What is: Run Flat Tyres (RFT)

Tyre change is always a headache regardless if you’re in a compact budget hatchback or a full-sized luxury SUV. It costs a substantial amount of money and the process of making the right tyre choice can prove to be quite a challenge (if not a frustrating ordeal) for most.
With the plethora of tyre choices available, it usually boils down to picking one that suits your budget and driving needs. There is, however, one particular type of tyre that is becoming increasingly common as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fitment, particularly among premium brands. Owners of newer generation BMWs would be familiar with this term – RFT or Run Flat Tyres. But what exactly are RFTs?
F30
BMW 330e
 comes with RFT as standard
RFT technology has been around since the mid-1980s but only found its way into mainstream application in early 2000s. RFT allows drivers to continue driving after a puncture or on
zero air pressure
, giving you
greater control of the car
 in emergency situations and the allowance to
carry on driving before stopping at a safer location
. For carmakers, another benefit is the liberty of not requiring a spare wheel & tyre – saving weight and space in the process.
RFTs are specially constructed with reinforced sidewalls and support ring making it more robust than a regular tyre. As such, they’re able to hold the tyre’s structure and support the vehicle even without any air pressure. Generally, tyre manufacturers and car makers only recommend driving these RFTs
up to speeds of 80 km/h for not more than 80 km
 in the event of a puncture – plenty of buffer for you to get to a tyre shop safely.

RFT then sounds like the best option out there for a tyre change but that’s not quite the case. You see, due to the stiffer structural component of RFTs, you do sacrifice on ride comfort and to a certain extent fuel economy (due to the increased weight brought on by RFTs). Another unfavourable factor for RFTs is the
higher cost
 (between 20 to 30 per cent more) compared to non-RFT when it comes to replacements.
If you choose to replace your OEM RFT to a regular tyre and your car does not come with a spare wheel, we highly recommend you to have a set of
tyre repair kit
 (or sealant) ready for the unfortunate event of a puncture, unless you prefer to have tow truck services on speed dial.
Having said that, research and development have come a long way since the early days of RFTs to make them a more appealing option – lighter, grippier, more comfortable and most importantly, cheaper to replace.
Having RFTs equipped on your car certainly gives you an added peace of mind and convenience but that does not mean you should brush off the early signs of a puncture and neglect on the usual tyre maintenance timeline.
On the topic of whether you should opt for Run Flat Tyres or just regular ones during your next change, it really boils down to picking one that suits your budget and driving needs. Besides, a set of regular tyres and a tyre repair kit will get you out of the pinch just as well, if you prefer being hands-on.


Watch these 9 Toyota GR Supras perform some impressive stunt driving!

We’ve all heard about the
Toyota GR Supra
‘s incredible handling performance, but there’s only so much reviews can do to convey how precise these cars really feel. To demonstrate that, Toyota UK thought that the best way to do it is by reinterpreting wing-to-wing aerobatics stunts with the Toyota GR Supra, on the ground.
The “aerobatics” team was made up by a team of professional stunt drivers from Paul Swift Precision Driving, adorably named the “Road Arrows” in reference to the UK Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows. Armed with nine Toyota GR Supras – with a mix of both four- and six-cylinder models – the Road Arrows set out to demonstrate the nimble handling characteristics through a series of synchronised stunts.

The display was designed to mimic several famous aerial stunts, but obviously done on ground. Buckle up, because you’ll be wincing your way through the video starting from the very first sequence, with all nine cars passing each other head-on with just inches to spare.
Like the RAF, the Road Arrows Supras were also equipped with military-grade pyrotechnics for the customary smoke trails. We already know how difficult it is to drive the cars on the limit at all times, so you can only imagine how much harder it is when you’re driving practically blind from the smoke, especially with another RM500k sports car just centimetres away from you.
Gina Walker, a member of the driving team, explained what it was like driving the cars: “We had to work very closely to the car next to us and had to be really aware of our surroundings. It was a challenge to get it all perfect – our speed, our distance to the next car. We had smoke obscuring our view, so we had to trust in our training.”
The Road Arrows team only had a week to practice before filming began, and to think that the manoeuvres were choreographed using only toy car models on the kitchen counter! Fortunately, there were no damages to any of the cars during filming over two days.
Now of course, we know that stunt driving is a far cry in terms of difficulty when compared to the three-dimensional stunts and incredible G-forces that the Red Arrows pull. Still, it’s always good fun to watch cars engaging in stunts we’ll never get to replicate ourselves, and I think we can all have a bit of fun especially with the doom and gloom of the
Covid-19 pandemic
.
GALLERY


2015 Mitsubishi Triton launched in Malaysia, priced from RM67k to RM108k [+Video]

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just officially launched the
fifth generation
 of the
Mitsubishi Triton
, successfully ending utilitarian duties of the
previous model
.
The launch was graced with the presence of the President & COO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mr Tetsuro Aikawa who debuted the Thai-built and CBU imported pick-up truck.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Triton Quest 4×2
Triton 4×4 MT
Triton VGT MT
Triton VGT AT
Triton Adventure AT
Engine
2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail turbo
2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail intercooler turbo
2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler
2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler
2,477cc; DI-D Commonrail VGT Intercooler
Transmission
5-spd manual
5-spd manual
5-spd manual
5-spd auto w/ Sport Mode
5-spd auto w/ Sport Mode
Max Power
110 hp @ 4,000 rpm
136 hp @ 4,000 rpm
178 hp @ 4,000 rpm
178 hp @ 4,000 rpm
178 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
200 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
324 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
400 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Price (w/o insurance; with GST)
RM67,604
RM83,163
RM92,115
RM98,550
RM108,274
This fifth iteration of the iconic pick-up truck first introduced in 1974 comes here in
five different trim levels
 – range topper
Triton VGT Adventure
 (AT only),
Triton VGT AT
,
Triton VGT MT
,
Triton MT
 and
Triton Quest
 (4×2 MT only) priced between RM67,604 and RM108,274 OTR without insurance, inclusive of GST
Tipping lightest on the scale here is the Triton Quest (formerly known as the Triton Lite), which is priced at
RM67,604
 and comes equipped with a
2.5-litre

commonrail turbocharged diesel
 engine producing a
110 hp
at 4,000 rpm and
200 Nm
 of torque at 2,000 rpm paired to a
five-speed manual
 transmission.

However the Triton MT 4×4, priced at
RM83,163
 is on the trail with a
136 hp
 engine producing
324Nm
 of torque which is linked to a
part-time 4WD system
 as opposed to the
2WD-only
 found in the Triton Quest model. The VGT variants however are fitted with a
hybrid LSD
 (Limited Slip Differential) as standard.
The
Triton VGT Adventure
 (Variable Geometry Turbo) variant on the other hand is powered by the same
2.5-litre
 oil burning lump that produces
178 hp
 and a respectable
400 Nm
 of torque, which is
50 Nm more
 than its predecessor. The range topping
VGT Adventure AT 4×4
 is priced at
RM108,274
 while the VGT AT and VGT MT is priced at
RM98,550
 and
RM92,115
 respectively.
The VGT Adventure is equipped generously with features such as Push Start Button, Keyless entry, Xenon HID head lights with LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights). It also comes with an Electronic 4WD selector knob, automatic headlights and wipers, dual zone climate control and an infotainment system displayed via a
6.1-inch touch screen
that also features MP3, AUX and Bluetooth compatibility, Voice Command and a reverse camera feed.

On the safety front, the new Triton features a plethora of safety features such as the dual SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger. The construction of the front end has been revised with a new system called RISE or
Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
. What this means is that, in the unfortunate event of a crash, the crumple zones and reinforced supports are there to absorb and dissipate energy and force away from the cabin, keeping the occupants safe. Pre-tensioning and
Force Limiting Seatbelts
 are fitted as standard throughout the variant range, as are ABS, EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Mitsubishi have touted the new streamlined exterior to the new “J-Line Design” which is a styling characteristic that’s unique to the new Triton family. That being said, it is quite a looker and one that manages to be rather imposing and masculine for its all-new design. The J-Line touch is an innovative solution in increasing interior space as well.

It also lends its hand to keeping that iconic shape and figure. To compliment the design of the car, Mitsubishi is offering the Triton in five different colors such as Earth Green, Pearl White, Shadow Black, Red Solid and Sterling Silver – which does not come with the VGT Adventure.
With 2-years Free Maintenance and a factory warranty of
3-years or 100,000km
(which ever comes first), Mitsubishi is hoping to shift circa 900 units of the Triton per month. Suffice to say that MMM has had a significant collective interest of over 2,000 bookings for the all-new Triton. The company is represented by over 58 showrooms and 54 service outlets spanning the nation.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure

Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT

Mitsubishi Triton MT 4×4

Mitsubishi Triton Quest 4×2


Facts & Figures: 2022 BMW i4 M50, first electric M car launched in Malaysia – RM431k

