Bring out your cheque books, the new Mazda CX-30 is now open for booking!

Just when you thought it’s been a busy year for Bermaz Motor with the launch of the new Mazda 3 and the CX-8, the shows not over as they’ve just opened the order books for the new CX-30 we got up close with in Japan last month.
The new CX-30 will be imported as a
CBU from Japan
, with prices starting from:
Mazda CX-30 2.0L 2WD-
RM143,119.20
Mazda CX-30 2.0L High 2WD –
RM164,119.20
Mazda CX-30 1.8 Diesel High 2WD –
RM173,027.70
The
new CX-30 as we’ve observed at the Tokyo Motor Show
, that’s built on the same platform as the
new Mazda 3
, may seem like nothing more than a facelift of the CX-3 but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
It’s not as big as the CX-5 without drawing any less attention and is certainly (albeit marginally) more spacious than your average CX-3. It’s got a bigger boot too, with 430 litres as comparerd to the CX-3’s 350 litres.
As it is based on the Mazda 3, the brand’s somewhat controversial MacPherson strut and torsion beam combination is similarly applied in the CX-30. As for wheel sizes, only the base model gets 16-inch wheels while the High and Diesel models ride on 18-inch wheels.
As for equipment, all models get automatic LED headlights, head up display and power sunroof.
Creature comforts which are available in the High and Diesel models include:
– keyless entry
– powered tailgate
– power adjustable seats with memory function (driver only)
– leather upholstery
– dual zone air conditioning with rear air con vents
– paddle shifters
– eight parking sensors
As for on-board, it’s rather generous across the board as the following are available in all three variants:
– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
– 8.8-inch infotainment display with reverse camera display & eight speakers
– Bluetooth and voice command
– i-Stop Idling Technology
– G-Vectoring Control Plus
Power will come from a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine like you’d find in the new Mazda 3 with
163 hp
 and
213 Nm
. The 1.8 turbodiesel SkyActiv-D model on the other hand makes
114 hp
 and
270 Nm
. Both engines utilise a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Safety wise,
all models come with seven airbags
but once again only the High and Diesel variants get to enjoy all the spoils:
– Adaptive Front Lighting System
– High Beam Control
– Blind Spot Monitoring System
– Rear Cross Traffic Alert
– Smart Brake Support
– Mazda Radar Cruise Control
There are eight exterior colour options to include – Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Titanium Flash, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic.
All new Mazda vehicles registered from January 1, 2019 onwards will receive 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty + 5-Years Free Maintenance (except Mazda BT-50) according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
Both Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
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Perodua sold 24,626 units in September 2022, YTD figures up 64.9%

Perodua
 has announced its sales data for September 2022, where it recorded a total of
24,626 units sold
. The figure is over 5% lower than what the marque achieved in
August
, but despite that, total sales for the third quarter (Q3) of 2022 is actually up 5% at 69,011 units, compared to the 65,719 units in Q2 2022.
Compared to last year, Q3 2022’s figure also represents a massive 216.5% jump, but that was mainly due to the national lockdown imposed between June and mid-August 2021, shutting down nearly all economic activities in the country to curb the increase in
Covid-19
 cases.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad cited the recovering automotive supply chain as the main reason for the sales growth in Q3 2022.
“The increase in registration in this quarter shows that most of the major issues within the automotive supply chain has normalised. It is now time to further improve on production as we need to reduce the waiting period for our valued customers,” he said.
The easing of the supply chain issues have also directly resulted in a boost in production, with Perodua achieving its highest monthly production so far this year at 29,077 units in September.
With the September figures now accounted for, Perodua’s year-to-date sales now stands at 196,354 units, a 64.9% increase over the same period last year. Again, last year’s figure should be considered an outlier, due to the Covid-19 circumstances.
Perodua is targetting a total of
247,800 units sold this year
.
ALSO READ:
Perodua launches Ativa Hybrid leasing programme – RM500/month for 5 years
“For now, we are focused on increasing our momentum into the fourth quarter of this year as well as maximising production in the first quarter of next year to ensure all our customers who booked their Perodua vehicles during the sales tax exemption period will
receive their car on or before 31 March 2023
,” Dato’ Sri Zainal added.
As of 30 June 2022, the number of outstanding bookings eligible for the sales tax exemption was above 200,000 orders.
ALSO READ:
3 things we like (and don’t) about the 2022 Perodua Alza!


The idea of an off-road Lamborghini Huracan sounds as exciting as it is bonkers!

You must be wondering what they’re smoking over there cause Lamborghini is said to be exploring “new horizons” with this Huracan Sterrato concept.
Its ground clearance has been increased by 47mm, with wider tracks and 20-inch wheels wrapped with specially-developed off-road tyres integrated into its new wide-body arches.
Underbody reinforcements and body protection have been fitted, including a rear skid plate, an aluminium skid plate in the front and aluminium-reinforced side skirts.
Stone-deflecting protection have been applied around the engine bay, with air intakes and mud guards made of carbon fibre.
An off-road LED light package comprises of a roof-mounted LED light bar and LED bumper lights with flood function.
Inside, the Huracan Sterrato features a lightweight titanium roll cage, four-point seat belts attached to the new carbon bi-shell sports seats and aluminum floor panels.


Toyota installed a larger Qi wireless charging tray in the Prius facelift

Toyota has introduced the facelift for the fourth-generation Toyota Prius which is now on sale in Japan since December 2018. The facelift exercise brought about revised aesthetics, improved features as well as an E-Four Electric 4WD system for the hybrid hatchback.
As far as appearance goes, its only a nip and tuck. It now gets a restyled bumper that houses a more streamlined headlamp design and a single vertical slat for the fog lamp housing. Toyota claims the front grille has also been revised but to be honest we can’t tell the difference. The Prius also gets a new 17-inch five spoke wheel with a dual tone finish while the smaller 15-inch wheel gets a more stylish design.

Customers have a total of nine exterior colour choice with Vivid Blue Metallic and Emotional Red II being the newly added colours. Opt for the Touring Selection and you’ll get a black sticker applied to the roof for a sportier impression.
Inside, changes are minimal except for a new portrait style touchscreen infotainment system that comes with the full range of connectivity feature such as Help Net, an SOS alert button, real-time traffic navigation and LINE My Car Account connection.

Other updates to the cabin include a larger Qi wireless charging tray at the front console solely because Toyota says modern smartphones are getting bigger, so the tray has to be upsized accordingly to fit them. The seat ventilation has also been revised to a suction type where heat is sucked into the seat skin and cool air is blown from the backrest surface for better comfort.
The biggest change on the facelifted Prius is the introduction of a new
E-Four Electric 4WD system
 that uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels during standstill acceleration and slippery conditions for maximum traction and efficiency.
The car returns to being front-wheel driven when cruising to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. The E-Four system is paired to the 2ZR-FXE 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol and an electric motor that drives the front wheels. All variants of the Prius are front-wheel driven by default while the E-Four 4WD can be ordered as an option.
As standard, all variants of the Toyota Prius facelift come with
Toyota Safety Sense
 advanced driver assistance system
as standard
. It bundles Pre-Crash Safety (autonomous emergency braking) with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Automatic High Beam, Radar Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Drive Start Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Support Brake and Simple Intelligent Parking Assist.
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Toyota Prius Facelift in Japan


New 290 hp Hyundai Elantra N introduces a new flavour to sports sedans

The covers are finally off the Hyundai Elantra N sedan. Hyundai says this new Elantra N is their purest expression in their mission to increase driving pleasure, which is the fifth model in the Hyundai N line-up after the i30 N, Veloster N, i20 N and Kona N.
While it might look all aggressive and wild, the Hyundai Elantra N actually has no changes in dimensions versus the regular models. The front fascia in semi-glossy black pearl continues to have an incredibly complex surface that is said to been inspired by battle-ready helmets.
Purposeful ducts and slots have been created though, for increased air intake for front brake cooling and engine breathing. Red accents and large exhaust tailpipes continue the Hyundai N styling language. A new three-bridged spoiler wing on the boot lid provides visual drama plus some downforce.
Hyundai has also fitted large-diameter brake discs onto the Elantra N, measuring 360 mm. They are also combined with high-friction material pads and properly cooled via air ducts and guides from the front bumper as well as holes on the dust cover.
While other Hyundai N models have been selecting
Pirelli P Zero
 as its preferred tyre supplier (even come with HN marking), the Elantra N has been fitted with
Michelin PS4S tyres
 (found in many other performance cars such as the
Toyota GR Yaris
 Performance Pack) measuring 245/35ZR19.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine continues to dish out the same 280 hp and
392 Nm
 of torque, with response and drivability being moved up a notch thanks to a larger turbine wheel plus turbine passage area of the turbocharger.
With N Grin Shift (NGS) that provides an additional 10 hp (a total of
290 hp
) for 20 seconds and launch control plus all other N-themed high-performance software, the Hyundai Elantra N launches from 0 to 100 km/h in
5.3 seconds
.
Who says only automatics have Launch Control? Check out BMW’s Launch Control for the new M3 and M4 with manual transmission!
Similar to the
Hyundai Kona N
 launched earlier, the Elantra N only comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The in-house unit has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, such as N Power Shift (NPS) that provides a ‘push feel’ akin to a sequential gearbox in a race car, Creep Off function as well as
N Track Sense Shift (NTS)
 that does all the shifting work at racing circuits.
In the chassis and handling, similar hardware is used such as the E-LSD, electronically controlled suspension (ECS) and significant amounts of bracing and reinforcement for added rigidity. A new
Integrated Drive Axle
 or (IDA) provides a stronger yet lighter connection of the driveshaft, wheel hub and bearing.
First used in the Elantra N, the IDA technology was inspired by Hyundai’s success at WRC rallying and the new IDA sees a weight reduction of 1.7 kg versus regular assembly method. Another first that further elevates the ride and handling is the dual compound bush (DCB) insulator that keeps both vertical and horizontal forces in check. Fine-tuning of the suspension has also been done at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Like to have a pixel art of the Nurburgring? Check out more here with other iconic landmarks!
Inside, the Elantra N features optional bucket seats that are lightweight as well as offer a 10-mm lower seating position. The standard N Sport seats, as expected, have reinforced bolsters to firmly support occupants during enthusiastic driving.
Hyundai has also found the solution to complaints of many modern turbocharged cars with augmented engine sounds played into the cabin via audio speakers. The Elantra N has a new N Sound Equaliser (NSE) that allows drivers to not only select sporty or even soundtrack from the TCR racing car, but also able to customise the whine, throat and bass levels of the synthesised soundtrack.
In addition, the variable exhaust valve (LVE) system, which delivers N’s
distinctive ‘popcorn’ and ‘bang’ sounds
, now uses a linear control method to reduce the booming sound during idling while maintaining the distinctive N exhaust note for the driver’s enjoyment.
By now, you would have noticed there seems to be a tonne of acronyms being used. Yes, there are over 40 acronyms that are featured in the new Elantra N and this will be the final one-
UBS or Upshift Bang Sound
.
The LVE exhaust valve works together with controlling of fuel flow of the single cylinder to create the sound during gear upshifts, an emotional sound of motorsports as seen by Hyundai.
No word yet as to how much the new Hyundai Elantra N will be priced. In the UK, the Hyundai i30 N starts from GBP33,745, while Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the same vehicle in 2019 at a price of
RM298,888
.
As for regular the Hyundai Elantra 1.6, HSDM starts the pricing from
RM139,888 for the Executive
 variant.
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Hyundai wants you to have more family time with the Soapbox ride

