s exactly going to happen… I can’t tell you that.”
RELATED:
2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V score 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, high Safety Assist points


Emotional video shows why Volvo is pushing forward with more ‘controversial’ safety devices

“Say bye bye to Volvo. Now German brands have the upper hand.” This was an actual comment from our post on Volvo’s decision to implement a
180 km/h
safety net on all of its new cars from 2020 onwards. This was not an isolated comment either, with most of the discussions online trending towards ridicule and criticisms.
Little did we know, the overarching response to the introduction of the three-point seatbelt in 1959 were of similar nature too. The New York Times even called the invention “a violation of humans rights”, with many others echoing the comment.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r__E_xT9ijM
Invented by a Volvo Engineer Nils Bohlin, the Swedish carmaker immediately made the patent of the three-point safety belt available to all car manufacturers. Despite various experiments and data supporting its efficacy, Bohlin’s invention was still largely rejected by the industry and public, and only in 1979 did we see it being adopted in Malaysia through the seatbelt legislation of 1979.
But look where the seatbelt is today, included in virtually every road-going car, and estimated to have saved more than a million lives. Committed to do more, Volvo has launched the “A Million More” campaign, with the aim to save a million more lives through various automotive safety devices – starting with the
180 km/h speed limit
 – despite public outcry.
The campaign kicks off with an emotional video of car crash survivors reading aloud the derogatory comments made about the three-point seatbelts, then recounting their own experiences in the accidents – and how they probably would’ve lost their lives it it weren’t for the “terrible idea”.
Since the announcement of the speed limit back in March this year, the company has already opened up conversations – even within the industry – about whether car makers have the right or even an obligation to install these technologies. Despite controversies, Volvo believes that it only takes one to make a stance to change how we all think about vehicle safety.
Following the speed limit, Volvo will also be introducing an

in-car camera system
 to help prevent accidents caused by intoxicated or distracted driving. Here’s to safer roads to in the future.


Acura RDX Prototype to debut January next year

The third-generation Acura RDX premium SUV, representing the most extensive Acura redesign in more than 10 years, is set to make its global debut in January next year.
The new RDX will be the first model in a new generation of Acuras inspired by the “Precision Crafted Performance” concept – signalling a new era of design for the luxury automaker.
Designed and developed for the first time in the USA, the RDX will be built on a new, Acura-only platform and incorporates key design elements of two recent concepts – the
Acura Precision Concept
 and Acura Precision Cockpit.
The
Precision Concept
 styling will see the SUV adopting a low, wide and sleek presence while the
Precision Cockpit
 will deliver an all-new interior design, user interface and operating system designed from the ground up.


Nissan debuts Nismo accessories for new 2022 Frontier

Nissan will be debuting a new line of Nismo off-road parts for the all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier (Navara, for you and I) which includes a bunch of accessories such as lighting and even a rooftop tent.
The Nismo rooftop tent is large enough to accommodate two people with a thick wall-to-wall mattress. For better ventilation, the tent even comes with three ‘windows’. Included with the tent is a 6.9-foot ladder and a tent cover.
The rooftop tent can be easily attached and detached from the Nismo overland cargo bed rack that’s made of powder-coated steel.
To enhance visibility while off-roading in the dark, there’s also a Nismo 4-inch lighting for even more powerful illumination, get it?
It has an output of over 3,000 lumens and is made using a waterproof aluminium housing with pressure equalising vents. It only draws two amps of electricity without affecting the car’s electrical system.
The 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo gets the company’s latest logo and the gorgeous Stealth Grey colour. Check it out here!
Lastly, there’s also a Nismo catback exhaust system made of stainless steel because whether it’s off-road or on-road, there’s never a bad time for some raunchy exhaust noises. The muffler delivers a deep exhaust tone without excessive droning noise within the cabin.
The Nismo muffler comes with a polished tip, with Nismo letterings laser etched on it.
Existing items are still available, such as the Nismo wheels with Nismo valve caps, Nismo offroad front bumper, and Nismo off-road suspension.
NISMO brings back the legendary RB26 Skyline engine into production. Read about it here!

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Smart #1: Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far

Although still not quite affordable, EV choices in Malaysia are now more abundant with over 10 EVs launched in Malaysia just last year. One upcoming EV that we’re all looking forward to welcoming to Malaysia is the
Smart #1
, which will be distributed by
PRO-NET
, which is Proton’s EV subsidiary. With the EV set to launch this year, here’s a quick recap of what we know so far about the Smart #1.
You may remember Smart as the brand with famous small cars like the Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour. The Smart #1 is an all-electric small SUV, that’s a bit larger than the Smart ForFour and is the result of a venture between
Mercedes-Benz
 and
Geely
.
The Smart #1 made its world debut in April 2022 and is about the size of a standard B-segment SUV. China, Europe, and UK were some of the earlier regions to welcome the Smart #1 during the second half of 2022.
Upon its global debut, the Smart #1 was introduced with a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain that makes
272 hp
 (metric) and
343 Nm
 and provides a
6.7-second
 century sprint time. The Smart #1 houses a
66-kWh
 battery pack that provides an all-electric driving range of
420-440 km
 on the WLTP test cycle.
RELATED:
Smart’s adorable-looking #1 SUV shows that it’s serious about EVs
Smart #1 Pro+
Smart #1 Premium
Smart #1 Launch Edition
Smart #1 Brabus
Currently, the Smart #1 is available in four versions (listed here with their prices in Germany and approximate Ringgit conversion):
Smart #1 Pro+ – €41,490 (approx. RM193,104)
Smart #1 Premium – €44,990 (approx. RM209,393)
Smart #1 Launch Edition – €46,290 (approx. RM215,444)
Smart #1 BRABUS – €48,990 (approx. RM228,010)
The Smart #1 Pro + is the base variant, and is priced at approximately €10,000 (approx. RM46,506) cheaper than a base-spec
Mercedes-Benz EQA
. The base-spec EQA starts at €50,777 (approx. RM) in Germany. As for Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is only available as the fully-imported (CBU) EQA 250+ which now costs RM296,888 with SST back in place.
RELATED:
Fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 launched in Malaysia, from RM278k
Smart #1 Launch Edition
Judging by the price difference in Europe, the base-spec Smart #1 could be priced in the lower RM200k + region. As for specifications,
Proton has sent a team of staff to China
 to decide on the final specifications of the Smart #1 for Malaysia. The delegation will also undergo New Energy Vehicle (NEV) training at the Geely Research Institute in Ningbo.
While all ‘normal’ versions of the Smart #1 get a single-motor setup, Brabus introduced a souped-up version of the brand’s first EV SUV in August 2022, adding another electric motor to the front axle. The result is a combined output of
428 hp
 and
543 Nm
 that launches the little EV SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering
3.9 seconds
. The Brabus treatment can also be seen on the exterior and interior of the car.
RELATED:
Smart #1 EV gets Brabus treatment – hot compact SUV EV to have over 400 hp
In the same month the Brabus Smart #1 was introduced, Proton inked a distributorship deal with Smart for the Smart #1. The deal is primarily a retail operation with aftersales service. Later in September,
Proton established its EV subsidiary, PRO-NET
 which will spearhead the sales and distributorship for Smart vehicles in Malaysia. PRO-NET is also collaborating with Petronas’s Gentari
to build 20 DC fast chargers in Malaysia in 2023
.
Set to launch in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Smart #1 scored a perfect 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test in November 2022. The Euro NCAP results for the Smart #1 were released together with 14 other cars including the Malaysia-bound
Hyundai Ioniq 6
and
Toyota bZ4x
.
RELATED:
Hyundai Ioniq 6 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – safer than EV6, Ioniq 5


Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition, a weapons-grade luxury saloon

For the elite automotive clientele who craves for a performance-oriented luxury saloon with more imposing aesthetics, Bentley Motors presents the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black.
With 520 hp and with 680 Nm of torque extracted from the 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Bentley will spur (pun intended) to 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 306 km/h. Sure to provide
Jaguar’s XJR 575
 with stiff competition, power is transferred to an all-wheel drive system with 40:60 rear-biased torque for sure-footedness in various driving conditions.
Black gloss brightware, dark tint lights, gloss black window surrounds and door mirrors together with new wheels will provide the dramatic appeal to match the might of the V8 S engine. The headlamp and taillights have received a distinctive dark tint and black bezels while a striking black gloss finish has been applied to the radiator and window surrounds, headlight washer caps and door-handle inserts.
Wheels come in the form of a bespoke 21-inch seven-spoke in striking gloss black finish, one that’s unique to the Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition. Beneath the spokes, a choice of red or black painted calipers will be provided.
Inside, a unique colour split with striking new accents complements the three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel and its Piano Black veneer. A single tone with bold, contrasting stripes of stitched leather encloses the four seat’s centre panels, running up and round the headrests. Similar colour accents are match by the contrasting headliner bow that runs through the centre of the roof.
True to Bentley’s free-flowing customisable nature, customers can specify the interior with a full range of interior colours and colour splits.
When commissioned with the
Mulliner Driving Specification
, the Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition comes with diamond-quilted hides on the seat and door panels, with contrast stitching for more contemporary visual appeal.
Externally, Mulliner Driving Specification also comes with the additional choice of two 21-inch five-spoke Directional Sports wheel finishes of either gloss black or dark tint.
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Porsche’s most powerful wagon, the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo comes with 680 hp & 850 Nm

Porsche’s
 first wagon ever
, the Panamera Sport Turismo which had been confirm
to land on Malaysian shores
 will now also be available as a plug-in hybrid its flagship model as Porsche looks to expand its hybrid range.
It’s called the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Combining a 4-litre V8 engine with an electric motor, it whizzes out a staggering
680 hp
 with an eye-watering
850 Nm
 of torque, allowing it to reach the 100 km/h mark from standstill in a mere
3.4 seconds
, 200 km/h in
8.5 seconds
 before topping out at a hairy
310 km/h
.

Drive is sent through an 8-speed PDK gearbox to an adaptive all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management system. The way in which it delivers its mighty power has been influenced by the Porsche 918 Spyder in that, even at 1,400 rpm the Panamera delivers its maximum torque through the V8 and electric motor combo.
The most powerful Sport Turismo can offer a driving range of up to
49 kilometres
 with a top speed of
140 km/h
 when solely relying on its electric power. Its
 14.1 kWh
 lithium-ion battery can be full charged within 2.4 to 6 hours depending on the charger and power output. With such levels of efficiency and frugality, the Sport Turismo is claimed to be capable of a
 3L/100km
 fuel consumption rating.

Like the second generation Panamera, the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo comes with
Porsche Advanced Cockpit
,
Porsche Innodrive
 and the innovative roof spoiler. The active roof spoiler, dictated by the
Porsche Active Aerodynamics
 system is capable of adjusting itself to three different angles depending on the vehicle’s speed, generating up to
50 kg of downforce
 on the rear axle. Optional features include a rear axle steering and electrically-adjustable individual rear seats.
Despite having a performance spec list that can confuse it for a fire-breathing, track monster, the E-Hybrid is also knee-deep in family-friendly features. Its raised roofline allows for easy entry and exit, also ensuring impeccable head clearance. Its large electrically-operated tailgate and low loading height ensures that it is just as capable on a grocery run, as it would be on a track day.
Other extensive standard equipment includes the
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport)
,
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)
, ceramic brakes, Sport Chrono pack and adaptive three-chamber air suspension in tandem with the
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
 system.

IMAGE GALLERY


Lamborghini Huracan Performante is mightier than the Aventador SV! [+Video]

We are days away from the full reveal of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante that is set to take place at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, but Lamborghini has already announced the Huracan Performante’s Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time – an unbelievable 6 minutes 52.01 seconds.
In June 2015 we witnessed how the
Aventador SV lapped The Green Hell
 in just under seven minutes at the hands of
Marco Mapelli
, and once again he has been entrusted the keys to the Huracan Performante’s. As a result, the Huracan Performante smashed the big bull’s record by
more than seven seconds
!
The lap time was actually recorded on 5 October 2016, and Lamborghini claims that the Huracan Performante was actually a production version that’s simply camouflaged.
Full technical specifications and performance figures will be revealed during its official unveiling, but Lamborghini has hinted that the car will use a
four-wheel drive system
, yet still
weighs less than the standard Huracan
.
The production vehicle will be equipped with the same
Pirelli Trofeo R
 rubbers that was used to set the lap record, and there’s some trick aero thingamajig called the ALA (
Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva
). In the meantime, grab a nice pair of headphones and join Marco in the video below as he takes you for a lap round the Nordschleife. Just promise us that you won’t shout “
mamma mia!
” out loud.
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2016 Audi A4 allroad quattro is perhaps your dream wagon/crossover

While we’re just months away from the launch of the
new Audi A4
, our friends in Germany can now start placing orders for this – the new Audi A4 allroad quattro.
Typical of an allroad variant, this A4 has an additional
 34mm ground clearance
 compared to the A4 Avant, and it gets
quattro all-wheel drive
 as standard. It shares the same body as the A4 Avant, but the allroad badge comes with its own unique look; flared wheel wells, more rugged underbody protection and a silver coloured rear diffuser. Wheel sizes vary, but the smallest you get is a set of all-aluminium
17-inchers
.

