PM: Geely to invest USD 10 billion in Tanjung Malim automotive hub

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Chinese automobile manufacturer
Geely
 with invest
USD 10 billion
 in Malaysia to turn Tanjung Malim into the region’s largest auto city. Although not specified, the auto city is most likely to refer to the
Automotive High-Tech Valley
which is set to be in Tanjung Malim.
Bernama
 reports that the Prime Minister said that he received a 10-page letter from Geely informing him that it would kick off the automotive hi-tech valley with a USD 10 billion investment. The new information comes not long after the
Global Investors & Vendors Convention 2023
 in Kuala Lumpur held by Proton.
Speaking at the Selangor state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani programme in Sekinchan today, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, “I am mentioning this for the first time. Geely, which is jointly producing cars with Proton, has written a 10-page letter to inform that it wants to continue to make Tanjung Malim the largest auto city in the region. It [Geely] will kick off with USD 10 billion or RM40 billion in investment.”
Commenting on Geely’s USD 10 billion investment for the Tanjung Malim Automotive hub, the Prime Minister comments, “All this is not for getting commission or gift, but to ensure the growth of our economy and thousands of our young people will secure jobs.”
RELATED:
DRB-Hicom & Geely invite China’s automotive suppliers to invest in AHTV, RM32b target
Set to become the largest automotive hub in Southeast Asia is the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim. The initial signing of the Head of Agreement (HoA) between DRB-Hicom and Geely for the matter was conducted earlier this year. A convention was held on July 17, 2023, to attract more investors for the initiative.
When fully developed, the AHTV is envisioned to be a centre for globally recognised tropical-based research and development of high-technology automotive components. The AHTV will also include a research university that will be aimed at expanding the capabilities of Malaysian automotive workers, and simultaneously help Malaysia become a regional leader in education for automotive engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, and software development. Geely’s USD 10 billion investment into the Tanjung Malim automotive hub is more than the initial targeted figure of RM 32 billion.
RELATED:
DRB-Hicom, Geely sign HOA for development of Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim


Volkswagen Arteon previewed, to succeed the discontinued VW CC [+Video]

The Volkswagen CC as we know it has just been discontinued. In its place is a new four-door premium coupe called the Volkswagen Arteon, and it is entirely new from the ground up.
The Atreon is a portmanteau of words
‘art
’ and ‘
eon
‘; the latter meaning “an indefinite and very long period of time”. The Arteon, which sits above the Passat, is set to compete directly with the
BMW 4-Series
 and
Audi A5 Sportback
.
The teaser image will introduce a new ‘
horizontally accentuated
’ design from Volkswagen. It has a large grille merged with three-dimensional LED headlights. It receives frameless windows and the top-hinged tailgate opens up to a cavernous boot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYCsHmovecw
As always with teasers, no technical data has been revealed. However, we could see Volkswagen to debut its autonomous technology, together with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
The new four-door coupe could take hints from the
Sport Coupe Concept GTE
  (pictured above) unveiled at last year’s Geneva motor show. Also, don’t be surprised if the Arteon shares several design touches from the newly launched
Passat B8
.
Previously, the VW CC was sold in Malaysia with a base price tag of RM226k. Its successor, the Arteon, will hit showroom floors sometime in 2017 after making its world debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show scheduled for March.


2015 Mazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv launched in Malaysia, CBU priced at RM131k

First things first, let’s just get one thing straight. Positioning the CX-3 in Malaysia wasn’t by any means easy for Mazda Bermaz Motor. So if you’re put off by the price of this HR-V competitor, don’t be quick to skimp this over and let us explain.
Firstly, the
2015 Mazda CX-3
 is a fully imported unit not from Thailand, but from Japan. It’s currently the priciest model in the B-Segment crossover category which include contenders such as the
Renault Captur
,
Ford EcoSport
 and of course the
Honda HR-V
. For those who complain about the lack of a sunroof in the HR-V, your prayers have been answered – albeit in a different badge.
QUICK FACTS
Name
2015 Mazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
Max Power
154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm
Price
RM131,218.50 (OTR without insurance)
EXTERIOR
To kick things off, the Mazda CX-3 is the lowest-riding model (
1,535mm
) in its class; the HR-V’s height is 1,605mm, Ford EcoSport at 1,675mm and Peugeot 2008 at 1,556mm. This accentuates its sporty stance, which has already been established by the
18-inch wheels
 – the largest diameter in its class.

Just the looks alone will set the CX-3 to a sailing success, and it’s rather generously specced as well to justify its asking price. Only one trim is available for sale now, and it’s decked with auto levelling
LED headlights
 with
LED daytime running lights
, LED fog lamps, keyless entry with push-to-start ignition, powered side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. The
18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
 are wrapped in some pricey
215/50 series tyres
 (style does come with a cost, unfortunately), whereas the well-sculpted rear end gets dual exhaust pipes, a rear wiper, rear spoiler and a reverse camera.
INTERIOR
Stepping inside the Mazda CX-3 proves to be an all-familiar affair, sporting a design that’s almost identical to the model it’s based on – the Mazda2. All Malaysian-bound CX-3s are upholstered in a mix of black leather and suede fabric, unlike the
beige-finished model we saw back in Japan
.

Standard stuff here include a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with integrated cruise control switches, MZD Connect
7-inch touchscreen head unit
 that can alternatively be operated by a rotary knob further down the centre console, automatic single-zone air conditioning,
six speakers
, dual USB slots and Mazda’s Active Driving Display or heads up display. The same Sport mode rocker switch first seen in the Mazda2 is also carried over here, as are the paddle shifters.
PERFORMANCE
Nestled under the hood is the segment’s top-dog powertrain – a
naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G
 engine that makes
154 horsepower
 at 6,000 rpm and
204 Nm
 of torque peaking in at 2,800 rpm. All that power is sent to the
front wheels
 of this
1,271 kg
crossover via the
six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
 transmission. No all-wheel drive options here, though.
Up front, this crossover rides on McPherson struts while the rear settles for the torsion beam setup.   All four corners are clamped with disc brakes. Seeing how it’s packaged, all this should point towards a vehicle that’s not just the most powerful in its class, but also an all-rounded package that will possibly make your next trip to Genting a more enjoyable episode.
SAFETY
The safety kit is as standard as it gets – with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution with Brake Assist, Traction Control System, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill Launch Assist. It also comes with
six airbags
 to make your money feel like it’s more well spent than ‘meh’.
WHAT ELSE?
Mazda announced that only 2,000 units of the Japan-imported CX-3 will be offered for now, while they finalise preparations to serve subsequent demands with the locally assembled batches sometime next year. This CBU variant will be available in
five different colours
 – Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey, Deep Crystal Blue and Mazda’s signature colour, Soul Red Metallic. Every purchase of this RM131k crossover comes with a
3-year warranty
 and
3-year free scheduled maintenance
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda CX-3 2.0L Skyactiv-G Malaysian Launch

Mazda CX-3 in Japan


The all-new Audi Q8 is now the mother of all Audi SUVs

Due for its European market launch in the third quarter of 2018, the all-new Audi Q8 has been unveiled as the new flagship model of the Audi SUV range.
The Q8 is said to be wider, but shorter and lower than the Q7 (despite a respectable 25 cm ground clearance) which as a result offers more interior space than its direct competitors, namely the
 BMW X6
 and the
 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
, with a “longer interior”, more headroom and a whopping 1,755 litres of trunk space.
A lot of the Q8’s design points to the original Audi quattro – with a sloping roofline that flows to the inclined D-pillars and muscular shoulders above the rear wheel arch.
HD Matrix LED technology will be available as an option, on top of the standard LED headlights. Unlike the plastic strip slotted between the rear lights of the
Toyota Harrier we reviewed recently
, the one on the Q8 does light up.
Also inspired by the original Audi Quattro, a black surface underlays this strip. What’s also really cool is that Q8 owners can use the myAudi app on their smartphone to activate various lighting functions for their own viewing pleasure from the outside of the car.
It wouldn’t be an Audi if it didn’t come with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. Power is distributed 40:60 between the front and rear axle and when required, power will be transferred to the axle with the better traction to haul the car.

As for the mechanical bits, no specific engines and output figures have been released but they will all be equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The suspension with damper control is standard, but if you’re feeling a little generous, optional extras include an adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and all-wheel steering.
Nearly every function of the Q8 can be accessed via two large displays. The upper 10.1-inch display is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system while the driver uses the 8.6-inch display below for air conditioning, convenience functions and text input.
The instrument cluster is fully digital too; and can be switched between two to three views to complement the head-up display. Also offered are the Audi connect key to allow the driver to start the engine and lock the car using a smartphone and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.
Among the driver aids offered, one highlight is the remote garage pilot which will be available in 2019. It is able to guide the SUV into a garage and back out again autonomously. The driver gets out of the car beforehand and activates the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone.
IMAGE GALLERY


Watch out Tesla, here comes the mighty Audi e-tron Sportback!

In another attempt to give Tesla a run for the money, Audi has unveiled their second all-electric model called the Audi e-tron Sportback. Its size and proportions are close to that of the Audi A7, and it is one of five e-tron models to be introduced in the next five years.
There will be three electric motors for propulsion, one on the front axle and two on the rear, effectively making it a quattro (all-wheel drive). With a humongous 95kW-hour battery pack, Audi claims the Sportback will cover a distance of 500km, if not more. The battery is also purposely positioned to yield a 52:48 weight distribution.

In terms of outright power, the trio of electric motors deliver a combined output of 429 horsepower, while an overboost function brings this up to 496 hp. That’s good enough for a century sprint time of 4.5 seconds, all in utter silence!
But of all places in the world, why is Audi launching the e-tron Sportback concept in Shanghai, China? That’s because China is the world’s leading market for electric cars, both in terms of sheer sales and charging infrastructure. The country has over 150,000 charging stations scattered over, with another 100,000 due by the end of this year.