Hyundai Motor has designed the Hyundai Soapbox ride which parents can spend time to build together with their children. It’s developed by the engineers and designers from the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) using affordable and easily-available materials.
Hyundai Motor Europe, Vice President of Marketing & Product, Andreas-Christoph Hofman said, “In recent months, spending time together as a family has become more valuable to people. We wanted to create a fun project that would give families and friends an enjoyable project that brings them together”.
He added, “Of course, the Hyundai Soapbox had to stay affordable, so our designers developed it using materials that can be easily found in a local DIY store.”
The designer looks to the
Hyundai 45 concept

which the
Ioniq 5 EV SUV
 is based off, for direction and inspiration for the final soapbox design. Aspects of the 45 can be seen on the body of the soapbox, such as the flat panels and wedge-shaped silhouette.
The completed Hyundai Soapbox is made out of wood, metal rods, and connecting materials such as brackets and screws. The wheels are from a wheelbarrow. It has joysticks (made up with screwdrivers) for steering and a simple mechanism for braking.
When fully assembled, the Hyundai Soapbox is one meter wide and 1.76 m long. Hyundai took into consideration that the soapbox must be able to fit into a regular passenger car so that families could transport it to different locations as they look for hills to roll it down.
The Hyundai Soapbox instructions are just a basis to help people get started – parents and children should feel free to upgrade and personalise their own versions however they want. If you are interested to build one yourself or with your family, you can find the instruction on how to build your own soapbox over
here
.
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Geely in talks for potential investment in troubled Aston Martin

China’s Geely Automobile Holding –
49.9% stakeholder in Proton
 – is in talks with Aston Martin’s management and investors about taking a stake in the luxury sportscar maker, according to reports by
Reuters
 and Financial Times.
The reports suggests that the Geely is currently conducting due diligence prior to a potential formal offer – although it is currently unclear if it will be a technical partnership, financial stake in the British firm, or both.
According to Reuters’ source, Geely sees potential savings on technological development and vehicle platforms with the integration between Aston Martin and its Lotus brand – in which Geely owns a
51% controlling stake
.
Geely’s Chairman, Li Shufu, owns a
9.69% stake
 in Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler, which also has a 5% stake in Aston Martin, and supplies Mercedes-AMG engines for the British luxury carmaker.
Aston Martin recently issued an unexpected profit warning due to “challenging trading conditions”. Aston Martin chief executive officer said that the brand suffered “a very disappointing year” in 2019, with
5819 cars
 sold –
7% down
 from 2018.
The 107-year old British carmaker is hoping that the newly launched
DBX SUV
 will help turn its fortunes around. The Aston Martin DBX is the brand’s first SUV, and it was reported that the design and engineering behind the SUV has been incredibly expensive for the company.
Promising to be “sports car first,SUV second”, the DBX comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the hood, putting out
550 hp
 and a whole
700 Nm
 of torque. Zero to 100 km/h in a claimed
4.5 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
290 km/h
.
However, Geely is not the sole party interested with investing in Aston Martin. Recent reports suggest that billionaire and Racing Point Force India Formula 1 Team Owner Lawrence Stroll, is finalising a bid for the troubled British carmaker to the tune of around
200 million Pound Sterling
.
The investment could see Stroll acquire a
19.9% stake
 in Aston Martin.


Video: Facelift Jaguar XE P300 R-Dynamic, 5 Things

If no one told you it was a facelift model, you would’ve thought it was an all-new Jaguar XE.
Launched globally in 2015 and subsequently
introduced in Malaysia in 2016
, the facelift Jaguar which was
launched in August here in Malaysia
 brings about a few subtle changes both on the exterior and interior but with a maximum effect. Put them side by side and it’s clear how much more dated the pre-facelift model looks.
Beginning with the exterior, the size and shape of Jaguar’s signature gaping grille has been downsized and redesigned. It gets slimmer headlamps and different headlamp fixtures along with sportier front and rear bumpers. Even the exhaust tips have been redesigned to accentuate the new rear bumper.

Inside, the changes are even more significant. For starters, you get a new touch-sensitive steering wheel first seen on the
I-Pace
, a new fully-digital instrument cluster and new infotainment display similar to the
Velar
, and digital air-con controls.
As for the drive controls, the sleek pop-up rotary dial has been replaced with a conventional gear lever seen in the
Discovery Sport we reviewed recently
.
Underneath the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine making
300 hp
 and
400 Nm
. It’s paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 5.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.
The facelift Jaguar XE is priced at
RM395,831.02
 and is inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
.
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Is Tesla officially coming to Malaysia? ‘Tesla Sdn Bhd’ registered for retail of new vehicles!

While there are
Tesla
 cars on our roads here in Malaysia, the American carmaker has never had an official representation in our country. To date, most of the Tesla cars on sale here in Malaysia were imported via third-party independent dealers not officially supported by Tesla – but that may soon change, as it appears that the American marque may soon have an official retail operation here on our shores.
The rumour came about from a business registration document from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) that was circulating online, revealing that the existing Tesla Services Sdn Bhd subsidiary has since October 2022 undergone a name change to now just ‘Tesla Sdn Bhd’.
But the most intriguing part of the document is actually at the section ‘Nature of Business’, where it states “wholesale and retail of new vehicles” as its main activity, alongside “maintenance and repair of motor vehicles”. This is certainly a new development, as the previous company was merely a remote financial shared services subsidiary located in Penang, providing accounting and finance-related services to the APAC and EMEA region.
RELATED:
Tesla Model 3 launched in Thailand – from RM221k, up to 614 km range
Now that Tesla has an
official retail operation in Thailand
 and Singapore, it would make logical sense for the company to expand into Malaysia as well, as it could open up the doors to setting up a cross-country Supercharger network, something the company has mulled since May this year after a discussion with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
There has been no official word from the American carmaker as of the time of writing, but we probably won’t have to wait too much longer for more information.
RELATED:
Malaysia, Singapore sign cooperation agreements for EV charging standards


Here’s where you can get a free tyre check from Michelin Malaysia

In conjunction with the Hari Raya festive season, Michelin Malaysia has launched its inaugural Michelin Safe On The Road (MSOR) Truck Roadshow to provide free tyre inspection for road users throughout the month of June.
The MSOR truck will be touring selected locations along the Peninsular for the public to drop by and have their
 free tyre checks
 including air pressure, tread wear and overall tyre condition from 11 am to 8 pm. Michelin consultants will be on the ground to give you a 360-degree perspective of your tyres condition and give you relevant advice accordingly –
completely free of charge
.
Additionally, participating drivers will also receive exclusive Michelin merchandises as well as cash vouchers and petrol cards from participating Michelin dealers for their next tyre change. Be sure to mark your calendars to get a free tyre check near you:
Date
Location
20 June (Wednesday)
Petron Taman Mutiara Bukit Raja, Klang
21 June (Thursday)
Petron Jalan Kajang
22 June (Friday)
Petron Cheras Perdana
23 June (Saturday)
Tesco Extra Cheras
24 June (Sunday)
Giant Superstore IOI Bandar Puteri, Puchong
25 June (Monday)
Melawati Mall, Open Air Carpark
26 June (Tuesday)
Souled Out, Sri Hartamas Carpark
27 June (Wednesday)
Petron Rinching (F1), Semenyih
28 June (Thursday)
Petron Bandar Manjalara, Sg. Buloh
29 June (Friday)
Petron Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor (11am to 3pm)
29 June (Friday)
Petron Sg. Besar (4pm to 8pm)
30 June (Saturday)
Seremban Gateway, Seremban
The aim of this campaign is to help raise awareness on the importance of tyre maintenance and period checks to ensure that your tyres are in its best operating condition for a safer and smoother journey to your destination, especially when travelling long distances.
Tyres are the only contact point between your car and the road, so it is imperative that you do not skim on tyre maintenance. So, when was the time you checked your car’s tyres? If you have to dig your memory files to get an answer, why not drop by an MSOR truck and have professionals to evaluate them for free.