There are three engines on offer – a
2.0-litre TFSI petrol
, a
2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesel
 and a
3.0-litre TDI V6
. The petrol engine makes 252 hp and 370 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm, numbers that are good for a 6.1-second century sprint time. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine can be had in two different states of tune –
 163 hp
 and
400 Nm
 or the more powerful
190 hp
 and
 400 Nm
. Audi will again offer a less powerful but more frugal and environmentally friendly 2.0-litre TDI option further down the road, one that makes 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
For the power hungry, a
3.0-litre diesel V6
 is also up for grabs, and this too has two outputs;
218 hp
 and
400 Nm
 or
272 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of torque! The latter is the quickest of the lot, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just
5.5 seconds
 while consuming
5.3 litres of fuel per 100km
.
Prices for the new Audi A4 allroad quattro (2.0-litre TDI, 163 hp) with the automatic gearbox starts from 44,750 euros in Germany, about RM205k based on current foreign exchange rates. Our sources from within Audi Malaysia wouldn’t confirm if the allroad variant will make it to our shores, but it’s safer to assume it won’t, although we’d love to have the option.
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Volvo Car Malaysia launches SELEKT used car programme

Volvo Car Malaysia has introduced a used car programme called
SELEKT
 consisting of pre-owned Volvo vehicles under 5-years old with less than 100,000 km mileage.
Each SELEKT vehicle has undergone
a 125-point inspection with their software updated
. The inspection is performed only by authorised Volvo Car dealers in Malaysia. These vehicles are strictly maintained with genuine Volvo parts by trained Volvo technicians.

Each Volvo vehicle sold through the SELEKT used car programme
comes with a minimum 12-months warranty and a complimentary 1-year maintenance package
. Volvo SELEKT cars are also given a certificate of verification of the vehicle’s condition and 12 months Roadside Assistance.
“We hope that through Volvo SELEKT, more Malaysians can experience our vehicle’s safety features and innovation that makes them some of the safest cars in the market,” Volvo Car Malaysia, Managing Director, Nalin Jain.

“Volvo SELEKT guarantees that customers will receive the same level of quality and service of a new Volvo car but at a package that suits their financing needs,” he added.
The Volvo SELEKT programme is currently only available at Sisma Auto Glenmarie SELEKT Centre, with more authorised dealers to participate later on. For the latest price list on Volvo vehicles following the
Sales Tax Exemption on CKD and CBU vehicles
, click
here
.


UMW Toyota confirms 2020 Vios facelift to launch in Malaysia soon

Over the weekend, UMW Toyota has taken to its Facebook page to tease the arrival of the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift, with the image suggesting that a possible joint launch of the 2020 Yaris and Vios facelift models could be coming to Malaysia soon.
Just like the
Yaris
, the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift will also feature a refreshed front fascia, featuring a flipped grille design with horizontal slats (as opposed to the mesh-like design on the Yaris), and reworked triple-bezel LED reflector headlights and daytime-running lights that should be standard items across the new model range.
The fog light enclosures have also been reworked, now with a more vertical design embedded within a squared-off bumper cut-out similar to that of the Toyota Corolla. Further down, we can also expect to see the same gloss-black bumper lip as seen on the Yaris.
No other details have been revealed just yet, but we expect the 2020 Toyota Vios to mirror all of the new improvements found on the Yaris. These include a new seven-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, electrochromic rear view mirror, as well as the Toyota Telematics System on the E and G variants.
The updated Toyota Vios in Thailand, known as the Yaris Ativ.
The
Toyota Safety Sense
 advanced driver assistance system should also make its way onto the 2020 Vios facelift. The system includes autonomous emergency braking which is enabled from 15 km/h using an integrated camera and radar system, as well as lane departure warning which uses a visual alert in the multi-info display, as well as a beeping sound to warn the driver of unintended lane changes from 50 km/h and above.
Mechanically, the 2020 Toyota Vios should remain unchanged from the
outgoing model
 here in Malaysia. That means that it should still be powered by the 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine which makes
107 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque, paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission to drive the front wheels.
Pricing for the updated B-segment sedan has also yet to be revealed, but if the estimated price list for the Yaris is anything to go by, we expect to see a slight increase in price across the board for the 2020 Toyota Vios. The 2020 Toyota Yaris is
now open for booking
 in Malaysia, but if you’re more interested in the sedan bodystyle of the Vios, you can register your interest on UMW Toyota’s website
here
.
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2020 Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) in Thailand


The all-new Kia K5 fastback sedan simply takes your breath away

There is life after all for the good ’ol four-door saloon, they morph to become sporty-looking fastbacks. In the case of the new generation Kia K5, it’s all looking rather promising, if you haven’t set your mind on getting an SUV, that is.
While the attention is obviously on the oh-so-sexy rump of the car, the front of the K5 showcases Kia’s new ‘
Tiger Nose Evolution
’ look which ‘integrates the grille and headlamps more organically than previous iterations of the K5’, according to Kia. We can only nod in agreement – it looks fantastic.
Kia says the grille is modeled after the
texture of shark skin
and is made of a matrix of interlocking elements for a ‘dynamic’ look, joining the headlamps which features a ‘
heartbeat’ daytime running lights
. No details were revealed as to why they are referred to as such, we can only guess that the illumination probably ‘pulse’ at some point.
Elsewhere, the sheet metal now is now more chiselled and has greater surface tension, narrowing at the midpoint between the wheel arches. Of course, nobody can miss the chrome strip which runs from the A pillars all the way to the trunk lid, finished off by a full-width rear light cluster.
If the K5 bears some resemblance to the equally bold-looking
Hyundai Sonata
, it’s no coincidence as they are both built on the same D-segment platform. The new
K5 will go on sale in Korea in December
, so expect more details to emerge, particularly its interior design and active safety technologies.