BMW’s M division is turning 50 today, and as a celebration, BMW Malaysia has brought out five new M models here in Malaysia, including the
i4 M50
 – the performance sub-brand’s first fully-electric model.
Being fully-electric driven, the BMW i4 M50 stands to benefit from the
government’s EV incentives
, and as such will be priced from
RM430,800
 on the road, without insurance, but inclusive of the sales and service tax as it’s expected to only begin deliveries after the Penjana SST exemptions expire on the 30th of June.
PERFORMANCE
The M50 is the new top-dog in the fully-electric
 BMW i4
‘s variant line-up, powered by an all-wheel drive electric powertrain thanks to the addition of a new front motor.
Powertrain: Twin BMW M eDrive motors, all-wheel drive
Front motor output: 190 kW (258 hp), 430 Nm
Rear motor output: 230 kW (313 hp), 365 Nm
Total system output: 400 kW (544 hp), 795 Nm
0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds (in Sport Boost mode)
Top speed: 225 km/h
Battery size: 83.9 kWh (80.7 kWh nett), lithium-ion
Driving range: 510 km, WLTP
The BMW i4 M50 comes with an 11 kW AC charger on-board, which translates to a charging time of eight hours of 15 minutes. DC charging is also supported at up to 200 kW, which tops up the battery from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes.
EXTERIOR
Unlike the “traditional”
M4
, the BMW i4 M50 here comes in the form of a Gran Coupe. It does, however, get a range of M Sport trims on the outside to give the i4 a little more aggression. These include:
Gloss black kidney grille surround with grey pinstriping
M grille badge (replacing the i logo)
M Aerodynamics package
Grey rear diffuser highlights
Black rear diffuser inserts
Boot lid spoiler
BMW M wing mirrors
BMW M 50 Years emblems
Exterior colour choices: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, M Portimao Blue, Sanremo Green
INTERIOR
Matching the exterior sportiness are the M-specific interior trims and equipment, including:
Carbon fibre trim inserts
M Sport seats
M Sport steering wheel
M tricolour seat belts
Alloy pedals
M anthracite headliner
M-specific BMW IconicSounds Electric
Other standard interior equipment include the BMW Curved Display panel with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment display, both running the iDrive 8 operating system, Sensatec faux leather dashboard upholstery, and an electrical glass roof.
SAFETY
The BMW i4 M50 in Malaysia will come as standard with the marque’s Driving Assistant Professional Package, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, lane centring assist, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Also standard is the 360-degree surround view monitor, Parking Assistant Plus, as well as Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for pedestrians.
PRICING
The BMW i4 M50 is now available for pre-booking here in Malaysia via the
BMW Shop Online
 platform (linked
here
) at a fee of RM5,000. Normally retailing for
RM446,800
, the i4 M50 will also be offered via BMW Group Malaysia’s Straight Line Financing plan, with monthly payments starting from RM4,928 (seven-year tenure, 80% loan).
Included in the price is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, as well as an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
GALLERY


Hyundai says this is the “cockpit of the future”, err…

Hyundai Motors has
just unveiled its latest design study for their future virtual cockpit
technology and the Korean carmaker claims it’s the most intuitive and comfortable
prototype they’ve made.
The instrument cluster
display adopts a multi-layer display (MLB) technology which consists of two displays
stacked onto each other to allow visual 3D effects with depth of field. This effect
helps to convey information to the driver with less distraction and is more comfortable
to the human eye.
The odd-looking steering
wheel houses touch sensitive displays with haptic feedback to access menu
shortcuts. Depending on the driving situation or the driver’s individual needs,
the layout and display can be changed indefinitely. This offer driver’s maximum
freedom to tailor the layout to their preferences.
This next-generation cockpit was installed on a
Hyundai i30
 to demonstrate that the latest technologies are not limited to high-end models but also achievable for a broad customer base. Although, we believe Hyundai can work on the presentation a bit better…


A quick look into Ford’s Child Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

The Blue Oval Company has been rather busy lately, not with new vehicles or cars but rather they’ve been devoting their time, energy and resources in the bid of raising the public’s awareness on the subject of road safety and the host of new safety technology that’s available in Ford models.
Over the course of last weekend, Ford has been working tirelessly on its
 “Future of Safety with Ford”
 tour that took place at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where audiences experienced a
40-minute session
 that touched on various issues that blight drivers and passengers the same.
Ford demonstrated some of their new tech such as
 Adaptive Cruise Control
and
 Collision Warning
 system which allow drivers to set the
 radar-based sensor
 (good up to
 180 meters
) and can adjust the speed of the car to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
The tour included a demo of the
 Third Age Suit
 which was designed by Ford so that younger engineers and designers wearing the suit can
replicate
the limited movement of the
elderly
 and visually impaired, just to name a few. There’s even a
Pregnancy Suit
 that replicates the motions and movements of
expecting mothers
. It’s research such as this that allows engineers to build
safer cars
.
An interesting feature in Ford cars is the
 SYNC 2
 voice command system that allows the driver to turn up the A/C, for example by simply hitting a button and saying
 “Max AC”
 or make a hands free call by saying
 “Call Matthew Hernandez”
.
Now what if you’ve a young driver in the family, and you want to ensure that they drive safe and responsibly ? Fret not for Ford has introduced the
MyKey,
 which allows owners to limit top speed, stereo volume and restricts the
deactivation
 of the
traction control
 system,
BLIS
 and
stability control
.
Ford Asia Pacific’s Director of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Pete Hardigan said “Ford leads the way in the development of smart technologies and future transportation systems. We continue to go further to develop innovative safety and driver assistance technologies, while making them attainable and affordable for customers. In the coming years, we may see more services based on two-way V2V communication systems, allowing cars to communicate with each other about driving and traffic conditions, even when they are out of sight. In the longer term, we hope to see widespread use of V2I systems, allowing cars to talk to infrastructure and traffic management systems. The result could be safer roads, improved mobility, reduced emissions and fuel consumption.”


2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan unveiled, specially for the China market

The all-new BMW 1-Series Sedan, developed together with its Chinese partner BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, is most likely going to be the company’s most important model in the world’s most populated country.
First things first. The
1-Series Sedan
 pays a small tribute to the E30 3-Series of old. It’s built based on the UKL platform and is front wheel driven, just like all MINI cars and some of the compact selections from BMW. However, the wheelbase is extended to
2,670mm
 for better passenger comfort.
The 1-Series Sedan of course bears all trademark BMW design accents, from the kidney grille to the Hofmeister Kink. Depending on the variant of choice, the car can be fitted with keyless entry with push-start button, panoramic roof, electric parking brakes, full-coloured heads up display and BMW iDrive system.
Three variants have been named in the debuting lineup –
118i, 120i Luxury
 and
125i Sport
. As with the
F30 3-Series,
 the base 118i gets a
1.5-litre three cylinder turbocharged
 engine that generates
136 hp
 and
 220 Nm
 of torque. The other pair gets powered by the familiar
2.0-litre turbocharged
 mill; the 120i gets
192 hp
 while the 125i receives the hotter
231 hp
 tune. All engines are paired to a ZF
eight-speed automatic
 transmission.

The BMW 1-Series Sedan will hit showroom floors across China in 2017, and it’s likely to remain that way for an indefinite period of time. In Malaysia, the 1-Series can only be had in
hatchback
 form, and costs from RM174k. The
2-Series
 on the other hand, carries a sticker price of RM260k. Looks like the
Mercedes-Benz CLA
 and
Audi A3
 won’t have a direct competitor from the Bavarian giant after all.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e plug-in hybrid pricing confirmed for Malaysia – RM699k

Following the official launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in December last year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now officially confirmed the pricing information for the
 sole S 580 e PHEV variant
 here on our shores.
The luxury limousine will be locally-assembled here in the Pekan assembly plant, and priced at
RM 698,744
 (on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the 100% SST exemption until the 30th of June 2022), making it approximately roughly RM50,000 dearer than the
outgoing model
.

As a recap, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is currently only offered here in Malaysia as the standard wheelbase version (W223), and in the sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant. Underneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired to a electric motor for a total system output of
510 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of
5.2 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
. On pure electric mode, the all-new S 580 e can travel for 100 km without a single drop of fuel, at speeds of up to 140 km/h.
Launched globally in 2020, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been completely redesigned both inside and out. On the exterior, the all-new S-Class borrows many of its styling elements from its other Mercedes-Benz stable mates for a more unified look across the entire family. For example, the horizontal-oriented taillights look similar in style to that of the CLS,
launched back in 2017
.
On the inside, meanwhile, the all-new S-Class will be leading the charge for Mercedes-Benz’s latest interior styling philosophy, including the new portrait-oriented centre display that has now also made its way onto the all-new C-Class – which is also scheduled to be launched here in Malaysia very soon.
In terms of standard features, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e PHEV in Malaysia comes equipped with Digital Lights headlights, 19-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels, Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with automatic stereographic 3D effect, electrically-adjustable rear seats with heating and cooling, calf massage functions, and the MBUX rear-seats entertainment system.
As for safety, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e in Malaysia comes with the Driving Assistance advanced driver assist suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and Parktronic active parking assist. It’s also the first car in the world to include forward-facing airbags for rear passengers.
For the full list of the S 580 e’s facts and figures, click here.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e PHEV in Malaysia is backed by a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the PHEV battery pack gets a separate six-year/100,000 km warranty.
GALLERY


This million Ringgit Mercedes-AMG E63S comes with 4.0L V8 & Drift Mode!

In conjunction with Mercedes-AMG 50 years anniversary and the last Formula One race in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has introduced the most potent E-Class to date, the
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+
. The latest addition to the MBM Dream Car Collection will also be available in an exclusive Edition 1 variant for early adopters.
Priced at RM998,888, the E 63 S sedan is some RM344k more expensive than the
recently introduced E 43 sedan
. Is it worth another E200? Lets find out.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+
Engine
3982 cc; twin-turbo V8
Transmission
9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch
Max Power
603 hp @ 5,750 – 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
850 Nm @ 2,500 – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
3.4 seconds; 250 km/h (AMG Driver Package: 300 km/h)
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM998,888
Although the E 63 S comes with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, Mercedes-AMG has cheekily give the super saloon a
Drift Mode
, where the car momentarily becomes a pure rear-wheel drive vehicle. To activate Drift Mode, drivers need to put the car in Race mode, fully deactivate ESP and have the transmission in Manual mode.Unlike the E 43 which gets an AMG-tuned mass-produced block, the E 63 S gets a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that packs
603 hp
 and
850 Nm
 of torque, that is
200 Nm
 more than the
AMG GT S
! Century sprint is quicker than the AMG GT S too at
3.4 seconds
, thanks to the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. On full whack, the E 63 S sedan will register a limited top speed of
250 km/h
 which can be stretched to
300 km/h
 if you have the
AMG Driver Package
 installed.
The E 63 S also features
AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system
 that deactivates cylinders two, three, five and eight under light engine load when Comfort mode is selected. All eight cylinders will fire up instantaneously the moment the engine spins above 3,250 rpm.

Activating
RACESTART
 is now a simpler affair – drivers only need to have the Dynamic Select in Sport, Sport Plus or Race, depress the brake pedal with their left foot and simultaneously fully depress the accelerator pedal with their right foot and the launch sequence will commence. Depending on road surface conditions, drivers can also decrease or increase the engine speed of the RACESTART through the pedal shifters.
Visually, the E 63 S gets a much more aggressive but functional styling. The front bumper louvres help direct air across the
extended wheel arches
 (+27 mm) while directing more air into the intake. The extended wheel arches are complemented with 20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloys wrapped in 265/35 (front) and 295/30 (rear) profile tyres. Other striking visual elements include “V8 BITURBO 4MATIC+ lettering, rear diffuser and gloss black exhaust tips.