Audi said the production version of this e-tron Sportback will arrive as soon as 2019, bringing with it a generous host of next-gen design and technology. As a pioneering brand in automotive lighting, expect no less than a bedazzling product. The question now is, will it come to Malaysia?
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom makes global market debut in the Philippines, coming to Malaysia too!

After being unveiled in China earlier this year, the
2023 GAC GS3 Emzoom
 has now made its official international market launch in the Philippines. The compact SUV will rival the likes of the Geely Coolray (
Proton X50
),
Honda HR-V
, and MG ZS T in the Archipelago, and it’s priced to match – with a price tag starting from PHP998,000 (approx. RM83.9k) which undercuts most of its competition.
The key selling point of the all-new GAC GS3 Emzoom is – quite obviously – its unique styling, featuring a futuristic design language that is characterised by sharp and aggressive lines. A key design element is the ‘Flying Mecha’ front fascia, which flanks the unique frameless grille with slim triangular daytime-running lights. The LED headlights, which are standard across the board, are instead placed within the large air intakes on the lower corners.
The tail lights round the back are also fairly unique, with a three-dimensional triangular design to tie in with the front fascia. And to emphasise its aggressive persona, there’s even a small ducktail-style spoiler moulded into the bodywork to complement the aggressive-looking roof-mounted spoiler.
Tying it all up are the 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in jet black to match with its other exterior accents, alongside the flush door handles on all four doors. Step up to the range-topping R-Style variant, and you even get an additional body kit featuring additional front splitters and rear diffuser elements, which we can only presume is here for aesthetic purposes only.
These are all highlighted in orange accents, too, alongside an orange ring around the larger 19-inch wheels.
RELATED:
2023 Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia, Honda HR-V rival from RM109k
The futuristic design language is carried on to the inside as evident from the elaborate air-con vent design, although there also seem to be a focus on luxuries and functionality too. Equipment on the inside obviously depend on variants, but some key highlights here include the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control with rear blower vents, power-adjustable driver’s seat, powered tailgate, and two-tone leather upholstery.
No matter which variant, though, they’re all equipped with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that’s shared with the Emkoo and Empow in the Philippines. Engine outputs on the GAC GS3 Emzoom are rated at
177 hp
 and
270 Nm
, with drive sent to the front wheels via seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Uniquely, the range-topping R Style variant does get an additional “Sport+” driving mode, though it’s unclear what it actually does as engine outputs are unchanged even if you shell out extra.
As for safety, only the top-of-the-line variant will come equipped with the advanced driver assistance features, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom has already been confirmed for launch in Malaysia, as part of the company’s
RM60 million CKD project
 that will also see the establishment of more than 70 showrooms nationwide. Its predecessor, the outgoing
GAC GS3
, was
launched in Malaysia
back in 2021, with two variants priced from
RM88,800
to
RM96,800
.


Shell Malaysia launches Euro 5 diesel, priced at RM2.00 per litre, 10 sen more than Euro2m

It’s been a long time coming, this. Shell Malaysia has finally launched their Euro 5 diesel, which as of December 2015, is priced at RM2.00 per litre. This means if your car is Euro 5compatible, you’ll only need to pay 10 sen more for the cleaner diesel compared to the RM1.90 per litre Euro2M diesel.
As of now, only five Shell stations in Peninsular Malaysia will be carrying this fuel, and they are:
NKVE Shell Station, North-bound
Tapah Rest Stop, Perak
Tanjung Malim Layby, Perak
Bandar Ayer Keroh, Melaka
Pasir Gudang Highway 2, Johor
Shell’s Euro 5 diesel has ultra-low sulphur content, having just 10 ppm (parts per million) compared to their Euro2M diesel which had 500 ppm. Shell Malaysia’s Managing Director, Tuan Haji Azman Ismail said, “The Euro 5 diesel is not just cleaner, a full tank of it will also last you longer compared to the Euro2M fuel.”
To encourage efficient driving, Shell Malaysia is partnering BMW Group Malaysia (who has been championing the use of Euro 5 diesel since 2009) to create awareness on the importance of fuel efficiency and emissions responsibility on the road. Shell Malaysia also said that they are in the midst of expanding the availability of Euro 5 diesel throughout the country, so watch this space for more updates to come!
IMAGE GALLERY


Honda Malaysia resumes after-sales services at selected service centres

Honda Malaysia has announced that it will gradually start operating its after-sales services at selected service centres in the country starting from today. The announcement follows the company’s receipt of approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to operate during phase four of the
Movement Control Order (MCO)
.
While selected service centres will resume operation, Honda Malaysia says that its sales office, dealer showrooms, and manufacturing facilities will remain closed during this period.
The company reassures that all necessary measures are being taken at all of its premises nationwide to protect the safety and wellbeing of its customers and staff, in accordance to the guidelines set by MITI and other governing bodies.
Services carried out during this period will be on an
appointment-only basis
; no walk-ins will be allowed. All service outlets will also be commencing a
contactless car drop service
 to maintain social distancing practices. Service advisors will follow-up with any discussions and updates via telephone.
All individuals – including customers and staff – will also be subjected to
mandatory temperature screening
 upon entrance to the outlets. Any individual recording body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees celcius, or are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, will be refused entry and advised to seek immediate medical attention.
List of Honda dealer’s service centres operating during the MCO period, as of 29th of April 2020.
The company also says that all service centres will be
sanitised daily
, and all personnel will be equipped with personal protection equipment. Hand sanitising stations will be set-up throughout the premises, and spaces will be marked for a minimum distance of 1 metre to adhere to social distancing measures.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia is truly inspired by the spirit of Malaysians especially all the frontliners to overcome the unprecedented situation. The journey to flatten the curve has been tough and extensive but we are together as one, staying home in order to have a better outcome for all.
“We will comply with the extension of MCO in support of the efforts taken by the Malaysian Government and people amid the current situation. At the same time, customers need to have their cars in good, reliable condition and hence, require maintenance service. […] The precautionary and control measures will be strictly implemented at Honda dealerships nationwide and our dealers are ready for uou with a safe environment during customer visit,” added Ishiyama.
Operations at the service centres will be resumed in stages. The updated list of all service centres selected to operate during this period is made available on Honda Malaysia’s website
here
.


WRC Driver and co-driver to swap seats in future races?

The fact that the
announcement
was published on the first day of April does give rise to suspicions, but if this new rule pans out, it may turn out to be quite exciting (or comical), subject to the driving skills of the co-driver.
While the reference of ‘co-driver’ in WRC sounds as if he or she may be handy in driving, the duties of a co-driver has always been confined to drawing out the all-important pace notes and calling out the instructions as the driver gives it full beans over the special stages. Of course, the co-driver also helps out during emergency repairs and the spraying of champagne on the podium.
The report by wrc.com states that a ‘Swap Seat Special Stage’ rule would be introduced mandating drivers and co-drivers to change seats for one stage at future WRC rounds, and that it will be up to the driver and co-driver to decide which stage they wish to swap. If they choose to do it over the rally-closing Wolf Power Stage, bonus points gained will automatically be doubled.
It would be quite a prospect watching world champion Ott Tänak grapples with pace notes while co-driver Martin Järveoja takes over the Hyundai i20, or how Julien Ingrassia puts long-time partner Sébastien Ogier in a world of fear as he switches role with the six-time world champion. Or maybe WRC just having a laugh?


RM500 rebate or fuel card for those who purchase a new Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga or X70

It’s common practise for most to purchase either a Proton or Perodua upon deciding to be an E-hailing driver and here’s Proton’s way to relieve those turning to Grab, Mula and other E-hailing companies as an extra source of income.
Those who opt to purchase either an
Iriz
,
Exora
,
Saga
,
 Persona
 or the
X70
 which Proton says will be
fitted with a N95 cabin filter in the future
, will receive a
Petronas fuel gift card worth RM500
. As an alternative, you can
 opt to have a RM500 price rebate instead
of the fuel card.
In order to be eligible for this, the customer will have to
submit a copy of a valid PSV E-hailing license as proof
, and register the vehicle under their own name. The promotion is also open to individuals purchasing a car to be used for E-hailing by a different driver.
In such situations, a
 Letter of Consent
 stating the purpose of the purchase would be required, along with the full name and Identification Number of the E-hailing Driver and a copy of their PSV E-hailing license.
Promotion ends
31st December 2020
. For those looking to brighten up the Hari Raya celebrations which will be more restricted than before, it will cost you
only RM9.99 if you book the Iriz, Saga, Persona and Exora online
 and RM99 for the Proton X70.
Since the 5th of May 2020,
Proton has gradually resumed operations
of its sales and service outlets located within the Green and Yellow Zones.


BMW iX3 launched in Singapore, priced even cheaper than the entry-level petrol variant!

Following its regional debut in Thailand, the fully-electric BMW iX3 has now also made its way to Singapore. Available in a single ‘Impressive’ variant, the BMW iX3 will be fully-imported from China, priced at
SGD252,888 (~RM785k)
 inclusive of COE.
The pricing is surprisingly even more affordable than the cheapest petrol-powered BMW X3 you can buy in Singapore, the
sDrive20i
. This is due to the fully-electric model being classified under the A1 banding in the country’s Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES), which benefits from a higher VES rebate.
In terms of specification, the BMW iX3 in Singapore is largely similar to the variant launched in Thailand. Power is provided by a
286 hp / 400 Nm
 electric motor mounted on the rear axle, which takes the fully-electric SUV from 0 – 100 km/h in
6.8 seconds
, onward to an electronically-limited top speed of
180 km/h
.
The BMW iX3 is BMW’s first fully-electric X series model! Check it out in more detail here.
The electric motor is juiced by a 80 kWh 400-volt battery pack underneath the floor, which provides the BMW iX3 a range of
459 km
 from a single charge (WLTP cycle).
Charging the battery from 0-80% takes 34 minutes at a 150 kW DC fast charging station, but for home users, an 11 kW three-phase AC charger takes approximately 7.5 hours to fully charger the car. A BMW i Wallbox Plus (with basic installation) comes as standard when you buy the BMW iX3 in Singapore.
BMW iX3 owners in Singapore will also get access to the ChargeNow charging network, with 95 public charging points and 125 other charging points in condominiums now available in the island nation.
As for equipment, The BMW iX3 in the Impressive trim comes as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, alongside adaptive LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, and a hands-free Comfort Access automatic tailgate.
In related news, BMW Malaysia recently teased the BMW iX on its website. Does that mean it’s coming to our country soon?
Moving inside, the BMW iX3 Impressive in Singapore gets the BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster and infotainment display combo, alongside a head-up display, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Vernasca leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, Driving Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Plus.