Production of new Mitsubishi cars interrupted, partly due to alliance with Nissan

It seems that the
recent takeover of Mitsubishi by Nissan
 is causing a possible delay in vehicle manufacturing, particularly the
Mitsubishi Outlander
 and
Outlander Sports
 (or ASX as we know it to be).
Both SUVs are pending review as Nissan and Mitsubishi continue to explore ways for components to share with the
Nissan Rogue
 (that’s the X-Trail) and Rogue Sports (Nissan Qashqai). The goal here is to commonise as much parts as possible, but the whole process may eventually delay their (the Outlander and Outlander Sports) US debut.
The person overseeing this major venture is Carlos Ghosn, chairman of both Nissan and Mitsubishi. Ghosn also heads the Renault-Nissan alliance. With all the various car brands under his belt, the alliance’s global volume skyrocketed to 9.96 million, putting them just behind third-place General Motors.
Ghosn has already detailed a cost-cutting plan that would help the alliance to save up to $427.1 million (close to RM1.9 billion) in the next fiscal year, the bulk of which will come from parts sharing, joint manufacturing and various other combined operations.


Order books for the Lexus RX 350L now open, 7-seater only from RM475k

Shortly after the global unveiling of the
Lexus RX L
, Lexus Malaysia has confirmed that the three-row SUV will be making its debut in Malaysia in early February 2018 and order books for the luxury SUV are now open.
Lexus Malaysia hinted at a sole RX 350L variant that is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic that is good for
290 hp
 and
 357 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to all four-corners via Lexus’ Active Torque Control AWD system that is able to vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50.

Malaysia-bound RX 350L will be of seven-seater configuration (six-seater available in other markets) with a 2-3-2 layout. Thanks to an increased in overall length by
110 mm
 and a longer C-pillar section, passengers in the third-row are promised with ample space and class-leading boot space with all three rows up.
Now for the price, Lexus Malaysia estimates an On-the-Road price without insurance of RM475,000 for the RX 350L, an RM18k premium over its
five-seater equivalent
. Like all Lexus models in Malaysia, the Lexus RX 350L will be fully imported from Japan and will come with a 5-Years unlimited mileage. Lexus Malaysia is accepting bookings for the RX 350L at all Lexus centres nationwide.
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The new Lamborghini SC20 is every child’s wildest dream come true!

Lamborghini Squadra Corse has presented a new, very extreme “open-top track car” for the road called the SC20. It’s the second one-off by the Italian bull-breeder’s motorsport department.
“Two years after the
SC18 Alston
, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster, and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” said Lamborghini Centro Stile, Head of Design, Mitja Borkert.
The car was created following a customer’s requirement; one who was involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini’s designers.
And the results just renders one speechless. There are simply no words to describe the SC20; Lamborghini has simply taken a child’s wildest imagination of a car and turned it into reality –
 it’s a spaceship on wheels
.
The SC20’s body is made entirely of carbon fibre with air intakes on the front hood, inspired by those on the
Huracan GT3 EVO
. As for the sides, the sculpted body has been given a few pointers by the
Essenza SCV12
.
Filling up the arches are mixed size wheels (20-inch in the front and 21-inch at the rear) with Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres, mounted on by a single locknut. Perched at the back end of the Lamborghini SC20 is a large carbon fiber wing that can be set in three different positions:
Low, Medium, and High Load
.
The white on the exterior is called Bianco Fu, contrasted with Blu Cepheus (blue) – both of which were created especially for the customer. On the inside, a black (Nero Cosmus) and white (Bianco Leda) colour scheme has been opted to go hand-in-hand with the abundance of naked carbon fibre.
The latter is also used to make the shells of the seats, which were then upholstered with a mix of Alcantara and leather. The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminum while the air vents were created using 3D printing technology at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.
“
The SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbon fiber to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA,” said Automobili Lamborghini, Chief Technical Officer, Maurizio Reggiani.
The SC20’s engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine seen in the
Aventador
, SC18 Alston,
Centenario
, and the
Sian FKP 37
. It makes
770 hp
 and
720 Nm
 paired to a 7-speed gearbox to power all four wheels.
GALLERY


This is the clearest look of the forthcoming Geely FY11 Coupe SUV yet!

The
Geely FY11
 has yet to make its grand debut but the company has quietly released initial photos of the Coupe SUV onto its official website. No interior pictures nor technical details at the moment, but the exterior design is more than enough to whet our appetites.
Starting from the front, the brand’s signature expanding cosmos grille is now sharper than ever with a subtle red accent around the grille. There is also a chrome accent below the headlamp and grille housing that further highlights the cars strong stance. The side intake elements were derived from the BoYue (
Proton X70
) that double ups as an air curtain to help with aerodynamics.

The side profile of the FY11 features strong and purposeful lines to emphasise the car’s athletic nature while the tapering roofline meets the wide and chunky rear end. It is not easy to pen a coupe SUV – look at the
GLC
/
GLE Coupe
 and you’ll know what I mean – but the FY11 is beautifully executed (on paper at least) with its bulk in all the right places. Can’t wait for a more detailed gallery of the car to surface.
We know that the FY11 will ride on the Geely-Volvo Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the first Geely model to adopt this platform. The CMA platform which promises dynamic handling prowess and best in class crash safety underpins the
Volvo XC40
 and all
LYNK & CO models
. Having experienced the dynamics of the XC40, the FY11 might be the most dynamic handling car to bear the Geely badge to date.


TMS 2019: The Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept is the dune buggy of the future

After teasing the car with a
 darkened image
 a few weeks back, Mitsubishi has finally unveiled the Mi-Tech Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019.
Inspired by dune buggies, Mitsubishi says the Mi-Tech represents the very essence of “Mitsubishi-ness”. The buggy-type vehicle sports a light-blue body color, and emphasises on its electric powertrain with copper-coloured motor coil motif on the grille, inner wheels and interior.
On the front, the signature Dynamic Shield design makes a return. Due to the reduced cooling requirement of the electronic drivetrain, the grille is now a solid satin-plated piece.
Flanking the large grille is the new T-shaped headlights, embedded into the bodywork of the front end. At the bottom of the front bumper are two aluminium skid-plates to protect the body and undercarriage, while an air intake sits in between.
On the side, the highly raised overfenders surround the large diameter tires, providing stability and grip on loose terrain.
A large hexagon shape dominates the entire rear-end, and the T-shaped light design pattern carries over to the rear with the large tail lamp enclosure.
Moving inside, the horizontal instrument panel along with the keyboard-shaped switches of the Mi-Tech concept enhances usability while driving. A large horizontal grab handle positioned on the centre console also acts as a hand pad while operating the switches.
The entire dashboard of the Mi-Tech is minimalistic and void of any information other than a small screen behind the steering wheel. This is because Mitsubishi uses the entire windscreen as an augmented reality (AR) display!
Vital information of the vehicle, road, and surrounding traffic conditions can be projected directly onto the AR windshield.
The Mitsubishi Mi-Tech concept is powered by a lightweight and compact
gas turbine engine generator
. The gas turbine stands out with its flexibility to run on different fuels such as diesel, kerosene, and alcohol, while the exhaust remains clean and environment-friendly.
No power figures were provided at the unveiling, other than that “the gas turbine engine-generator has a powerful output for its size and weight”.
Mitsubishi fitted the Mi-Tech with their Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control, paired to a
quad-motor 4WD system
. The independent Active Yaw Control (AYC) on both the front and rear axle allows for the optimal torque to be transmitted to all four wheels for better offroad experience.
The new electric drivetrain also presents unique new driving experiences, such as 180-degree spins by counter-rotating the left and right wheels.
The Mi-Tech Concept comes with a
brake-by-wire system
, allowing for high response and accuracy in the control of braking force at all four wheels, providing a claimed drastic improvement in turning and traction performance.
Mitsubishi’s next-generation MI-PILOT driver assistance technology will also be present on the concept buggy, capable of driver support not only on ordinary freeways and city roads, but also on unpaved terrain!
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Lexus LM 350 brings First Class hospitality into a vehicle – RM1.148m

Lexus Malaysia has officially launched perhaps its most hospitable model yet- the
Lexus LM 350
. The Lexus LM (Luxury Mover) was
first announced
 for Malaysia back in December, with estimated pricing of RM1.15 million.
The final pricing for the Lexus LM 350 from Lexus Malaysia is
RM1,148,000
. Owners can look forward to enjoying the comfort and vast interior from the end of July onwards.