The sporty theme continues to the cabin design, standard items include Sport Seats (upgradable to AMG Performance seats), Alcantara AMG multifunctional steering wheel, AMG instrument cluster, IWC analogue clock and RACETIMER that records onboard lap times. Customers can also select a range of customisation options through AMG Performance Studio.
For even more exclusivity, the
Edition 1 package
 adds a Designo Night Black Mango paintjob, dynamic stripes on side panels, matt black 20-inch AMG forged wheels and night package. Other items thrown in the mix are AMG Performance Seats, AMG Performance Sports Steering Wheel, Yellow contrast stitching, carbon fibre trims and “Edition 1” lettering around the cabin.
IMAGE GALLERY


Find out what makes the new Mustang, the fastest ever out of Ford’s stable!

Following our previous article on the upcoming
 2018 Ford Mustang
, we’d like to add on that Ford has claimed that it would be the fastest yet with its new optional “Drag Strip” mode capable of a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in under four seconds.
The new Mustang’s blinding performance will be also be owed to its new 10-speed transmission and the sure-to-be enticing “Drag Strip” mode. As the most extreme of five driver-selectable modes, its been redesign to provide maximum acceleration and optimising straight-line performance; very American indeed.
“Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time,” said Mustang’s Chief Designer, Carl Widmann. “In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.”
The “Drag Strip” mode is primarily controlled by the Mustang’s new 10-speed transmission, built with wide-ratio span and optimised gear spacing. It will help deliver higher average power for acceleration, resulting in improved responsiveness and relentless acceleration.
The 10-speed gearbox, yes, it’s still ten and your glasses aren’t foggy, features Ford-patented power-flow and Ford-patented direct-acting hydraulic controls. It’s designed for optimised progression of the gear ratios and efficiency, resulting in more accurate, quicker up and down shift capabilities which is certain to eliminate the lost time and torque usually associated with automatic shifting.
The new Mustang is sure to annihilate all previous stigmas of American muscle cars as it features real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms. All this brain power to go with the brawn ensures the right gear is engaged at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capability, reducing shift times and low-speed tip-in response (a nerdier way of say initial throttle response). The transmission is also uniquely tuned for each of its four other driving modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Snow/Wet.
Those opting for the Performance Pack, will receive custome-designed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres for optimum traction.
“Gearing matters, and in Drag Strip mode, this car launches better than ever off the line,” said Widmann, and we couldn’t agree more.
IMAGE GALLERY


Pahang, Perak and other states reopen today – Phase Two of NRP

Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang will be among the first states in Malaysia to transition into Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) starting from today.
In a joint press conference on Saturday, the National Security Council together with the Ministry of Finance, announced the five states are allowed to progress into the next NRP phase once they have met their respective threshold indications such as
10% of the population being vaccinated
 and a low number of daily cases per 100,000 population.
“We should reward those who can meet the thresholds and continue to motivate other states to achieve the targets set for their respective states,” said YB Senator Tengku Zafrul, who is also the NRP Coordinating Minister.
Last week, the National Security Council has added more economic sectors that will be allowed to operate, such as automotive, furniture, iron and steel and cement manufacturing sectors.
“Car wash centres, computer and telecommunications, electrical appliances retailers and stationery will also be in the positive list,” YB Datuk Ismail said, but hair salons were only allowed to offer basic haircuts. These sectors can operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The green light to restart the automotive sector in Pahang will also
greatly benefit vehicle assembly plants
 in the state, where Mercedes-Benz Malaysia,
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia
,
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia
 and
Isuzu Malaysia
 have plants in Pekan.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has plans to introduce a range of new CKD models this year including
a compact SUV.
 The plant also
exports the current-generation W205
 C-Class to the Philippines.
Take a look at this exclusive tour of how Mercedes-Benz Malaysia assembles its cars!
The ministry also elaborated on the opening of morning and farmers market, where operation hours are only limited between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. with only six main items be on sale- vegetables, fruits, groceries, processed chicken, meat and seafood.
‘Pasar malam’ or night market, weekend markets and “tamu” will remain closed.
Social activities are still strictly disallowed during Phase Two, with interstate and inter-district travel remain off-limits except for students facing examinations and teachers.


Win a Samsung Note 5 and RM10,000 of free fuel when you pump RM40 at Caltex!

Caltex is ending the year with a bang by rewarding their customers with the opportunity to win over RM150,000 of cash prizes on top of RM90,000 worth of free fuel! Better yet, nine lucky customers will walk away with a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 5.
The ‘Big Fuel Giveaway’ campaign kicked off on 1 December 2015 and will span a period of over three months before
ending on 29 February 2016
. Each month, 46 selected customers will be rewarded with the aforementioned prizes. Below is the breakdown:
Three Grand Prize winners will be given RM10,000 worth of free fuel each
Three winners will win the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (only for Caltex Journey and BCard customers)
10 winners will walk away with a cash prize of RM5,000 each
Thirty consolation prize winners will win RM300 worth of StarCash cards
Participation is easy. Simply spend a minimum of RM40 on any fuel (RON95,
RON97
 or diesel) at any Caltex stations nationwide to stand a chance at winning the prizes. Caltex’s Big Fuel Giveaway campaign will see the company giving RM90,000 worth of free fuel, RM150,000 worth of cash prizes, RM27,000 of StarCash cards and nine units of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.
Chevron Malaysia’s Country Chairman, Shahid Ahmed said, “The Caltex Big Fuel Giveaway promotion serves as an opportunity to offer more exciting campaigns to our customers, in addition to rewarding our loyal customers at the same time.” Again, the promotion ends on 29 February 2016, so pump away, folks!


Updated Proton Iriz, Persona, and Saga launched in Brunei

Proton has launched the facelifted
Iriz
,
Persona
, and
Saga
 in Brunei, making it the first export market for the updated Proton models. The updated models will join the
X70
, which was launched in Brunei in July last year.
The launch in Brunei is a stepping stone for the national carmaker as it looks to increase their export volume in 2020. Proton aims to be the
third best-selling brand in the ASEAN region
 by 2027, in addition to their local goal as the best-selling brand.
Proton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong said, “When we updated the Proton Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga last year, we did so while taking in to account the needs of markets outside of Malaysia and today, three of those cars are now available in Brunei.
“It’s a good start to 2020 but as the year progresses, we will be looking to export our cars to more countries,” he added.
Proton is also looking to increase the sales of the X70 in the region. Production of the Malaysian-assembled Proton X70 has begun at the new
RM1.2 million plant extension in Tanjung Malim
 – which will also serve as the right-hand drive hub for Geely’s export plans to the wider ASEAN region.
“Exporting the Proton X70 will be critical for Proton’s future sales growth, especially in neighbouring ASEAN countries. It will spearhead the introduction of the next generation of Proton models currently being jointly developed with Geely and will lay the groundwork for the brand with customers in these markets,” Dr Li added.
In related news, the Proton X70 has been recently crowned Overall Car of the Year at the 2019 Malaysia Cars of the Year awards, as well as the winner for Midsize Crossover & SUVs 5 Seaters.
The Proton Saga, updated in August last year with a new four-speed automatic gearbox and refreshed styling, also claimed the Entry Level Sedan & Hatchback prize. At the same award ceremony, Dr Li Chunrong was awarded the Automotive Man of the Year award, for his contribution to the national brand.


Honda City 1.5 e:HEV RS price released – RM105,950!

At long last, the
Honda City RS’
 price has been revealed on Honda Malaysia’s website, and we sure hope it’s been worth your wait!
This makes the City RS more than RM19k more than the 1.5 V priced at RM86,561. Here’s how the pricing looks like for the entire line-up:
1.5 S
 – RM74,191.27
1.5 E
– RM81,664.82
1.5 V
 – RM86,561.45
The above prices are SST-exempted and will remain so until the
30th of June 2020
.
Powering the City RS is a completely different powertrain from the 1.5 S, E and V variants. The Hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre engine that makes 98 hp and 127 Nm, aided by an electric motor which will primarily drive the car while the engine will be used as a starter/generator. The electric motor makes 109 hp and 253 Nm.
Specific items that make the RS stand out from the rest of the City variants include:
16-inch wheels
rear disc brakes
black front grille
RS front lip
RS rear boot spoiler
black mirror covers
rear diffuser
RS instrument panel
electronic parking brake
The rest of the City variants come with drum brakes at the back and the conventional hand brake lever. The purely petrol-powered City variants come with a 1.5-litre engine making 121 hp and 145 Nm.
The City RS will also come with the Honda Sensing driver assistance system which includes features like:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High-Beam (AHB)

Following the launch of the Honda Connect application, Honda Malaysia also announced that the City RS will be the first Honda model to feature the connected service.
The Honda Connect App essentially allows you to track your vehicle and monitor its parameters, such as fuel level and service intervals. It even comes with an
Automatic Collision Detection System
 which will notify Honda’s 24 hours Roadside Assist centre in the event of a collision of when an airbag is deployed. Emergency services will then be dispatched immediately.
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Video: All-new Honda City hatchback launched in Malaysia, 5 Things

Honda Malaysia
 has just launched the
new Honda City hatchback
 based on the City sedan
launched last year
. Four variants are available – S, E, V and the RS – with prices starting from
RM75,670
 for the base model.
This is followed by the E at
RM83,080
 for the E variant, and
RM87,860
 for the V variant – the highest spec for the petrol engine models. As for the RS, prices will only be announced in early 2022. Each City hatchback comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Here’s our first impression of the City hatchback while testing it at the Sepang Circuit!

There are two powertrains available for the new City hatchback; a 1.5-litre VTEC DOHC petrol engine with 121 hp and 145 Nm for the S, E and V variants while the RS is primarily powered by an electric motor with 109 hp and 253 Nm, while its 1.5-litre engine with 98 hp and 127 Nm serves as a generator.
On the outside, the full range of the City hatchbacks come with LED daytime running lights and taillights, while LED headlamps, fog lights and 16-inch wheels are reserved for the top two variants – the V and RS. The S and E variants are fitted with 15-inch wheels.