McLaren GT has more luggage space than a Honda Accord

The good folks at McLaren have another reason to celebrate as the Woking-based supercar maker pulled off the wraps to their new McLaren GT, just as they celebrated their
20,000-milestone
.
The new GT, as the name suggests, is the brand’s first model in the luxury grand tourer category taking on the likes of
Aston Martin DB11 V8
,
Porsche 911 Turbo S
 and
Ferrari Portofino
 – not
812 Superfast
,
whoops
. It’s positioned in a new Grand Tourer category in McLaren’s range alongside the Sports Series, Super Series and on top of them all, the Ultimate Series.
With the success of the
570GT
, customers want a proper grand tourer from McLaren which resulted in the GT. Taking learnings from the Speedtail, the new car is not about outright performance but rather superior comfort and refinement, practical luggage capacity and use of the finest materials.
Taking the
720S
‘ design as a base, the designers have reworked every element of the GT giving it a more fluidic silhouette, slimmer headlamps and a less dramatic rear profile. All these combined gives the GT superior aerodynamics which results in a quieter cabin.
But that’s not all,
the 15-spoke alloy wheels (20-inch front; 21-inch rear) are shod in bespoke
Pirelli P Zero rubbers that are filled with sound deadening materials to reduce
rolling noise. Talk about taking things to the extreme.
Combined with a ground clearance of
110 mm
 that is said to be able to cover most situations, the company says this is the most usable and refined McLaren yet. With the vehicle lift system installed, the front end has a clearance of 130 mm, equivalent of most mainstream sedans.
Luggage capacity is the GT’s strongest suit with a total storage space of 570 litres – that’s more than a
Honda Accord
 (461 litres)! The 150-litre trunk at the front can fit a cabin sized bag while the rear glass deck – electrically powered available – hides the other 420 litres of cargo space. McLaren claims that the rear deck can fit a full-sized golf bag with some space to spare.
 Being a grand tourer, the seats are bolted 2
cm higher as standard than what you find on the 720S. Outward visibility is
also further enhanced with the use of glazed C-pillars and rear-quarter windows
while the electrochromic glazed sunroof lets you decide how much light you want
into the cabin at a touch of a button.
The cabin is a step up
in terms of luxury compared to the 720S with soft grain leather wrapping the interior
trims, machined and knurled aluminium switches and controls as well as hidden-until-lit
ambient lighting. New infotainment system which is up to 5x faster than the
previous systems is linked to an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins
premium audio system.
One unique option on
the GT is the SuperFabric trim for the rear luggage bay and seats which are resistant
to stains, cuts, abrasions as well as being breathable, easy to clean and quick
to dry.
McLaren did not just “soften”
a 720S and call this a GT. In fact, they went all out to ensure that this GT is
the best in class. Underpinning the GT is the brand’s famed carbon fibre monocoque
but reworked exclusively for the GT, now dubbed MonoCell II-T – “T” for touring.
The hydraulic suspension
now features Proactive Damping Control which reads the road surface and readies
the dampers for maximum ride comfort. The hydraulic steering and brakes have
also been recalibrated to be more relaxed on the road.
Motivation comes from a derivative of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, codename M840TE, it packs
620 hp
 and
630 Nm
 of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels. McLaren has given the detuned engine a flatter torque curve and a more seamless transmission shift logic in tune with the car’s grand touring character.
But the GT is no slouch, with Launch Control, it will go from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.2 seconds
 and 0 to 200 km/h is dispatched in
9.0 seconds
. Flat out, the speedometer will read 326 km/h.
The McLaren GT is now ready to order, and first customers deliveries are expected to begin end of 2019. Retail pricing starts from £163,000 (RM873k) in the UK before options.
IMAGE GALLERY
McLaren GT Unveiled


This video of the Honda e will make you wish it was sold here!

With some time to go
before its official launch, let’s forget about the new Honda City Turbo
 for now, with its
253 Nm
 of torque now deeply and firmly ingrained in our head following a series of videos,
officially
 and
unofficially
. We should spread our attention to the
 Honda e
 instead, a fully electric hatchback Honda made for the European and Japanese domestic market.
As the host in the video said, “It’s just one of those cars that make you smile. I don’t think you can be sad driving a Honda e.”

It just invokes an irresistible sense of curiosity that makes you want to take a second and closer look. Everything from its round headlights, its camera side mirrors, and Ferrari F12-like taillights just demands attention.
You may not be able to tell from the video but at just 3895 mm, it’s
EXACTLY the same length as the Perodua Myvi
. In one segment of the video, they even showed how small the turning radius of the Honda e is – perfect for “my-time-is-more-precious-than yours” Malaysians.
And then there’s the interior with a mix of modern and retro touches. How does two 12.3-inch digital displays sound? To put things in perspective, that’s as big as the dual displays you see in the current generation
W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
!
That’s even before you account for the camera side mirror displays flanking both sides of the dashboard! All that tech is then mellowed down and balanced out by melange-style sofa fabric seats with synthetic wood trim for a warm and welcoming experience.
The Honda e offers up to 154 hp and 315 Nm of the higher grade model while the entry level model makes 136 hp and 315 Nm – that’s
more torque than a Honda CR-V
by the way! The former will do 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds while the latter in 9.0 seconds. Pure electric range is rated between 210 and 222 km depending on the models.
GALLERY


Honda Malaysia sold 109,511 cars in 2017, highest number in history!

In 2017, Honda Malaysia celebrated a number of milestones – delivering the
250,000th Honda City
, producing the
600,000th CKD car
 (which happens to be the City) and welcoming
Mr. Toichi Ishiyama as their new Managing Director and CEO
. We also witness the launch of the
Jazz and City Sport Hybrid
,
all-new CR-V
 and the
FK8R Civic Type-R
.
It was a busy year for the folks at Honda Malaysia, but all its efforts did not go to waste when they achieved record-breaking sales for 2017, shifting a total of
109,511 units of cars
 – highest in the history of Honda Malaysia.
The record-breaking sales is an increase of 19 percent compared to 2016 and its overall sales figure is also the highest a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia. At the end of 2017, Honda Malaysia’s market share stands at 19 percent, up 3.2 percent compared to the previous year. The company also maintains their No. 1 position for Non-National segment and No. 2 position in overall TIV of the automotive industry.
Commenting on the outstanding result, Honda Malaysia MD and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and thankfulness to all Honda Malaysia customers for their faith and belief in our brand and for making Honda their vehicle of choice. This achievement would not have been possible without our valued customers as well as strong support from our business partners and the Malaysian government.”


Mercedes-Benz is phasing out the manual transmission from 2023

The manual transmission is basically as good as dead for quite some time now, but
Mercedes-Benz
 might have just put the final nail in the coffin for the three pedals. Starting 2023, the German carmaker will be gradually phasing out the manual transmission from its model range, citing low customer demand.
Speaking to German publication
Automobilwoche
, a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson argued that “with increasing electrification, we see that customer demand is shifting towards electric mobility components, batteries and (partially) electric drive systems”. As such, the company will be culling the manual transmission on a model-by-model basis, as they are updated to a new model generation.
The news shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been keeping up with the three-pointed star recently; the
all-new C-Class
, unveiled last year, is already an all-automatic affair.
Even in its current line-up, the only models to offer a manual transmission option are the
A-Class
,
B-Class
, and
CLA
 – and only on the entry-level variants with the lesser powertrain options, which are not available in many markets, Malaysia being an example.
RELATED: Manual’s not dead… yet – Toyota patents “stick shift” for EVs
With demand for the three pedals dwindling, it makes economic sense for Mercedes-Benz to stop investment into the manual transmission and focus solely on automatics, streamlining its production operations.
Economics are obviously the main concern here, as Mercedes-Benz has committed most of its investments into readying an EV-only portfolio by the end of the decade. The German carmaker has already unveiled
two electrification-focused platforms
 for its future models, and the combustion engine models to be unveiled before the EV switchover will actually be based on these two architectures, instead of the other way round.
Mercedes-Benz is, of course, not the first manufacturer to formally bid adieu to the three pedals. Volkswagen has also (unofficially)
given the manual gearbox a 2023 deadline
, and while even though BMW hasn’t said it yet, its manual offerings are also quietly being discontinued by the day.
With the clutch pedal now on its last legs, maybe it’s time to for us to really put our money where our mouth is and splash out the cash for the
manual Toyota Supra
, or perhaps even the
BMW M3
 and
M4
.