Alpine previews its electric future with new A110 E-ternité prototype

Alpine announced back in January last year that it’s
 going fully electric by the end of the decade
, and as a preview of its electric future, the French marque has now unveiled a new fully-electric prototype, dubbed the A110 E-ternité.
As the name suggests, the new prototype is based on the existing
 A110 coupe
, but with a whole electric powertrain stuffed inside. It’s not just a straightforward “engine” swap, however, as the chassis wasn’t designed for electrification in mind.
Alpine says that its engineers had to create bespoke battery casings for the A110 E-ternité, with four battery cells in placed in front, and another eight at the back to optimise weight distribution. And as if magic, the engineers still managed to retain a 42/58 weight distribution on the car, which is just a touch off from the original A110’s 43/57 split.
With the 12 cells added up, the A110 E-ternité boasts a fairly sizeable
60 kWh
 battery capacity, translating to a driving range of about 420 km (WLTP cycle). The Alpine A110 E-ternité does weigh 258 kg more than the regular A110, but it’s still quite an impressive engineering feat, considering that the batteries weigh a whopping 392 kg.
RELATED: Alpine to be fully-electric with performance-oriented crossover and hot hatch
The powertrain components are borrowed from the
Megane E-Tech
, making a maximum
178 kW (239 hp)
 and
300 Nm
 of torque here. On top of the weight penalty, the EV A110 also gets lower output figures, so it’s not surprising that it’s a bit slower, but not by much – the 0-100 km/h sprint takes
 4.5 seconds
, with the ICE completing it just 0.1 seconds quicker at 4.4 seconds.
Aside from a new electric powertrain, the Alpine A110 E-ternité prototype also features several unique innovations such as an open-roof design, made with recycled carbon which the company designed and built in-house. Alpine says that despite the removable roof, the car’s rigidity is not impacted.
Several components on the outside are also made from flax fibre, which Alpine calls “a material of the future” that is “as strong as carbon fibre”, but with better acoustics… whatever that means. The in-car infotainment display has also been swapped out for a removable touch-screen tablet, while the sound system has also been upgraded to an eight-speaker set-up, along with a subwoofer. Otherwise, though, the Alpine A110 E-ternité looks no different compared to its ICE counterpart.
The electric A110 is meant to serve as a preview to Alpine’s future, but the upcoming A110 replacement model should look quite a bit different to this, as the car will allegedly be built on a Lotus-developed modular platform, as a result of their
partnership announced last year.
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Prices for RON95 and RON97 goes up in July, diesel remains unchanged

Petrol prices, name for RON95 and RON97, will go up by 10 sen and 20 sen respectively, according to Deputy President of Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia, Datuk Zulkifli Mokti.
The hike is effective by midnight, however prices for diesel (Euro2 and Euro5) remain unchanged at
RM2.05 per litre
 (add 10 sen more for Euro5 diesel; now at
RM2.15 per litre
). As such, the yellow pumps will cost
RM2.15 per litre
 while RON97 retails at
RM2.55 per litre
 (with 6 percent GST).
Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) Datuk Sri Hasan bin Malek (pictured above) revealed that the public will not be informed of the price hike from this point onward, but will only be released to the retailers.


Volvo updates Android-based OS with better Apple CarPlay integration, but still no Android Auto

You’d imagine that, with an
 Android Automotive-based operating system
, having
Android Auto
 (the smartphone connectivity feature, it’s confusing we know) is pretty much a given. Weirdly, though, that’s not the case with Volvo’s Android-based OS – and with the latest update, it feels as though Android users are being left further behind.
That’s because Volvo’s latest over-the-air (OTA) update for its cars has brought along an improved
 Apple CarPlay
 experience for its cars, where supported navigation apps can now display separate navigation information in the instrument cluster. So-called the “driver display”, other small snippets of data, including call and media information, can also now be displayed right behind the steering wheel.
Other improvements in the version 2.9 update also includes a new option for automatic wing mirror folding upon locking the car, new steering wheel button functionalities, plus minor engine calibration optimisations and bug fixes.
The OTA software update will be arriving to Volvo cars globally, provided that your car has the Android Automotive OS. First introduced on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, the Google-sourced infotaiment system is now available across all models in Volvo’s stable
starting from the 2023 model year
.
Volvo says that it has now delivered over one million over-the-air updates to its customers globally. This latest update alone will be sent out to a record high number of over 650,000 Volvo cars.
RELATED:
 Volvo C40 Recharge – Google’s Android Automotive OS will make you forget about everything else
“When our customers get in their Volvo car, we want it to be a better experience than the day before – our over-the-air updates are a cornerstone in this ambition,” says Volvo head of software engineering, Alwin Bakkenes.
“The latest update on CarPlay features is an excellent example of how we continuously improve and add features and functions together with our technology partners, making our customers’ experience richer over time.” That is, unless you’re an Android user, which in that case, too bad.
ALSO READ:
Volvo now supports Waze navigation, no phone connection required


2017 Kia Picanto unveiled, gets incredible suite of safety tech!

Kia Motors has just broke the covers for the
all-new Picanto
 ahead of its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The brand’s global best-selling compact hatch now features a more aggressive styling, a new engine and an array of safety features including autonomous braking.
Getting its styling cues from the larger sibling
Rio
, the third-generation Picanto, codename JA, is the product of a joint effort from Kia’s design centres in Korea and Germany. Bearing the name of Kia Morning in its home country, this A-segment hatch has grown 15 mm in wheelbase to 2,400 mm and sit 5 mm lower at 1,485 mm while the length and width equals the predecessor at 3,595 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. Despite that, Kia claims the Picanto now offers better headroom, shoulder room and legroom. Boot space has also grown marginally to 255 litres (previously 200 litres).
Like its other siblings in the Kia line-up, the Picanto wears a much more aggressive tiger nose grille that connects the headlamps. Noticeably, the headlamps are of a new design with U-shaped LED daytime running lights. The front bumper is also significantly revised to give the small car better presence. The rear profile is familiar to the previous generation Picanto with more curves. Although it is to note that the Picanto depicted here wears the
 GT Line
 trim which adds cosmetic bits for a more aggressive appearance such as the red accents, rear diffuser and twin exhaust outlets.
As expected of Kia, the interior puts many cars above its class and segment to shame. At a glance, the steering wheels are now of a
three-spoke design
 while the infotainment system floats on the centre dash. Other premium touches to the interior include a centre armrest, brushed aluminium trims as well as a leather gear leaver housing. The new Picanto’s infotainment is available with Apple CarPlay, reverse camera with guide lines and Kia T map service which optimises your smartphone’s navigation app to the infotainment screen via MirrorLink.
Back in Korea, the Kia Picanto is offered with an all-new
1.0-litre Kappa Eco-prime three-cylinder petrol engine
 which produces
75 hp
 and
95 Nm
 of torque. Transmission options have yet to be revealed to the public but the 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill is claimed to be able to return
15.4 km per litre
 or 6.5 litre per 100 km. However, it remains to be seen if the current 1.25-litre four-cylinder with
87 hp
 and
120 Nm
 will resume duties.
Based on Kia’s next-gen small vehicle platform, it uses
44 percent of advanced high tensile steel
, twice the amount of the previous Picanto. This dramatically increases structural rigidity. Getting into an accident is the least of your problems, because it comes with Vehicle Stability Management with
Torque Vectoring Brake Based (TVBB)
 which applies braking force to the inner wheel and more power to the outer wheels to keep the car under control.
There’s also
Straight Line Stability (SLS)
 that helps the car brake in a straight line under heavy braking. Other than that it also comes with
Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)
 which warns the driver of a collision risk and
Emergency Brake Assist System (AEB)
. Up to seven airbags can be had with the Picanto, including hill-start assist, seat belt pretensioner as well as tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
For such a puny little car, the amount of kit it boasts is more than what you could ask for in a typical, modern city car. Locally, the
second-generation Picanto
 is on sale for below RM60k. We can’t wait to see what it will be priced and specced like when the new Picanto arrives on our shores.


Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV debuts, 2.0L hybrid, 398hp/640Nm & 51km EV range

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled their first ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Range Rover Sport P400e. The new model not only provides sustainable and clean performance through hybridisation, but also further enhances the Range Rover’s off-road capabilities, comfort and refinement.
Underneath the body is a combination of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor that gives a combined output of
398 hp
 and
 640 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to all-four corners permanently to give the luxury SUV a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just
6.7 seconds
 before running out of breath at
220 km/h
. The P400e also offers a pure electric range of up to
51 km
.
The electric motor is powered by a
13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery
 mounted beneath the rear bench. JLR has cleverly packaged the battery pack in order to provide maximum interior space and ideal weight distribution. Charging the battery takes 7 hours and 30 minutes when plugged to a domestic 10 amp home socket but a dedicated wall box can fully charge the battery from empty in just
2 hours and 45 minutes
.

Drivers can select between Parallel Hybrid Mode that gives the most optimum performance of petrol and electric drive or the EV Mode which enables for zero emission journeys. Land Rover’s
Terrain Response 2
 technology has been calibrated to suit the PHEV, intelligently distributing all
640 Nm
 from zero rpm to all for corners. This gives the P400e outstanding capabilities for low-speed off-road manoeuvres.
In Land Rover’s line up, the Range Rover P400e sits just above the entry level 2.0-litre and is priced from £70,800 (RM397k).
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BMW Group Malaysia charts 8th consecutive year of record sales

BMW Group Malaysia yesterday announced that it has achieved another year of record-breaking business performance with 14,338 vehicles delivered – a segment-leading growth of 13%.
Of the 14,338 vehicles sold under the group,
 12,008
 were BMW vehicles, with the remainder being MINI vehicles (1,200) and BMW Motorrad motorcycles (1,130).
The best selling BMW was none other than the BMW 3-Series, with over 3,300 units delivered while over 2,700 units of the BMW 5-Series were sold.
Of the total, 57% of the cars delivered were electrified vehicles with the
BMW X5 xDrive40e
 registering the highest figures with over 2,900 units sold.
This is followed by the
BMW 330e
with over 2,100 units,
BMW 530e
with over 1,700 units, and over 540 units of the
BMW 740Le xDrive
.
As for MINI, they sold over 560 units of the
MINI Cooper Countryman
, 90 of which were of the
 Cooper S E ALL4 variant
.
At the event, BMW Malaysia also unveiled
 six new BMW i Charging facilities at the Bangsar Shopping Centre
.
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Volkswagen Jetta facelift coming to Malaysia soon, will be CKD

The Volkswagen Jetta has been on offer in Malaysia since 2011, with the most recent update being the launch of the
CKD variant
 in 2014. It is about time for Volkswagen Group Malaysia to introduce the Jetta facelift.
The facelifted Jetta made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2014. The facelift is more of an aesthetic exercise than a major product update. This brings the C-segment closer to the looks of the Passat and to some extent, the
Vento
.
US-spec, may vary from actual specs
In front, the new Jetta features a more matured design. The front grille now comes with three horizontal chrome bars as opposed to the pre-facelift’s twin bar design. From the teaser image, the new Jetta will also feature new wheels. The biggest change to the exterior would be the new bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. The tail lamps also come with new graphics.
On the inside, the refreshed Jetta now comes with an updated multifunction steering wheel and redesigned climate controls. New materials and design will be used in the cabin as well.
US-spec, actual specs may vary
There’s currently no news about the powertrain, though we can expect the same 1.4-litre TSI motor to soldier on as the sole engine offering. The four-cylinder engine is twincharged to produce 158 hp and 240 Nm, and whether or not the current
Golf TSI’s
 148 hp, 250 Nm motor will be deployed still remains up in the air. Expect the same seven-speed DSG to be specified.
Interested in the Volkswagen Jetta facelift? Head on over to
VGM’s website
 to register your interest. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more updates.
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Honda e becomes first Japanese car to win the German Car of The Year Award

The cute and lovable
 Honda e EV
 has been named as the overall winner of the German Car of the Year Award 2021, making it the first Japanese car to ever win the accolade. Although, calling it a Japanese car might be a little disingenuous we think, since the car was developed mainly for the European market, and is only sold in the region alongside Japan. Anyway, we digress…
The German Car of the Year (GCOTY) 2021 Award is the latest in a series of prestigious titles awarded to the Honda e since its launch this year, including the “Best of the Best” honours in the Red Dot Design Awards, as well as ‘City/Small Car of the Year’ in the News International Motor Awards 2020, among many others.
The GCOTY is decided by a jury of leading German car journalists, who tests and reviews the latest cars, ranking them according to their usability, driving characteristics, market relevance and level of innovation. The winners of the five categories – Compact, Premium, Luxury, New Energy and Performance – then go head-to-head to decide an overall winner.
The Honda e was named winner in the New Energy category, and went up against the
 Volkswagen Golf
and
ID.3
,
Polestar 2
, as well as the BMW Alpina B3 for the overall win. Interestingly, three out of the five nominees are EVs!
Honda Motor Europe president, Katsuhida Okuda said, “For Honda e to be the first Japanese car to be awarded German COTY is a great honour and one we are incredibly proud to receive. Customer and media response to the Honda e since it was first unveiled has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The Honda e is a perfect example of a product with a unique design, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligent connectivity to keep owners connected with their everyday life. We are very thankful for this award.”
Honda e chief engineer Tomofumi Ichinose added, “Honda e was developed to be the best urban commuter in response to environmental issues, especially in city areas. Development of Honda e was a big challenge, however at the same time, it was fun to envision a beautiful and brighter future in which Honda e plays its part. Team members and I are delighted to receive this award, a recognition that the vision this car represents has value.”
The Honda e was unveiled earlier this year, representing a key step in the brand’s commitment to electrify 100% of its European mainstream models by 2022. Unlike most new EVs that constantly try to push the envelope of pure-electric range, the Honda e is fitted with a small 35.5 kWh battery pack, offering up only 220 km of range.
According to Honda, this was done deliberately as their research shows that most of the additional battery capacity goes unused during city driving – which represents a large majority of everyday car users. A smaller battery means that the car itself can be smaller, making it easier to navigate around the tight city streets, while lowering the weight to add a dash of excitement in the drive.
The Honda e is available in two power output configurations – 100 kW (136 hp) and 113 kW (154 hp), both with 315 Nm of twist. With more torque than the
Honda CR-V
, the former completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds, while the latter in 8.3 seconds.