Inside, the full range of City hatchback comes with Ultra seats while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available in the top three variants. Items like an electronic parking brake, rear air-con vents, and semi-digital instrument cluster are reserved for the RS.
In terms of upholstery, the S and E variants come with fabric upholstery, leather in the V and Ultra Suede in the RS.
Also exclusive to the RS variant is the full suite of Honda SENSING features. They include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation.
For a more detailed coverage of the new City hatchback, click
here
!


The Arkana coupe-SUV is Renault’s first “purpose-built” hybrid car

You may remember the
Renault Arkana
that was shown-off at the Moscow motor show back in 2018. No? Well, we don’t blame you, so here’s a quick refresher: it’s a coupe-styled C-segment SUV, built on a heavily-modified B0 platform from the
first-gen Captur
, and is on sale in Russia and a few other Asian countries.
Got it? Great. Three years since the model’s show car was first unveiled, Renault has now launched the Arkana in Europe, but with a key difference – it’s built on the newer Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B compact car platform (found on the
all-new Clio
 and
 Captur
).
The platform change also means a update in powertrain choices, and as a part of its marketing strategy, Renault is now calling it their “first purpose-built hybrid car”.
We’re not quite sure what that means, since it’s also available with other powertrains in other regions, but European customers can choose between two electrified powertrains: a 145 hp 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid E-Tech, or a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine with a 12V mild-hybrid technology and 140 hp.
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is targetting to unveil 12 new EV models by next year! Read more about it here.
The former is equipped with a special “dog clutch” automatic transmission to seamlessly switch between petrol and electric power, and does 0-100 km/h in
10.8 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
173 km/h
. As for the latter, it’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission, which translates to a century sprint time of
9.8 seconds
, and a top speed of
205 km/h
.
Looks wise, the European-spec Renault Arkana is pretty much unchanged from the global models, with standard features including fully-LED headlights with the iconic C-shaped daytime-running lights, as well as the LED tail lights with a full-width light bar across the tail gate.
The European do get a new range-topping R.S. Line variant, however, with a deeper Formula 1-inspired front splitter, a variant-specific honeycomb grille, gun metal skid plates and accents throughout the exterior, as well as a larger set of 18-inch wheels, finished with a red stripe on one of its spokes.
Take a look at the original Renault Arkana show car and see if you can pick out the (mild) differences!
Moving inside, the R.S. Line treatment extends to the dashboard with a carbon fibre-like finish, as well as additional red accents along the dashboard and door lining, plus red stitching on the leather steering wheel, seats, and seat belts.
Otherwise, the rest of the interior is pretty akin to
that of the Clio
, and customers will get either a 7.0- or 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display in the centre, along with either a 4.2-, 7.0-, or 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, depending on variant.
As standard, the Renault Arkana in Europe is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring system as standard. Adaptive cruise control is available on the two higher-end variants, along with automatic headlights.
The updated Renault Megane R.S. 300 is now available in Malaysia! Check it out here.
The Renault Arkana will start at GBP25,300 (~RM149k) in the UK, with first deliveries starting sometime in September. Would you like to see the Arkana being introduced here in Malaysia to rival the likes of the
BMW X4
 and
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
? Let us know in the comments below!
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Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie body & paint centre upgraded to Centre of Competence

Cycle & Carriage
 Glenmarie body & paint centre has been upgraded to the highest
Mercedes-Benz
 accreditation status, Centre of Competence. This makes it one of only two such accredited body & paint centres in Malaysia, the other one being Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves.
The facility has a total built-up area of 86,600 sq. ft containing a workshop, a body & paint centre, a tyre & rim boutique, as well as an office area. The showroom is able to display 10 units at a time.
Launched in September 2013, Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie is currently the latest autohaus to obtain the Mercedes-Benz highest accredited Centre of Competence status, meeting the highest standards of car restoration services. Precisely, the facility is located at Lot 17, Level 1, Persiaran Kerjaya, Seksyen U1, Glenmarie, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
The Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie Authorized Service Centre is currently equipped to handle 21 units of vehicles in its work bay and 15 units of vehicles for body and paint at any one time. To achieve the Centre of Competence accreditation, the centre has to meet certain requirements. This includes having the required equipment and technical know-how to perform complex restoration works including chassis realignment and aluminium structural welding, ensuring original parts are used, and work is done by qualified technicians.
RELATED:
Cycle & Carriage Johor Bahru named Dealer of the Year 2021 by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Cycle & Carriage Malaysia CEO, Mr Thomas Tok said, “At Cycle & Carriage, we put our customer’s safety at the heart of everything we do, including repair and services, and we are proud to say that Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie has achieved the highest Mercedes-Benz accredited status to be able to provide you with the care and service you need from a premium luxury brand.”
In order to achieve the accreditation status, strict guidelines from Mercedes-Benz Group AG need to be adhered to with a series of evaluations on the Body & Paint Centre. This accreditation status is carried out jointly by a Technical Specialist from Mercedes-Benz Global Service & Parts and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Customer Services Team. This includes the on-site technical training to ensure its personnel are well trained and meet the Mercedes-Benz standards in restoring a vehicle to its original specifications, from minor dents to severely damaged vehicles.
“Cycle & Carriage remains committed to excellence when it comes to offering luxury car services. We anticipate more Mercedes-Benz owners to benefit from the world-class repair services we are offering and will continue to upgrade more after-sales facilities to better serve our customers,” added Mr Thomas Tok.
RELATED:
Video: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, RM430k – 5 Things


Honda Malaysia adds new Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour for the City 1.5L

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has just announced a new colour – Dark Ruby Red Pearl for their
best selling model
, the
Honda City
. Customers choosing this colour will not have to pay additional costs, and this adds to the outgoing palette comprised of Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
Since its introduction last year, more than 55,587 units of the City has found new homes, contributing to a large chunk of Honda’s sales (41 percent to be exact). However, Honda’s market research team showed that many of their customers chose red as their preferred new colour for the City.
Just to recap, the non-national B-Segment leader is powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine making 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque, paired to the Continuously Variable Transmission. Like its mechanics, the amenity and safety kits remain identical as before.
Honda Malaysia aims to shift 300 units of the City in its new Dark Red Ruby Pearl paint monthly. What do you think of the new colour? We for one, are digging it.
IMAGE GALLERY


Sink your teeth into some durians and offers at Volkswagen’s Raya Open House this weekend!

There can only be one thing better than eating durians; eating FREE durians and at Volkswagen’s Raya Open house happening at all dealerships nationwide this Saturday on the 22nd of June from 11am to 5pm, dreams will become a reality.
Obviously, visitors will also be able to scout the line-up of Volkswagen vehicles on display, enjoy test drives and if somehow the durians induced brash decision-making,
those who place a booking on that day
 will receive an additional RM2,000 petrol voucher on top of the ongoing RM1,000 petrol voucher promotion.
Model
Savings from
Low Interest
Monthly loan from
Polo
RM4,000
–
RM741
Vento Comfortline
RM8,000
–
RM800
Vento Highline
RM6,000
–
RM892
Golf R-Line
RM2,000
–
RM1,788
Golf GTI
–
–
RM2,572
Golf R
–
–
RM3,176
Tiguan Highline
RM2,000
1.88%
RM1,598
Passat Comfortline
RM15,000
1.88%
RM1,575
Passat Highline
RM4,000
RM1,865
Beetle Sport
RM5,000
–
RM1,538
The offer is only applicable for bookings made on the 22nd of June and for vehicles registered by 30th June 2019.
On the side note, ongoing after sales promotions also include complimentary air-cond checks, additional 20% off for an air-cond service or filter replacement and 20% off on new batteries.


MyTeksi launches RM4.5 mil fund for their best performing taxi drivers

MyTeksi, the popular taxi-dispatch service provider has just launched a new initiative known as the Elite Drivers Programme. A total of RM4.5 million will be invested into a fund to improve their driver’s welfare and will be ongoing till the end of this year.
The programme will promote and reward the company’s most active drivers, this includes those with the highest adherence to service standards. Qualified drivers will be entitled to receive
up to RM10,000 in benefits
 each month, including insurance coverage, financial incentives, MyTeksi collaterals and more.
During the launch, Myteksi General Manager, Mr Jaygan Fu revealed that
200 Klang-Valley based taxi drivers
 have been identified as the first recipients  of the Elite Drivers Programme. They were selected through months of evaluation and interviews by MyTeksi’s management team.
“The elite drivers are selected based on targets achieved as well as consistently good customer service. The programme has been very well received – based on feedback from the drivers during the selection process,” Fu adds.
MyTeksi will be organising further selection rounds and announcing new waves across the country over the coming months until December, with the next round of selection taking place in July.


Bugatti leaves Volkswagen, forms new company with Rimac

After first
appearing in the news
almost a year ago, the sale of Bugatti from Volkswagen Group has been executed. Sort of. The new joint venture company will see Bugatti pairing with Rimac under a
45-55
 ownership ratio.
However, the Bugatti portion of the joint company will be
held by Porsche
, where the current owner Volkswagen will transfer its shares to. Bugatti Rimac will have its headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia and is scheduled to be established in the fourth quarter of 2021.
A new tail brings the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport to 440 km/h! Check out its aerodynamics here!
Bugatti will remain at its historic headquarters in Molsheim, France, where it was founded in 1909. The new joint company hopes to leverage on both parties expertise, with Bugatti a world-renowned small volume manufacturer of the highest craftsmanship, carbon fibre construction and other lightweight materials as well as unique and experienced worldwide dealership partners.
Watch the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport drag races a fighter jet!
Rimac, based in Croatia, on the other hand, has established itself as an industry pioneer in electric technologies, both as a technology supplier (Tier 1) to Porsche and others automakers, as well as designing and manufacturing their own hypercar called the
Rimac Nevera
.
Porsche first invested in the Croatian technology firm back in 2018 with a 10% minority stake. That increased to 15% a year later and with an investment of
70 million Euro
 (RM345 million) back in March 2021, Porsche holds 24% of the Rimac shares without exercising a controlling influence.
Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Rimac said Bugatti and Rimac are a perfect match for each other with pioneering electric technology and hypercar manufacturing business.
For the short term, both companies will continue to produce their own models- the
Bugatti Chiron
 range and the all-electric Rimac Nevera. Jointly developed Bugatti models are planned for the longer term.
The fully-electric Rimac Nevera (formerly known as
C-Two
) is certainly a match for the Bugatti Chiron, with four motors (each wheel driven by an individual motor) and a 120 kWh battery pack developing
1,914 hp
 and
2,360 Nm
 of torque.
0 to 100 km/h is dispatched in just
1.97 seconds
, the quarter-mile in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of
412 km/h
. Only limited to 150 examples, the Rimac Nevera will cost
USD2.44 million
 (RM10.1 million).
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2021 Rimac Nevera