2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace now with IQ.Drive, from RM175k with VAP

The latest
Volkswagen
 car in Malaysia to be blessed with the IQ.Drive advanced safety features is the
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
. Prices of the car have also been bumped, with the base “Life” variant now starting at
RM174,590
. The revised prices for the entire Tiguan Allspace Lineup are as such:
Tiguan Allspace Life 1.4TSI –
RM174,590
Tiguan Allspace Elegance 1.4 TSI –
RM203,590
Tiguan Allspace R-Line 2.0TSI 4MOTION –
RM257,073
The prices listed are those which include the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) which essentially provides owners with an additional 3-year extended mileage warranty and 3 years free maintenance. Without VAP, the Tiguan Allspace only comes by default with a 2-year/unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of roadside maintenance.
The VAP costs around RM8,000 to RM10,000 depending on the variant and customers can choose to opt out of it. However, it would be a fairer comparison with the previous Tiguan (without IQ.Drive) that came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 3 years free maintenance, 5 years roadside assistance by default (before the introduction of VAP).
RELATED:
Denyu Bostandzhiev appointed as new Managing Director for Audi and Volkswagen in Malaysia
With the VAP included, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace’s starting price is now RM14,000 more expensive for the “Life” variant. The “Exclusive” is now costs RM23,000 more while the “R-Line” costs RM31,000 more.
What the IQ.Drive adds on are essentially safety features like Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist. Previously unavailable on the Tiguan for the Malaysian market, these features are now standard across the range, even on the base “Life” variant.
Besides the addition of IQ. Drive, the updated Tiguan Allspace also comes with a wireless mobile phone charger as standard. All else, the Volkswagen Tiguan remains pretty much the same across the three variants. Before the Tiguan Allspace, the other Volkswagen models like the Golf and Arteon have been upgraded with the IQ.Drive advanced safety package.
RELATED:
2023 Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid facelift debuts with updated design, revised suspensions


You don’t need an AMG GT R, the GT C is enough to blow your socks off!

Alongside the
GT R
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT C at the Sepang International Circuit. Slotting in between the GT S and GT R in terms of performance, the GT C will carry a price tag of
RM1,558,888
 (on the road without insurance).
Quick Facts
Engine: 3,982 cc; twin-turbo V8
Transmission: 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT
Horsepower: 557 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque: 680 Nm @ 2,100 – 5,500 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 317 km/h
Styling wise, the GT C features a slightly pared down exterior design compared to the GT R. The new LED High Performance headlamps flank the Panamaricana grille, while the rear is fitted with a newly redesigned apron along with trapeze shaped twin tail pipe covers. The carbon fibre roof on the GT R is replaced with a panoramic sunroof.
As with its elder twin, the GT C adopts the AIRPANEL active air management system, with vertical lourves directly behind the front apron. Usually in the closed position for improved aerodynamics, AIRPANEL can be electronically opened to direct air to the heat exchangers when additional cooling is required.
The GT C rides on staggered wheels, with 19-inch alloys at the front and 20-inch at the rear, featuring the AMG cross-spoke forged wheel design. Behind the wheels are the 6-piston brake calipers – painted in red, along with carbon ceramic discs.
On the inside, the Mercedes-AMG GT C comes with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre upholstery, including a Nappa leather-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel, AMG performance seats, and all-round carbon fibre trim pieces. The instrument cluster is now replaced by a new 12.3-inch digital screen with AMG-specific display styles.
The 10.25-inch infotainment on the GT C adds support for AMG Track Pace, which utilises your smartphone together with the telemetry data from the car to track performance on pre-configured tracks – similar to a personal race-engineer.
Fitted with a sports suspension, the GT C features AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system that automatically adapts the damping on each wheel depending on the current handling situation, speed, and road conditions.
The sports suspension, along with the engine, transmission and steering response can all be altered through AMG DYNAMIC SELECT. The AMG DYNAMICS system also expands upon the Electronic Stability Programme, which dynamically regulates power distribution at the rear axle, as well as the steering characteristics for higher lateral acceleration, better traction and load change reactions.
IMAGE GALLERY


They bought an Isuzu D-Max, and surprise, surprise they won another

Never in their wildest dreams did these two new Isuzu D-Max owners thought they would win yet another one when they filled out the contest forms when they bought the pick-up but lady luck was on their side.
Ghanie Entalang from Sarawak and Sugumaran A/L Nagappan from Seremban were recently awarded with a brand new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4X4 from the Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win contest held in conjunction with the Hari Raya and Hari Gawai celebrations between the month of April and June 2019.
Ghanie Entaling plans to give the prize to his father to commute from their village to town.
“The first thought that crossed my mind was that this was some kind of a scam. It was only upon listening further to the caller that I recalled filling in a contest form when I bought my car. I was so excited from the news that I didn’t sleep that night,” said Ghanie Entalang, a scaffolder from Sebauh, Sarawak.
Sugumaran was equally surprised to be picked for the win as he never expected the entry would be selected. “I just thought it was an ordinary lucky draw to win something small. When I got a call from the dealer, I was quite shocked and thought it was a joke. But later, I got a call from Isuzu head office confirming that I won a car. I was so happy,” said Sugumaran who operates a truck business but spends most days as a safety officer visiting oil palm estates.
 “I must say that after four months, I like the fuel efficiency. It is by far the most impressive aspect of the vehicle,” said Sugumaran.
“I visit one or two plantations a day and I used two pick-up trucks before this. I was planning on retiring but boredom got to me so I decided to get back into the business and was looking for a pick-up truck. I did not have prior experience with Isuzu but I liked its shape and the reasonable price. I also liked the lid which was handy so I bought it.”
“I must say that after four months, I like the fuel efficiency. It is by far the most impressive aspect of the vehicle. The stability is remarkable too and whether it is on the estate roads or on the highways, the Isuzu D-Max always feel planted and offers confidence behind the wheel,” added Sugumaran.
Check out our
first impressions of the new 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max from our recent trip to Phuket
!
Unlike Sugumaran, Ghanie was already familiar with the virtues of the Isuzu D-Max before even purchasing the vehicle.
“A number of my relatives in Sebauh already own the Isuzu D-Max and I have seen that it is a very capable 4×4 vehicle whether on or off-road. The D-Max has become the main mode of transport for my family and its fuel efficiency and good performance are ideal for the conditions on the unsealed roads through the hills to my home,” added Ghanie whose family lives in the Jabris Naong long house approximately 60km from Bintulu.
The new
 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max Ddi BluePower
.
As he already purchased his Isuzu D-Max, Ghanie intends to give the prize to his father Entelang Embai for his use commuting between town and his village.
“This D-Max means a lot to the family as we need to travel regularly from the village to Bintulu. The road conditions are highly unpredictable so it will definitely make our journeys more pleasant and secure,” said Entelang.
IMAGE GALLERY
2019 Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi BluePower


Ford to use seat blowers from the F-150 to build respirators for front liners

Ford Motor Company has joined forces with 3M and GE Healthcare by lending its manufacturing and engineering expertise to speed up production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for healthcare workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.
The company is working with 3M to increase the manufacturing capacity of their
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
 designs and also to develop simpler units by using off-the-shelf items to meet the surge in demand of such items used by health care workers.
Cool look at the go-fast design of the mask and airflow system for the powered air-purifying respirator (aka PAPR / papper) that Ford is helping 3M quickly scale up production. One concept uses an F-150 cooled seat fan. Power tool battery. Paintshop hoods.
#BuiltFordProud

pic.twitter.com/HFUPSbCc6X
— Mike Levine (@mrlevine)
March 24, 2020

Pictured above is the blueprint of the easy-to-build respirator for the front liners of the Covid-19 battle as shared by Ford North America Product Communications Manager, Mike Levine on
Twitter
. According to him, the respirator’s design prompted the initiative to be called
“Project Apollo”
.
Among them include
fans from the Ford F-150’s cooled seats for airflow
, 3M HEPA air filters to filter airborne contaminants such as droplets that carry virus particles and
battery packs from portable power tools
 to power these respirators for up to eight hours.
In addition, Ford plans to produce over 100,000 face shields per week and leverage its in-house 3D printing capability to manufacture components used to produce personal protective equipment.
Source:
 Ford Product Communications Manager, Mike Levin
“Working with 3M and GE, we have empowered our teams of engineers and designers to be scrappy and creative to quickly help scale up production of these vital equipment,” said Ford President and CEO, Jim Hackett.
In China, Ford of China joint venture partner Jiangling Motors donated 10 specially-equipped Transit ambulance vans to hospitals in Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak began.
IMAGE GALLERY


Pre-production BMW X7 rolls off assembly line, official debut in late 2018

Shortly after the unveiling of the
BMW Concept X7
iPerformance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first pre-production model has just rolled out of the assembly line at BMW Group’s Spartanburg plant in USA. The flagship SUV also gets an official name too – BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle.
BMW has started the countdown to the official debut of the X7 which will be presented at the end of 2018. At the moment, the car is in its final stages of R&D awaiting to undergo various extreme durability tests, homologation and registration.

Based on the teaser images released by BMW, we can tell that the production model has a more conventional look as opposed to the concept car, but some design cues have been carried over – slim LED headlamp design, large kidney grille and angular lower bumper. The pre-production car was camouflaged the moment it was put together to throw off prying eyes.
BMW Group Spartanburg Head of Plant, Knudt Flor said: “We are proud to produce the BMW X7 here in Spartanburg, the home of our X models. This is a very special vehicle and our employees are looking forward to yet a further member of the X family. Together with the BMW X7, a total of five BMW X models will be exported from Spartanburg to all four corners of the globe.”
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW X7 Pre-Production

BMW Concept X7 iPerformance


F1 driver Pierre Gasly test drives the all-new Honda HR-V

As you all know by now, the all-new Honda HR-V is out. Not only is it better looking and more mature, but also much larger than before. Let Pierre Gasly, driver of the Scuderia AlphaTauri F1 team tell you all about it.