Geely and Mercedes-Benz to unveil new Smart electric SUV concept this year

Remember Smart, the unique German brand that made cutesy tiny cars that could fit into a parallel parking spot, horizontally? Well, the Smart that we know might not exist any more in the very near future, as the Mercedes-Benz and Geely is reportedly planning to unveil a new Smart electric SUV this year.
According to a report by
Autocar
, the model – codenamed HX11 – will be a five-door electric SUV model jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely (who now owns half of Smart), and could be unveiled in concept form as soon as at the Munich motor show in September this year.
Smart already makes
fully-electric models
.
While details are obviously scarce right now, Smart’s vice president of global sales Daniel Lescow, has not been shy to talk about the latest developments within his company. Lescow wrote on his
LinkedIn page
: “It may come as a surprise to some: Smart will enter the market with a fully electric SUV – spacious yet compact. This will be the first vehicle of the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, due out in 2022, built in China.”
Lescow also says in his post that the upcoming Smart eSUV will be built on Geely’s new
SEA electric car architecture
, which stands for Sustainable Experience Architecture.
Geely’s SEA platform.
Despite being built in Geely’s Xi’an plant, the model will not be a China-exclusive model, with export plans to Europe already confirmed. No word on other Asian markets as of now, but Lescow – speaking to German publication
Automobilwoche
 – did say that the new model will not be available in the United States.
“The potential is vast, not only in Europe but also in China. SUVs are becoming the most popular of all passenger vehicles in China. But don’t worry, our new SUV won’t just be for China – we’ll be bringing it to European markets,” Lescow writes in his post.
This, but bigger?
According to the LinkedIn post, Mercedes-Benz will be responsible for the design of the new Smart electric SUV model, while Geely will be the main contributor in terms of development and production of the vehicle.
Reports from China suggest that the still-unnamed Smart SUV model will be equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, generating a maximum power of 272 hp, alongside a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of less than 70 kWh and a range of more than 500 km, based on the Chinese NEDC test cycle.
Autocar
 further reports that it will be comparable in size to the
Mini Countryman
, which means it will be Smart’s largest model to date, at around four metres in length.


McLaren 600LT unveiled, not just a kitted out 570S

McLaren has just welcomed its latest “Longtail” McLaren to the stable, the McLaren 600LT. Based on the
570S
, the 600LT is the most track-focused variant of the brand’s Sports Series.
To deliver the performance expectations for an LT, the M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been tweaked to deliver
600 hp
 and
620 Nm
 of torque thanks to an uprated cooling system and reduced back pressure in the exhaust system. McLaren claims the 600LT’s exhaust system is even shorter and more extreme than the Senna, bold claims this is. Unfortunately, the company did not reveal key performance figures of their latest LT.
To go with the uprated output, McLaren has given the 600LT quicker steering, sharper throttle response, better brake pedal feel as well as firmer engine mounts. It also rides on bespoke Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R sticky tyres.
While the 600LT does not command the same visual impact as the
675LT
 when it first came out, rest assured that the car has undergone some extensive upgrades over the 570S. The 600LT is
74 mm
 longer than the car it was based on thanks to extended front splitter and diffuser as well as the fixed rear wing that was inspired from the 675LT. In total, the 600LT features 23 per cent different parts over the standard 570S.

The 600LT was also put through a diet programme, shaving 96 kg in the process, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre bodywork and lightened exhaust system. Customers who are looking for further weight savings can give McLaren Special Operations (MSO) a call and they will gladly change the roof, cantrails and front fenders to carbon fibre items. With every lightweight option fitted, the 600LT tips the scale at 1,247 kg.
Inside, the cabin spots unique endplates, more exposed carbon fibre trims and Alcantara upholstery. Customers can choose two seat options for the 600LT – Carbon Fibre Racing seats or Super Lightweight Carbon Fibre Seats for the ultimate track car experience.
Production Volume of the McLaren 600LT will be strictly limited and production will commence in October 2018. Prices for the 600LT starts from £185,500 (RM982K) before options and includes a Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day experience.
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McLaren 600LT in Chicane Grey


Ferrari Museum will be hosting a very special birthday party for Michael Schumacher

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello will throw a very different birthday party in the form of a special exhibition for its most successful Formula 1 driver, Michael Schumacher, for his 50th birthday come 3rd of January 2019.
A 7-time Formula 1 Champion with Ferrari, five of which were won in a row from 2000 to 2004, it’s no surprise that Schumacher is Maranello’s favourite son. Of the seven years, he also helped Ferrari win six Constructor’s Title – in part the result of an impenetrable relationship with Formula 1 team boss, Jean Todt.
The rooms in the Museum will be decorated with all the precious moments from Ferrari’s unbeatable years in Formula 1.
Schumacher (centre) with then teammate Eddie Irvine and arguably his toughest competitor, Mika Hakkinen.
The exhibition will also display Schumacher’s contribution in the development of GT cars after his racing days, as a driver, and later on as a consultant.
Tragedy struck five years ago in December 2013 when the Formula 1 legend injured his head in a ski accident while on holiday with his family.
After a lengthy coma following a few life-saving surgeries, recent reports from the UK media have claimed that Schumacher is no longer bed-ridden but is still undergoing intensive therapy and rehabilitation.
As far-fetched as it sounds, we sure hope Schumacher could attend his own “elaborate birthday party” in Maranello come January; he deserves to.
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The Evolution of Schumacher’s Formula 1 race cars


This is the first time a car was used as a camera

These days, anyone can whip their phone out and take a decent picture anytime, anywhere. Smartphones have come so far that its cameras can make a teenager’s holiday selfie look like it was professionally taken. This award-winning photographer though, just took photography to a whole new level.
For the first time ever, a car was used as a camera by a photographer. Barbara Davidson, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and artist teamed up with Volvo Cars to create a special collection of photographs taken with the on-board safety cameras of the new Volvo XC60.
As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. The collection of around 30 photographs which were taken in the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark through the lenses of the XC60’s on-board safety camera, were simply spectacular.
Firstly it is a snapshot of European city life in all its glory; secondly it also highlights the complex environments that we live in. It is thanks to the cameras and other on-board sensors that cars like the Volvo XC60 make modern city life safer for pedestrians and other road users,” said Davidson.
Now it may have seemed like just another challenge for a decorated photographer to embark on but Barbara Davidson’s history with Volvo runs deeper than that. As a young girl, she was involved in a severe car accident; it had flipped over and Barbara was told that the only reason why she survived was because she was in a Volvo. Exaggerated? Unlikely.
In 2008 the Swedish brand launched the first standard autonomous emergency braking system, City Safety, in the first XC60. It’s been proven to have reduced collisions by up to 45% in Sweden alone.
Dubbed the Vision 2020, it is high on Volvo’s priority that no one should be killed or even seriously injured in a new Volvo vehicle by the year 2020. Judging from their track record and how things have developed, its a more realistic feat than our own local “Wawasan (Vision) 2020” will ever be.
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This 87-year old lady has been driving her Nissan 200SX for 30 years!