SpyBuzz: Next-gen Volkswagen Polo is more spacious, more powerful

The current Volkswagen Polo, in its fifth-generation guise, has been around for seven years, and that calls for a dire replacement for Volkswagen’s volume seller. The sixth-generation Polo has quite a few things to live up to, and what we have here is a set of camouflaged photos courtesy of
AutoExpress UK
.
Based on the all-new
MQB AO
 platform (Volkswagen’s smallest platform), the Germans are seeking to ace in interior quality, infotainment and connectivity with the new Polo. This camouflaged mule was snapped in Death Valley, California, and gives us a relatively clear look on the overall shape of the car.
Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK
A source from
AutoExpress
 also revealed that the new Polo will have a wider wheelbase of
2,560mm
, a 90mm increase over its predecessor. This could directly translate to better cabin space (the Japanese is miles ahead on this now) and increased legroom for the rear passengers. Also new to the cabin is a touchscreen head unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In the powertrain department, the entry-level Polo will be powered by a
1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine
. One naturally aspirated and two turbocharged variants of the same engine are in the pipeline, producing 75 hp, 100 hp, and 115 hp respectively. The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel are will also be offered, meaning the outgoing 1.2-litre TSI unit powering the
Vento
 could be discontinued. Transmission options will include a standard six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch DSG.
The new Polo should go on sale by mid-2017. Back at home, the locally assembled
Polo
 with a 1.6-litre MPI engine and six-speed automatic can be had from
RM76,888.00
.
[Source:
AutoExpress UK
]
IMAGE GALLERY

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK

 Picture Source: Auto Express UK


2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, stretched Tiguan with 7-seat option!

What do you call a Volkswagen Tiguan with more space? No, it’s not the Touareg, but it’s the Tiguan Allspace. Bridging the gap between the Tiguan and the Touareg, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers seating for up to seven persons, an option that’s not even offered in the bigger Touareg.
Debuted earlier this year at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, the Tiguan Allspace recently made its first European appearance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
To get the extra third row seats, Volkswagen has stretched the
Tiguan
 by a total of
215 mm
, of which
109 mm
 goes to the wheelbase. The transformation can be seen from the side, with the noticeably
longer rear doors
 and a kicked-up rear quarter window, but indistinguishable from the back. The front is slightly different though, as they have raised the bonnet by quite a bit for more balanced proportions against the extended length.
Inside, the cabin mirrors the standard Tiguan up until the B-pillar, but the similarities end there. Well, somewhat. This seven seater SUV boasts a loading space of up to
 1,775 litres
 with both rear benches folded down. If all seats are occupied, then the boot space is all but puny at
230 litres
. In standard five-seating configuration, boot volume increases to 700 litres.

Powering the Tiguan Allspace is the same range of
petrol and diesel engines
 offered on the Tiguan, with options to pair the engines with a
DSG gearbox
 and
4Motion all-wheel drive system
. Several trims are available on the Tiguan Allspace: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, although unlike the
normal Tiguan
, the R-Line is not offered on the Allspace.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
recently previewed the Tiguan
 for the Malaysian market, but whether the Tiguan Allspace will be available here remains to be seen.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen and Volvo reported to be leading the way in “electrifying Europe”

In a recent headline by
Reuters
, it was reported that Volkswagen and Volvo, owned by China’s Geely, are doing enough to electrify their line-up in Europe.
Volkswagen launched more variants of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) of their conventional models as well as the introduction of the
ID.3
 EV model. Volvo meanwhile launched the
C40 Recharge EV
 earlier this year joining the 2020 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, but sales of the former will only be reflective from summer 2021.
The report that quotes findings from a study by Transport and Environment (T&E) that BMW, Toyota and Daimler are meanwhile ranked worst as they have low EV sales, no strategy and over-reliance on hybrids.
Upon further analysis of the information available, it seems that Volvo and Volkswagen are working the hardest as they were
one of the higher ’polluters’ in Europe
 and they face a hefty penalty for this.
Source: August 2020- ICCT CO2 Emissions from new passenger cars in Europe
Volkswagen was fined

more than EUR100 million
 (RM490 million) for missing its CO2 target from its 2020 passenger car fleet. Automakers are faced with a
EUR95 (RM470) fine
 for each g/km of excess CO2 they emit multiplied by the number of vehicles registered in that year.
The Volkswagen Group, consisting of five volume-selling brands (Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda) has an estimated market share of 25%, significantly higher than the next carmaker which is PSA (Peugeot, Citroen) at 16%.
As such, the group needed to significantly introduce large quantities of zero-emission vehicles into the market to bring down their average CO2 contribution which is said to be 96 g/km. Approximately
one in three new VW Golfs
 sold in Europe last year was a hybrid!
One of the cheapest EV- the facelifted MINI Electric with 232-km range from RM217,471
Volvo meanwhile was listed as the second-most ‘polluting’ in 2019 but thanks to the introduction of zero-emission models such as
Polestar 2
,
XC40 Pure Electric
 and
adding Ford into its registration pool
, the company, now listed as Geely Group, is seen to be doing well, even ahead of Volkswagen in a CO2-emission analysis by Jato Dynamics.
Volvo, Polestar and Ford now form the Geely Group
As for the poor remark on Toyota, the company only has a regional market share of 7% and a high percentage of their sales consist of
hybrid models
. Pooling together with Mazda, their average CO2 contribution has traditionally been the lowest, and as such, does not seem to appear to be ‘working hard to electrify Europe’ in the eyes of T&E.
Nonetheless, the automotive giant has begun to introduce higher electrification into its fleet, such as the
302 hp/1-liter per 100 km Toyota RAV4 PHEV
 with the upcoming Lexus NX that also uses similar plug-in hybrid technology as well as the fully electric Lexus UX 300e.
2017 122 hp hybrid system
2021 302 hp PHEV
While the industry moved to expand EVs, Toyota just kept improving its hybrid

tech
Toyota just last week also
voiced their opinion
 that a product line-up of just electric vehicles is not possible even in 2040, as their brand has a very wide presence across the globe. The company will continue to offer various powertrain solutions that fit the legislations, infrastructure and ultimately, customer demand.

Research suggests that EVs might be cheaper than regular cars by 2027. Find out how here!
In the coming weeks, the EU is expected to announce more ambitious CO2 targets; by 2030, the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles should be 50% below 2021 levels, versus the existing target of 37.5%. By then, Volvo is expected to be a fully-electric brand, while Volkswagen will have more than half its line-up as EVs.
In other separate announcements, Audi plans to be fully-electric by
2033 (except China)
while Honda has placed
2040
 as the target. Regionally, Thailand is setting
2035
 as the year only EVs are sold, Singapore five years later and Indonesia by
2050
. The ultimate goal, globally, is to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.


Drift queen Leona Chin rushes to pregnant woman’s aid

The Subang Jaya lass has given us and the Internet a positive story to share amid this Covid-19 shit storm.
It all started with a Facebook post by
Kuan Chee Heng
, more famously known as “
Uncle Kentang
“, regarding the plight of an Indonesian woman who was at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, desperately needing to deliver her child after her water broke.
She was said to be married to a Malaysian man but at that point couldn’t produce documents such as the “surat nikah”. Given her uncertain residential status, the hospital had apparently requested for a RM2,800 deposit before she could be attended to.
Word was that she was left unattended to and was in pain for more than 12 hours – ironically, being at the one place that could’ve done something about her situation.
Upon reading the Facebook post, Leona who had been assisting Kuan with various charity work over the years, immediately contacted the affected parties including Kuan and rushed to the hospital within minutes of seeing Kuan’s plea to the public for whatever financial aid netizens could offer.
Thankfully, the child was safely delivered and both mother and child were said to be in good health.
In these trying times, especially with the widespread Covid-19 virus, it’s understandable that perhaps hospitals are being overwhelmed but to turn away a desperate couple looking to deliver a newborn regardless of their residential or marital status is just unfathomable. Don’t doctors take vows against such situations?
As one netizen even commented, “xkawin ke x register ke… Bgi la dia brsalin dulu.. Nyawa kut… Hkl xkn pntingkan duit dr nyawa? Mne perikemanusiaan? Ttup ke hkl klu bgi dia bsalin tnpa byrn dlu…
In normal speak, what she meant was, “Regardless of the couple’s situation, couldn’t they have helped her deliver her child safely before all else? As it involves a human life? Is HKL prioritising money over life? Where’s the compassion? Would HKL close down if they helped her deliver before payment?”
As for the question of who Kuan is, a little digging revealed that he’s a retired police officer who has formed a “
Community Policing
” organisation – a modern take on the Rukun Tetangga – to help combat petty crimes in neighbourhoods around Malaysia.
Aside from ensuring the peace of Malaysian folks, the organisation also tries to understand why these crimes were committed as some do so purely out of financial desperation. He even goes to the extent of finding jobs for the needy.
Kuan has also managed to
procure an ambulance
, partly sponsored by Petron, for those with financial difficulties. It’s said that he even opens his house up for the public to drop off donations and also for the needy to sort help.


The making of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron

The Bugatti Chiron is the second model from LEGO Technic’s Ultimate sub-theme, following the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in 2016. Like the 911, the Chiron is 1:8 in scale, measuring 56cm in length, 25cm wide and 14cm tall. It comprises 3,599 pieces (the Porsche had 2,704) and combines elements from both LEGO Technic and LEGO System. The LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron has five pieces that are unique to it – the wheel, disc brake and three elements within the intricate 8-speed gearbox (the real Chiron has a 7-speed DCT, by the way).
True to the LEGO Technic line which is grounded on complex technicalities, the Chiron features a rear wing that can be deployed by a ‘speed key’ (just like the real thing), all-wheel drive, a functional 8-speed transmission with paddle gearshift, a W16 engine with moving pistons and crankshafts, working suspension and steering system, even an overnight bag. Each Chiron model comes with a unique serial number and is priced at RM1,799, available at all LEGO Certified Stores and LEGOLAND.
AutoBuzz.my recently caught up with Aurelien Rouffiange, the lead designer of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron. Schooled as a product designer, Rouffiange started working for LEGO Technic eight years ago. The first model he created was a Quad Bike back in 2012 and now has over 20 other new models under his belt. Rouffiange describes the Chiron as his best creation so far. We won’t disagree.
When and how did the collaboration with Bugatti come about?