Instead of being at a track, the video takes place at a container yard and almost immediately, there are glimpses of what the all-new Honda HR-V can offer and do.
Honda HR-V e:HEV hybrid powertrain detailed for Europe – Malaysia to follow suit? Find out more!
For starters, there’s now a much larger, sleeker infotainment display although Honda has yet to reveal its exact size. Compared to before, it’s not only sleeker with a free-standing effect but also comes with sharper displays.
Upon setting off, the first remark by the French Formula 1 driver was “Wow, this is smooth” but you know with this being a promo video so we’ll stick to what we can tell from the video instead of what the Gasly tells us.
New tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown? Judge it for yourself here!
What we did notice was cabin space, as Gasly pointed out as well. Despite offering loads of space to the driver, the rear section still looks visibly spacious; definitely a step up from before.
What we could also tell was how agile the car looked (and should feel); slithering through narrow lanes between the containers. Even more so, when it did a sharp S-turn between containers midway through the video.
As for dimensions, the all-new HR-V is lower and wider than before; factors that contribute to extra space and low-slung look. It is slightly shorter than before, with a wheelbase that measures the same but Honda managed to free up more than 30 mm of leg room the back seat.
More to come on the HR-V!
The SUV e:Prototype might be our first look at Honda’s first EV SUV, based on HR-V. Read about it here!
Gallery


2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift launched in Thailand with new CVT gearbox

Four months after its
global debut in Indonesia
, the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift has now been unveiled in Thailand at the 2022 Bangkok International Motor Show.
Pricing and exact specifications for the updated seven-seater MPV has yet to be announced, but based on live photos from the event, it seems like the new Mitsubishi Xpander will retain most of the standard features introduced in Indonesia last year.
On the outside, the new 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander receives a redesigned front fascia featuring a new Dynamic Shield grille, new T-shaped headlights enclosure lower on the bumper, and a reworked front bumper with a cleaner yet more sophisticated look.
Round the back, the bumper has also been cleaned up, while the main LED tail lamp assemblies now features a new T-shaped light signature, joined by a new LED-illuminated third brake light positioned within the roof spoiler.
Aside from just aesthetic updates, the new Mitsubishi Xpander’s dimensions has also been tweaked slightly, with an increase of 75 mm on its front overhang and 45 mm at the rear, apparently for a more “high-class feel” per the Japanese carmaker.
The seven-seater MPV’s ride height has also been increased by 20 mm to give it better ground clearance, on the off chance you’re taking the Xpander to mild offroad terrains.
RELATED: New 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift unveiled – CVT gearbox, redesigned interior!
Indonesia-specification launch model.
Inside, the new Mitsubishi Xpander gets a reworked dashboard with a more horizontal layout, alongside a larger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new digital climate control panel, and the new electronic parking brake lever.
Based on photos of the show car at BIMS, it also seems like the Mitsubishi Xpander in Thailand will come with a black and brown leather upholstery, instead of the beige-coloured leather as seen on the Indonesian launch car.
However, the most important update on the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander is actually underneath the hood. Gone is the old four-speed automatic, and in its place is a new and significantly more modern CVT gearbox – which, in addition to better fuel efficiency, also promises better comfort due to the lower engine noise (thanks to its lower running RPM at highway speeds).
The engine meanwhile is unchanged, with the 1.5-litre inline-four mill still dishing out
105 hp
 and
141 Nm
 of torque, although it has been fitted with a new external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to further help with fuel efficiency.
GALLERY: Possibly the most “gaya” Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia
Again, no word on the pricing and availability just yet, although Thailand publications seem to expect a slight price bump, bringing it up to the region of
THB799,000
 (approx. RM100k).
Mitsubishi also says that it plans to roll out the new 2022 Xpander in other markets “centering on the ASEAN region”, although stopped short on providing a concrete timeframe.


Third-gen Lexus GX set for June 8 debut – New light bar taillight design

Lexus
 has just released teaser images of its third-generation Lexus GX off-road luxury SUV and has confirmed its launch to be held in Austin Texas on
June 8
,
2023
. After a long 14-year production run of the second-generation Lexus GX, Lexus has finally given the off-roader a much-needed update.
The teaser image Lexus has provided includes large portions of the all-new Lexus GX’s rear and side profile, which shows a considerable resemblance to the latest-gen
Toyota Land Cruiser
. However, a couple of differences can be spotted, including an LED light bar that connects the taillights.
The upcoming third-generation Lexus GX also looks to feature a squared-out design profile, as well as boxy-shaped side mirrors, which are taller and narrower than the ones found on the Land Cruiser. The Japanese luxury carmaker has also released an image of the upcoming luxury off-roader’s full LED headlights, as well as its signature Nike-esque daytime running lights (DRL).
Considering how Toyota has been sharing its body-on-frame platforms across Toyota and Lexus off-roaders, the new Lexus GX is also expected to be sharing the same platform together with the latest-gen Toyota Land Cruiser. Powertrain-wise, the GX will most probably be powered by a similar powertrain to the one on the Land Cruiser.
The Lexus GX’s Toyota Cousin, the
Land Cruiser Prado
 has been reported to be debuting around
April 2024
 and might have its name changed to the LandCruiser 250 Series instead, according to Japanese publication
Creative Media
.
RELATED:
2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia – over 500 bookings received in one week
GALLERY


Breitling launches Bentley Supersports B55 timepiece in Malaysia, from RM60k

To celebrate the grand opening of Bentley Kuala Lumpur’s
new flagship showroom
 and the launch of the limited edition
Bentley Continental GT Speed – Black Speed
 here in Malaysia, Breitling for Bentley has displayed the limited edition Bentley Supersports B55 timepiece.
Only 500 units of this sporty chronograph will ever be made. The casing is built entirely out of titanium and is purposely created to deliver functions and performance which complement Bentley’s high performance vehicles. The dials are made of carbon fibre while the black rubber strap with double-layer red edges gives the timepiece a sporty appearance,
befitting of a motorsports arena
.
For the
 first time
 in Breitling’s history, electric movement is featured in a timepiece. Thanks to two LCD digital display, the B55 comes with smartphone connectivity that pairs the chronograph to a dedicated app that unlocks these motorsports functions
 –
 Chrono Rally, Chrono Race and Regularity Rally.
Chrono Rally
 is dedicated to rally races that record up to 30 rally stages, complete with departure date, start time, duration and intermediate times for each stage. It even adds in any penalties incurred.
Chrono Race
 is designed for recording lap times, split lap times and average speed per lap. Lastly, the
Regularity Rally
 function acts as a time keeper, allowing the driver to determine whether the designated lap times were met.
According to Breitling, every unit of B55 imported to Malaysia will come with an
auspicious

serial number
. The B55 is on display at Breitling’s boutique store located at Level 2 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hold me, the noise from the Aston Martin Valkyrie is making me weak

Remember when Aston Martin paired up with Red Bull Racing to make the Formula 1 car for the road? Yes, we’re talking about the V12-powered
Aston Martin Valkyrie
, officially announced two years ago.
Since then, Aston Martin has been
slow dripping
 information on the
road-legal F1 car
 to remind everyone that they are still making it. But never have we heard the Valkyrie going pedal-to-the-metal on track, until now.
Lighting up a gloomy November morning – Aston Martin Valkyrie prototype testing continued
@SilverstoneUK
 last week, with
@DarrenTurner007
 behind the wheel.
Is there anything better than the sound of that V12?
#AstonMartin

#Valkyrie

pic.twitter.com/0Hgg7h911N
— Aston Martin (@astonmartin)
November 28, 2019

Aston Martin has just released some footage of the Valkyrie undergoing testing at Silverstone. The sleek styling of the car does look quite special on track, but it’s the sound of the shouty V12 engine that made us want to do unspeakable things.
To the surprise of no one, the F1-derived engine sounds just like the old-timer V12 Formula 1 cars. And that is a great thing to sound like – I mean, just listen to it!
I hope this will make your day.
@astonmartin

#Valkyrie
 on test and unleashed at our Silverstone Proving Ground.
pic.twitter.com/IzuUBkyZKn
— Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAuto)
November 22, 2019

In case you’ve forgotten, the
cosworth-built
 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine produces a peak power of
1,014 hp
 (1,000 bhp) and
740 Nm
 of torque. The V12 mill will be paired to a hybrid system which brings an additional 162 hp, for a total power output of
1176 hp
. All of that in a car that weighs just approximately
 1,100 kg
.
And did we mention that the V12 engine revs all the way up to
11,100 rpm
? Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, who is also the source of the second video above, once said “Nothing sounds better or encapsulates the emotion and excitement of the internal combustion engine more completely” about the V12 engine in the Valkyrie, and the new videos are the definite proof of that.
What does an
#AstonMartin

#Valkyrie
 sound like? Here you go 💥
pic.twitter.com/sXN9fjpEdl
— Simon Lane (@SimonatLotus)
November 22, 2019


How much did PLUS Malaysia spent on maintaining highways in 2016? RM1b…

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PMB), the largest toll expressway operator in Malaysia has reportedly spent RM1 billion in 2016 to maintain 5,000 kms of highways in the country according to Bernama. The maintenance work includes not only the main highways but also the surrounding land with some 7,000 slopes and embankments.
According to PMB CEO, Zakaria Ahman Zabidi, the company carried out more than
10,000 inspections and asset monitoring
 for all its highways in the past one year alone. PMB has mobilised some 1,000 personnel in this monumental task. “We have also invested a huge amount of money to preserve pavements, which is our key highway asset,” he said.
Besides passenger cars and light vehicles, heavy vehicles alone account for about 25 percent of total traffic and are “the main contributor to the deterioration of pavements”. To preserve its highways, PMB adopts
three maintenance strategy
 – routine, curative and preventive maintenance.
Routine work
 includes repetitive work such as grass cutting and drains desilting;
 curative maintenance
 includes repairing of structure such as pavements, slopes and bridges.
Preventive maintenance
 are planned operations carried out to prolong the longevity of its highways.
PMB currently manages North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Federal Highway Route 2 (FHR2), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), North-South Expressway (NSE) Central Link, Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, Penang Bridge and Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2).
PMB also maintains the land along the highways that covers 7,000 slopes and embankments, 500 bridges, 800-metre Meru-Menora tunnel, 114 interchanges and 24 Rest and Service areas around the clock.