EXTERIOR
The Lexus LM has been given the customary Lexus signature design identity to differentiate it from the Alphard base product that it shares plenty with. On the outside, the most visible change is obviously the large spindle grille on the front, flanked by 3-beam LED projector headlights featuring the iconic Lexus daytime-running lights design.
Three-beam project LED headlamps, L-shaped DRLs
LED taillamps with full-width signature lighting
18-inch noise-reducing rim, chrome and metallic finish, 235/50R18 tyres
Front and rear moon roofs
Front and rear acoustic glass
Power sliding doors

The new LM 350 is available in two colours which are Black and White Pearl Crystal Shine.
INTERIOR
We focus on the most distinct feature of the new Lexus LM350- the
two individual VIP lounge seats
. As the flagship people mover, the LM 350 exemplifies the very definition of ‘
Omotenashi
‘ or the Japanese art of hospitality. The seats feature
AdapiPedic
 rate-sensitive response foam, meaning it shape and support to each individual’s physique, promoting correct lumbar posture while mitigating pressure points for the best comfort and support.
Besides multiple power adjustments and ventilation function, the VIP seats also have an
Ottoman
 configuration and
massage function
 featuring seven massage programs and five pressure levels. Sit back and relax, while you sipped your refrigerated beverage, as the LM 350 has a 14-litre mini-refrigerator. Other features befitting the title of VIP seats include:
‘Gin-Sui-Boku’ (silver ink) wood trim finishing
Sound-insulating glass cabin partition with variable opacity
19-speaker Mark Levison Surround sound system
26-inch display screen with connection to various external inputs
Air-conditioning with Nanoe negative ion generator
Vanity mirrors and personal reading lamps
Sunshades
Apart from black upholstery, Lexus Malaysia also offers the crafted semi-aniline leather seats of the LM 350 in white.
PERFORMANCE
Similar to the Toyota Alphard, the powertrain for the Lexus LM 350 is a
3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6
 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The same engine-transmission combination is also found in the now-discontinued
Lexus RX 350 L
 seven-seater and RX 350 five-seater.
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, D4S, Dual VVT-i
Transmission: 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Max horsepower: 296 hp @ 6,600 RPM
Max torque: 361 Nm @ 4,700 RPM
0 to 100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
In order to achieve the required low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), Lexus has placed
braces
around the rear suspension, strategically placed
reinforcements
 plus an increase in
spot welding
. The large partition between the front and rear occupants integrates into the bodyshell and further increases the rigidity of the LM 350. Even with just four seats, the Lexus LM 350 is 50 kg heavier than the Toyota Alphard at
2,185 kg
.
Exceptional ride quality is delivered by Lexus-engineered suspension, the earlier mentioned enhanced body rigidity and new
swing valve shock absorber
 technology. This introduces an ultra-low velocity valve within the shock absorber to precisely manage oil flow in response to even the most minor road irregularities. The result is consistent ride comfort on all road surfaces.
SAFETY
The Lexus LM 350 has seven airbags, inclusive of a driver’s knee airbag. The two VIP occupants are protected by the full-length curtain airbags and seat-integrated seatbelts.
Similar to the Lexus line-up in Malaysia, the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) safety suite is included in the Lexus LM 350, consisting of the five main systems:
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
Lane Keeping System (LKS) with Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go
Adaptive High Beam System (AHS)
Other driver-assist systems include a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic parking support braking and panoramic view monitor (360-degree view).
PRICING
Built at the Inabe plant in Japan, which also manufactures the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, the 4-seater Lexus LM 350 is priced at
RM1,148,000
 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available for order at all six Lexus Centres nationwide.
The Lexus LM 350 joins another three Lexus models in Malaysia that are priced well over a million Ringgit. The recently launched
Lexus LC 500 Convertible
 is priced from RM1.35 million while the soon-to-be-launched updated
Lexus LS 500
 limousine is priced from RM1.023 million. The
Lexus LX 570
 premium SUV meanwhile is now priced from RM1.225 million.
GALLERY


Honda City Hatchback Hybrid teased again revealing the front design

Last week, Honda Malaysia released a ten-second teaser video on their Facebook page to announce the arrival of their latest addition to the City range, the
Honda City Hatchback
.
Slated to replace the much-loved Honda Jazz in ASEAN, the Honda City Hatchback carries similar-looking U-shaped signature LED lighting as the City sedan. The fast-paced video that focused on the rear quarter also tried to hide the variant used as the RS e:HEV hybrid.
Now with the second teaser video posted, Honda Malaysia has indeed confirmed the Honda City Hatchback will come with the range-topping RS grade as well as the e:HEV hybrid powertrain, as the badges are now the main focus.
The Honda e:HEV hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, with the latter primarily driving the car. The engine will be used as a generator or supplement extra power when needed, such as overtaking. The combined system output is
109 hp
 and
253 Nm
, whilst consuming just 3.6 litres of fuel per 100 km travelled.
As the compact hatchback contributes significantly to Honda Malaysia’s sales, lower-priced variants utilising the regular 1.5-litre DOHC iVTEC engine are also expected to be on offer, mirroring the
Honda City sedan’s
 line-up.
In Japan and Europe, the Fit and Jazz names continue on. Originally looking too cute, here is how it looks with some tasty bodykit!
In the video, we can see that the Honda City Hatchback is fitted with 16-inch wheels in dual-tone finish, automatic LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and expect features seen on the sedan such as reverse camera, remote engine start, and Honda Sensing to be available with this new model too.
Being entirely based on the latest, seventh-generation Honda City (GN), the City Hatchback model shares the same front design, front doors as well as dashboard of the sedan, similar to what Toyota did to the Toyota Vios (NSP151) to create the ASEAN Toyota Yaris.
This bright shade of red also looks different from the Passion Red Pearl seen on the City Sedan RS e:HEV and Honda
HR-V RS
. In Indonesia, Honda offers both the Rallye Red and
Phoenix Orange Pearl
 exclusively to the City Hatchback.


All-new 2023 BMW M2 launched in Malaysia – 3.0L turbocharged pocket rocket from RM599k

Less than two weeks after
opening for registration of interest
, the
all-new 2023 BMW M2
 is now officially launched here in Malaysia. The pocket rocket will be available in two guises here on our shores, starting at
 RM598,800
for the base BMW M2 model, and
RM642,800
for the M2 equipped with a “Pro Package”. Both prices include the optional extended five-year warranty and free service programme.
The all-new 2023 BMW M2 is powered by the same S58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine as you’d find in the
M3 and M4
, but detuned to make
460 hp
and
550 Nm
 of torque. But in a smaller car like the M2, it’s still a heck of a lot of performance, letting you sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just
4.1 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
.
Even on a “base” BMW M2, that century sprint time is even faster than the
outgoing M2 Competition
. Although, that figure is only achieved with the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is also coincidentally the only transmission option being “officially” offered here in Malaysia. We’re pretty sure you’ll still be able to order one in Manual if you ask nicely (and pay up), though.
For customers who want even more speed, you’ll also be able to opt for an optional M Driver’s Package that raises the all-new BMW M2’s top speed to
 285 km/h
. The package can be retrofitted at any authorised dealership nationwide, says BMW Malaysia.
As for stopping power, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 employs a six-piston fixed-caliper brakes at the front, and single calipers at the back. The Adaptive M Suspension and M Drive Professional system are also the brains that control the dampers, M Traction Control, as well as the Active M Differential on the rear axle, based on the driving conditions and driving modes.
RELATED:
BMW turns the M2’s garish looks up to 11 with new M Performance parts
Standard equipment on the all-new 2023 BMW M2 include the Adaptive LED headlights upfront with High-beam Assistant, staggered double-spoke M light alloy wheels (Style 930 M Bicolour) measuring 19-inch in front and 20 at the back, and blacked out trims on the outside courtesy of the High-Gloss M Shadowline package as standard.
Opt for the aforementioned Pro Package, and you’ll get even more trims blackened out, including the lighting elements as well as the wheels, plus red-coloured brake calipers (as opposed to blue on the base M2), alongside a carbon fibre roof – which means it’s not merely an aesthetic upgrade.
Inside, the all-new 2023 BMW M2 comes equipped with BMW Curved Display, which combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display under a single curved pane of glass. The displays also run on the
 BMW iDrive 8.0 operating system
, which allows for real-time information and over-the-air software updates thanks to its cellular connectivity built in.
Other highlights in the cabin include the Powered M Sport, M leather steering wheel, red M Mode buttons, head-up display, a three-zone climate control system, as well as a wireless charging tray. Opting for the Pro Package will see the Aluminium Rhombicle M interior trim swapped out for carbon fibre items, alongside the addition of the M-themed seat belts and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
ALSO READ:
2022 BMW M3, M4 Competition now offered with M xDrive AWD in Malaysia – from RM798k
The all-new BMW M2 also comes equipped with the standard Driving Assist Package here in Malaysia, which includes features such as lane departure warning, lane change warning, cruise control with braking function (but not adaptive cruise control), autonomous emergency brake both front and rear, as well as the basic Parking Assistant package that consists of a reverse camera, plus Reversing Assistant and Lateral Parking Aid.
Customers can opt between five exterior colour options: Zandvoort Blue, Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire and Toronto Red. Inside, colour options include black Leather Vernasca either with blue contrast stitching or “exclusive highlight”, or a Cognac colourway with decor stitching.
Once again, the 2023 BMW M2 is priced at RM598,800 for the base model, and RM642,800 for the Pro Package-equipped M2. Online pre-booking is now open via BMW Malaysia’s online shopping platform, linked
here
.