These days, shopping for new items can be done with just a few clicks – making us swap the old for the new way before the former starts to expire. With new tech rolling out faster than we can remember, keeping old faithful belongings alive may get you a few eyeballs and uninvited remarks.
That’s unless the item in question is a completely standard Nissan 200SX, which has been in the family for 30 years since it was purchased brand new 30 years ago in 1991!
Tucked away in the small town of Knysna at the very edge of South Africa, the unmolested 200SX belongs to 87-year old June Bouwer. Having spent most of their lives in the city of Johannesburg, the time came to escape the city bustle for the rural life.
In enticing her to leave the city, June’s husband offered to buy any car of her choice and of all the fancy cars she could’ve gone for, June went for the 200SX.
Apparently, it wasn’t easily available either. It had to be specially ordered from a local Nissan dealer in Dunkeld, in the suburbs of Johannesburg.
According to
Prestige Multimedia
, the original source of this story, there isn’t a speck of rust in sight! At 30 years old, it has clearly aged better than all of us (including the writer who is 32), as proper servicing and maintenance has always been June’s top priority.
The car has spent its entire life in the garage and the condition of the cabin, the trims and the red paint is a clear reflection of it. With a little scrub, the 200SX could even easily fool most as a brand new car.
Asked if she ever gave the car a good run, June said that she once got it up to 160 km/h, and it was enough. Not bad when you consider that June was already a retiree when she bought the car!
Image credit/source:
Prestige Multimedia Facebook
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G32 BMW 6 Series GT unveiled, lighter, quicker, and better looking? [+Video]

The 5 Series GT has been upgraded. From now on, BMW is calling it the 6 Series GT, after the recent demise of the F13/F12/F06 6 Series range.
BMW claims that the new G32 6 Series GT is very much improved in many aspects over its predecessor, mainly contributed by BMW’s intelligent lightweight engineering. Compared to the old 5 Series GT, the new 6 Series GT is lighter by 150 kg and is said to handle better, sprint quicker, and sip less fuel than before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCfSMBC3p8s
The looks may still divide opinions but compared to the predecessor, we reckon the new one is a little easier on the eyes. It’s lower and longer (by 21 mm and 87 mm respectively), and overall it looks like a paused screencap of a G30 5 Series morphing into an F16 X6.
Inside, it’s eerily similar to the G30 5 Series albeit with a slightly raised seating position. Like its predecessor, rear space is generous but this time BMW improved the soundproofing for an even quieter cabin. Options available for the rear seats include active seat ventilation, massage function and powered adjustment.
Behind the rear seats, the 610 litres boot carries 110 litres more than the outgoing 5 Series GT and BMW has lowered the load sill by at least 50 mm for better usability. Fold down the  40/20/40 split rear seat backrest and you’ll get a total of 1,800 litres of real estate. Powered tailgate is available as standard on all models too.
As standard, every 6 Series GT will be equipped with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, whereas Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function can be specified as an option. The latter works at speeds up to 210 km/h, and there’s also Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning systems, as well as the Remote Control Parking feature.

Engine options should mirror the G30 5 Series range. Currently there are three variants available at launch: 630i, 640i, and 630d. The 630i is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder producing 258 hp and 400 Nm, meanwhile the 640i and 630d are powered by six cylinder engines.
The 3.0-litre petrol in the 640i develops 340 hp and 450 Nm, and the 3.0-litre diesel in the 630d churns out 265 hp and 620 Nm. All three engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic to drive the rear wheels, but xDrive all-wheel drive is only available on the six-cylinder models. Expect to see a plug-in hybrid 630e in the near future, but don’t count on BMW to launch the M6 GT.
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The Volvo S60 T8 R Design is Sweden’s wolf in sheep’s clothing

Volvo’s upturn of fortunes in Malaysia is further bolstered today when the Swedish carmaker introduced the all-new Volvo S60. Priced at
RM295,888
 (OTR without insurance), the fully-imported S60 sedan is only offered in the delightfully sporty T8 R Design trim.
Labeled by Volvo as a ‘true driver’s car’, the S60 certainly has large shoes to fill. Motivation is provided by the T8 Twin Engine hybrid powertrain, managing a combined output of
407 hp
 and
640 Nm
. Drive is transferred to all four wheels via an
8-speed automatic transmission
 with Geartronic manual shift option.
The Volvo S60 T8 does the century sprint in a rapid
 4.4 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
. Other than the wholly respectable power output, Volvo claims that the S60 is efficient too – with a fuel consumption of just
2 l/100km
, despite weighing just over 2 tonnes.
Wearing the R Design badge, the Volvo S60 sports an imposing appearance with several variant-specific trim. On the front, the R Design grille features a black horizontal mesh design and Silk Metal-finished frame, flanked by Volvo’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED combination headlights.
The lower front apron features an aggressive bumper design with large cutouts and a unique black outer grille for added road presence.
On the sides, the 19-inch satin-finished alloy wheels highlight the short overhang on both ends. As part of the R Design package, the wing mirrors also get a gloss-black housing.
Moving to the rear, the iconic twin C-shaped taillights give the S60 a more muscular profile. The integrated lip spoiler also provides improved overall aerodynamics and visual appeal for the sport sedan.
Right under the spoiler, the new-style Volvo lettering runs across the top of the tailgate. As part of the R Design line, the S60 also gets a sportier rear bumper with black trim accents and twin exhaust housings.
Stepping inside, the interior of the S60 is both inviting and subtly sporty. The R Design contour seats are upholstered in Charcoal Fine Nappa Leather, while the dashboard and door panel trims are finished in an Open Grid Textile pattern.
The 9-inch, tablet-style touchscreen display of the Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment system dominates the centre of the dashboard, controlling most of the vehicle’s functionalities such as climate control and navigation. The infotainment system is also compatible with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
 as standard.
Tucked behind the R Design three-spoke leather steering wheel is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, heads-up display is also standard. Other interior highlights include sports pedal and an electronic gear selector finished in double-stitched leather. Nothing too shouty, but all executed in typical Nordic understated fashion.
Besides sharing the
Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)
platform which underpins the top-of-the-line 90 series, the Volvo S60 also inherits the safety equipment from its elder siblings, which means it comes with a class-leading list of safety features.
Featuring the
IntelliSafe advanced safety suite
, the Volvo S60 comes equipped with the City Safety with Autobrake function to avoid and mitigate potential collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.
The S60 can also apply auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, which Volvo says is a world’s first in the mid-size sedan segment. The
Pilot Assist radar cruise control system
 has also been upgraded with
improved cornering performance at speeds up to 130 km/h
.
As part of the IntelliSafe suite, the S60 also gets Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, and Park Assist.
The Volvo S60 will be available in Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Pebble Grey Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic and Birch Light Metallic.