Make do with the 510 hp G-Power BMW M340i while we wait for the M3

They often say “good things come to those who wait”. BMW is probably one to subscribe to that notion, as they’ve taken their own sweet time to release the forthcoming BMW M3 and M4. We’re not complaining – as long as the end result is good.
The
G80 BMW M3 and G82 M4
 is due to launch later this year. But if you really can’t wait any longer to get your hands on one, German tuning house G-Power is here to help tide you over with their GP-510 BMW M340i tune.
The recipe is simple – take the most powerful 3 Series currently available, and squeeze as much power out of it as possible. The result, as the name suggests, is 510 hp extracted from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six B58 engine – impressive.
To achieve that uprated power, G-Power remapped the ECU, and tacked on a bigger turbocharger, along with a new downpipe and stainless steel exhaust system. Of course, you’ll also want to check the box for the increased Vmax – up to
330 km/h
.
The GP-510 tune
starts at 12,017 Euros (RM57K)
, and that’ll net you
510 hp
 and
690 Nm
 of performance – well within, or even above the realms of
 M3 performance levels
. G-Power says that the tuned M340i will complete the century run in just
3.7 seconds
.
If you think that’s a bit too much though, G-Power is also offering the GP-420 and GP-470 which, you guessed it, makes 420 hp and 470 hp respectively. The former is the cheapest naturally, dropping the naught-to-100 time to four seconds flat with just an ECU tune costing 1,695 Euros (RM8K).
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW explains the 5 factors for quick 0-100 km/h times

Ah yes, 0 to 100 km/h times – the cornerstone of automotive development, the yardstick that determines how competent a new car will be when it’s released into society.
There used to be a time, as recent as the early 2000s, when “sub 6-second” 0 to 100 km/h times were the benchmark for most sports cars but now, a mere
 Volkswagen Golf GTI
will do that without breaking a sweat. I guess it’s called progress.

The factors to a respectable 0 to 100 km/h time, according to BMW, is reliant on these
five factors
 – aerodynamics, weight, power output, tyres and assistance systems.
In Malaysia, while we’re spoilt for choice with an array of powerful BMW M models, the
current F90 M5
 and the
newly-launched 850i xDrive Coupe
 are among those that have broken the 4-second 0 to 100 km/h barrier.


Renault Talisman, the stylish and luxurious D-segment contender debuts

Renault CEO, Carlos Ghosn has just taken the covers off its new flagship D-segment saloon, replacing the old Laguna model with this new chic and contemporary example. Renault’s new design direction (evident here) has also been previewed on the fifth-gen Espace MPV. One of the design priorities  was to embody a luxurious feel in this D-segmenter.
The Talisman is built at its new state-of-the-art production plant located in northern France, employing new technology and building techniques which ensures a higher standard of build and finish quality. The Talisman was a project booted at a cost of over
RM1.77 billion.
EXTERIOR
Almost immediately, we were drawn to the front fascia featuring Renault’s new aggressive styling direction. Angular is one way to begin describing it. The signature C-shaped
 LED Day-time Running Lights (DRL)
 gets the ball rolling. The distinctive DRLs are actually composed of
two parts
– top and bottom. Illuminating the path forward is a pair of headlights, christened by Renault’s
 ‘Pure Vision’ LED headlamps.
 The chrome grille and
diamond-shaped insignia
 remain true to the fresh styling.
Keeping to the design key are sleek lines that run the length of this
 4.85 metre long
 saloon. An interesting design feature is the third side window that’s reminiscent of large German luxury cars, which undoubtedly gives the Talisman a more grown up feel. Depending on the trim, the wheels are specifiable from
16 to 19 inch alloys
.
Stepping around the back reveals a broad, sleek rear end that’s been forked to be as angular and aggressive like the front. To this affect, you will find a couple of
slim chromed exhaust tips
 on the lower bumper. The tail lamps are thin clusters, adorned with an almost
 3D-like LED
 lights that are always switched on, something like the
Dodge Challenger
and
 Charger
.
INTERIOR
The Talisman is available in a choice of
 five different trim levels
, namely
Life, Zen, Business, Intens
 and the range topping
 Initiale Paris
 trim depending on which receiving market gets it. The Initiale Paris trim represents
the best
 that Renault has to offer in the realm of
interior design
, featuring Nappa leather upholstery and trimming, amongst others.
Greeting the driver is a
redesigned
 steering wheel that imparts a sporty hint with the flattened bottom end. Looking past that is the instrument gauge cluster that seems to be lifted straight of a
Lexus LFA
. As it happens, the
digital display is configurable
. The infotainment department is helmed by an
8.7-inch display
 on the range topper. The entry level Talisman makes do with a
4.2-inch display
.
This French D-Segment sedan comes with a
13-speaker Bose Surround Sound
 system that manages to incorporate
 two sub-woofers
 for a more ‘enveloping’ acoustic effect. Renault and Bose have pushed the boat out in this aspect. All the glass panels have been
 acoustically treated
 for an optimised result.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this handsome barnstormer is a combination of two petrol mills and three oil burners. The powerplants are dubbed with the Energy moniker. Renault has yet to release the full power figures though. The
Energy TCe 150 and Energy TCe 200
 units will be exclusively mated to a
seven-speed dual-clutch
 EDC automatic transmission with a
150 hp and 200hp respectively.
The
Energy dCi 110 and 130 diesel lumps
 is paired either to a
six-speed manual
 transmission or the
six-speed dual-clutch
 EDC automatic gearbox. The range topping oil burning variant, the
 twin-turbo Energy dCi 160
 unit comes exclusively mated to a
six-speed dual-clutch EDC
 gearbox.
The Talisman also features a system called
 4Control
, which basically translates into
four-wheel steering
 for better handling and feel. Aside from that, it comes also with
active damping suspension technology
 which allows it soak up bumps and dips on the road.
WHAT ELSE ?
A
colour HUD
 or head up display means that you’ll never need to take your eyes off the road. Speaking of colours, the Talisman is made available in
10 shades of paint
. Nine of them are metallic, in case you’re wondering. Also, should you find yourself in a parking lot, hit a button and take your hands of the wheels, because the Talisman
can park itself
– yes, you read that right. Complementing this front is a comprehensive range of
ADAS driving aids
.
So, what do you think of the Talisman? Will it be Renault’s good luck charm in the competitive D-Segment category? Share with us your thoughts!
IMAGE GALLERY


Gallery: 2023 Perodua Axia X 1.0 with Gear Up accesories – basic but functional!

The
all-new Perodua Axia
 is available in four variants starting from
RM38,600
 for the 1.0 G,
RM40,000
 for the 1.0 X,
RM44,000
 for the 1.0 SE and
RM49,500
 for the 1.0 AV. While it retains the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from the previous generation, with 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque, it now uses Perodua’s D-CVT gearbox, just like in the Ativa.
If you need to renew your car insurance, get 10% cash rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with
MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa
!
Overall, the
larger Perodua Axia
 has been
improved in more ways than one
 but if you’re merely looking for an ‘A to B’ car with all the basic (modern) amenities, the 1.0 X variant is the one to look at.
You get items like automatic LED headlamps, front sensors, keyless entry and LED rear combination lamps on an exterior that now looks a little more aggressive than before. Filling up the wheel arches are 14-inch wheels from the previous generation.
The Axia 1.0 X test unit we had also came with Gear Up accessories and these include window visors, a luggage tray and a front hood insulator which supposedly reduces engine noise.
Moving inside, Gear Up accessories include the illuminated door sills and coil mats along with dual-tone front and rear seat covers made of PVC. The cabin may be a simple one with basic functions such as the Bluetooth head unit, push-start button and a single-zone air conditioning system but overall, the interior design now appears more dynamic. If you’re looking for better features, the
Axia 1.0 AV
 might better suit you.
It certainly looks more youthful and less dull compared to before and what was rather useful was the storage spaces available. There’s one by the driver’s right knee and more at the centre console – whether for your phone, your bottle or other items.
Looking at the rearview mirror, you’d notice two things. Gone are the defroster grids (the horizontal lines on the rear windscreen) and secondly, the rearview mirror seems to have a telescopic effect – making things seem further than they are. It’s actually a little disorientating to look at.
On the safety front, the Axia 1.0 X is equipped with two airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal and ISOFIX seats.
GALLERY


A new era has begun; the new Porsche 911 is now in Malaysia!

Porsche Malaysia has launched the new 992 generation Porsche 911 here in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit with the Carrera S starting from RM1,150,000 with the new Carrera 4S starting from RM1,220,000.
Recreating an icon is no easy feat – you might think of Porsche as lazy for its stubborn approach to the 911’s design but if you think about it, it’s actually harder to make a car look new despite having to stick with a core design – a long front hood with a sloping roof design and long rear overhangs.
And that’s the appeal of a Porsche 911. It simply doesn’t need a radical new design but is instead built on the previous success of its predecessors.
Porsche 911s may not be as shouty as the Ferraris or Lamborghinis but you get the feeling that it’s how Porsche wants it – preferring to reveal its magic on the move.
Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six has been given a 30 hp and 30 Nm bump from before, now making
450 hp
with
530 Nm
 of torque.
This power increase is primarily down to the relocated intercoolers that now rests just below the rear bonnet for better cooling and revised turbocharger flow.
0 to 100 km/h now takes just
3.7 seconds in the rear-wheel drive Carrera S
, while the
all-wheel drive Carrera 4S does it in 3.6 seconds
 with both cars
0.4 seconds quicker
 than the models they replace.
Keep your right foot planted long and hard enough and both cars will surpass the 300 km/h mark – 308 km/h on the Carrera S and 307 km/h on the Carrera 4S.
The new car may be slightly heavier than before, despite being 70% made of aluminium with only 30% of steel used – unlike 63% with its predecessor but the new 911 still manages to be as fast as the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Porsche magic? Maybe.
Maybe it’s down to the car’s “wind science” – something Porsche has taken to the next level in the 992. The front vents can now open and close on its own – either for better cooling performance or reduced drag.