BMW Malaysia announces price of first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport, from RM389k

BMW Malaysia has announced the price of the new, first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport in Malaysia which was previewed here in January 2022. Check out our gallery
here
!
The last few months have been a period of many firsts for BMW Malaysia, following the launch of the
BMW iX
from RM419k and the
BMW iX3
 from RM317k. As for the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport, prices start from
 RM389,800
 and it’s available in a single variant with 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.
Monthly repayments
start from RM4,306
 based on an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, with the Easy Drive Financing Plan by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
The BMW i4 features a single electric motor, offering 340 hp and 430 Nm, to drive the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. 0 to 100 km/h is quite similar to the
BMW 430i launched in Malaysia last year
, at 5.7 seconds compared to the 430i’s 5.8 seconds.
Fitted with an 83.9 kWh battery, the BMW i4 eDrive40 offers
 up to 590 km of driving range
 on a full charge. With a standard 11kW onboard charger, the batteries take just
8.5 hours to be fully charged
. The faster 200kW DC fast charger can get the i4 up to 80% charged in just 31 minutes. The i4’s batteries are covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty.
Key features on the exterior include an M Sport body kit, BMW Laser Lights, 19-inch M Aerodynamic wheels, and M Sport brakes. Inside, the highlight of the cabin is the
curved screen
 consisting of two displays of different sizes; a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring the BMW iDrive 8 operating system and a 14.9-inch display for the meter cluster.
BMW Malaysia said the i4 comes in either Black, White, or Grey exterior colours although later in the year, the company will introduce the San Remo Green, M Portimao Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.
Other noteworthy mentions are the 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, 3-zone air conditioning, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The interior upholstery is available in Black, Mocha, or Red leather.
GALLERY


UMWT: No recalls for Toyota Vios amidst Daihatsu safety “procedural irregularity”

Amidst the Daihatsu safety scandal, one Toyota model that it affects is the all-new
Toyota Vios
 (also known as the Yaris Ativ in other markets). Besides the Vios, the Toyota Agya and all-new
Perodua Axia
 are also concerned. The scandal is a “procedural irregularity” which involves modification to the driver door to improve performance in the side impact test.
Today,
UMW Toyota Motor
 has released an official statement regarding the matter, assuring its customers that the all-new Toyota Vios has no issues with the safety standards and that deliveries will continue as usual.
UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “For customers who have booked their All-New Toyota Vios or are interested in purchasing it, we would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios model complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicles.”
This follows the statement released by Daihatsu Co Ltd. on 28 April 2023 highlighting a procedural irregularity on the testing of four models, one of which includes the All-New Toyota Vios. Subsequent testing has validated that the vehicle meets the UN-R95 certification and there is no need for the Toyota Vios to be recalled as sales of the vehicle continues without disruption.
RELATED:
Perodua – No recalls for Perodua Axia despite Daihatsu safety scandal, deliveries unaffected
“We sincerely apologise for any distress caused to our customers and we wish to assure everyone of the safety and quality of our vehicles. Our commitment to our customers’ safety has always been and remains our topmost in our priority”, he added.
Toyota Chairman of the Board, Akio Toyoda has also released an official statement regarding the matter. He said, “Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.’s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.”
RELATED:
2023 Toyota Vios – Over 5,000 orders received in less than a month


Five records by Lamborghini cars you may not know about

Throughout its history, Lamborghini has set numerous records and firsts as it continues to cement its name as a pioneer and innovator of the automotive industry.
Here are five you may not have heard of:
Lamborghini Marzal – first car with most glass surface area
The four-seater grand tourer was an operational show car with the most extensive glass surface of 48 sq ft – stretching from its gull-wing doors to the roof.
Lamborghini Miura – designed by the youngest team in the company’s history
The Miura is a prime example of Lamborghini’s confidence in allowing its young talent to prosper. To challenge the likes of Ferrari at the time, founder Ferruccio Lamborghini tasked a team with an average age of just 29 years to build what would go on to become a supercar icon. The team is still the youngest ever in Lamborghini’s history.
Lamborghini Miura – lowest production car
At just 105.5 cm (3.4 ft) the Miura was the lowest mass-produced car ever. The styling feature has since gone on to be a vital part of Lamborghini’s design DNA.
Lamborghini LM002 – the first Super SUV
What started out as a project to develop a high-performance, off-road vehicle for military use ended up becoming the first Super SUV when it was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986. Only 300 units were produced in six years.
Lamborghini Countach – first car with scissor doors
Designed in 1971, the Countach was the first production car to be equipped with vertically opening doors. The reason behind this idea is not only for aesthetics but practical reasons. It provided the driver with better visibility and easier ingress and egress in tight spaces.
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SDAC-Ford’s new Digital Salesperson lets you buy a car right from your own sofa

As the Movement Control Order (MCO) has been extended till the 14th of April, we will all be stuck at home for at least another two more weeks. While it is for the good of the country and other Malaysians (
please do stay at home
), the MCO does sometimes interfere with significant matters such as buying your dream car.
Well, if your dream car is a Ford, fret no more. Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford vehicles in Malaysia, today introduced its ‘Digital Salesperson’, a
dedicated WhatsApp live chat line
to address customers queries related to vehicle purchase.
As all Ford showrooms and service centres are temporarily closed during the MCO period, the Digital Salesperson bridges the gap by linking customers to a authorised Ford salesperson located nearest to them.
Once connected, the salesperson is able to provide information on in-showroom promotions, colour and stock availability, loan financing options, road tax and vehicle registration fees, as well as insurance options.
Additionally, customers will also be able to pay for the deposit of a car purchase at their own convenience. Once the MCO is lifted, customers can sign the retail customer order and loan documents in person to be processed.
The Digital Salesperson service will not be limited to just the MCO period either. SDAC Managing Director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said, “Post the Movement Control Order, we will continue to offer this alternative method, as we care and understand that customers may still want to limit public exposure.”
The campaign will run from today
until the 30th of June
, but Ford says that it can be
extended depending on demand
. The Digital Salesperson is available from
 9 am to 4 pm
,
Monday to Friday
. Queries can be sent via WhatsApp to
+6019-204 1200
, and will be answered within 24 hours.


Be a VIP with the new Volkswagen Insurance Plan

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced the launch of
Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)
 – a tailor-made insurance programme with comprehensive coverage and minimal hassle for owners.
Aptly abbreviated as VIP, the new insurance plan includes privileges such as prioritised claim approval, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and the assurance that repairs are conducted only at Volkswagen-approved body and paint repair centres and to the highest quality.
VIP also guarantees that all repairs done at authorised centres will only use genuine Volkswagen parts for added peace of mind.
Additionally, Volkswagen also assures that there will be no excess fees, betterment costs, and even offers an agreed value of your vehicle up to 10 years. The VIP programme is backed by Allianz General Insurance Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad.
VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter said, “Our owners are at the core of everything we do and providing this added service to them at our dealerships also ensures that the entire process is streamlined and more convenient, making our Volkswagen dealerships a one-stop centre for customer convenience and peace of mind.”
The VIP programme can be purchased at all authorised VW dealerships when registering a new car or during road tax renewal. All existing Volkswagen owners are welcome to purchase with no restrictions on models and car age.


Porsche says its synthetic fuel could make combustion engines as clean as EVs

In an age where a car’s ecological impact is almost as important as its performance figures on a spec sheet, carmakers are all naturally looking towards
electric vehicles
 (EVs) as the obvious way forward. But Porsche – bless them – is still trying to forge its own path with internal combustion engines despite its successes with the
 Taycan
, by developing a new clean-burning synthetic fuel called “eFuel”.
Speaking to
Evo Magazine

at the launch of the
all-new Porsche 911 GT3
 last week, Porsche’s Vice President for Motorsport and GT cars, Frank Walliser said that the eFuel will be compatible with all its existing unmodified combustion engines, and could even make them as environmental friendly as new EVs!
The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 has everything we love about an ICE-powered car – naturally-aspirated big power.
“Synthetic fuels are very important to allow us to reduce our CO2 output. Emissions are way better than current pump fuel, with less particulates and less NOx produced; synthetic fuels have between eight to ten components whereas petrol today has 30-40 and not all of them are welcome,” Walliser explained.
When the eFuel reaches the full-scale production stage, Walliser says that they expect a CO2 reduction of around 85 percent compared petrol.
“From a ‘well to wheel’ perspective – and you have to consider the well to wheel impact of all vehicles – this will be the same level of CO2 produced in the manufacture and use of an electric vehicle.”
Porsche first announced its investment into Siemens Energy’s eFuel technology last year. At the time of the announcement, both companies claimed the alliance would produce more than 500 million litres of its synthetic fuels annually by 2026.
Walliser says that the companies are on track to achieve that target. First trials in small volumes will start in 2022.
“It’s a long road with huge investment, but we are sure that this is an important part of our global effort to reduce the CO2 impact of the transportation sector,” he concluded.
Although eFuel have been in development for over a decade, it’s the influx of tightening emissions laws across the globe in recent times that have truly spurred the growth of these alternative combustion technologies.
With several countries already announcing their plans to
outright ban ICE-powered vehicles
 in the next decade, will Porsche’s eFuel be the answer to keep these cars on the road? We’ll have to wait and see, but if these numbers are accurate, the future for ICE certainly looks promising.


Toyota 86 gets a fresh new face and some performance upgrades

It’s hard to believe that the Toyota 86, also known as the GT86 in some parts of the world, is now four years old, which means it’s about time for give it a new face. The updated model is set to receive a mildly revised exterior look and the long anticipated performance boost.
Externally, the 86 gets a new front bumper, a larger central air intake, revised LED headlights and tail lamps as well as a new 10-spoke alloy wheels. Its cabin gets new leather and Alcantara upholstery which includes soft-touch suede on the door trims. The 86 also receives a new steering design, integrating audio controls and an iconic ’86’ logo in the middle.

