Lexus UX Concept breaks cover, to slot below NX, gets holographic tech! [+Video]

It’s safe to say that today, Lexus’s current SUV range is doing relatively well. They’ve got the humongous LX, the mid-sized
RX
, and the
NX crossover
. Now, joining the diverse but increasingly populated SUV selection is smaller but cooler Lexus UX concept.
Premiered at the Paris Motor Show, this concept was penned by ED2, Lexus’ design center in France. The new concept not only hints at a possible new SUV model, but also gives a glimpse into the brand’s future styling direction. It’s also designed specifically to appeal to younger urbanites.
The UX is 4,400mm long, 1,529mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,640mm. This footprint is smaller than the NX, and suggests that the UX could possibly be Lexus’ upcoming entry-level SUV. At a glance, the UX’s aesthetics seem like an evolution of the already flamboyant design of the RX. Lexus’ signature spindle grille stays in the UX’s front.
Moving forward, Lexus believes the future of motoring would not require side mirrors, because these will be replaced by slimmer and compact e-mirror cameras.
Matching its over-the-top exterior styling is the interior technology, which can be aptly described as bonkers. The UX showcases the next-generation human machine interface, consisting of 3D displays for the dashboard controls, together with a hologram globe that displays essential driving info. To top it off, occupants can all enjoy the new and unique Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept.
As yet, neither the technical specifications nor production plans have been revealed. Will this luxury compact crossover make for an appealing choice? We would certainly think so, even if it doesn’t come with that “Star Wars” hologram technology.
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Mazda opens new RM3 mil 3S Centre in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru

Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, together with long-time dealer Azam Motors Sdn Bhd, have launched a brand new 3S Centre in Permas Jaya, bringing the dealership tally up to 78 outlets nationwide.
The RM3 million Permas Jaya branch is the country’s
31st 3S centre
 and covers a total land area of 45,000 square feet with a
built-up area of 13,000 square feet
. It houses up to
nine service bays
 and is capable of managing (servicing) up to
50 Mazdas a day
, courtesy of
19 service staff personnel
.
The showroom accommodates all of Mazda’s latest models, and the list is comprised of Mazda2, 3, 6, Biante and BT-50. Also part of the display is the popular mid-size SUV that needs no introduction, the CX-5.
Azam Motors Sdn Bhd has been a
Mazda dealer since 1984
 and focuses its operation in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The Permas Jaya showroom is their third, after Skudai and Kulai.

The company grew from recording an annual sales volume of 120 units in the year 2008, to almost 1,000 units per annum. It is now Mazda’s top three dealers in the country. The showroom is located at Lot 103394, Jalan Permas 7, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.
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Check out this viral video featuring Lewis Hamilton, Will Smith and Michael Bay

You read that right. Never in the history of Formula 1 has anything like that taken place and now the Internet is exploding from it with more than six million views in just under two days.
This video features newly-crowned, five-time Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, Hollywood heavyweights Will Smith and Michael Bay before the start of last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)
The short clip shows Will kidnapping and tying Lewis to a chair and since Lewis was already crowned Champion, Will wanted to have a go at last weekend’s race as “Lewis Hamilton”; also because they’re both black and no one would notice. Got to love a good racial joke when you hear it!
While the two displayed impeccable acting chops (especially Lewis Hamilton), the drama and intensity was delivered by the man behind the camera, Michael Bay, who filmed the “prank” as if he was filming an action scene with Shia LaBeouf in Transformers.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)
If you thought that was amusing, wait till you check out the “behind the scenes” video. Will Smith for one, is no stranger to spectacular Instagram videos; check out the one where he did the
Kiki challenge on top of a bridge in Budapest, Hungary
.
This would not have been possible if Formula 1 was still under the stewardship of Bernie Ecclestone.


The Volvo S90 is the first China-made car to be exported to Europe via rail link!

Volvo Cars, fully owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, has become the first carmaker in the world to export China-made vehicles to Europe. The first model exported to Zeebrugge, Belgium will be an S90 saloon, built in Volvo’s Daqing plant in China.
Using the recently opened China-Europe railway link, this route cuts down transport time from China to Europe by two thirds compared to the conventional naval route. The railway link also reduces CO
2
 emissions by one third, given the same distance compared to cargo ships. Trains will depart from China once a week but frequency will increase with demand. The first S90 saloon is scheduled to arrive in Zeebrugge on 31 May 2017.
After acquiring the Swedish marque in 2009, Geely set up three Volvo assembly plants in China – Luqiao for 40-series models, Chengdu for 60-series models and Daqing for 90-series models. This is in line with the company’s plans to have China as its global manufacturing and export hub for new Volvos in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.
In 2015, Volvo delivered its first China-made S60 to the US, making them the first Western premium carmaker to do so. In April this year, Volvo also announced that they will be producing a
full electric vehicle in China
. After the acquisition, Geely successfully revitalised the Volvo brand on a global level.
Even more recently, Proton’s new foreign strategic partner, Geely Auto
acquired 49.9 percent equity
 and a controlling stake of 51 percent in British sports car maker Lotus. Based on the success stories of Geely with Volvo, London Taxi and the upcoming
Lynk & Co
, will Proton and Lotus be part of Geely’s vibrant portfolio? Only time will tell.
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The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV’s weird shape might be a sign of what’s to come in the future

With electric vehicles (EV) finally coming into the limelight in recent years, car designs have also evolved from “sporty everything”, to sleeker, more aerodynamic-focused styling, all in the name of increased efficiency. Press officers love shouting about their new cars’ impressive Cd values, and as a result, swoopy, minimalist-inspired styling is also back in prominence.
The latest car to follow the same recipe is the new Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s second fully-electric model as part of their newly-established EV sub-brand, and it could be a sign of what’s to come in future EVs.
In essence, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the production version of the
Prophecy concept
 that they unveiled back in 2020. Described as an “Electrified Streamliner”, the unique “single-curved” shape gives the Ioniq 6 a drag coefficient of just 0.21 Cd.
Remember which other car also bragged about their one-curve design? The
Mercedes-Benz EQS
 – which is still the most aerodynamic production car so far, with a drag coefficient of just 0.200 Cd. They might actually be on to something here.
The curvy shape is aided by the low nose, active front air flaps, wheel gap reducers, and optionally, slim digital side mirrors. At the back, there’s also a boat-tail like structure, accentuated by the elliptical wing-inspired spoiler that helps – as you guessed it – to further help with the car’s aerodynamic performance.
The laser focus on aerodynamic efficiency extends even to places where you don’t usually see with your eyes, such as underneath the car with a fully-covered undercarriage, optimised deflectors, as well as a reduced wheel-arch gap to reduce air turbulence.
As with the previous
Ioniq 5
, the new fastback sedan also implements what the Korean carmaker calls the “Hyundai Look” design strategy, that “gives each model a unique appearance, like chess pieces” to cater for a diverse range of customers with different lifestyles, instead of a one-style-fits-all approach.
Despite that, however, several of the brand’s signature aesthetic touches can still be seen on the Ioniq 6, including the Parametric Pixels motif, with over 700 individual lighting elements covering the headlights, rear combination lamps, lower sensors, a unique High-Mounted Stop Lamp (HMSL) for “an eye-catching light execution when the brakes are applied”, and even the air vent garnishes and centre console on the inside.
The Ioniq 6 is also built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is shared across the entire Hyundai Motor Group on models like the Ioniq 5,
Kia EV6
, and
Genesis GV60
.
Fortunately, the curvy silhouette does not impede on the interior space of the Ioniq 6. Hyundai says that the interior space was developed simultaneously with the exterior with efforts made specifically to maximise and optimise the interior space, including stretching of the front and rear cabin space thanks to the flexibility afforded by the E-GMP platform.
The result, is a “coccoon-shaped interior” designed as a “comfortable hideaway and personal space”, lined with sustainable materials to reflect today’s EV customer’s values. These include eco-process leather and recycled PET fabric on the seats, bio TPO skin on the dashboard, bio PET fabric for the headliner, bio paint derived from vegetable oils, as well as floor mats made out of recycled fishing net.
RELATED: Fully electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 Lite, Plus & Max launched in Malaysia, from RM199,888
As with all other EVs these days, the cabin of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also fully decked out with tech, with highlights including the “modular display panel” with twin 12-inch display panels for the instrument cluster and infotainment display, controlled by an “ergonomically designed control unit” located on the centre console for better ergonomics and reduced distractions.
There’s also a unique dual-colour ambient lighting system, which users can either select individually from a spectrum of 64 colours, or from six dual-colour themes that have been developed by colour experts to help create a relaxing and comfortable lighting environment. To top off the high-tech feel, there are also four Interactive Pixel lights in the centre of the steering wheel for the vehicle to communicate simple information to the driver.
Technical specifications for the Ioniq 6 will have to wait until the official global debut, which is currently scheduled for July. However, the use of the E-GMP architecture also means that it’ll likely share the same powertrain components with the Ioniq 5, with the range-topping dual-motor configuration topping out at 302 hp and 605 Nm, alongside a 77.6 kWh battery.
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Proton to launch a new model every year until 2021, Proton SUV first

Besides announcing the
imminent arrival of the new SUV
, Proton Chief, Dr Li Chunrong has revealed that the national carmaker will be introducing one brand new model every year until 2021, starting with the yet-to-be-named SUV.
Without going into the details, Dr Li said that the new upcoming models will feature the Geely Group’s “latest technologies”. When asked whether these future models will be a rebadged exercise like the Boyue SUV, Dr Li assured that they will be products
co-developed between Proton and Geely
.
Dr Li stated that the “rebadging exercise” is not as straightforward as it sounds because converting a left-hand drive to a right-hand drive vehicle takes plenty of engineering work. “It’s not only about putting the wheel from the left to the right, they will change a lot,” he added.
With
Proton’s new corporate image
 that represents a global lifestyle, technology-driven, youthful exuberance and caring attitude which reflects a fresher, more dynamic and bolder Proton, Dr Li promised that Proton will receive the Group’s latest technologies and design simultaneously as its counterparts in China.
Proton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong
Currently, in Proton’s line up, the Preve, Suprima S and Exora are amongst the oldest model in their stable despite having numerous updates and facelifts. It remains to be seen whether Proton is going to replace these models or to come up with a completely new (and streamlined) product line up in the coming years. Regardless, exciting times ahead for both Proton and Malaysians.