Under 70 km/h, the flaps are wide open for better cooling but from 70 km/h and beyond, these front vents completely shut for reduced drag. At 170 km/h, these flaps open up again into a “Performance position”, along with the adaptive rear spoiler which is now 25% wider than before.
Rear wheel steer is now available, along with an 11% quicker steering rack, larger vents on the rear bumper comparable to that in the previous generation 991 Turbo. For the first time, the new 992 is fitted with mixed sized wheels – 20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear.
The 911 Carrera S now features the wide body – a privilege previously conferred only to the Carrera 4S and Turbo models – also another first along the Wet Mode drive setting catered to driving on wet and slippery road conditions.
IMAGE GALLERY


2023 Hyundai Creta launched in Malaysia, RM150k – Still want that X50?

Hyundai’s new B-segment SUV, the
Hyundai Creta
 has just been launched in Malaysia. Offered in only one variant, the 1.5 Plus, the Creta is priced at
RM 149,888
.
By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
The Hyundai Creta is positioned just under the
Hyundai Kona
 and sits on the same platform as the
Kia Seltos
. Dimensions-wise, the Korean B-segment SUV measures
4,315 mm
 long,
1,790 mm
 wide, and
1,630 mm
 tall. The wheelbase on the other hand measures
2,610 mm
 long.
On the outside, features that come with the Hyundai Creta in Malaysia include:
Black ‘Parametric Jewel’ grille
Automatic LED headlights
‘Hidden’ LED daytime running lights
LED tail lights
Power adjustable side mirrors with auto fold, indicator lights
17-inch wheels
RELATED:
Hyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai
Powering the Creta is Hyundai’s own 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Smartstream engine. Details of the powertrain and further technicals are as follows:
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated
Max. Power:
115 hp (metric)
 @ 6,300 rpm
Max. Torque:
144 Nm
 @ 4,500 rpm
Top speed: 170 km/h
Transmission: CVT
Front brakes: 15-inch ventilated disc brakes
Rear brakes: 14-inch ventilated disc brakes
Front suspension: MacPherson strut
Rear suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Inside, the Hyundai Creta might look simple, yet features some modern and unique bits. Features that stand out include a digital instrument cluster and ambient lights.
Standard features that come with the Hyundai Creta include:
Black interior
Fabric seats
Leather steering wheel
Leather gear selector
Paddle shifters
Tilt & telescopic steering adjustment
Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold
Remote start function
10.25-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster
8-inch head unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3 USB ports
4 speakers with 2 tweeters
LED ambient lights
Single-zone Auto air conditioning controls
Front and rear AC vents
RELATED:
Hyundai Sonata facelift unveiled – Staria lights, BMW-like curved display
In terms of safety, these are the features that come with the Hyundai Creta in Malaysia:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Conventional Cruise Control
Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA)
Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
High Beam Assist (HBA)
To recap, the 2023 Hyundai Creta has been launched in Malaysia. With only one variant available, the Korean SUV is priced at
RM 149,888
. The Hyundai Creta also comes with a
5-year/300,000 km
 warranty, as well as
3 years/50,000 km
 free service for the first 150 buyers.
RELATED:
Hyundai reveals new automatic charging robot for electric vehicles
GALLERY


2020 Toyota Yaris facelift now open for booking in Malaysia!

[
Update 1:50 pm
: Post edited with additional information and estimated price list from UMW Toyota.]
After teasing it over the weekend on its social media channels, UMW Toyota today officially announced the arrival of the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift in Malaysia, with prices estimated to start from RM71,688. The updated Toyota Yaris is now available for booking at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.
The Toyota Yaris was
updated in Thailand
 back in August with several visual updates to its exterior, where most of the cosmetic changes were made to the face of the B-segment hatchback. Most noticeably, the grille design has been flipped vertically from the current model, now integrating a little more cohesively to the headlights and upper grille.
Malaysian specification
Thailand specification
The updated Toyota Yaris destined for Malaysia differs slightly from the Thailand model with an additional lip splitter on the front, while the more elaborate side skirtings, rear bumper, alloy wheels, and roof spoiler seems to be retained from the pre-facelift model, for the range-topping G variant at least.
Other exterior changes include a new triple bezel fully LED headlights, with a new daytime-running light strip at the bottom of the assembly. The headlights also feature a new follow-me-home function for both safety and convenience, and will be available across all variants; the headlights were previously halogen projector units throughout the entire model range.
While the exterior aesthetic changes are pretty significant, the interior remains largely identical to the
outgoing model
, based on what we’ve seen on the Thailand model. The biggest change on the inside of the new Toyota Yaris is the new infotainment display, which has been upgraded to a seven-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on the E and G variants.
UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System is also now standard on the E and G variants, while a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone is available as a paid option on all variants, priced at RM550.
The biggest news on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift however, is the addition of the
Toyota Safety Sense
 advanced driver assistance features. The system offers autonomous emergency braking and lane-departure warning on the B-segment hatchback, the former enabled from 15 km/h using an integrated camera and radar system, while the latter provides a visual alert in the multi-info display, as well as a beeping sound to warn the driver of unintended lane changes from 50 km/h and above.
The pre collision warning and lane-departure alert system is available on the current Toyota Yaris, but through the front dashcam system which proved to be unreliable and cumbersome to operate. Blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor continues to be available on the 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift.
Otherwise, the rest of the Toyota Yaris should remain unchanged, including the 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-pot mill which makes
107 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque – paired to a 7-speed CVT transmission.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift is estimated to be priced at
RM71,688
 for the J,
RM80,591
 for the E and
RM85,587
 for the range-topping G variant – an increase across the board compared to the current model. Prices are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 for the locally-assembled model. Included in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
As for colour options, the bright Citrus Mica Metallic hero colour from the current model has been discontinued, replaced by Platinum White Pearl (RM400 surcharge), a new addition to the model. The 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift will also be available in Red Mica Metallic and Silver Metallic.
It is unclear if the updated
Toyota Vios
, unveiled in Philippines in
July this year
, will also make its introduction in our country at the same time. Will these changes be enough to compete against its newest competitors in the hotly-contested B-segment market? Let us know in the comments below!
GALLERY


The Pagani Huayra Tricolore is a RM27 million statement of national pride

Remember the
 aircraft-inspired model
 that Pagani teased last week on its Twitter account? Well, it turns out that it is a special limited-edition of the Huayra called the Tricolore, designed to honour the 60th anniversary of the Italian national acrobatics patrol, the Frecce Tricolori. Only three examples of these exquisite supercars will ever be built.
Clearly, we should’ve known better, because this isn’t the first time that Pagani has honoured the Frecce Tricolori – the Italian supercar maker also made the three-units-only Zonda Tricolore just ten years ago, in celebration of the national acrobatics team’s 50th anniversary.
Back to the Huayra Tricolore, Pagani has tweaked the bodywork of the new limited-edition Huayra Roadster, with new aerodynamic parts inspired by the Air Force’s Aermacchi MB-339A P.A.N jets. There’s now a more pronounced front splitter with a completely new aerodynamic profile to maximise downforce, while the larger side extractors on the new front bumper helps increase the efficiency of the intercooler.
Right behind the roofless passenger compartment is a new air scoop with a new “innovative air conveying system” to channel an even greater airflow of cold air directly to the engine. At the back, the rear diffuser has also been further optimised, and the rear wing fully integrated with the rear hood to help achieve a “perfect aerodynamic balance”, compensating for increased downforce upfront.
The styling approach on the Pagani Huayra Tricolore also heavily mimics that of the fighter jet, with the line of the air scoop extending all the way towards the rear wing. The rear wing supports also have a similar shape with the tail fin of the jets’, and displays the number of the car on the outer sides – just like the patrol aircraft.
The aircraft-inspired model is also finished in a special livery, featuring the tricolour running along the sides of the car “like an impetuous engulfing flow of air”. The graphic stripe extends up to the rear lights, and is matched with a translucent blue carbon colour.
The headlights and side air intakes are framed by billet-machined anodised aluminium, which are inspired by aeronautics, while the wheels take inspiration from the turbines of an airplane.
However, the main highlight on the Pagani Huayra Tricolore is found on the centre of the front bonnet, which features a pilot tube – the instrument aircraft use to measure the macroscopic air speed and determine their aerodynamic condition. The airspeed is displayed as Mach numbers on the anemometer placed on the dashboard.
On the inside, the Huayra Tricolore is dressed in two-tone blue and white, with leather inserts on the seats in the Italian flag’s tricolour as another nod to the patrol’s aircraft. All aluminium parts are made from aerospace-grade alloys and machined from billet before being anodised in a distinctive blue colour.
The gear knob deserves special mention here, as the entire piece is carved from a single block of aluminium and carbon, then milled through a five-axis numerical control centre and finally hand polished with a “special transparent treatment”. Other details on the interior include the emblem of the Frecce Tricolori on the four-point seatbelt fastener, and embroidered on the headrests.
The new Tricolore model is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12, which sends
840 hp
 and
1,100 Nm
 of torque to the rear wheels. The engine is paired to a Xtrac seven-speed transverse AMT with an electromechanical differential.
As mentioned above, only three units of the aerospace-inspired special edition will ever be made. But instead of a normal 1-3 numbering system, Pagani is numbering the Huayra Tricolore according to the acrobatic patrol’s three main formation leaders’ numbers: Number 0 for the commander who directs the show from the ground, Number 1 for the Head of Formation who leads the patrol during all aerobatic manoeuvres, and Number 10 – the Soloist who splits off from the group in the most spectacular sequences.
Each of these exquisite machine will start from EUR5.5 million (~RM 27 million) before tax, but judging by how highly sought-after the Zonda Tricolore is now, it’s probably worth it if you can afford it.
GALLERY