While the aesthetic department stirs excitement, the same cannot be said about its performance because the only variant to receive a boost is the six-speeder manual. The 86 is powered by the same
2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine
, and in the manual, it makes just 5 additional horses at
205 hp
 and
212 Nm
. The automatic variant settles for the existing output of 200 hp and 205 Nm of torque.
It’s a known fact that the 86 isn’t built for straight-line fun, but widely regarded as one of the best entry-level, pure-bred sports car. With this facelift, the engineers have taken its handling and agility up a notch by revising the chassis setup and tweaked the damper and spring rates.
The updated 86 will make its debut in the upcoming New York Motor Show and will be ready for delivery by Q4 2016. Also, since the demise of
Scion
 in the United States, all existing FR-S models will be rebranded as the Toyota 86.
Back at home, the 86 made a brief appearance through UMW Toyota in 2012 with the manual variant being sold for RM243,000, whereas the automatic costed RM6,000 more. For now, UMW Toyota is only offering the 86 on a special order basis.
IMAGE GALLERY


Klang Valley and Malacca transition to Phase 3, easing of restrictions added

In line with the earlier announcement of more industries able to operate from
October 1st
, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Klang Valley (Selangor, KL and Putrajaya F.T.) together with Malacca will move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the
National Recovery Plan
.
From October 1st, they join Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu and Sarawak in Phase 3 that sees more relaxation of movement restrictions, such as three occupants in a taxi and
e-hailing
 vehicle.
Source: Twitter/
MalaysiaPMO
With Kedah moving out of Phase 1, that nation has no more states that are under strict restrictions. At the time of writing, only Negeri Sembilan and Labuan F.T. have transitioned to Phase 4.
The government also announced certain activities and gatherings will be permitted for states under Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the NRP. Official events and seminars by both the private and government sectors are allowed to operate under a 50% capacity with all guests fully vaccinated.
The official launch of the
Sime Darby Motors City
, April 2021
Guests who aren’t must undergo a pre-event test with a self-test kit in front of an organiser or confirmed by a medical officer.
The sports entertainment industry is also set to reopen too, such as the
Toyota Vios Challenge
, where the public is now allowed to attend sport and recreation matches in states under all Phases except Phase 1. As with the new norm, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed entry, with face masks worn at all times and consumption of food and beverage not allowed.
Children under 18 are unfortunately disallowed to attend these live matches.
Vocational colleges and the skills training sector will be allowed to open from October 15th under the new set of restriction relaxation. Schools are also set to reopen in stages starting October 3rd, with priority given to students taking major examinations.
You do not need to rush to renew your JPJ road tax and driving license, as the deadline has been extended to Dec 31st. Read more about it here.

There is however no fixed date on the greenlight for interstate travel, which is allowed once the adult population reaches a fully vaccinated coverage of 90%.  As of yesterday, the Special Committee on Access to Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) reported that the figure has reached
85.7%
.


Gallery: Volkswagen Passat R-Line now open for booking – Estimated RM200K to RM210K!

Alongside the launch of the
Arteon R-Line
 and
Tiguan Allspace R-Line
 yesterday, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) also previewed the Passat R-Line as part of the
VW Tour roadshow
, completing the “R-Line Trinity” as the company calls it.
Positioned at the top of the Passat model range, the locally-assembled Passat R-Line is now available for booking, with pricing expected to be
between RM200,000 to RM210,000
, placing it right in between the
Passat Elegance
 and Arteon R-Line.
Taking inspiration from the full-blown Volkswagen R models, the Passat R-Line features several additional sporty exterior touches, including R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line emblems, additional chrome trims which wraps around the entire vehicle near the skirtings, as well as 19-inch “Verona” alloy wheels.
On the inside, the sportier Passat gets new R-Line specific trims, including a thicker flat-bottom steering wheel, Nappa “carbon-style” black leather seats, and aluminium sports pedals.
Otherwise, the equipment list is pretty much a carbon copy of the
Passat Elegance
, which includes the 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and App-Connect, tri-zone automatic climate control, as well as 14-way power adjustable front seats with memory and massage function for the driver.
The powerplant under the hood is also unchanged from the Elegance – a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine pushing out
190 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of torque. The engine is paired to a new seven-speed wet dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
The R-Line does however come as standard with the
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC)
 driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for the five driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual), as well as
Electronic Differential Lock (XDS)
 which can help control understeer, resulting in a sportier driving experience.
Just like the Elegance, the Passat R-Line once again misses out on autonomous emergency braking functionalities. Standard safety equipment list includes six airbags, Anti Brake-locking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring System, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
The Passat R-Line will be offered in six exterior colour choices: Aquamarine Blue Metallic, Tamarind Brown Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic; Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl.
Interested to check out the car in person? The Volkswagen Passat R-Line will be on display at 1 Utama Shopping Centre this weekend as part of the
Volkswagen Tour campaign
. Bookings and viewing arrangements can also be made online, or at authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Land Rover Defender V8 goes incognito with new Bond Edition

When we think of James Bond’s cars, the first ones that come to mind would usually be an
Aston Martin
, or some other equally fast cars. However, the Land Rovers have also had a long history with Mr. Bond, with the all-new Land Rover Defender in particular playing a
 significant role
 in the upcoming Bond film “
No Time to Die
“.
So as a celebration to its participation in the new 007 movie, Land Rover has unveiled a new special edition Defender, inspired by the world’s most famous spy.
Limited to just 300 units, the
Land Rover Defender
 V8 Bond Edition will be available as either a Defender 110 or 90, and will feature the same looks as the ones that appear on the film. These include a stealthy all-black exterior thanks to the Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Luna Gloss Black alloy wheels, paired to Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a ‘Defender 007’ badge at the rear.
The all-new Land Rover Defender was “spied” undergoing road tests here in Malaysia! Check it out here.

The 007 theme also extends into the interior, with a specially developed start-up animation on the infotainment system that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise.
There’s also a special laser-etched detailing on the interior that reads “one of 300”, alongside the SV Bespoke logo, but the true spectacle is when you open the door and see the 007 puddle lights on the floor, alongside the illuminated Defender 007 door sill plates.
Watch the Land Rover Defender get dirty for James Bond! Jumps, flips and explosions included.
“The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in
No Time To Die
,” said Land Rover Brand Director, Finbar McFall. “It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.”
As the name suggests, the new Bond Edition is based on the recently launched Defender V8, featuring a 5.0-litre supercharged mill that’s good for
525 hp
and
625 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via and eight-speed automatic transmission, which translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in
5.2 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
240 km/h
.
Aston Martin is remaking the original DB5 Bond car, complete with original gadgets! Check it out here.
The stealthy Land Rover Defender will appear in the film alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs, as well as a Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III, when it reaches cinema screens worldwide from September 30, 2021.
GALLERY


All-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class set to be unveiled on 25 April

The next-generation all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is set to be unveiled later this month, on the 25th of April, the company has confirmed today. Along with the announcement, the company also provided a teaser image of the car’s side profile, giving us our first look at the upcoming next-gen
E-Class
.
Upcoming all-new E-Class
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+
Just like the interior, which was revealed earlier this year, we expect the exterior design of the upcoming all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class to borrow significantly from its
electric counterparts
. However, it appears that the car will feature a more “traditional” shape, rather than the “one-bow” style swoopy silhouette.
Still, the rear windscreen looks like it’ll be significantly raked thanks to its sloping roofline. A full-length character line down the entire side of the car to visually connect the headlights and tail lights.
No technical specifications are announced yet, but we’re guessing that it’ll likely be a fully electrified line-up, just like the marque’s other launches recently, including the
 GLS
 and
GLC
.
What we don’t need to guess is its interior, as the company has already revealed the upcoming E-Class’ cabin
earlier this year.
 It’ll debut a new ‘Superscreen’ design, as the successor to the Hyperscreen of the EQS and EQE. The key difference here comes in the form of a separate screen for the digital instrument cluster, with a more upright position for better visibility while driving.
The MBUX operating system has also been updated to support downloadable apps including TikTok, Zoom, and Angry Birds among others – the first two will utilise a new in-car camera perched atop the dashboard for video while the car is stationary.
READ MORE:
Next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 interior revealed – Superscreen debuts with in-car TikTok app


Porsche Carrera GT that killed Paul Walker was travelling over 160km/h

The final report from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the Porsche Carrera GT Paul Walker was in as a passenger was going over 160km/h (100mph). Racer Roger Rodas then lost control of the machine for “unknown reasons” and crashed.
According to the toxicology report conducted by the coroner, no drugs or alcohol were involved at the time of the incident. The coroner’s report wrote, “For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle partially spun around, and began to travel in a southeast direction.”
“The vehicle then struck a sidewalk and the driver’s side of the vehicle struck a tree and then a light post. The force of those collisions caused the vehicle to spin 180 degrees, and it continued to travel in an easterly direction. The passenger side of the vehicle then struck a tree and the vehicle burst into flames.”
As for the coming Fast and Furious 7 movie, there won’t be any replacement for Paul’s character; no Justin Bieber (which was a stupid rumour) or Paul’s brother, Cody Walker as the new Brian O’Conner. Instead, Malaysian director James Wan and Universal Pictures have decided to “retire” the character using footage that has been shot. Existing script will still be used but modified, hoping to satisfy his fans and allowing the franchise to move on without Paul Walker.
The release of the movie has also been
postponed as reported
, from the initial July 2014 to April 10, 2015.


Porsche Malaysia previews new Cayman and Boxster GTS, arriving this Friday!