Formula E loses China leg to Coronavirus, will Formula 1 be affected too?

With the outbreak of the Wuhan Coronavirus being declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Formula E and FIA, in consultation with the organisers and local authorities in Sanya, China have decided to call off the race that was schedule run on
21
st
 March, 2020
.
However, Formula E and FIA are monitoring the situation closely and may consider holding the Hainan Island race on a later date in the year.
The original Formula E Season 6 calendar comprised of 14 point-scoring races spanning 12 countries, including the Sanya leg, it kicked off in November last year at Saudi Arabia (Race 1 and 2) and recently concluded Race 3 in Santiago, Chile on 19
th
 January 2020. Stoffel Vandoorne of Mercedes-Benz EQ team, Alexander Sims of BMW i Andretti Motorsport and Sam Bird Of Envision Virgin Racing are leading the
drivers’ standings
.
Let’s hope China makes a quick recovery and that the Shanghai F1 race can go on.
With major sporting events in China (not merely motor sports) likely to be affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, the fate of the
Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix
 – the fourth race of the 2020 season and scheduled to be held from
17
th
 to 19
th
 April in Shanghai
, hangs in the balance.


UMW Toyota sales up by 35% in first half of 2022, Veloz to launch soon

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT)
 has just reported its sales data for the month of June 2022, which saw the company deliver a total of
8,939 vehicles
 consisting of 8,870 units of
Toyota
 and 69 units of
Lexus
.
The figure represents a fairly substantial increase over
May’s sales results
 (7,579 units: 7,442 Toyota, 137 Lexus), and with it, the company has sold a total of 45,911 vehicles (Toyota and Lexus combined) in the first half of the year, translating to a 35% increase compared to the same period last year (34,111 units).
Although the recent expiry of the SST exemption will result in short-term negative impact on its sales, UMWT says that it will be largely mitigated in the second half of this year thanks to “some early signs of recovery on the global shortage of semiconductors and microchips”.
This will be further bolstered by the launch of newer models, which will “leave buyers spoilt for choices”, the company added.
RELATED: New Toyota Veloz open for booking in Malaysia – to replace Toyota Avanza
“Shifting gears into the second half of 2022, UMW Toyota Motors is focused on going the Extra Mile to provide Toyota owners with the best ownership and after-sales experience by reimagining what ownership is about,” said UMWT President, Ravindran K. “Looking ahead, shifting consumer behaviours will likely place value on advanced automotive technologies and comprehensive security features supported by a host of value-added after-sales services.”
The company’s stream of new launches will kick off with the
Toyota Veloz
, which is
now already available for booking
 at all Toyota showrooms. Replacing the aging
Avanza
, the upcoming Toyota Veloz (which is also the sister car to the all-new Perodua Alza) will feature some much-needed creature comfort additions suitable for the modern day, including Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance features, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Qi wireless charging pad.


Forget the GLE Coupe, this 476 hp Audi Q8 Sport Concept is all you need!

Rival SUV-coupes better watch out, Audi is shaping up their contender which is slated for production in 2018. This is the Audi Q8 Sport Concept, and not only does it preview how the production Q8 will look like, it also showcases the mild hybrid powertrain that is likely to end up in future Audi models.
Although this is not the first time the concept Q8 was shown to the public, earlier this year Audi unveiled the
Q8 Concept
 at the
2017 Detroit Motor Show
. This krypton orange car you see here is the more powerful
Q8 Sport Concept
, which is sort of like an SQ8 in concept form.
While the Q8 Concept in Detroit was a plug-in hybrid generating 328 hp, the Q8 Sport Concept delivers
 476 hp
 and
700 Nm
 from its rather unique powertrain which consists of a
3.0-litre petrol V6
 and an
Electric Powered Compressor
 (EPC). Audi claims it’s a world’s first, but the same setup has already been used in the
SQ7
, except that it’s paired to a 4.0-litre diesel V8.
Powered by a
48-volt system
, the EPC effectively assists the twin turbos during quick burst of acceleration for a lag-free sprint. It gets from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
4.7 seconds
, and to a
top speed
 of
275 km/h
. Despite those fast figures, Audi said the Q8 Sport Concept will cover
more than 1,200 km
 from its 85-litre tank of petrol, thanks to its mild hybrid setup with a
20 kW electric motor
.
As far as looks goes, the Q8 Sport Concept is pretty much a blinged-up production Q8. Downsize those
23-inch wheels
 and slap on some proper doorhandles and side mirrors and you’re basically set. It’s a better-looking beast than the
Q7
, and even though it goes against the likes of
BMW X6
 and
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
, the Q8 doesn’t have that weird sloping roofline.
Inside, Audi has reduced the button count on the dash, replacing it with touch panels and two screens, each the size of a tablet. There’s only seating for four inside but the boot is said to offer 630 litres worth of space.
So what do you guys think? Would you still get an X6 or the GLE Coupe? Or would you rather wait until next year for the Audi Q8?
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No turbos for supercar replacement, hybrid is the way to go says Lambo

Automobili Lamborghini after unveiling the
Lamborghini Urus,
 a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powered super SUV, fans of the Italian supercar maker were concerned that future Lamborghini super-sports cars will join the impending fate of forced induction.
Well, according to the company’s Technical Director, Maurizio Reggiani, he intends to resist any pressure to slash the number of cylinders for turbochargers.
In a report by
AutoCar UK
, Reggiani explained: “Every car has a mission, and based on that mission you have to choose the right engine. For the [Urus SUV] the decision was turbo, but we will continue to opt for naturally-aspirated engines for the super-sports cars. In the future, we will need to take into account fuel consumption and emissions. I am convinced the naturally-aspirated engine coupled with a hybrid system can be the right answer.”
This is in line with a previous report that the Huracan replacement, due in 2022, will feature a
plug-in hybrid powertrain
 to combat the tightening emission regulations. Electrification seems to be the most plausible route to maintain the V10/V12 naturally aspirated mills while keeping emissions low.
Reggiani said,“We need to reinvent this icon without [losing] the characteristics of the current car: carbon fibre, the V12 naturally-aspirated engines and other components. Looking forward, if it is a hybrid then in what ways can we compensate for its weight?”
In late 2017, Lamborghini unveiled an
all-electric Terzo Millennio concept
 that showcased their plans of using innovative supercapacitor and cutting-edge weight-saving materials. The company is currently working with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop a carbon fibre bodywork that can act as a storage battery as well as superconductors. Hopefully, the research yields positive results for us to continue to enjoy the melody of a naturally-aspirated Lamborghini.
To prove his commitment, Reggiani concluded, “The reaction you have to a 10-cylinder engine you cannot have from any other kind of engine. This is what our customers love. Why do I need to do something different? If I trust in the naturally-aspirated engines, why downgrade my powertrain to a V8 or V6? I am Lamborghini, I am the top of the pinnacle of super-sports cars. I want to stay where I am.”
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Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept


BMW announces new M Performance Parts for the new F16 X6

Just six months after the
BMW F16 X6
 was revealed to the world, the Munich carmaker has introduced a new line of
M Performance Parts
 for the second generation Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

The parts include enhancements for the exterior, interior as well as a slight bump in engine output, so it’s not all just for shows. Outside, there’s the
Aerodynamic Package
, granting functional body parts such as the carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, rear fins and rear side flaps all painted in gloss black.
Complementing the exterior package are carbon mirror caps, four different lightweight 21-inch wheels wrapped with run flat tyres, 19-inch ventilated lightweight brake discs and calipers painted in blue, as well as a
new exhaust system
 that improves gas channeling, and in so doing generates a throatier, meatier sounding exhaust note.

Inside, the package adds carbon trim to the gear knob, brushed stainless steel door sills with LED illumination (battery operated, no need for wire tapping), M Performance Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with carbon finish, stainless steel pedals and new floor mats with M Performance lettering.
Under the hood, the
M Performance Power Kit
 comes with a
new ECU
(Engine Control Unit) with
revised engine mapping
 and a
larger intercooler
. As a result, the xDrive30d’s
3.0-litre turbodiesel
 now makes
277 hp
 and
585 Nm
 of torque, up from 258 hp and 560 Nm. It now sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds,
0.2 seconds quicker
 than the standard xDrive30d.
For the xDrive35i, its
3.0-litre petrol
 engine belts
326 hp
 and
450 Nm
, up from 306 hp and 400 Nm. Century sprint is done in 5.9 seconds, an impressive
0.5 seconds better
than the regular variant. Despite the power increase, both X6s still return the
exact fuel consumption
 figures as before.
Also thrown into the pack is BMW’s M Performance Driver Analyser that allows owners to examine their driving style through the On-Board Diagnostic system. This software can be monitored from any compatible Andriod or iOS devices via a downloadable app, and connection is via Bluetooth.
Deliveries of the F16 X6 has yet to begin, and to say that it will be making its way here is nothing more than a shot in the dark for now. But now that we’ve seen the new X6 and its M Performance Parts, any takers here?
[divider]
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Aston Martin makes a Malaysian comeback, launches the brand new DB11!