Rouffiange:
 For me, it started two years ago in the summer of 2016. The decision to partner with Bugatti was made before that by my manager, the core team and marketing, they are responsible for exploring new partnerships. Compared to the previous supercar we did (the Porsche GT3 RS), the Chiron brings more coolness, more functionalities, more details and a high level of authenticity. I think these are the reasons why we decided to work with Bugatti.
My first sketch model didn’t look like the car we have today. It was a lot bigger and very different. When I presented it to the Bugatti design team, they liked it, but they gave us a lot of feedback which was great because it made us push the limits and step out of our comfort zone.
Replicating the curves of the Chiron’s rear quarters was the most challenging, according to Rouffiange.
Which was the most difficult part on the actual car to replicate?

Rouffiange:
I think everything was quite complex, from the outside to the inside, and also the functionalities, it was very challenging. When you look at the actual Chiron from the outside, everything is organic in shape, but to translate that using square bricks, that was a big challenge. It’s the reason why the development process took a long time, I think the shaping of the rear of the car… that was the section that was most challenging. I was never really satisfied until the final version you see today.
The rest of the car was also challenging; we had to pack so many functionalities into a small space. You can see the car is very condensed and there isn’t much room left for anything else. But if I had to pick one thing, the biggest challenge was the exterior, especially the rear of the car.
The build process of the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron mimics the real thing; Rouffiange is seen here ‘marrying’ the front and rear sections.
What do you want someone to experience when building the Bugatti Chiron?

Rouffiange:
The concept of having a supercar is to deliver the best experience, from the moment when you have the packaging in your hands, it has to be different and unique. In the Chiron, you have a nice flow of building and a high level of functionality. We try to make it as close as it can be to the real thing, we even created the marriage process during the build which is very unique. It was very critical for us to have as many details and to mimic the process of how Bugatti builds the real car in Molsheim, France. We wanted our customers to feel the same process when building the model.
How long should someone take to build the Chiron?

Rouffiange:
It depends if you’re a LEGO Technic expert or if you are new to LEGO. I would say between 15 to 20 hours, if you’re very new to LEGO. I timed myself and my best was six hours, with a break in between when I stopped the timer. But this is after a year and a half of working on 50 to 70 test models. For the final model, I had to build it like 15 times to make sure everything is in the correct order. Now, I don’t want to build it anymore! (laughs)
There was also a LEGO Technic fan who completed it in seven hours on the first try, and then once again in six hours and 30 minutes. Some people like to build it fast, some like to take their time and enjoy every moment building it. Some people do it in two months, some do it in a day, so it all depends.


Facts & Figures: All-new Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia – RM207K

Alongside the launch of the Kona compact SUV, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) today also officially unveiled the Sonata here in Malaysia. Hyundai’s latest D-segment offering will be available in only one variant, fully-imported from South Korea, priced at
RM206,888
.
HSDM is also offering a special introductory price of
RM189,888 for the first 50 units
 of the Hyundai Sonata sold in Malaysia, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions until the end of the year.
EXTERIOR
Based on Hyundai’s latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the Sonata features a striking exterior that is quite a stark departure from its predecessor, and almost every other Hyundai model for that matter. The four-door-coupe look is inspired by the
Le Fil Rouge Concept
, shown off at the 2018 Geneva motor show.
Main highlights of the exterior styling include the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, intersected by a chrome trim that connects the two side air intakes, as well as the LED combination headlamps with a unique daytime-running lights that are integrated right into the chrome trim, extending across the entire length of the bonnet onto the window surrounds at the side.
Using an array of laser-cut micro perforations, the daytime-running lights become virtually invisible when switched off – Hyundai calls this the Hidden Lighting Lamps. At the back, the Hyundai Sonata features C-shaped LED taillights – seemingly inspired by the Honda Civic – connected by a light bar that spans the entire width of the tailgate.
Attention to detail is the name of the game here on the all-new Hyundai Sonata; Hyundai put significant effort into the intricate details of the exterior styling, such as the character lines on the side, small aerodynamic fins on the taillights, and even a knurling effect on the hub cap of the 18-inch alloy wheels that resembles that of the knobs on the interior!
Overall height of the Hyundai Sonata has also been lowered for a sportier stance, while at the same time improving the centre of gravity for an enhanced handling performance. The all-new Hyundai Sonata is available in six exterior colours – White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Grey, Oxford Blue, Midnight Black and Flame Red – all with their corresponding interior colour schemes.
INTERIOR
The extravagant design language is continued inside, modelled after the “Beautifully Smart” motif, with a significant focus on technology. Key highlights on the interior include:
Highly-customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, split-screen view function
Panoramic sunroof
Qi wireless mobile charging pad with cooling fan
Electric parking brake
Head-up display
Power-adjustable driver seat with memory function
Instead of a regular gear lever, Hyundai designers have also thrown out the rule book and replaced it with individual P,R,N, and D buttons, which significantly decluttered the centre console. The designers also emphasised on the the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin by minimising the height of the dashboard and air con vents, while the luscious leather-topped dashboard elevates the sense of luxury.
As for colour pairings, the Oxford Blue and Flame Red exterior colours are matched with the black leather interior; Shimmering Silver
exterior colour with the Greige two-tone leather interior; while the White Cream, Nocturne Grey and Midnight Black exterior colours are matched with the Camel two-tone leather interior.
PERFORMANCE
The Hyundai Sonata is available in Malaysia only in one single variant, featuring a 2.5-litre SmartStream G2.5 powerplant underneath the hood.
Engine: 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front engine, front wheel driven
Max horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 232 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
The Hyundai Sonata is also the first model to utilise the brand’s third-generation modular vehicle platform. Significant emphasis was placed in the safety and driving performance of the vehicle, thanks to the platform’s multiload path structure which increases the energy absorbs during collisions, hot stamping, as well as super-high-tensile steel plate.
SAFETY
Unlike the Kona, the Hyundai Sonata is not specified with the SmartSense advanced safety features for the Malaysia model. Standard safety features include:
Six airbags
360-degree around view monitor
Blind-Spot View Monitor which displays the side views on the digital instrument cluster when turn indicators are activated
Blind-spot collision warning
Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist System
Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management
Hill-start Assist Control
PRICING
As mentioned above, the all-new Hyundai Sonata is priced at
RM206,888
 in Malaysia, on the road, without insurance. Pricing includes a five-year/300,000km warranty as standard.
The first 50 units of the Hyundai Sonata is also eligible for a special introductory price of
RM189,888
, inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that are in effect until the end of December 2020. The Hyundai Sonata is now available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
GALLERY


BMW M Experience: Rediscovering the most powerful letter in the world

If there’s anything I learned from my recent trip to South Korea is to never assume. I assumed my trip would involve driving a soon-to-be-launched model from a Korean car maker, but
GC Mah
 told me it was actually for BMW. Fine, so I thought I was going to drive a Bimmer on Korean roads and again I was proved wrong. It’s not just another BMW media drive; it’s the BMW M Experience 2017. Joy of joys!
It has been two years since the last
BMW M Experience
 event was held in Sepang, and this year BMW Malaysia was very kind to remind us what the most powerful letter in the world truly means (that’s M, by the way) by flying a group of us to Incheon, South Korea, where the
BMW Driving Centre
 is located.
BIMMER FANATICS’ DREAM PLAYGROUND
Opened in 2014, the BMW Driving Centre is just a stone’s throw away from Incheon International Airport. To the uninitiated, it may look like a huge showroom and a service centre, but it’s actually a Bimmer fanatic’s dream playground. It’s no Nürburgring but there’s plenty to do here – there’s a
2.6 km racing track
, a multiple course, a dynamic course, a circular course, and an off-road course too.
Unfortunately we only have a few hours to experience M before we needed to catch our return flight, so without delay we were escorted to a row of
M3s and M4s
. Too stunned to make a quick decision between an Austin Yellow M3 or a Silverstone M4, I was left with a Black Sapphire M4 marked with number “13”. Not sure why no one picked the car in the first place… Anyhow, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six putting out
431 hp
 and
550 Nm
 under its bonnet, who’s complaining?
LAPPING IT UP
The track may be half the size of Sepang, but it’s not half the fun. While it’s mostly flat with a slight elevation, the combination of sweeping and tight corners should keep regular track-goers entertained lap after lap after lap, or at least until the rubbers wear off.
Although there were plans to extend the main straight, we did see 190 km/h come up on the HUD before we had to brake hard into a tight, sweeping right kink. To be honest, that caught me off guard once when I was trying to close the gap with the pace car ahead, but the M4’s razor sharp steering and impeccable balance conveniently pointed the nose back into line with confidence.
You could individually configure the steering, throttle, dampers, transmission, DSC, and even the HUD to your heart’s content and save two of your favourite modes into the customisable M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel for quick access, but our cars were already configured to demonstrate how wieldy or deranged an M4 could be. Either way, with the direct steering and the Active M differential, the M4 handled the bends like a veteran pole dancer. That probably explains why I’m so damn enchanted with the car already, but at this point I’m really getting ahead of myself, because there are more M cars to drive!
GOING TO THE GYM
Meeting the
M2
 is like meeting that really cute chick you’ve been stalking (don’t judge me, I mean I’m sure you do this too… right?) for some time but never had the chance to speak with in person. And once you do meet her, you try so hard to play it cool, but the brain somehow forces you into a spastic giggle. The M2 is close to being four years old now, but its athletic appeal hasn’t waned one bit.
We took the straight-six coupe onto a purpose-built gymkhana course to sample three drive modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The trio’s preset makes things a whole lot less convoluted than my experience in the M4, but the latter would truly come in handy when you’ve bonded.
In Comfort mode the M2 is a very lively little tyke and a polite one at the same time, slithering its way through the entire gymkhana course in a clean and controlled manner. Want more attitude? Sport mode unleashes more fun and makes slalom more interesting, while Sport+ allows for some tail-wagging antics, particularly at the hairpin and the donut part of the course. And like speed dating, you’re promptly taken away to meet another candidate, just when you’re about to get to know the M2. Oh well…
Waiting for me in the dynamic course was the M6 GranCoupe, and nothing prepared me for this. With sprinklers constantly wetting the tarmac, there’s no way of keeping the tail in check. We had get past the slalom and hard braking course while turning, and the 560 hp and 680 Nm from the twin-turbo V8 proved to be quite a handful on slippery surfaces. But the message was clear: electronic aids may be able to assist you in hairy situations, but ultimately you shouldn’t rush when the roads are wet.
LUNCH, ANYONE?
Before lunch, we were offered another go in the M2 for a few more laps around the track. Who in their right mind can say no to that? I knew I would love the M2 after sampling the
F22 220i
 back in 2014, but I didn’t expect to be so bowled over this cheeky little monster merely after a few rounds in the gymkhana section. The M4 might be able to lap the track quicker, but the M2’s petite physique makes it much more manageable and less intimidating at the edge. If you can afford it, by all means go get it before it’s too late. Seriously. I mean it.
The drive was so immersive to the point where I completely forgot that I was actually having lunch. But BMW wasn’t done. They had dessert on standby, and off we went to a hall to the preview of the
M4 CS
 – a more focused version of the already brutal M4. Unveiling the car was Mr Peter Quintus himself, Sales & Marketing VP of BMW M. You could sense his passion about the M brand, proudly elaborating on how far the brand has grown and expanded to include M Performance models such as the ballistic
M550d xDrive
 to cater to those “less extreme” clientele.
SAY WHAT NOW?
If you didn’t notice, among the three M cars I drove at the BMW Driving Centre, the M2 left the fondest impression despite being the smallest and least powerful M car of the lot. While the brand continues to push the for advancements in power and efficiency, we can safely assume that the future is looking bright for M-thusiasts. But not entirely.
Unfortunately, compromises will have to be made. We were told that the future is bleak for the manual transmission because it can only handle so much torque. The cost of developing a brand new transmission is unjustifiable due to the low take-up rate. On the bright side, the M DCT gearbox responds much quicker than the manual, and it’s much less of a hassle if you’re stuck in traffic. If you ask me, I’m not so much bothered by it because all I can think of right now is, how do I get half a million Ringgit to buy this German M-asterpiece?
IMAGE GALLERY