Porsche Malaysia, during their fourth Porsche Driving Experience event held at Sepang International Circuit earlier this month, leapt at the opportunity to sneak in a preview of the upcoming Cayman GTS, as well as its drop-top sibling, the Boxster GTS.
Both models sit above their respecting Boxster S and Cayman S variants and share the same
3.4-litre flat-six engine
, paired to a
seven-speed PDK dual clutch
 gearbox. Naturally, both engines are tuned to produce higher outputs compared to the S variant, but that’s just the start.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Porsche Boxster GTS
Porsche Cayman GTS
Engine
3,436cc; naturally aspirated flat-six
Transmission
7-speed PDK dual clutch auto
Max Power
330 hp @ 6,700 rpm
340 hp @ 7,400 rpm
Max Torque
370 Nm @ 4,500 – 5,800 rpm
380 Nm @ 4,750 – 5,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
5.0 seconds
4.8 seconds
Top Speed
279 km/h
283 km/h
The Cayman GTS has just
15 hp
 and
10 Nm
 of torque more than the Cayman S, but changes to making the potent rear-wheel drive sports car are more than meets the eye. It is 24mm longer in overall length (wheelbase the same at 2,475mm) and is lower by 11mm at 1,284mm. Also new here are parts like the
sports exhaust
, active suspension management and
Sports Chrono
 as standard, including
launch control
.

Over in the Boxster GTS, the changes are largely the same. You also get the same
15 hp and 10 Nm
 performance bump, as well as
active suspension management
 and
sports exhaust
. Both models get a slightly different interior with better (or sportier) materials and new sets of wheels.

Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia have hinted that both models will be making its way here this Friday the 3rd of July. Like all other new Porsche models, the Cayman and Boxster GTS will also come with a
4-year warranty
 and
4-year complimentary service maintenance package
, as well as the opportunity to take part in the exclusive
Porsche Driving Experience
.
Usually held at Sepang Circuit, the Porsche Driving Experience provides new and existing owners the venue to not just
put their paces round the track
, but more importantly to train them on the
right ways to react

during an emergency
 on the road while
enhancing their overall driving skill
. Speaking of killing two birds with one stone. Each participant will be mentored by Porsche Carrera Cup drivers and official Porsche instructors. Some of the courses will test drivers on their braking, emergency lane changing, skid pads, slalom and – you guessed it, full track driving.
Here’s what you can expect to learn at Porsche Driving Experience:
1.
Braking
– You learn to apply effective braking and make full use of the ABS system while steering the vehicle into the direction of safety.
2.
Lane Change
 – Practice high-speed manoeuvrability through a series of gates. Here you will learn to control the vehicle’s load change in high speed emergency situations, putting your visual and hand-foot coordination to the test.
3.
Slalom
 – Participants will have their cornering, braking and acceleration skills tested by overcoming a challenging slalom course (we did this in a Panamera S). Also, drivers will be able to experience Porsche’s Active Suspension Management.
4.
Skid
 – Learn to handle and control oversteer and understeer on a wet surface. This is an essential skill required to regain complete control of the car in the event of an emergency on public roads.
5.
Track Driving
 – This is why you get a Porsche, to drive it on the track. Towards the end of Porsche Driving Experience, participants will be treated to a track session where they get the chance to implement all learnings from the aforementioned exercises. This is done in a safe and controlled environment, of course.
If the Cayman GTS isn’t feral enough for you, SDAP also hinted at the
Cayman GT4
‘s arrival, one that has a 385 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine! Meanwhile, click
here
 to read on the launch of their
RM16 million

Sungai Besi flagship showroom
 with a complete lineup of their current offerings, including the on-display
918 Spyder
.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS.
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Porsche Cayman GTS

2015 Porsche Boxster GTS


Watch how these three Kia Stingers blast down an empty airfield!

In conjunction with the
launch of the Kia Stinger GT in the UK
, Kia Motors UK have unleashed three Stinger GT models onto the tarmac of Cornwall Airport Newquay’s runway, demonstrating the prowess of the 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 resting under the hood.
Three pro-drivers launched the Stinger GT simultaneously onto the 2.7 km runway in a “V” formation. Thanks to the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 upfront with
365 hp
 and
510 Nm
, it only took
4.9 seconds
 for the rear-wheel drive Grand Tourer to hit 100 km/h. An eight-speed automatic was tasked with the power transfer.
The drivers managed speeds in excess of 241 km/h before coming to a complete halt in the final quarter of the runway. Stopping power from the Brembo brake kit ensured all three drivers came to a halt safely. Given enough runway, the Stinger GT will break the 270 km/h mark.
The Kia Stinger GT was first presented to the world in early January 2017 with the
UK being the most recent market launch
 (October). Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) has previewed the
Stinger GT at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017
 in its highest specification – 3.3L V6 and all-wheel drive. It remains unknown whether we will be getting the
hottest Kia ever made
 or the lower output 2.0-litre T-GDI or possibly even the 2.2-litre CRDi considering that NKM is pushing its
diesel models
. However, rest assured that we will be seeing this fine looking thing on our roads very soon.
IMAGE GALLERY

Kia Stinger GT V6 AWD Previewed in Malaysia


The all-new Porsche 911 Turbo is quicker than the previous Turbo S!

Back in March, Porsche blew us all away with the
 all-new 911 Turbo S
thanks to its sub-three seconds century sprint times. Well, for the millionaires on a tighter budget, there’s now the 911 Turbo, and fortunately, it’s
almost
 just as fast as it’s elder brother.
Underneath the metal of the all-new 911 Turbo is the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, slightly downtuned to produce
580 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque – with peak torque now without any overboost time limit. Paired to a “Turbo-specific” eight-speed PDK gearbox, the “baby” Turbo now does 0-100 km/h in
2.8 seconds
,
just 0.1 second shy of the Turbo S
.
Compared to it’s predecessor, the new 911 Turbo now has 40 hp and 40 Nm more grunt, which is also 20 hp more than the previous-generation Turbo S with the same amount of torque! Top speed is still limited at 320 km/h, though.
Power is sent to all four wheels as expected on a modern-day 911 Turbo, with the new active all-wheel control Porsche Traction Management system now able to send even more power to the front wheels, clawing you out of the corners. There’s also rear wheel steering system to help with overall agility and stability.
Predictably, the body of the the Turbo is inherited from the Turbo S, which is up to 45 mm wider than before. The front track has also grew by 42 mm, while the rear is widened by 10 mm.
The all-new Porsche 911 Turbo rides on staggered wheel sizes – 20-inch items at the front and 21 at the rear, shielding the new and improved braking system that can be easily identified by the red fixed callipers fitted as standard, along with the grey cast iron brake discs.
To clarify, this isn’t the ten-piston Porsche Carbon Ceramic brake system that’s seen on the Turbo S, but those are available as options.
Porsche is offering the all-new 911 Turbo with two chassis – the standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), as well as for the first time on the Turbo, a “significantly firmer” sports chassis that sits 10 mm lower than the standard. An optional PDCC hydraulic active anti-roll stabilisation system helps enhance the dynamic driving experience even further.
Other options on the all-new baby Turbo include the sports exhaust system, Sports exterior styling package, and a Lightweight Design package. The latter helps reduce the weight of the 911 Turbo by 30 kg, through the use of lightweight full-bucket seats, removal of rear seats, as well as less insulation material in the body panels.
There is nothing inside the 911 Turbo that we haven’t seen before, with creature comforts such as the 10.9-inch PCM infotainment display, electrically-controlled 14-way sports seats, Sports Chrono package, GT sports steering wheels with paddle shifters and rotary mode switch, as well as a Bose surround sound system fitted as standard.
The all-new 911 Turbo can also be fitted with several optional advanced safety, convenience and luxury features, including Porsche InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control, Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition, Night Vision Assist, Surround View and a Burmester High-End Surround Sound System.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai provides financial relief for its dealerships and sales consultants

In an effort to safeguard the welfare and livelihoods of its employees, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched its initiative to offer subsidies for its dealers and sales consultants to alleviate their financial constraints during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
Firstly, a
monthly Hardship Allowance
 will be provided to Hyundai sales consultants from April to June 2020. Sales consultants who have been in service for more than three months, and are not serving notice, will be eligible for this allowance scheme.
Dealers meanwhile will be offered
financial subsidies
 for online marketing expenses, as well as for the purchase of hand sanitisers, disinfectants, and thermometers for the use at their sales and service outlets during the
 Conditional MCO period.
HSDM Managing Director, Low Yuan Lung said, “The pandemic has badly affected the auto sector. We understand the hardship of our dealers and sales consultants, and we hope the subsidy will help ease their financial burden and help with the cost of health and safety measures at all authorised Hyundai sales and service outlets.”

The company reassures customers that strict health and safety measures are already in place at all reopened service outlets. The new standard operating procedures (SOP) will also be enforced at the other sales and service outlets, which the company says will soon resume operations.
The health and safety guidelines include hand sanitisation and temperature checks for all individuals at premise entry points, regular disinfection of the premise, placement of hand sanitisers at all touchpoints, as well as placement of health information and reminders throughout the outlets to promote good hygiene practices.
Customers’ cars will be disinfected before and after their service, along with all new car handovers, and showroom display and test drive units. HSDM authorised dealers will also be implementing “contactless test drives”, as well as promoting the use of contactless payment methods – although cash payments will still be accepted.
HSDM previously announced the
Hyundai Care warranty extension programme
 for customers affected by the
COVID-19

pandemic. Hyundai vehicles with their warranty expiring during the MCO period will have their warranty
extended by 30 days
, calculated from the last day of the MCO period.
Similarly, vehicles with scheduled service due date falling during the MCO period will be given a
30-day grace period
 from the last day of MCO to carry out its service appointment to ensure validity of the warranty.