Aston Martin has huge plans moving forward, and they are starting out by introducing one brand new model every year for the next seven years. The first of the seven is a grand tourer, the Aston Martin DB11.
Wearnes, Aston Martin’s official Malaysian distributor, has just pulled the covers of the DB11 at their new showroom in the Ground Floor of Etiqa Twins, Jalan Pinang, KL. The state-of-the-art facility houses a showroom, Q by Aston Martin Personalisation and private customer lounges.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Aston Martin DB11
Engine
5,204cc; Twin-turbo V12
Transmission
8-speed ZF automatic
Max Power
599 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max Torque
700 Nm @ 1,500 – 5,000 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top Speed
3.9 seconds; 322 km/h
Price (After Tax)
TBC
The DB11, popularly referred to as the James Bond car, is a replacement of the DB9 that has been in service for a good 13 years. However, this evolution of a classic masterpiece is not to be confused with the DB10 that appeared in the film
 Spectre
. The DB11 is essentially the production version of the DB10 concept car.
EXTERIOR
In the pursuit of an elegant design and maintaining top notch performance, Aston Martin revised the body panels and incorporated clever designs that provide proper visual and aerodynamic effects.
The front bumper that houses the LED headlamps features grilles and mesh designs that channel high pressure air out from the front wheel arches to reduce front-end lift. At the rear, in place of a large rear wing that compromises the DB’s uninterrupted design flow, is an
Aston Martin AeroBlade
. This AeroBlade is a combination of discrete functional designs that come together to channel airflow to an opening at the rear boot lid, thereby providing downforce.

As standard, the DB11 gets dual exhaust pipes and rides on 20-inch 10-spoke alloys wrapped with Bridgestone S007 tyres (255/40 sections at the front and 295/35 sections at the rear).
However, Wearnes also offers Q by Aston Martin Personalisation Programme, where customers can customise everything from exterior colour to interior stitching and materials, all to their liking.
INTERIOR
As expected of Aston Martin, the DB11 is exceptionally exquisite. Premium materials are used at every exposed panel and trim. Several notable features inside the DB11 include an 8-inch infotainment system with rotary dial, centre mounted gear selector buttons, crystal-finish push start button and a leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters.

AM also enhanced the GT capabilities of the DB11 by making some little tweaks that bring improved convenience. For example, the doors swing upwards ever so slightly (this solve the dreaded problem of hitting road kerbs), a boot space of
270 litres
 (that’s more than a Mazda2 Hatchback) and fully integrated ISOFIX mounting points for the rear seats.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the 1,700kg DB11 is a
5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
 mated to an
eight-speed
 ZF-sourced automatic transmission to produce a total of
599 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. As such, the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in
3.9 seconds
 and tops out at
322 km/h
. This makes the DB11 the most powerful production DB model in the history of Aston Martin.

The GT car boasts a 51:49 front to rear weight distribution, allowing for an engaging driving experience. Drivers also get to alternate the damper settings to three different modes – GT, Sport and Sport+ to suit any driving conditions.
WHAT ELSE?
The asking price of the DB11 has yet to be finalised but Wearnes expressed that it will be in excess of
RM2 million
 inclusive of GST and taxes. However, with more than 3,000 global orders since its launch, the current waiting list for DB11’s stretches well into 2017.
At Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, customers can personalise each car to their heart’s content at the Q by Aston Martin Personalisation Programme. Wearnes also provides full after sales service to existing and new Aston Martin owners at their temporary service centre at Sungai Buloh. A dedicated Aston Martin Service Centre will be launched sometime soon.
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Would you spend RM 64,000 on a Bugatti Veyron diecast model?

Indulging in the cars as a hobby can come in various different forms and figures. While most commonly indulge in the real thing, some opt to invest their time and money in LEGO or Matchbox’s while some take fancy in diecast models that either came ready made or in kit form.
Then there’s another level; Amalgam’s model cars, more specifically its USD 15,000 (approx RM 64,000) Bugatti Veyron Vitesse. The 1:8 scale model Veyron Vitesse comes with functional air brakes as you’d get in the actual car, LED lights and indicators, illuminated interior and many more features.
Each is said to be built by hand with over 300 man hours to complete using proper CAD data supplied by Bugatti themselves to ensure that the features are as accurate as it can be. As fine car model manufacturers go, Amalgam is of the Rolls-Royce standard.
Every detail of the vehicle, whether inside or out, can be tailored to your every specific preference – from wheels, license plates to even the stitching on the seats. In terms of its classics, Amalgam even go to great lengths to locate the actual cars, digitally scan them to capture the precise dimensions of every part including engine, chassis and drivetrain. They also take between 600-800 photographs for a closer understanding of every inch of the car.
While we’re aware that most would pay approx RM 64,000 for timepieces and other luxury goods, would this be pushing the limits of sanity?
Source:
Car Throttle
/
Car Scoops
Image Credit:
 Amalgam Collection


Mercedes-Benz releases its last V8 G-Class – G 500 Final Edition, limited to 1,500 units only

With the
fully-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class
 set to launch in 2024, time is indeed ticking for the V8-powered
Gelandewagens
. So what do you do to honour a 30-year tradition? You make a swansong farewell edition, of course. This is the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition, and as the name suggests, it will be the last G-Class to come with a V8 engine.
The G 500 Final Edition marks the 30th birthday of the V8-powered luxury off-roader, and is limited to just 1,500 units. On the outside, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 “Final Edition” comes with, well, ‘Final Edition’ badging all around, which you’ll find plastered – quite inconspicuously, we should add – on the outer protective strip and the insert for the spare wheel cover.
As part of the Manufaktur logo package, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition’s doorknobs come with an embossed logo as well. The side-view mirrors also come with a logo projector, which projects the “G” logo, as well as the “Stronger Than Time” lettering onto the asphalt when the car is stationary.
RELATED:
500,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class rolls off production line, EV model coming in 2024
Many of the exterior garnishes, including the spare wheel ring and bumper trims at the back, now get a unique high-gloss chrome finish to contrast against the three specially-selected exterior colours: metallic obsidian black, Manufaktur opalith white magno, and Manufaktur olive magno, all limited to only 500 units each.
Wrapping up the exterior styling tweaks are the five-twin-spoke 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, with a high-sheen finish on the outside to contrast the black inserts. Uniquely for the Manufaktur olive magno colour variant, the black is instead swapped out for the same olive hue on its bodywork.
Open the doors of the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition and you will be greeted with the illuminated Final Edition lettering on the door sill trims. The lettering can also be found on the insert of the grab handle for passengers.
Standard equipment that comes with the limited edition luxury off-roader includes a Burmester surround sound system, the Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus, as well as seats wrapped in two-tone Manufaktur Nappa leather. In fact, almost the entire interior is lined with Nappa leather, from the luggage compartment to the roof lining and the panels on the seat adjustment switches.
The centre section of the headliner is coloured to match the seat centre panel and features the same diamond design too. To complement the exterior and interior colours, the metallic obsidian black colour variant comes with a centre section finished in titanium grey pearl and black. The opalith white magno and olive magno variants, meanwhile, get centre sections finished in platinum white and black, as well as expresso brown and black respectively.
Just to remind you of the car’s exclusivity, the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition’s key will come embedded with a genuine silver edition-specific plaque. In addition, buyers of the G500 Final Edition will also receive an exclusive indoor car cover with the “Stronger Than Time” lettering.
The Mercedes-Benz G 500 Final Edition can now be ordered with a price tag of
EUR196,350
 (approx.
RM998,907
). Here in Malaysia, the fully-imported
Mercedes-Benz G 63
 is available for
RM1,799,888
 on the road, without insurance.
RELATED:
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ROI open for Malaysia, EV with up to 590km range
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2017 Audi RS 3 Sedan is a beast, gets 2.5L turbo with 400 hp & 480 Nm!

Last month, Audi introduced its version of the
Merc-AMG A 45
, but with slightly more power and admittedly better looks – the
Audi RS 3 Sportback
. It’s also marginally quicker than the Affalterbach-bred mega hatch, but Audi is far from done.
Unveiled on the prestigious floors of Geneva Motor Show is the Audi RS 3 Sedan, the first compact Audi model to ever be given the RS badge. Armed with the
most powerful five-cylinder engine
 in the world, the compact Audi epitomises the saying “good things come in small packages”. The all-aluminium
2.5-litre TFSI
 lump is turbocharged to make
 400 hp
 and
 480 Nm
 of torque, sending it from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering
4.1 seconds
.

Peak torque is available from a lowly 1,700 revolutions, all the way to 5,850 rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h
 as standard, but customers can request for the cap to be raised to
280 km/h
 for a small sum. A sole
seven-speed S tronic
 dual clutch transmission is standard, as is the quattro all-wheel drive system (hydraulic clutch). It’s largely rear bias as well, with about 80 percent of power being sent rearward.

Just like the
TT RS
, it’s underpinned by the ever flexible MQB platform of the VW Group. The RS duo represent the gnarliest variations to ever sit atop the MQB architecture, and if you were to race them on a circuit, the TT RS would outgun the RS 3 Sedan, but not by a huge margin. Standard here are RS-specific body kit, 19-inch RS wheels shod with 235/35 section tyres and RS interior embellishments.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia posted 15% sales growth in 1H of 2018

At the product launch of the
locally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line
, the company also posted its performance report for the first half of 2018. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recorded yet another upward trend in sales and market share.
In the first six-months of 2018, the premium carmaker delivered 6,790 cars which reflects a 15 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The main growth driver is still the locally assembled limousines (C, E & S-Class) with 4,322 units sold, 18 per cent more than the previous year.
The company’s compact car range (A-Class, CLA & GLA) also recorded 20 per cent growth to 996 cars sold in the first half of the year. MBM sold 1,291 units (+4%) of SUVs and 181 units (+1%) of Dream Cars in the same period.
MBM now commands a 2.5 per cent market share in Malaysia (up 0.2 per cent from the previous year), putting the three-pointed star as the number one premium brand in Malaysia. They also offer the most comprehensive range of premium cars in the country with 53 variants across 23 models.