2016 Volvo V90 revealed ahead of February 18 launch

Just one week before the official unveiling of the Volvo V90, Volvo has generously published the first few official images of its latest wagon (
previously leaked
), one that will sit next to the new
S90
.
Judging from the pictures, the V90 looks like a lower and wider version of the
XC90
 SUV, while remains distinctively different than the SUV. The V90 also receives a different set of rear lights, which looks more conservative compared to the controversial S90. The front end meanwhile, is an exact copy of the S90, which is good. The inside remains status quo with the S90 as well.

Sharing the similar
SPA platform
 just like the XC90 and S90, it’s clear as day that the V90 will be using the same powertrains as its crossover and sedan siblings. Hence, expect the range-topping
407 hp T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid
 to be offered. A hotter treatment from Polestar is also in the works as well, bringing memories of the flying Volvo 850 wagon back to our minds.
No official release date has been revealed, but by the looks of it, the V90 will most likely grace our roads sometime in 2017, right after the S90’s Malaysia arrival.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Things You Need To Know

At the end of the shoot my videographer actually asked if I was on drugs and if he could have some. That was because I’ve never appeared this giddy on video before – much lesser over a car.
But that’s the effect the
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
 had on me. There is not an angle or section of the Super GT (as Aston Martin calls it) that isn’t dramatically eye-catching.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is powered by a 5.2-litre quad cam 48-valve twin-turbo V12, making
725 hp
 and
900 Nm
 to solely drive the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a carbon fibre propeller shaft.
The asking price for the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera starts from RM1.2 million and that’s before you start ticking the boxes on the option sheet.
IMAGE GALLERY


These are the dangers of driving with under-inflated tyres

We all know that the tyres on our vehicles need pressurised air to ensure safe and confident operation. But what if the tyres are under-inflated or running really low in pressure?
So, did you spot the difference in the photo above? One tyre is actually 10 PSI (or 70 kPa) lower than the recommended pressure.
Generally, car tyres have an operating tyre pressure of
33 PSI or 230 kPa
. A slight difference is not a big deal, for example, a variation of one to three PSI (or 7- 21 kPa) but lower than 25% of the recommended (or 25 PSI/175 kPa) is unsafe and in fact, will be noticeable at the steering wheel. Here are the reasons why you should not continue driving if your tyres are under-inflated.
The tyre pressure information can usually be found at body section of the driver’s door, next to the seat
1. Under-inflated tyres affect safe handling
This is the first sign of under-inflated tyres. The vehicle will tend to deviate to the side where the tyre with much lower pressure is. Without air pressure holding and supporting the sidewall of the tyre, steering the vehicle becomes incredibly difficult.
The tyre, now being compressed by the weight of the vehicle, struggle to provide sufficient grip for drive, steering and braking. If your steering feels heavier, or more effort is required to rotate it, drive carefully to the nearest petrol station to fill up the tyres if possible, as there is a high chance of an under-inflated tyre or even punctured.

How to change a car tyre – Auto DIY
2. Under-inflated tyres can cause a blowout
As the weight of the vehicle compresses the tyre due to under-inflation, heat builds up at the sidewall. Driving at highway speeds will generate even more heat and this heat leads to tyre failure or blowout.
Example of a tyre blowout. Image:
idrivesafely
A blowout happens without any warning and can cause a loss of control that leads to an unfortunate collision or accident.
3. Under-inflated tyres consume more fuel
More energy is needed to move the tyre in every direction due to a
greater increase in rolling resistance
 as a result of under-inflation. Acceleration will be more sluggish, which in turn will make the car consume more fuel.
The rubber valves do not hold tyre pressure for a long period. In fact, it is said that
air pressure escapes at a rate of 1 PSI / 7 kPa per month
, so always make it a habit to check the tyre pressures every two weeks.
In the comparison photo above, the tyre on
left has lower
pressure by 10 PSI / 70 kPa and this is not visible to our eyes, thus the more reason to have the habit of checking the tyre pressures regularly.
4. Under-inflated tyres wear out a lot faster
Under-inflated tyres also reduce the lifespan of the tyre, as lack of air pressure means the structural shape of the tyre is deformed, leading to a distorted tyre footprint.
Image:
Goodyear Australia
As the tyre’s sidewall and shoulders now support the vehicle to an even bigger scale, the inner and outer edges of the tyre will wear faster. Wearing out (or disappearance) of the “blocky” tread is also an indication that your tyres are under-inflated. Over inflating the tyres are also a bad idea, as the ride will become harsh and again shortened the lifespan of the tyre through an increased wear at the centre.
What about the runflat tyres (RFT), where it will still provide mobility even with a total loss of air pressure? These are designed to be driven even without air pressure but only to the nearest tyre repair workshop. Learn more about RFTs
here
.

Always make it a routine to check the tyre pressures in your car every two weeks, and don’t forget the fifth/spare tyre! Maintaining proper tyre pressure allows your vehicle to deliver the fuel economy, handling and safety it was designed to deliver.


Chase away those Monday Blues with ‘a ride’ in a screaming Lexus LFA V10!

It’s been a while since we
last featured
 anything on the Lexus LFA V10 and since it’s been a slow news day, we went foraging on YouTube for content on the Lexus LFA and couldn’t quite believe what we found.
As the thumbnail image points out, it’s a bonus segment from
a review by ISSMI
and while that may also interest you, we’d suggest jumping straight into the video below!

That’s because it’s 4-minutes of sheer aural pleasure, sung by the sweet naturally-aspirated V10 engine of the Lexus LFA. There’s nothing quite like the LFA and it’s unlikely that there’ll be anything else that sounds like that as well, in the future, in most part due to emission regulations.
We’re not going to dwell on that though; that’s not what this is all about. We’re not here to mope about losing these wonderful melodies from engines that are no longer feasible to manufacture. We’re here to celebrate a car from a different time and a wonderful sound.
The Lexus LFA may have been underappreciated when it was new but more than 10 years on, with resale values soaring beyond the heavens, we’re glad the car got the last laugh.
Enjoy!
Credit:
ISSMI Official


Watch Gran Turismo celebrate 25 years with a nostalgic tribute video

If you’re into cars, there’s a high chance you’ve played or at least heard of the
Gran Turismo
 racing game that is exclusively available on PlayStation only. Possibly the reason most young kids turn into car enthusiasts, the Gran Turismo celebrates its 25th anniversary today, after the first of its series debuted on November 16, 2022.
Created by Kazunori Yamauchi, development started with him, two part-time artists, and three engineers. Several iterations and many years later, the team behind the Gran Turismo franchise, Polyphony Digital, consists of more than 200 people.