Bespoke Audi A8 L Extended is the “taukeh’s” dream machine

Captains of the industry, would you want your prized chariot to be something other than the Mercedes S-Class? Then here’s a car for you from Ingolstadt, the Audi A8 L Extended that uses the number six as its lucky number. That’s right, it has six doors and seats six people!
The Audi A8 L extended has plenty of room thanks to its
 4.2m wheelbase
 and
6.36m overall length
. However, this is far from a straight-forward job of increasing the length and wheelbase of the A8, because the A8 has to undergo rigorous tweaks to make sure its rigidity is the same as a regular A8. Audi redeveloped the entire body of the car and adds extra braces to achieve just that. The roof meanwhile, is boosted by additional aluminum profiled tubes and cross-braces.
Inside, there are six luxurious beige seats with Valcona leather, and all seats (including the second and third rows) are electrically adjusted. The third-row passengers will enjoy an additional center console, a cool box and a Rear Seat Entertainment display.
Despite extensive use of aluminium through the Audi Space Frame design, the A8 L is porky, weighing
2.4 tonnes
. Thus, a powerful engine is required, and it’s up to the
3.0-litre supercharged V6
 that liberates
306 hp
 and
440Nm
 of torque. This big limo is fast. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
7.1 seconds
 and gets the S8 brakes.
As for now, this is a “one-off” model the a request of a European customer but there will be additional units made to meet demands. Just to note, the next-generation A8 will arrive by 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW expands EV charging network to Langkawi with two 11-kW AC chargers

BMW Group Malaysia
 together with Tian Siang Premium Auto today opened two new EV charging facilities at The Datai Langkawi, a five-star beach Resort on Langkawi Island. Covered in a wooden encasing at the entrance of the beach resort, the charging facilities are two 11-kW AC BMW i Wallbox Gen 2 chargers. Only resort guests can access the chargers.
In conjunction with the unveiling of the chargers, BMW is also inviting the guests of The Datai Langkawi to experience the
BMW iX

through a limited-time test drive opportunity. This is to further accelerate the adoption of electromobility on the island.
BMW Group Malaysia Head of Corporate Communications, Sashi Ambi said, “BMW Group Malaysia has always believed that sustainability is a shared responsibility. As we continue to realise our vision of carbon-neutral mobility in Malaysia through our premium fully electric BMW i vehicles and the expansion of our comprehensive BMW i Charging network, we are pleased to collaborate with like-minded partners, such as The Datai Langkawi – alongside our dealer, Tian Siang Premium Auto.”
“This partnership underlines our commitment to providing a Premium Electric Ownership Experience to all electric vehicle (EV) owners across the country – an experience that exemplifies sustainable luxury and is in tandem with our national agenda for electrification in Malaysia.”
RELATED:
BMW adds new DC fast chargers in Penang and Ipoh – 120 kW, open for public use
Tian Siang Premium Auto Managing Director, Tan Ka Kin said, “With the new BMW i Charging facilities introduced today, we are thrilled to be powering a total of 12 premium charging facilities across the northern regions of Malaysia – bringing greater access to electromobility in major locations outside the Klang Valley. This gives us confidence that interest for EVs in these regions will continue to rise as we work to present Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to our customers here.”
RELATED:
BMW electrifies Kuching with arrival of first BMW iX, new 180 kW DC fast charger
The Datai Langkawi General Manager, Arnaud Girodon said, “Sustainability and conservation are at the core of our business strategy, and we integrate these values into all aspects of our company ethos, operations, and guest experiences at the resort. Offering this BMW i Charging station to our guests is just one of our many efforts in moving towards cleaner air and regenerative travel, to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rich biodiversity of Langkawi for generations to come.”
RELATED:
BMW Malaysia unveils new DC Fast Chargers for public use – 180 kW, first location now open


Tata Motors forced to rename hatchback that sounds like Zika virus

Naming cars can sometimes be a tricky affair, as learned by Tata Motors recently. The Indian automaker that owns both Jaguar and Land Rover initially planned to unveil the Zica supermini in The Dehli Auto Expo on 4 February. However, the new and deadly Zika virus has forced Tata Motors to rethink their plans, or rather, its supermini’s name.
The Zica, short for Zippy Car, is set to become’s Tata Motors’ most important car  following the
underwhelming Nano microcar
. The Zica is powered by two engine options, starting with a
 1.2-litre “Revotron”
 petrol engine that produces
86 hp
 and
114 Nm of torque
. The other one (expected to be popular in India) is the
1.0-litre “Revotorq”
 diesel engine that produces
69 hp
 and
 140 Nm
 of torque. As press time, only the
five-speed manual
 is offered.
Early reviews from India are promising, praising the Zica’s functional design and that it’s good to drive as well. The Zica is expected to compete against the Hyundai i10 and Suzuki Alto.
At the same time, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has just declared an emergency, no thanks to the Zika virus. The infection has been linked to cases of microcephaly, causing underdeveloped brains in newborns. The virus is spread via Aedes mosquitoes in Latin America and has infected thousands of patients worldwide. Worse still, there’s no vaccine or cure available at press time.
The story here is pretty much self explanatory, really. Tata’s Zippy Car, Zica sounds exactly like the virus, except for the way it’s spelled. As such, Tata will rebrand the model as part of the company’s social responsibility. While the Zica moniker will be retained during the Delhi Auto Expo, a new name will be announced in the near future.


What’s the Buzz: Electrification – The shape of things to come

It’s not a coincidence that just about every new all-electric model or concept being introduced is in the shape of a sport utility vehicle, even if when they aren’t, the silhouette is on the tall end with more ground clearance than usual, like the recently announced
Polestar 2
.
The fully-electric, 500 km-capable Polestar 2 is categorised as a 3-box saloon.
Apart from satisfying the market’s insatiable appetite for tall-riding vehicles, the body-style is an entirely pragmatic one for the simple reason of where the battery cells and modules are being stacked – on the floor of the vehicle.
Cut-out of the Volkswagen ID Buggy concept shows where the battery cells reside.
And because these high voltage battery packs occupy vertical space, making the greenhouse of the vehicle taller is one way not to compromise cabin space, the other being to stretch the wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axle) and make the body wider (such as the Tesla models), which explains why SUV and hatchback shapes do come in handy, especially for high volume, mass market models.
At least the MRT looks more aerodynamic than the Google autonomous vehicle.
Theoretically speaking, an EV doesn’t even need an engine
bay as it doesn’t have an engine and transmission (only a reduction gear system
typically), but due to crash safety regulations, we will likely still (thankfully)
have vehicle ‘front ends’ that resemble what our memory have been accustomed to
for decades. But when cars start to look like Google’s autonomous vehicle, I’ll
be taking the MRT.


2023 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid launched in Japan – 0-100km/h 6.7s, 223 hp!

Officially launched early this year, a new variant of the fifth-generation Toyota Prius has been introduced in Japan; featuring a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Prices start from 4.6 million yen (approx RM151k), making the Prius PHEV (in the sole Z variant in Japan) the most expensive Prius variant.
The new front-wheel drive only PHEV variant produces a combined system output of
223 hp
. As a result, the Prius PHEV 0-100 km/h run takes just 6.7 seconds! This is the combination of its M20A-FXS 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 151 hp and 188 Nm, paired with a more powerful electric motor with 163 hp and 208 Nm.
The engine and electric motor pairing is mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The Prius PHEV is fitted with a 13.6 kWh battery; offering up to 87 km of pure electric range when fitted with 19-inch wheels or
up to 105 km
 with 17-inch wheels.
RELATED:
Toyota is already throwing body kits at the all-new Prius!
According to Toyota, fuel efficiency in the Prius with 19-inch wheels is rated at 26 km/L (3.8L/100km). With 17-inch wheels fitted, the number improves to
30.1 km/L (3.3L/100km)
. With 3.2 kW of AC charging, Toyota claims it’ll take 4.5 hours to fully charge the Prius’ battery.
The Prius PHEV can also serve as an external power source with up to 1,500 watts to power accessories. Toyota says with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, the Prius PHEV’s powertrain can provide electricity supply for about five days.
Its solar charging system on the roof not only charges the car when parked but also powers the car’s systems and electronics when driving to reduce battery consumption. Toyota claims the solar charging system can provide enough power to drive up to 1,250 km per year.
To recap, the Prius is available in either 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre versions and both are paired with electric motors. The 1.8 model produces 140 hp whether you opt for the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive model, while the 2.0 model produces 196 hp in the front-wheel drive model and 199 hp in the all-wheel drive model. More info about those two
here
.
GALLERY


All-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the works – Juiced-up track weapon to debut on 17 August

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS will be making its world premiere on
August 17, 2022
. Soon to be topping the 911 range in terms of performance, it seems the 911 GT3 RS will be the more extreme bigger brother to the
911 GT3
.
According to Porsche, the development of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has been inspired by the successful Porsche 911 RSR and Porsche 911 GT3 R GT racing cars.
For context, this is what the regular GT3 did around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Porsche’s GT Model Line Director, Andreas Preuninger said, “The new 911 GT3 RS is even more optimised for track use than its predecessors. The spontaneously responsive, high-revving four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine with approximately 500 PS has proven ideal for use at trackdays and club sport events. That’s why we focused primarily on aerodynamics and chassis questions in the development of the new 911 GT3 RS.”
RELATED: Let this Porsche 911 GT3 scream away your Monday blues!
Porsche 911 GTR (Not the RS)
Currently, the PDK-equipped Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3,996-cc naturally-aspirated flat-6 engine that produces
510 hp
 of maximum power and
470 Nm
 of torque. With that powertrain, 0-100 km/h is achieved in
3.4 seconds
, onward to 200 km/h in
10.8 seconds
. With the 911 GT3 RS, more extreme figures are to be expected.
For those of you excited about the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the digital broadcast is slated for August 17, and can be found in the link
here
. And as an extra surprise, we also have a very, very special video coming soon,
potentially
 related to the GT3 RS! Keep your eyes peeled.
RELATED: Realising my childhood dreams in a Porsche 911 GT3! – AutoVlog