Perodua Axia E manual updated for 2023 with RM2K reduction, still no ABS, EBD, ESC – RM22,000

The all-new
2023 Perodua Axia
 was just launched earlier this year, but it seemed like a manual variant was completely left out. However,
Perodua
 hasn’t actually forgotten about what Malaysians call the ‘Kosong Spec’ Axia E manual and has now introduced the return of the Perodua Axia E with an even cheaper price tag of
RM22,000
(without insurance), making it once again the ‘most affordable car’ in the market.
Looking to renew your car insurance? Check out MotorTakaful.com by Etiqa for an instant 10% rebate, plus cashback at the end of your coverage. Head on over to
 MotorTakaful.com
 to find out more.
Perodua says the price reduction is made possible by the support given by its vendors, suppliers, and the government, as well as some cost-saving measures. The 2023 Perodua Axia E, unlike its higher-spec siblings, isn’t wearing the new DNGA ‘costume’, but is still mostly similar to before, both outside and in.
The only difference the 2023 Axia E gains on its exterior is the addition of the Granite Grey colour option. Colour options already available with the previous iteration of the Axia E like the Ivory White and Glittering Silver colours have been retained.
The rest of the car is pretty much the same as before. The side mirrors are still left unpainted, the turn signal indicators are still positioned on the fender instead of the side mirrors, and the car still sports 14-inch steel wheels like before. And, like the higher-spec DNGA-based Axias, the Axia E doesn’t come with rear defoggers, nor a rear windscreen wiper. But one good news is that the projector headlamps are still here.
RELATED:
MIROS to assess Perodua Axia safety, no complaints received so far
Perodua says this latest iteration of the Axia E is based on the 2017 facelift, which means design-wise, the 2023 Axia E pretty much looks the same as before.
Powering the 2023 Perodua Axia E is the same 1KR-VE 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated (NA) 3-cylinder VVT-i engine like the previous gen Axia, and is paired with the good old 5-speed manual transmission. Power is, as expected, sent to the front wheels only, giving the Axia E a total of
68 hp
 and
91 Nm
.
Inside the new Axia E, it’s about the same story as before. In order to keep the prices down, parts like the dashboard centre console, and door trims are all left unpainted.
The fabric seats are here to stay and features that many might have taken for granted, such as the tachometer, vanity mirror on the driver’s side, head unit, and speakers are still omitted, leaving owners the freedom to install their desired head units and speakers. However, the good news is that the powered windows are still here, and there is also a spare tire at the back too, which is certainly a convenient feature to have. There are also ISOFIX points in the rear seats.
For those who have been disappointed with the absence of safety features like ABS, EBD, and ESC in the previous Axia E, sorry folks, as it continues to be absent here with the new Axia E. Central locking is also still missing from this latest Axia E.
The rest of the safety kits list remains the same though. This means two airbags and a seatbelt reminder for the driver are still fitted as standard to this latest iteration of the Axia E.
The local carmaker has also ensured that the 2023 Axia E is certified with a 4-star ASEAN ANCAP rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). And just like any new car, the Perodua Axia E comes with a 5-year/150,000 km manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first.
Perodua is aiming to sell up to 1,500 units of the Axia E per month. This will include both individual owners and fleet sales. Bookings for the 2023 Perodua Axia E starts today.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “The Perodua Axia E has been market tested and proven over the years and we believe that this variant would serve its current role of giving motorcycle owners an opportunity to own a new car.”
He added, “Based on a discussion with local financial institutions, we found that it only takes RM300 per month to pay the hire purchase cost of owning the Axia E. This is the same cost that would take for someone to buy a brand new motorcycle on hire purchase.”
What do you think of the 2023 Perodua Axia E? Liking Perodua’s decision for keeping the manual Axia alive? We believe the driving school instructors and manual purists certainly do. Anyhow, leave your thoughts down below!
ALSO WATCH:
2023 Perodua Axia review – Still the no-brainer budget car?
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Mercedes brought TikTok to the E-Class, BMW now brings gaming to the new 5 Series!

You might call the built-in TikTok app in the new W214
Mercedes-Benz

E-Class
 a publicity stunt, but it actually does its job, which is attracting people’s attention.
BMW
 saw that and decided to go to a whole other level by launching the all-new
BMW 5 Series
 with a built-in gaming platform.
This built-in gaming platform is possible thanks to
BMW Group
’s
 partnership with AirConsole, an online video game platform, allowing the driver and passengers to play casual games while the vehicle is stationary. As odd as it might sound, this built-in gaming platform can actually be a good way to pass the time during long waits, like when the car is charging, for instance.
So how does the AirConsole in the BMW 5 Series or
i5
 work? What you need is basically a smartphone, which acts as a controller, and a screen, which in this context is the new BMW 5 Series’ Curved Display.
After starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle itself, you can connect your smartphone to the car by just scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. To make the in-car gaming experience even more fun, the AirConsole app supports multiplayer too, allowing your passengers to play along with you using their smartphones.
RELATED:
All-new 2023 BMW 5 Series unveiled, embarks on new era with fully-electric i5
As of now, BMW describes games that are available via the AirConsole gaming platform as ‘casual games’. Genres currently offered include racing, sports, quiz, music quiz games, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, as well as puzzle games.
There are around 15 titles available to play from the start. This includes titles such as “Go Kart Go”, “Golazo”, “Music Guess”, and “Overcooked”. BMW has also promised that the portfolio of available games will be continually expanded.
Just in case the launch of the in-car gaming platform wasn’t interesting enough, BMW even presented a BMW i5 with a unique gaming wrap. This was done to pay homage to the iconic 8-bit computer games, with its colour scheme inspired by games available on the AirConsole platform.
In addition to the new BMW 5 Series, the AirConsole app will also be made available for other BMW models. Among the models listed are the
BMW 7 Series
,
BMW iX
, and
BMW i4
 produced after
July 2023
. The
BMW X5
,
BMW X6
,
BMW X7
,
BMW XM
,
BMW X5 M
, and the
BMW X6 M
 produced after
August 2023
 are also shortlisted.
RELATED:
All-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 debuts: Rear wheel steering, built-in TikTok app
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Audi A4 B9 Tech Pack now available in Malaysia, from RM244k to RM335k!

When the all-new
Audi A4 B9
 made its local debut late last year, Audi Malaysia promised that a high-tech Tech Pack option will be made available for all variants sometime down the road. When the
1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro variants
 were introduced early April this year, only the 2.0 TFSI variant was available with the Tech Pack option.
Now, Audi Malaysia has made the Tech Pack option available across the range, even on the 2.0 TFSI S-Line! For those of you who have been waiting to have your brand new A4 to come with extra high-tech creature comforts, be prepared to fork out an additional RM20k to RM25k.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi A4 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack
Engine
1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system
1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system
Transmission
7-speed S tronic (dual clutch automatic)
Max Power
150 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
190 hp @ 4,200 – 6,000 rpm
252 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm
320 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,200 rpm
370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
8.5 seconds; 210 km/h
7.3 seconds; 240 km/h
5.8 seconds; 250 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM243,900
RM273,900
RM298,900
RM334,900
Starting with the entry level 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack, you get additional 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation plus, Audi smartphone interface and reversing camera for RM25k extra over the bog standard 1.4 TFSI variant. Unfortunately, no swanky Matrix LED headlamps for the entry level A4.
Previously, you can only have the 2.0 TFSI (front-wheel drive) exclusively in either with S-Line or Tech Pack only. Now, Audi Malaysia has made both options available for the 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack which now comes with S-Line body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, S-Line sport leather steering wheel, S-Line seats as well as Matrix LED headlamps. It also gets all the Tech Pack kit like the 1.4 TFSI. All these, yours for
RM298,900
.
Lastly, stepping up to the 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack, for RM20k more, you get Matrix LED taillamps and a 755W 19-speaker B&O Surround Sound System.
Mechanically the A4 B9 range remains available with three engine choices – 1.4-litre TFSI with
150 hp
/
250 Nm
, 2.0-litre TFSI with
190 hp
/
320 Nm
 and a 2.0-litre TFSI with
252 hp
/
370 Nm
. All engine options are mated to a 7-speed S Tronic transmission.
As a bonus, the 1.4 TFSI Tech Pack, 2.0 TFSI S-Line Tech Pack as well as the 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tech Pack will enjoy a special introductory price of RM 224,900, RM 274,900 and RM 314,900, respectively. All A4 B9 comes with a 5-Years unlimited mileage warranty and are fully imported from Ingolstadt, Germany.
We had a short stint in the A4 B9 and we think that you need to take a good look at
2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Line
. But before jumping the gun on this premium compact sedan, maybe you should
consider whether the Audi A4 B9 worth considering over a 3-Series, C-Class and S60
?
IMAGE GALLERY


Travelling into Singapore now allowed, but don’t head down just yet

The governments of both Malaysia and Singapore today officially reopened the Johor Causeway to allow travelling between the countries for qualified individuals.
The 97-year-old Causeway, also known as Tambak Johor, was closed on
18th March 2020
 as part of Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus. At its peak, over 400,000 users travel by all means of land transport including walking the 1,000-metre long bridge.
Source: Twitter/
MinistryofTransport Malaysia
The opening of the Causeway today is a significant step towards normalcy for both nations. Called Vaccinated Travel Lane via land crossing (VTL-Land), travelling is only limited to bus transportation with a daily quota not exceeding 1,500 travellers.
The VTL aims to facilitate seamless movement integrating strict and rigorous health protocols, security, immigration clearance as well as quarantine-free travelling. At this initial stage, only the Larkin Sentral Bus terminal in Malaysia and the Queen Street Terminal in Singapore have been designated as boarding and disembarkation points.
Source: Twitter/
MinistryofTransport Malaysia
The Honda City Hatchback isn’t offered in Singapore, instead, they continue to offer the Jazz/Fit. Check it out here!
Only fully-vaccinated individuals who are permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country they are entering will be able to cross the Causeway without the need for quarantine under the VTL Land. Not surprisingly, travellers must have a negative result on the Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) two days before the departure.
Both governments will continue to monitor and assess the movement of people across the Causeway and increase the quota and bus capacities when the conditions allow. Travellers can visit the web portals for Malaysia (
MySafeTravel
) or Singapore (
SafeTravel
) for more detailed information and FAQs regarding travelling between the two countries.