The first Gran Turismo game wowed players with its large collection of cars and impressive graphics at its time of release. Nearly all car brands were available in the game and players could purchase a wide variety of performance upgrades (with in-game credits) and add ‘Racing Modification’ livery upgrades to certain cars. The most memorable thing about the Gran Turismo game would be the fact that players would have to first obtain a ‘Racing Drivers License’ before they could even start racing in the ‘Simulation Mode’.
Following the many iterations of the PlayStation console, the Gran Turismo series too has had many iterations with Gran Turismo 7 being the latest installation. In between the 7 ‘main’ installations, there have also been other sub-versions of the game like Gran Turismo Concept, Gran Turismo 4: Prologue, Gran Turismo HD Concept, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, and Gran Turismo Sport.
RELATED:
The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept for GT7 is more important than you think
Porsche Vision Gran Turismo, one of the many ‘Vision’ concepts
Starting out as a mere console game, the Gran Turismo franchise has even managed to get car brands to participate in their Vision concept, where each company makes a concept car that pushes the limits of the physical world. The game has even appeared on the old Top Gear series where Jeremy Clarkson used the game to practice driving a Honda NSX on the Laguna Seca racetrack before doing it in real life.
McLaren Ultimate Vision
Kazunori Yamauchi even made a post on the PlayStation blog to commemorate the game’s 25th anniversary. In his post, he said, “My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them for their support. And above all else, I can’t ever thank enough the GT users and people of the GT community who have played our new titles, which at times could be said to have been very experimental.”
“We are here today because of all the people who supported us. I believe the Gran Turismo series has always pursued “Beauty”. The beauty of the cars, the beauty of the scenery, the beauty of the lighting, the beauty of driving, the beauty of sounds/music and the beauty of the graphics. The ‘pursuit of beauty’ is the motivation for creating Gran Turismo.”
RELATED:
McLaren has built a new car but not for you to drive – not in reality, at least


BMW S 1000 XR & R 1200 RS launched in Malaysia, priced at RM112k & RM101k respectively

Motorrad fans rejoice for the famed Munich automakers has released their latest offering, albeit a couple of wheels short. Yes, BMW are also proud manufacturers of motorbikes as well as cars. Unveiled this morning was the BMW S 1000 XR and the BMW R 1200 RS models by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.
The S 1000 XR
“adventure sport bike”
 represents the fourth member of the four-cylinder high-performance lineup that includes the likes of the
BMW S 1000 RR
 that’s featured in the upcoming
Mission: Impossible
 movie franchise and the legendary
HP4
 superbike.

At the heart of the S 1000 XR is a
DOHC 999cc inline
 engine that chucks out
160 hp
 and provides
112 Nm
 of torque. Consider also that this pocket rocket tips the scale at a mere
228 kg
. Taming all that power is aided by the
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
,
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
 and the
ABS Pro
 programs. Having said that, there are also two different riding modes that can be selected;
Rain and Road
. As a cost option, you may opt for the
Riding Mode Pro
 option.
All that power has to come to a halt eventually. And to help you with that, the S 1000 XR comes kitted with
120/70 ZR17
upfront and
 190/55 ZR17
 tyres at the rears. Holding the sticky rubber in place is a
 10-spoke die-cast aluminium
 wheel that is similar to those found on the RR variant. Braking is a job left to the
320mm twin disc brakes
, squeezed by a
four-pot caliper
. The back is home to a
265mm single disc
 with a
two pot
 squeezer.
The
BMW R 1200 RS
 on the other hand, is an interesting new dimension to sports touring bikes. The RS embodies the true touring qualities of this lineup of Motorrad bikes dating back almost
40 years
. The new RS is noteworthy for yet another achievement, which is its
 51:49 weight balance ratio
. This ratio is courtesy of the
flat-twin boxer
 unit that powers the RS.
Making
125 hp
, this
1,170cc
,
 liquid-cooled
 tourer also peaks its torque figure at
125 Nm
 – yes the RS makes more torque than the
 S 1000 XR.
 Power is channeled to the rear via a
six-speed transmission
 that’s helped along with an light-action oil bath,
anti-hopping clutch
.

Just like the XR, the RS comes with a host of electronic safety programs to ensure a safer, more manageable ride. Equipped with
ASC, DTC, ABS
 and even
Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA)
, the programs help deliver
better overall damping
, be it on comfort or performance mode. Depending on the settings applied, the RS will provide just the right levels of damping at the spring elements. Pop it into
“Dynamic”
 mode from the handlebar and it switches over to a
 firmer damper mapping
 that will tame all two-wheeled demons.
The new RS comes packed with a
 320mm disc brake
 up front that’s dealt with a
four piston caliper
 and a
276mm single-disc rear brake
 system with a
 two-pot
 floating calliper. Tasked with the job of laying the power down onto the black top are
120/70 ZR 17
 upfront and
180/55 ZR 17
 tyres at the back.
The S 1000 XR is at the discretion of being licked in two colour schemes, namely
Racing Red
 and
Light White
 which come with their own unique graphic decal. On the other hand, the R 1200 RS model comes with two options. The basic variant gets
 Lupin Blue Metallic
 or
Light Grey Metallic
, while the “Style 2”variant features
Granite Grey Metallic Matte
 or
Black Storm Metallic
 shades of paint.
The BMW S 1000 XR and BMW R 1200 RS are priced at
RM 112,900
and
 RM101,900
 respectively. If that is perhaps a little too rich for your blood, fret not. BMW Motorrad Malaysia offers a four year financing program from BMW Credit Malaysia, allowing you to own the
S 1000 XR
 from
RM1, 588.00
 monthly and
 RM1,488.00
 for the
R 1200 RS
.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW S 1000 XR

BMW R 1200 RS


Porsche is returning to Le Mans in 2023 with LMDh prototype

Porsche has not been involved in the top flight of the
 24 Hours of Le Mans
 since it pulled out of the sport after its overall win in 2017. Well, that’s about to change, with the German sportscar maker today announcing that it will be chasing its 20th overall Le Mans victory in 2023 in the WEC LMDh category.
By choosing to go forth with the LMDh category, Porsche will be able to compete in the top class of both the WEC’s Le Mans 24 hours, as well as the IMSA Daytona 24 hours and Sebring 24 hours, all with the same car.
The LMDh category – which stands for Le Mans Daytona Hybrid – has been standardised across both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, forming the top class of both series from 2022 onwards – the former joining the Hypercar class.
Compared to the Hypercar class that will begin racing in WEC next year, the LMDh category is relatively more cost-efficient. Cars will be built on one of four spec LMP2-based chassis, and the hybrid systems specifications, including the control electronics are also standardised.
LMDh teams are open to freely innovate in the combustion engine and body design areas, as long as they conform to the framework laid out in the regulations.
It’s clear that cost played a huge part in Porsche’s decision to partake in the LMDh category, as Porsche AG CEO Oliver Blume explains: “The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA.”
Porsche VP of Motorsport, Fritz Enzinger added,” I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed. We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable.
“There has been huge interest from other manufacturers. I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the eighties and nineties. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”
Porsche has found great success in WEC’s top class endurance racing series. In recent years, the hugely-successful
Porsche 919 Hybrid
 competing in the LMP1 class achieved a hat-trick clinching the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as winning Le Mans for three consecutive years.
Aside from LMP1, Porsche’s GTE Pro programme was also immensely successful, achieving the GT World Championship title and victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 2018-2019 Super Season.
The news follows hot on the heels of sister brand Audi, who recently also announced a return to top-flight sportscar racing with its own LMDh entry. So far, four carmakers have signed up to the WEC’s new top-flight category, with Toyota and Peugeot commited to the Hypercar spec.
It is unclear at this point in time if the effort will be run as a factory works team, or being sold as cars to customer racing teams. Porsche says more news will follow in due course.


2016 Ford Kuga facelift unveiled, sports a much bolder look

This year at the Mobile World Congress, Ford has decided to unveil the facelifted Kuga, one that will be featuring a new diesel engine as well as an updated SYNC 3 infotainment system. Its look is also new, and is more in line with Ford’s current crop of models.
The Ford Kuga facelift, unveiled in Barcelona, now looks broadly similar to the exterior styling of the facelifted
EcoSport
 (Malaysia has yet to receive that update), featuring a larger trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille. The front also receives new self-adjusting bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps. Behind, it gets updated taillights, a lightly revised boot lid and fake diffusers with twin exhausts.Ford also offers a choice of 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels, including a new Copper Pulse colour option which adds a sportier finish to the Kuga.

Inside, the obvious update goes to the brand new inclusion of an 8.0-inch touchscreen with SYNC3 system, integrating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. Ford claims that the system recognises five languages and offers a much improved voice recognition. For example, simply say out load “I need petrol” and the system will locate all nearby petrol stations.
New to the Kuga is a
1.5-litre TDCi
 diesel mill that generates
120 hp
. The front-wheel drive diesel variant returns an impressive
4.4 litres per 100km
 while emitting just 115g of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Existing engine options such as the
2.0-litre TDCi
 and the
1.5-litre EcoBoost
 petrol engines are available as well, and both are front-wheel drive. The optional all-wheel drive variants are available via Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
The new Kuga’s safety credentials have been boosted thanks to Ford’s semi-autonomous perpendicular parking technology, cross traffic alert and park-out assist. A new enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop is also onboard, where this time the system works up to 50km/h.
The facelifted Kuga will go on sale in the UK in October. In Malaysia,
Sime Darby Auto Connexion
 offers the 1.5-litre EcoBoost-powered Kuga at
RM164,888.00
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Civic e:HEV RS hybrid – more than 180 units delivered in one month since launch

Honda Malaysia
 recently held a special ceremony at the MH Prestige Auto dealership for the delivery of the first hybrid
Civic e:HEV RS
 in the nation. As owner number one in Malaysia, Chin Kok Fung received RM4,000 worth of exclusive Honda accessories and merchandise as a token of appreciation from the carmaker.
Speaking at the ceremony, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hironobu Yoshimura said, “[The Civic e:HEV RS] is definitely a leap forward in our effort to offer the most advanced hybrid technology to Malaysians. To-date, we have delivered more than 180 units of Civic e:HEV RS to Malaysians, and today we are celebrating the memorable occasion with the first owner, Mr. Chin Kok Fung.”
He adds that the company is doing its utmost to ensure timely delivery of new cars to customers. “A huge thank you to our customers for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding during this period,” Yoshimura added.
RELATED:
11th-gen Honda Civic captures 81% market share in Malaysia – nearly 7,000 units sold since launch
On his choice of the Civic e:HEV RS, Chin commented, “I have always been a fan of performance driven cars. When Honda introduced a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, I was immediately impressed with the technology and performance it offers. I am looking forward to experience [sic] the thrill of owning this exciting e:HEV technology and to test the car’s potential.”
The Honda Civic e:HEV RS made its debut in Malaysia roughly a month ago, taking the spot as the model’s range-topping variant at a price of RM166,500. Underneath the bonnet is one of Honda’s most powerful e:HEV hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and a dual-motor set-up for a total output of
184 hp
and
315 Nm
 – all of which mostly coming from the Traction electric motor thanks to Honda’s unique series-parallel hybrid layout.
The Civic e:HEV RS was also
recently awarded Best Performance Car
in the 2022/2023 Japan Car of the Year awards. For more details on the hybrid Honda Civic e:HEV RS in Malaysia, check out our launch coverage
here
.