Limited edition Lotus 3-Eleven chassis 001 crashed in Malaysia

One of two units of the
Lotus 3-Eleven
 in Malaysia has unfortunately crashed earlier today, making it the first reported crash of the limited edition 3-Eleven. According to sources, the accident occurred in Penang and the driver who was piloting the open-cockpit Lotus alone is safe.
Based on the images we received, the incident appears to have taken place on wet conditions with the front and rear of the car damaged. We know that this unit bears the chassis number 001, one of 311 limited run units. Looking at it, the chassis seems to be intact and salvageable.
The
Lotus
 3-Eleven comes in two variants, one road legal and the other is a track-only weapon. The road legal 3-Eleven is powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 that produces
410 hp
 and
410 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint is clocked in
3.4 seconds
. Prices for the road going 3-Eleven starts from RM640k while the track-only variant starts from RM868k.
To pilot the 3-Eleven, the driver will have to wear a helmet and strap on to the carbon fibre seats with a 4-point harness. The roll-cage and twin side bars definitely contributed to keeping the driver safe. It’s unfortunate that such a beauty was involved in an accident but we wish the driver (and the 3-Eleven) a speedy recovery and be back on the road in no time!
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Lotus 3-Eleven Launch in Malaysia


The new Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase – Driving Opulence

When it comes to luxury on wheels, nothing exudes that image more outstandingly than a Rolls-Royce. A
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
 or a
BMW 7-series
 may have their say as the height of commuting luxury, but the opulence of a Rolls-Royce makes them seem like playground footballers against Premier League superstars.
But of course, when you factor in its price tag of
RM 2.2 million
 for the Standard Wheelbase and
RM 2.5 million
 for the Extended Wheelbase, both excluding taxes, you reserve every right to not only have your expectations met, but raised.

Lavishness aside, performance figures are never neglected with Rolls-Royce’s and the Phantom is no different. Considering it weighs a hefty 2.6-tonnes, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase takes a mere
 5.2 seconds
 to a 100 km/h with the Standard Wheelbase being faster by just 0.1 seconds.
This generous delivery of power is the brainchild of its 6.75-liter V12 engine herded by an 8-speed Satellite-aided transmission, delivering a wealth of might with 563 hp and a supercar-rivaling 900 Nm of torque.
Very impressive considering the amount of clinically-exclusive additions to a car most households would not even have. Among them are the Starlight headliner which spellbinds the interior with a sea of “stars”, two different compartments to hold glasses for different types of presumably expensive beverages and folded tables for its elite customers to conduct their business or indulge in their gourmet meals.

Before taking flight in the Phantom, you are received with the grandeur opening of it’s “suicide doors” which by the way can be automatically opened and closed with touch-sensitive door handles. Whether you’re piloting the Rolls-Royce (although unlikely) or being pampered in the rear seats, the plushness of the cabin will take an extended time to digest.
What other car in the world offers individual controls by each door panel? What other car in the world provides a vanity mirror more aesthetically-pleasing than the ones you’d fine in a 5-star hotel? Don’t even get us started on how soft yet supportive the seats were.
As you descend your bottom and eventually your back on those sumptuous seats, the seats “receive you” with the grace of a butler before gently allowing you to lay on its swanky surface. The majestic blend of wood, leather and billeted metal alone, which of course can be customised according to the flexibility of your bank account, is a sight to be bewildered by.

Its new spaceframe, which will underpin future Rolls-Royce models, is lighter yet 30% more rigid than its predecessors but you don’t want to know that. What you’d want to know is that it’s got 130 kg’s worth of sound insulation, double-laminated glass and dual skin alloys across the bulkhead to ensure that when all of the Phantom’s doors are shut, it is as silent as an air-tight studio.
Believe or not, when engineers were carrying out road and vibrations tests, noise levels were so low that they had to check if their equipments were faulty.
The new Phantom comes equipped with the “Flagbearer” – a stereo camera system integrated in the windscreen that sees the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively. Elsewhere its headlights are equipped with the latest laser light technology, with a 600-metre range of light in the dark.
There simply aren’t enough fancy adjectives to be shared and distributed across the exclusive touches that come with the new Phantom, for everything else, we have pictures for you.
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Nissan Almera facelift now open booking, price remains at RM67k to RM80k

The Nissan Almera once took the B-Segment crown two years back before the new
City
, Vios,
Attrage
and
Polo CKDs
 entered the foray. Now after almost two and a half years since its introduction in October 2012, it’s high time now for a refreshed variant. Here’s what we have from the latest brochure.
Our neighbouring country – Thailand to be specific, has received the Almera facelift as early as January last year, but runs on a smaller 1.2-litre three cylinder engine to benefit from the country’s eco car incentives. The Almera that we will be getting soldiers on with the exact same
1.5-litre HR15DE
 naturally aspirated engine.
So what’s changed? Well, the headlights for one, is reshaped to fit the company’s current design shared with the Sylphy and the flagship
Teana
 sedans. It also gets a
revised front grille
, chrome accents to the fog lights and
new side mirrors
 with integrated
signal indicators
. Also new is the wheel design, measuring at
15-inches
 and wrapped with 185/65R15 series rubbers, same as before. Its rear lights however, remain the same.
Inside, it gets a
new steering wheel design
 and black touches to the centre console, mainly the air conditioning dials (previously matte silver). We expect many of the current creature comforts such as keyless entry and push-start to be carried over in the
VL trim
.
Underneath the hood, again, is the same
1.5-litre engine
 pushing
102 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
139 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both the
five-speed manual
 and
four-speed automatic
 transmission are offered here as well. As with the previous Almera, there’s a good list of packages to choose from on top of your new Almera – from the
RM750 Elegance Package
 all the way to the
RM14,000 Nismo Performance Package
. According to the leaked brochure, we are the first market to get the RM14k Nismo package.
Five colours come with the Almera: Bronze Gold, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Brilliant White and Graphite Blue. All Almeras come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty programme, and priced the same from the
current RM67k to RM80k
 range.
[divider]
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