Facts & Figures: BMW 5 Series facelift in Malaysia revealed, two choices from RM343k

Just days after posting teaser information and images, BMW Malaysia has officially released the specifications and estimated pricing of the new BMW 5 Series facelift. The executive sedan will only be available with the 30-series powertrain designation, either just petrol propulsion or plug-in hybrid.
Both variants of the BMW 5 Series facelift, only in M Sport line, will be locally-assembled here in Malaysia, with an
estimated
 price of
RM343,000
 and
RM396,000
 respectively for the 530e PHEV and 530i, both on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales and service tax.
The entry-level
BMW 520i
 will not be available for now.
EXTERIOR
Complete with the M Aerodynamics package, the new models are now fitted with larger kidney grilles (wider, taller but positioned lower) and slimmer headlight clusters with a new twin-L-shaped DRLs.
At the back, the lighting units get new 3D housing, featuring a new C-shaped light signature that integrates both the taillights and brake lights into a single lighting fixture.
As standard, both the 530e and 530i get the following exterior features:
Full M Aerodynamics package
19″ M light-alloy wheels Y-spoke style 845 M Bicolour with staggered sizing runflat tyres
Adaptive suspension
Blue painted M Sport brake calipers
Powered boot with hands-free operation
Dual trapezoidal exhaust outlets
The 530e gets Adaptive LED Matrix headlamps and gloss black window surround (Shadowline in BMW lingo), while the more expensive 530i gets blue-accented BMW Laserlight technology, aluminium satinated surround and a tilt-and-slide moonroof.
PERFORMANCE
As mentioned earlier, the new 5 Series facelift currently will only be offered in the 30-series powertrain designation of the PHEV and the regular petrol-only driving force. The is the same powertrain strategy (one PHEV and one conventional engine) seen in the recently launched MINI Cooper
Countryman facelift
.
BMW 530e M Sport
Powerplant: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, updated eDrive plug-in hybrid,
Xtra Boost +40 hp
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Total combined system max horsepower: 292 hp
Total combined system max torque: 420 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 235 km/h
All-electric range:
 67 km
 (NEDC)
BMW 530i M Sport
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, petrol
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 252 hp
Max torque: 350 Nm
0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Thanks to the fitment of the larger 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack placed under the rear seats, the new 530e can travel up to
67 kilometres
 of zero local emissions. A larger battery means a slightly longer charging time to reach full capacity, requiring 3 hours and 35 minutes via the BMW i Wallbox or under six hours via a domestic household socket.
Newer niceties that were added into the
Thai market
 facelifted models such as the soft-closing doors, BMW Digital Key and rear-wheel steering are not available for our Kulim-assembled models.
INTERIOR
Inside, both variants of the new BMW 5 Series feature all the goodies from the M Sport package. There are items such as:
Sport front seats
M leather steering wheel and foot pedals
Black headliner
Trim panels finished in Aluminium Rhombicle.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Operating System 7, two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays
High-gloss black centre console switches
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
4G LTE connectivity with Software Upgrade over-the-air (OTA) map updates for the navigation system
Automatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control
Smartphone charger
With the voice-command function labelled as BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, functions that can be accessed and controlled via the natural voice include phone calls, temperature adjustment, navigation, windshield heating, movement of the sunshade and automatically lowering of all windows.
The BMW 530i M Sport is set further apart from the PHEV variant through the addition of a head-up display (HUD), BMW Display Key, BMW Gesture Control and Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Advanced Driving Assists System (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot and lane departure warning plus rear collision prevention are found in both variants, while the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function is only found in the 530i M Sport.
PRICING
The new BMW 5 Series facelift models are provided with an estimated price in Malaysia as follows:
BMW 530e M Sport:
RM343,000
BMW 530i M Sport:
RM396,000
Both price-estimates above are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of sales and service tax. Also included in the price is a five-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Service Online as well as a 5-year roadside assistance programme. Best to
drop a note
 to your preferred dealer on more information regarding the availability of the new facelifted BMW 5 Series.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW 530e M Sport and the BMW 530i M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM3,808 and RM4,398 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
GALLERY
 (International model)


BMW Group Thailand to locally assemble high-voltage batteries for BMW PHEVs

BMW Group Thailand in partnership with the DRÄXLMAIER Group, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and a partner of BMW Group since 1966, is now locally-assembling high-voltage batteries in a dedicated plant in Chonburi to cater to the local production of PHEVs.
The 500 million baht high-voltage battery assembly plant is
assembling both battery modules and the battery itself
.
In keeping to BMW Group’s high standards of quality, experts from BMW Group Munich have been involved throughout the process in order to set up a solid foundation for the future.
Those involved in the production have undergone training in the aspects of battery production, e-drive production and e-drivetrains – allowing them to appropriately apply cutting-edge production technologies such as laser welding, plasma activation, robotics etc.

The fully assembled batteries will then be transported to BMW Group Thailand’s Plant Rayong for the production of BMW 5 Series PHEVs – in this case the
530e
.
Since 2017, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand has assembled four BMW plug-in hybdrids at Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong province.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 & GLA250 launched in Malaysia, 5 Things

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the
new locally assembled variants of the GLA
 – the G200 Progressive line from
RM232,379
 and GLA 250 AMG Line from
RM266,164
.
The GLA 200 Progressive Line gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with 163 hp and 250 Nm paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. On the other hand, the GLA 250 AMG Line gets a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to 8-speed dual clutch transmission with 224 hp and 350 Nm. The latter can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds!

The exterior remains unchanged for both variants, with the A250 wearing a sportier AMG Line body kit, 19-inch wheels and lowered suspension. The GLA 250 also sports a completely different shape and design for the front grille; trapezoid with chrome pins instead of the octagonal grille in the GLA 200.
On the inside, both variants still come with a single zone air conditioning system unlike the A Class Sedan which has been upgraded with a dual zone system. It goes without saying that the GLA 250 is furnished with a sportier interior made up of AMG floor mats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and seats with leather and suede upholstery.
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Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line


Proton Commerce sees 54% growth with 22,467 loans issued in 2022

Following
Proton
’s success of selling
141,432 cars
 in 2022 (its highest sales number since 2013), Proton’s financing arm, Proton Commerce Sdn. Bhd. Issued
22,467 loans
 to Proton buyers in 2022. Eight months saw more than 2,000 monthly disbursements with September setting an all-time high of 2,872 disbursements.
Proton Commerce Sdn Bhd was incorporated in 2003 and is a joint venture between Proton Edar and CIMB, serving to provide financing for Proton buyers. In 2022, Proton Commerce saw a 54% growth from the previous year. In May and June last year, the approval rate was at an all-time high of 59%.
The financing arm was the leading financier for the
Proton Saga
 last year. In November 2022, Proton Commerce set a new highwater mark, being the financier of 32% of purchases of the Proton Saga.
Proton Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Moo Fi Phang said, “Proton faced a tough start to 2022 and this had a knock-on effect for Proton Commerce. However, we mounted a recovery and made up for lost ground to emerge with a new disbursement record. For 2023, we aim to grow our volume and approval rates even more by leveraging on the continued popularity of the current Proton model range as well as the introduction of new and updated models. Hopefully, this will propel us forwards to become the number one Proton financier.”
One month into the new year, Proton Commerce has announced a new benefit for its customers. Effective immediately, the validity of Letters Of Undertaking (LOU) issued will be extended from 90 to 180 days making it more convenient for buyers of Proton models who face a long waiting time for the variant of their choice.
“Aside from extending the validity of our LOUs, Proton Commerce will also honour the interest rate offered at the time of approval and as we offer fixed rate financing, our customers do not need to worry about increasing monthly payments. This will make it easier for Proton buyers waiting for their cars and help control their personal budgets,” added Mooi Fi Phang.
RELATED:
Proton sales up 118% since 2018 – 5,100 average SUV sales per month


Kia’s new logo will debut in 2021, driving its shift towards EV

While Kia seems to be knocking it out of the park recently with its recent models such as the
K5
,
Sorento
, and even the

Carnival MPV
, the new models are just step one of what Kia CEO Ho Sung Song calls “Plan S”.
The Plan S (the “S” stands for “Shift”, apparently) initiative aims to develop the brand to become “more dynamic, stylish, and inventive,” with a stronger emphasis on electric vehicles. Kia is planning a line-up of at least 11 EVs by the end of 2025 backed by a massive USD25 billion investment, and according to a report by
Automotive News
, Plan S will be officially launched early next year.
Driving Kia’s paradigm shift is the brand’s new logo, which is set to arrive on a production vehicle next year. The new logo was first sighted in a trademark filing in Korea back in December last year, and later unveiled officially on the
Imagine concept
.
In an interview with the European publication, Song commented on the new logo: “We need something to initiate or drive that business paradigm into the new world. These days, we are transitioning to a new industry paradigm.”
Kia Imagine concept.
Kia’s new logo ditches the oval surrounds that have become synonymous with the brand since its inception, while the letterings have also been given a more modern, stylised treatment, and are all connected to each other. Song says that the new brand relaunch, together with its new logo, is meant to “set up [its] new customer target”.
Kia’s big EV push will rely heavily on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that is also shared with Hyundai to be used in its new
Ioniq sub-brand
. The Hyundai Motor Group as a whole aims to sell 1 million units of BEVs annually by 2025, which should represent a 10% market share to become a leader in the global EV field.


Michelin Utips Tyre: Airless and zero-maintenance for passenger cars

In 2017, Michelin
presented its VISION concept at the Movin’On Summit, highlighting their
dedication and strategy for research and development of sustainable mobility
solutions. Now, the French tyre maker has shown its new generation of airless tyres
for passenger vehicles.
The Michelin Unique
Puncture-proof Tyre System or Utips for short, is built upon the VISION concept’s
four main pillars of innovation – airless, connected, 3D-printed and 100%
sustainable (made entirely from renewable or bio-sourced materials).
At the centre is a composite
and high-strength resin embedded fibreglass that can be compressed upon impact
(going over undulations) and strong enough to maintain its structural integrity
on the move. This results in a completely airless tyre that eliminates the risks
of puncture, flat tyres and blowouts.
Utips can be fitted onto any regular wheels and can withstand the weight and speeds of passenger vehicles. On the prototype, the maximum speed was rated at 210 km/h. This airless tyre is also designed to cater for autonomous and fully electric cars when the need arises.
Not only that, Utips
was designed to be near maintenance-free, reducing the need for inspecting tyre
pressure, damage and even rotations for even tread wear.
Besides the safety benefits for passenger vehicles, operators of fleet vehicles are able to minimise downtime and improve operational efficiency resulting from the Utips puncture-proof and zero-maintenance characteristics.

These innovations combined
results in stunning levels of environmental savings as there are approximately
200 million tyres worldwide are scrapped prematurely every year due to
punctures, road hazard damage or uneven wear. Michelin envisions that Utips
will significantly cut down on environmental impact.
Utips is currently undergoing
prototype testing and validation. Michelin and General Motors (GM) have announced
a joint research agreement to accelerate the process and aims to introduce the
first production ready Utips on passenger cars as early as 2024. Later this
year, Utips will undergo real-world testing on a test fleet of Chevrolet Bolt
EVs in Michigan, USA.
Michelin has already made great strides in the area of airless tyre technology with the Michelin Tweel back in 2014, an airless tyre for skid steer loaders and commercial vehicles. Watching the robustness and benefits of the Tweel in action, we can’t wait for the first Utips to be used on passenger cars.

IMAGE GALLERY
Michelin Utips Airless Tyre Prototype


Lotus releases yet another lightweight firebreather – the Exige Cup 430

Barely less than a month since the introduction of the
Lotus Elise Cup 260
, the lightest Elise of them all, the relentless individuals from Hethel, UK has brought us yet another featherweight savage of a sportscar – this time the Exige Cup 430.
The Exige Cup 430 centres around a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with an output of
430 hp
 and
440 Nm
 of torque. With a water-to-air charge cooler and a new Edelbrock supercharger, the engine pumps out 55 hp or 15% more power than the limited production Exige Cup 380 it succeeds.
Weight, typical of Lotus’ DNA is just a pip over a tonne at 1,059 kg – giving the Cup 430 a power-to-weight ratio of
407 hp per tonne
 and to put things in perspective, this makes the Cup 430
faster than a McLaren 570S Spider
!
Redline is 7,000 rpm – at every cog of its 6-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox with an open-gate design – complimentary of a new intake system and a larger throttle body. Also new is the oil cooler configuration and an uprated clutch to handle the ferocious power.
Aside from the new induction system and supercharger, the Cup 430 is enhanced with a
high-flow titanium exhaust
 that not only saves 10kg of weight at the back, it also sprites up the V6’s engine note.
It takes just
3.3 seconds
 to a 100 km/h, plowing through to a top speed of
 290 km/h
 with the aid of new aero kits harnessing all that power. The front is attached with a new ultra-lightweight front clam with unique carbon fibre ducts, wider radiator openings and a new mesh pattern grille along with a new front splitter and air curtain mechanism to reduce drag and turbulence generated by the front wheels.
At the back sits a new aluminium diffuser, crowned by an oversized carbon fibre rear wing to boost downforce. The body sits on new
three-way adjustable Nitron dampers
 tied in by Eiback adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are the contact point of choice with the tarmac, matched with ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, either in red, black or silver. Tucked beneath them are
four-piston AP Racing
 brake calipers with two-piece J-hook disc brakes (front and back) with higher thermal capacity.
The theme of its interior is a reflection of the Cup 430’s carbon fibre construction with visible weaves, handmade sections including a new lightweight carbon tub which houses a pair of Lotus bespoke carbon race seats. Door, centre console and dashboard trims are all wrapped in leather or tartan as an option.
Also a highlight of the interior is the six-position rotary switch which controls the variable traction control functions on the Cup 430. It allows for
five different presets
 – 1% slip, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% as well as “off” – which are displayed on the instrument cluster.
The Exige Cup 430 is available as a series production car and is priced at £99,800 (approx RM 549k).


Proton X50 waiting list too long? Get yours in just seven days through Flux!

Malaysians’ new darling, the
Proton X50
, has received exceptional demand since its launch – so much so that the waiting list for the B-segment SUV has now supposedly exceeded six months. If you can’t wait to get your hands on Proton’s latest and greatest, good news – you can now get yours delivered to you in just seven days, thanks to Flux!
The
subscription service
 is now offering the Proton X50 in Flagship or Premium trims, with a choice of Snow White, Jet Grey, and Passion Red colours. Subscription plans starts from
RM1,995 per month
 for a 36-month plan, which includes road tax, insurance, as well as maintenance and wear and tear.
With Flux’s concierge service, you won’t even have to worry about sending your cars to service – Flux’s personnel will pick-up and return the car right to your door step. Additionally, all Flux cars also come with 24/7 nationwide unlimited roadside assistance, emergency dispatch services, and car theft recovery.
At the end of your subscription, you will also be given the opportunity to purchase the car at a guaranteed future value (GFV) of RM78,000 under Flux’s
Subscribe to Own programme
. If you’re looking to offload your current vehicle before subscribing to the X50, the Flux Concierge team can also assist in getting your car evaluated and sold at an agreed transaction price.
For business customers, the Proton X50 is also available for corporate subscription through
Flux Business Class
.
Interested? The Proton X50 can now be reserved through Flux’s website here – the company says that you’ll be able to drive the car before the New Year. If you prefer a larger car, the
Proton X70 is also available through Flux
.


Volkswagen Budd-e concept unveiled, spiritual successor to the Microbus

Volkswagen has resurrected the legendary Microbus with some modern engineering and tons of electricity. No, this is not Frankenstein but instead, it’s the new Budd-e concept; a new all-wheel driven electric-powered MPV which debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The Budd-e concept is VW Braunschweig R&D’s (Volkswagen’s EV specialist) first creation, a move that follows in the footsteps of subsidiaries
Audi
 and
Porsche
. The Budd-e’s shape is an inspiration from the earlier
Bulli concept
 back in 2011. Based on Volkswagen new
MEB platform
 (short for Modular Electric Platform) that’s specially crafted for their EVs, the concept’s dimension is at 4,597mm long, 1,940mm wide and 1,835mm tall. Wheelbase is considerably lengthy at 3,151mm.
The Budd-e concept is powered by
two brushless electric motors
 – one at the front and the other at the back. Together, both motors generate
302 hp
 and
490 Nm
 of torque. Performance for this MPV is impressive; Volkswagen claims it’ll do the century sprint in under
 7.0 seconds
, whereas max speed is rated at 180km/h. These numbers can certainly match any modern internal combustion engines, but it does so without producing any sort of greenhouse gasses!
Volkswagen has also developed a new lithium-ion battery technology which improves the range of up to
 532km
 (based on European test cycle). Underneath the MPV lies a
94.6 kWh
 battery pack which is integrated within the floor structure. The battery boasts
fast charging capabilities
 and is apparently able to reach from 0 to 80 percent charge in
just 15 minutes
!
On the inside, a flat digital instrument is seen, which looks like an extension of Virtual Cockpit as seen in recent Audis. In fact, it’s an internet-enabled infotainment hub that will reportedly be integrated into the standard gauge cluster and infotainment system.
Also to note: buttons are a thing of the past, according to this concept. They’re replaced by
gesture controls
 and smooth touchscreen surfaces. This means the passenger’s hand motions could be used to operate the car either by opening the Budd-e’s doors, starting the engine or activating the seat ejection to rid of the passenger you hate most. We’re kidding with the last one, though.

Not only that, but the Budd-e’s onboard tech can also send reminders to the driver or passengers via their mobile devices should they leave any personal belongings in the car. The standard rear view mirror is gone too, and it’s replaced by an “
e-Mirror
” that feeds visuals from the rear through dedicated display panels.
The future for this Budd-e concept is surely a budding one, and could well pave the way for how families will be transported in the future. Volkswagen’s iconic models such as the Beetle and the Golf have already received their successors, and it’s about time the Microbus gets one. We hope the Budd-e will be that. Fingers crossed!
IMAGE GALLERY


Latest Fast and Furious 9 trailer features Toyota 86 doing “special delivery”

The recently concluded Superbowl, an American blue-ribbon sporting event, broadcasted the latest trailer from the Fast and Furious franchise.
For those familiar with the series and the upcoming movie, the new trailer does not reveal new material, apart from an innocent-looking, fully-original Toyota GT86 being lifted, turned sideways and dragged through a building into an awaiting lorry.

The ninth instalment, called “
F9 – The Fast Saga
”, sees the series-debut of
John Cena
, playing Jakob, the antagonist role of Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) estranged brother. Both Jakob and cyberterrorist ‘Cypher’ plans an act of revenge on Dominic and his team.
Jakob is also said to be incredibly good behind the wheel too so expect plenty of over-the-top vehicular stunts between the two male stars.
Another much talked about plot hole in this F9 movie is
the return of Han
, played by Sung Kang. Han was last seen in the sixth instalment where his character was presumed killed by Jason Statham’s Shaw in Tokyo.
A snippet in the earlier trailer (2020) showed him regrouping with the gang as well as doing a quick power slide in a
Toyota GR Supra
 that has the same black-on-orange two-tone as his wrecked
Mazda RX-7 Veilside
.
The action-packed movie that features plenty of cars and their destruction is scheduled to be released in the US on
28 May
.
Source :
Universal Studios
/
The Fast Saga


Virtual Grand Prix Series to ‘replace’ cancelled Formula 1 races

While it is unlikely that the full cast of Formula 1 drivers will feature in the hastily arranged
F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series
, scheduled to happen at the same time as the races which had been called off, the virtual races are nevertheless a welcome reprieve from the already decimated 2020 Formula 1 season, and it starts this Sunday (or
early Monday morning 4.00 am
 for Malaysians).
The virtual series will be based on
the official F1 2019 PC video game
 developed by
Codemaster
and will run
half the length of a normal race
, i.e. 28 laps of the Sakhir circuit – the (virtual) venue of the
Bahrain GP.
As not all F1 drivers are into Esports, the game settings will run cars with
equal performance
 and fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for drivers who may not be familiar with the game.

Regular Esports exponents such as
Max Verstappen
 and
Lando Norris
 will start as favourites but expect top Esports drivers and reserve team drivers who are typically tasked with simulator duties to give them a hard time. The virtual Bahrain GP is expected to last
an hour and half
, and you can catch it on
Formula 1’s official YouTube channel
,
Twitch
and
Facebook page
.


Save RM7,000 when you buy a new Ford Ranger WildTrak

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has announced a new promotion campaign for the Ford Ranger WildTrak to provide customers with more savings during their vehicle purchase.
Starting from 15 April 2020, customers who purchase the
Ford Ranger 2.0L WildTrak 4×4 (RM144,888)
 will receive a
RM7,000 cash rebate
. The promotion will be ongoing until further notice.
SDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, “We know that the Ford Ranger WildTrak has always been a crowd favourite. […] We hope that this [promotion] would lessen the financial burden for customers who are considering to be a proud Ford Ranger WildTrak owner.”
The WildTrak 4×4 is the range-topping variant in the

Ford Ranger line-up
 (excluding the
Ranger Raptor
). Under the hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine, generating
213 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
For those looking for the XLT variants, there is also an ongoing
XLT Family promotion
, with savings of
up to RM9,000
 on specific variants. The XLT Family campaign will run until the
31st of May 2020
.
Customers interested in any of the ongoing promotions during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period can direct their queries through the
Ford Digital Salesperson
 – a WhatsApp live chat to link you to their nearest Ford authorised salesperson. The Ford Digital Salesperson service is available from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.


Video: G28 BMW 330Li M Sport launched in Malaysia, 5 Things

The first-ever G28 BMW 330Li M Sport has just arrived in Malaysia following its release in
China
, India, and most recently in Thailand. Priced at an estimated
RM 300,800
 on-the-road before insurance, the long-wheelbase 3-Series will be accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder just like the one you find in the s
tandard 330i we reviewed
, with no changes in output figures. You still get
 258 hp
and
400 Nm
, however, the 330Li’s 0 to 100 km/h time is 0.4 seconds slower than the
standard 330i
 at 6.2 seconds.

That’s primarily down to the additional weight the 330Li is carrying as it is
an extra 110 mm longer than the standard 330i. Unlike the standard 330i, the long-wheelbase
 model also comes with better looking (in our opinion) 18-inch style 848 light-alloy wheels, wrapped with run flat tyres.
The additional length in wheelbase also means the 330Li’s boot is 10 litres larger than the standard 330i at 480 litres.
Inside, the “luxury compact limo” feel is further enhanced with 3-zone air conditioning, a light bar behind the front seats, a 10-speaker sound system, and a massive panoramic sunroof!
For more details on the 330Li, click
here
!
GALLERY


Funky colours might actually help with a car’s resale value

We all know that white, silver, and black are the most popular colours on cars – you don’t need a study to tell you that (although there’s
at least one every year
), just take a look outside your window. They’re not the most exciting of colours, but most people will tell you they chose that because it’s “safe”, thus retaining more value when it’s time to sell.
Well… as it turns out, that might not be the case in actuality. According to a study done by
iSeeCars.com
, cars with funky colours such as yellow, beige (yes,
 beige
), and orange might actually have a higher resale value compared to the traditionally safe colours. Yes, we know, we’ll give you a moment to gather your thoughts.
According to the study, which compared the prices of more than six million new and used cars between 2017 and 2020 in the United States, Yellow ranked first with an average depreciation rate of 20.4% after three years, while white, black and silver cars all hovered around the average mark at 37.6%.
So why are people still buying these boring colours? Here’s
iSeeCars
 Executive Analyst Karl Brauer’s take: “There’s a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy going on here, with many consumers picking these mainstream colours not because they like them, but because they assume everyone else does.
“Because there are so many of these vehicles in the used car marketplace, buyers can shop around more easily if they’re interested in these colours, reducing the amount of pricing power for dealers,” said Brauer. “This means black, white, and silver are the safe colours to buy if you’re satisfied with average value retention, but not if you’re trying to do better than average.”
What that essentially means is that because fewer people are buying these colours on new cars, the number of these funky-coloured cars on second-hand markets are also lesser – and as we all know, high demand plus low supply equals to higher price.
Green is the best car colour. Why? Just take a look at the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio QV…
Moreover, colours like orange are more frequently found on higher performance or special-edition models, and that usually means they come in even more limited quantities, making them hold their value better.
However, just scarcity itself isn’t an accurate-enough indication of how well a car will hold their values. The three car colours with the highest depreciation rate in the study – purple, brown, and gold – also have some of the lowest market share, but depreciate far worse than average.
Here’s a “regular” car that’s available in Orange – the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo
“If a colour doesn’t resonate with enough used car shoppers, it will hurt resale value – even if it’s uncommon,” added Brauer. The effect of that is even more apparent when you factor in the car’s body style and types. For example, orange SUVs might hold their values well, but they depreciate significantly worse on sedans compared to other colours.
The study isn’t completely infallible, either. There are just too many variables to reliably assess resale value based solely off of one factor – car colours aren’t distributed across carmakers, types, models, and trims. Perhaps a better comparison would be how a yellow
Porsche 911
 compares to a blue one, or how a red
Honda HR-V
 compares to a white one.
This Nissan GT-R R34 is priced at RM2 million, partly thanks to its Millenium Jade colour – only 156 V-Spec II Nur editions were ever made in that hue
So with all that being said, what colour should you buy for your car? We think that you should just buy the colour (and car) that you like, enjoy the car, and get over the whole hoo-hah on resale values.
In our experience, car colour rarely alter the second-hand value
that
 much anyway, perhaps at most a few thousand Ringgits. What matters more is usually the condition of the car, so as long as you take care of them properly, you’ll be golden.
[Source: iSeeCar via
lifehacker
]


Leaked: Volvo EX30 EV SUV patent images surface ahead of June 7 world premiere

While
Volvo
 has just released an official teaser video for the
Volvo EX30
, its upcoming small electric SUV, patent images of the car have surfaced on the internet. The Volvo EX30 is set to make its world premiere on June 7, 2023.
Size-wise the Volvo EX30 is reportedly smaller than the XC40, as the numbers in its name suggest. Based on the leaked patent images, the EX30 has an uncanny resemblance to the
EX90
, which is Volvo’s first electric car in the “EX” series. Prior to the EX90, Volvo’s electric cars only consisted of the
XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
 and the
C40
.
Unlike the EX90, the EX30 doesn’t seem to feature any roof lidar, at least based on the leaked patent images. Like the EX90, the Volvo EX30 features an evolved version of the “Thor’s hammer” daytime running lights up front. Being an electric car, the front end is closed off and smooth although the leaked patent image doesn’t sport the Volvo emblem.
The leaked patent images also suggest a dual-tone colour scheme for the EX30, with its roof being in a darker shade. As futuristic as it may look, the EX30 still sports good old side-view mirrors instead of side-view cameras. Although the bonnet may never be opened by its actual users, the EX30 sports a clamshell bonnet design.
RELATED:
Volvo EX30 EV SUV teased, June 7 world premiere – Something small is coming
On the side, the EX30 sports a rather typical SUV profile, albeit with a slightly sloping roofline. The door handles are conventional (as opposed to flush door handles on some EVs) and the charging port is located on the rear left panel of the car.
At the back, the EX30 again draws inspiration from the EX90, featuring a vertical taillight element on the rear windscreen and a separate taillight cluster with a clamp-like design. The EX30 also appears to come with a roof spoiler as standard.

Set to make its world premiere on June 7, 2023, the Volvo EX30 will be the brand’s 4th electric car after the EX90, C40, and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. The EX30 had already been teased by Volvo since late last year during the unveiling of the Volvo EX90.
RELATED:
Volvo C40 and XC40 update: RWD, over 500km range, 200kW charging
GALLERY


If you own a Mercedes-AMG, there’s a new club you’d want to be a part of

As if it’s not depressing enough not being able to own a Mercedes-AMG, there’s now an “AMG cool kids club” you can’t be apart of.
It’s called the AMG Owners Community Malaysia (AOCM) and it’s the latest initiative by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), launched recently at Hap Seng Star’s Balakong Autohaus, to make it worth your while even more, for being a Mercedes-AMG owner.
Being a member of this “elite social circle” with over 200 members not only allows like-minded enthusiasts to share their horsepower increments and fancy new chrome wraps but also offers privileges to driving events, product previews, exclusive motorsport events and unique collectibles.
“It gives us great pleasure to welcome our Mercedes-AMG owners to join The World’s Fastest Family via the AMG Owners Community Malaysia, where the cost of membership is nothing more than ownership and enjoyment of your Mercedes-AMG automobile,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales and Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine.
Owners who register new Mercedes-AMG vehicles, as well as existing owners who sign up from now until 30th of November 2018, will receive a “Welcome Pack” which includes a numbered member card, car sticker, custom-designed polo-shirt and laser-engraved paperweight.
If this isn’t good enough a motivation for you to stop procrastinating and get back to work, I don’t know what else is.
MBM also introduced the Performance Agility Care, where customers now can drive home a Mercedes-AMG with flexible financing solutions along with a service and maintenance package. For a limited time, the first few customers will receive an exclusive Mercedes-AMG merchandise package worth RM 5,000. Campaign ends on 31st of October 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: BMW 330i M Sport G20, Full Review

The all-new seventh-generation
BMW 3 Series is now pricier than ever in Malaysia due to its fully imported origins.
But GC Mah thinks that the BMW 330i M Sport is still very much the most
desirable premium sports sedan on the market today.

Dressed in the full M Sport kit, the 330i is powered by a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out
258 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via a smooth shifting ZF 8-speed automatic to allow the 330i to go from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.8 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of
 250 km/h
.
While it may lack in
the Advanced Driver Assistance and comes with small-ish 18-inch alloys, the 330i
M Sport still has some party tricks up its sleeve like the BMW Digital Key,
Reverse Assist and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command feature.


Volvo announces pure electric XC40, to be unveiled in October

Volvo has announced that their first fully electric vehicle will be an
XC40
, and it’s set to be unveiled on October 16th!
In true Volvo tradition, the Swedish marquee is promising the electrified XC40 to be one of the safest car on the road, regardless of what is powering the car.
However, converting an existing car to a fully electric model poses certain challenges. Built on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) which was originally developed for an internal combustion engine, Volvo had to completely redesign the front structure to accommodate the lack of an engine in the front.
Additionally, Volvo also developed a “unique” safety structure for the batteries, forming an aluminium cage extruded from the body structure. This new structure will act as a crumple zone for the batteries, reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion of the battery due to damage.
Having the batteries on the floor added the benefit of a lower centre of gravity, which helps protect the SUV from rollovers.
Meanwhile, Volvo has also strengthened the structure at the back by integrating the electric powertrain into the structure of the car to better distribute any brunt force away from the passenger cell.
On the active safety systems front, the electrified XC40 will be the first Volvo model to feature the new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensor platform, with software developed by Zenuity, the joint venture between Volvo Cars and Veoneer.
The new ADAS platform is a scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Due to it’s scalable nature, Volvo is able to develop the system further and lay the foundation for future autonomous driving technology.
The Geely-owned carmaker has planned to launch five pure electric vehicles between 2019 an 2025, and targets to sell a total of
one million electric cars by the end of 2025
.


2015 Smart fortwo & forfour revealed, the iconic city car returns! [+Video]

Daimler unveiled the third generation smart
fortwo
 in Berlin, along with the first rear-wheel driven
forfour
. Developed in partnership with Renault, the new fortwo and forfour share the base
rear-engine
 and
rear-wheel drive
 architecture as seen on the Renault Twingo. While the previous fortwo has always been rear wheel drive, this is a first for the forfour as the previous forfour was related to the Mitsubishi Colt that came in front-engine and front wheel drive format.
Powering the fortwo and forfour are a new range of three-cylinder engines mounted at the back of the vehicle. Two engines are available at launch, a
 999cc three-cylinder
 produces
71hp
 and
91Nm
 of torque, and another one is an
 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder
 with
 90hp
 and
135Nm
 of torque. Another
60hp
 powerplant will be added to the range afterwards. All the engines can be had with either a
five-speed manual
 or the
 twinamic six-speed dual clutch
 transmission.

The exterior, with new
FUN.ctional
 design philosophy evolved the fortwo with elongated front section creating a “one-and-a-half box” design as opposed to the one-box design on the previous smart fortwo. The fortwo is still compact at
2,690mm
 long,
 1,660mm
 wide, and
 1,550mm
 tall; while the forfour adds around
800mm
 to the length.
Wheelbase
 on the fortwo and the forfour are
 1,873mm
 and
 2,494mm
 respectively.
The trademark
tridion safety cell
 is still present on both fortwo and forfour making them recognizable as smart cars. Although new styling touches have been added such as the honeycomb pattern on the grille and lower intake and the U-shaped daytime running lights which also pulsates to greet the driver upon unlocking the vehicle.
Split-open tailgate
 is reserved only on the fortwo, but forfour is just as practical with its
rear doors
 opening by almost
90 degrees
 to ease access. Rear
 cargo space
 is
260 litres
 in the fortwo and
 185 litres
 in the forfour.
The wheel sizes are stagerred, with narrower front tyres and high outside wheel turn angle contributes to the
super tight turning circle
 at only
6.95m
 for the fortwo and
 8.65m
 for the forfour. The chassis features
McPherson
 suspension at the front and
De-Dion
 rear axle, and the
 steering
 is
mechanical rack-and-pinion
 type. The optional
Sports suspension
 adds
 firmer springs
 and drops the car
10mm lower
 to the ground.
On the inside, “loop” design element is used on the dashboard and doors. The honeycomb pattern is repeated on the speaker holes, and most of the interior surface can be covered in different kinds if fabric. A hovering infotainment cluster reside in the middle, with controls available via the multifunction steering wheel. The optional
touchscreen multimedia system
 offers
smartphone integration
, and a 240W (320W in the forfour)
 JBL sound system
 with eight (twelve in the forfour) speaker is also available on both cars.

Apart from the tridion safety cell, smart fortwo and forfour are equipped with front airbags, driver kneebag, side airbags, cruise control, ABS, ASR, and ESP; and also Crosswind Assist as standard. Forward collision warning and Lane Keeping Assist are also available on the options list.

The fortwo and forfour comes in three equipment lines called
passion
,
prime
, and
proxy
; but at launch there’s the limited
edition #1
 with lava orange tridion cell and white bodypanels on the fortwo or graphite grey bodypanels on the forfour. Production will be at the same Smartville manufacturing plant in Hambach, France.
[divider]
IMAGE GALERY


Video: Mercedes-AMG C63S Sedan & Coupe Facelift, Things You Need to Know

Launched alongside the
AMG GT 4-door Coupe
 on Sepang International Circuit is the
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S facelift
 in both Sedan and Coupe guise. Here are Things You Need to Know about the refreshed C 63 S.

Mechanically, the facelifted C 63 S twins share the same M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 packing
510 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of twist, except the 7-speed transmission is now replaced by a 9-speed AMG Speedshift 9G MCT automatic. The rear-wheel-drive Sedan and Coupe will go from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.0 seconds
 and
3.9 seconds
 respectively. Top speed is limited to
290 km/h
 on both cars.
There is also a new
“Slippery”
 mode for the AMG Dynamic Select system to give drivers maximum traction and control when the roads get a little too wet. Of course, the existing Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race modes still remain.


Bermaz Auto to take over Kia, Peugeot distributorship in Malaysia?

Naza Group is “believed” to be giving up its Kia and Peugeot distributorship in Malaysia according to a news report by
New Straits Times
, with Bermaz Auto looking likely to take over the role. The publication says that the decision was accelerated by the soft automotive market post
Covid-19
.
Sources told the publication that Bermaz Auto, which currently handles the
Mazda
 brand in Malaysia, has emerged as the “frontrunner” to take over the South Korean and French marques, but is also facing competition from other interested parties including Sime Darby and Berjaya Group.
The change of distributorship will still require approval from the respective brands’ principals, but the report stated that Bermaz is set to take over in particular the Kia franchise “lock, stock, and barrel”. However, it remains to be seen if the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun – which assembles Kia and Peugeot models – will be included in this deal, due to a previous joint venture deal between Naza and Groupe PSA.
Adding to the speculations, New Straits Times’ sources also said that Naza Group has already sold its Kia branches to its dealers, and a former top executive from a big local fund has been tasked to dispose the Kia franchise.

Rumours surrounding the Kia and Peugeot takeover started when Bermaz Auto CEO Datuk Francis Lee commented on BFM’s Breakfast Grille radio show that the company was in the works to expand its franchise portfolio, though stopped just short of disclosing the brand. However, NST’s sources remarked that “Kia will (likely) come in to BAuto [sic] first”.
Aside from Kia and Peugeot, Naza Group also holds the distributorship for Citroen, DS, Ferrari, Maserati, and Ducati, among others. Earlier this year, Naza Group was also rumoured to reintroduce the Suzuki brand in Malaysia, though news on the development of the deal has simmered down since then.
Naza Kia Malaysia is slated to debut the
 Kia Seltos
 in the country very soon, after
opening the ordering books
 for the compact SUV model last month.