Ferrari Purosangue orders reopen, 3,567 Ferraris sold in Q1 2023

Ferrari
 has reopened orders for the
Purosangue
. Starting the year on a positive note, the company sold 3,567 units so far in Q1 2023, 9.7% more than the same period last year.
To recap, Ferrari halted orders for the Purosangue in December 2022, and the waiting time for the high-performance SUV went up to two years for some customers. This was due to an unexpected and overwhelmingly high demand for the car that forced the company to stop taking orders for it.
In a recent press release, Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna said, “We have decided to reopen orders for the Purosangue, suspended due to an initial unprecedented demand, and launched the Roma Spider to further enrich our offer.”
“We are on track with our electrification journey on the development of both sports cars and infrastructures in Maranello”, added Vigna.
RELATED:
e-fuels exempted from Europe’s 2035 petrol car ban, Porsche & Ferrari rejoice
For those who don’t know, the Ferrari Purosangue is Ferarri’s first-ever four-door SUV. Even though the Italian supercar maker refuses to label it as an SUV and calls it a “four-door four-seater” instead, we all know what it truly is.
The Purosangue is powered by a front-mid mounted 6.5-litre V12 engine capable of producing
725 hp
 (metric) and
716 Nm
. The engine is mated to an eight-speed oil-bath F1 dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and power is sent to all four wheels.
The Purosangue weighs 2,033 kg and is able to go from 0-100 km/h in just
3.3 seconds.
The high-performance SUV is also capable of achieving over
310 km/h
 of top speed.
Closer to home, Ferrari S.p.A. (Ferrari) has parted ways with
Naza Italia Sdn Bhd
, the supercar company’s sole distributor in Malaysia. This just happened in March this year, and was due to a non-alignment of their expectations and strategy between the two companies, according to Naza Italia Sdn Bhd. No news has surfaced regarding Naza Italia’s replacement as of now.
RELATED:
Naza Italia and Ferrari part ways, partnership to conclude in April 2023


Perodua swings back into action nationwide

Operations at all 182 sales, 202 service and 68 body and paint outlets nationwide have officially resumed after a two-month hiatus during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
Production at the Sungai Choh Plant in Rawang partially resumed on the 11th of May and is now in full swing. In line with that, the company also said necessary safeguards have been implemented at all their outlets nationwide to ensure sufficient protection of both customers and employees.
As for the Perodua outlets, operations resumed on a staggered basis a week ago on the 12th of May with all the necessary health and safety measures in place.
“We would like to thank our valued customers for their patience and loyalty. We will ensure that all your motoring needs will be met as soon and as safely as possible,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Customers looking to service their vehicles are required to
secure an appointment slot
beforehand with their service centre of choice –
walk-ins will not be accepted
 at the moment to avoid crowding.
As is standard procedure almost everywhere you go now, all visitors
 must undergo temperature checks
 before entering outlets. Customers will also be required to register their details and adhere to the social distancing markers within the outlets at all times. Hand sanitisers will be available at key locations while the outlets themselves will be sanitised regularly.


Petronas ends partnership with Sepang Racing Team

Petronas and Sepang International Circuit (SIC), competing under the team Petronas Sepang Racing Team in the FIM MotoGP, will be parting ways at the end of the season.
In a statement released by SIC last week, the team is expected to make an announcement regarding its continuation in the MotoGP world championship from 2022 onwards under a new independent entity.
Petronas has been the Title Partner to SIC since 2018, through the Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3 categories. The project was expanded to the premier class MotoGP in 2019 via Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.
“SIC wishes to thank Petronas for the unwavering support during the partnership and remarkable journey together. We respect Petronas’ decision, and mutually agreed that this partnership has accomplished its purpose and objectives,” said SIC, CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif.
The latest Petronas Primax 97 has been developed with Mercedes-AMG F1 and Sepang MotoGP teams. Find out how it delivers more power here!

The partnership has enjoyed a meaningful partnership with great achievements and memorable moments with the team as well as introducing new local talents into the global motorsports arena such as Adam Norrodin and Khairul Idham Pawi.
Azhan added that this is not the end of the collaboration in motorsports as they continue their quest in nurturing Malaysia’s motorsports talents.
Petronas, who felt it is the right time to part ways, also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to SIC for their commitment towards ensuring the success of the partnership.
Did you know there is a new homegrown fuel brand? Find out more about Five Petroleum Malaysia here.
“We entered into this partnership with SIC to showcase
our R&D capabilities
, and we are proud that Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions have been instrumental towards establishing the team’s status as a championship contender,” said Petronas, Head of Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz.
The
Malaysian MotoGP
race, the 16th round of the 2021 calendar is scheduled to take place on the weekend of
October 21st to 24th
. There is no announcement yet if the race will be cancelled again due to the ongoing pandemic, which has caused the cancellation of the Thailand MotoGP race that was scheduled to take place the weekend before Sepang.
Source:
Sepang International Circuit
 and
Petronas
 Sepang Racing
 Team
GALLERY


First Drive: Honda HR-V RS, Variable Gear Ratio makes all the difference

Since its debut in Malaysia, the
Honda HR-V
 has become the undisputed leader in the B-segment crossover segment, selling more than its main rivals like the
Mazda CX-3
,
Renault Captur
 and
Subaru XV
.
Honda’s exceptional interior packaging, unrivalled boot space of 437 litres and typical Honda drivability earned the hearts of many consumers. Honda Malaysia even gave the pre-facelift HR-V a final send-off with the limited edition
HR-V Mugen
, showing the model’s significance to the number 1 non-national carmaker in Malaysia.
But competition is slowly catching up and buyers in the segment are now more demanding than ever. The refreshed CX-3, for example, has its price slashed but gains useful features like Blind Spot Monitoring and rear armrest. The XV has clawed back by being the only car in the segment to offer all-wheel-drive and its Achilles heel (bland interior) has finally been rectified in the new-generation model. Things are not in the favour of the HR-V then.
Honda Malaysia aims to keep the competition at bay with the
refreshed HR-V
 that was previewed to the media recently. To make things even sweeter, the company has arranged a (very)
short
 test drive for us to have a taste of what’s to come with the new HR-V.
The variant we sampled was the range-topping HR-V RS that comes with all the bells and whistles as well as this variant exclusive Passion Red Pearl paint job. Before diving into the initial driving impressions, the company’s representatives had highlighted key mechanical advantages that the RS has over the outgoing V-Grade HR-V.
These include larger 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch) wrapped in 225/50 profile
Continental UltraContact 6 (UC6)
 tyres and a
Variable Gear Ratio (VGR)
 steering rack. These combined are said to give the HR-V RS a more composed ride and handling. But did it do the trick?
Short answer, yes. The VGR technology works by varying the steering ratio according to speed and steering input to give the car a more responsive steering while reducing the steering angle needed to make a turn. When driven back-to-back with the pre-facelift model, the difference is stark and much welcomed.
On the VGR equipped HR-V, the crossover is noticeably more agile and accurate at the slalom course with the car responding more directly to your inputs. The HR-V RS was very much more composed than the outgoing model when changing directions, attributing to the VGR and wider tyres.

We would imagine highway cruising in the new HR-V to be more pliant as a result of the sharper steering and having more feedback of the front wheels. Another benefit from the larger wheel option and wider tyres is the improved braking distance thanks to the larger contact patch of the wheels and tarmac.
An observation when navigating through the test course is that ride quality did not suffer despite the larger alloys fitted here on the RS variant. Although the 17-inch items on the lower variants would be easier on the wallet when it comes to replacing them.
Another welcome addition to the HR-V is the
Honda LaneWatch
 that transmits a live feed to the infotainment screen via a camera mounted on the passenger side mirrors when the left signal is activated, giving you a clear view of your blind spot. Unfortunately, this is only equipped on the most expensive HR-V RS variant.
Honda Malaysia has kept the interior of the facelifted HR-V under embargo but as a reference, the
Japan Domestic Market HR-V
 spots an interior like so:
Honda Vezel Hybrid interior Japan
Elsewhere, things are the same as before with the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT combination that channels
 140 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels, six-airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal.
Again, the short seat time was insufficient for us to draw more in-depth findings on the car but as you call tell, initial impressions are highly positive. The official launch of the facelifted Honda HR-V is just around the corner so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media sites for the latest update.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda HR-V RS First Drive

Honda HR-V RS

Honda HR-V Facelift


Facts & Figures: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line facelift launched in Malaysia – RM375k

After a teaser in their social media pages just two days ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new facelifted E-Class limousine. The line-up is now simplified to two variants- the E 200 and the E 300. We have covered the E 200 in more detail
here
.

The price for the new facelifted locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is
RM375,432.19
, which is a good RM8,370 over the predecessor E 300 Exclusive Line. Apart from the AMG items, some niceties come along with the price adjustment too.
EXTERIOR
Exterior wise, the new facelifted E-Class features new bumpers with a restyled grille, slimmer headlamps plus a new bonnet. The rear also follows suite of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and S-Class, where the taillights are now two-piece units in a slimmer and more horizontal layout.
For the E 300 AMG Line variant, the front and rear bumpers plus side skirts get the namesake styling, a sportier-looking grille pattern with single horizontal bar.
AMG Line body kit
19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheel, staggered sizing
Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Two new paint colours, Grey metallic and High-tech silver metallic are available with the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Note the interior from Mercedes-Benz Thailand
INTERIOR
Moving inside, the single most obvious update is the steering wheel. The beautiful AMG Sports steering wheel is used in the facelifted E 300 AMG Line, featuring thin dual-spokes to house the switches and a thick rim covered with smooth and perforated Nappa leather.
The design of the dashboard maintains, with the E-Class debuting the now highly-popular dual landscape screen layout back in 2017. The latest generation MBUX is used to power the high-resolution screens measuring 12.3 inches each.
Controlling the display is also easier thanks to a new and simplified large touchpad, removing the rotary dial that was used in the predecessor model.
Mercedes-Benz is offering an EV option of all its models from 2025. Read more about the roadmap to full EV by 2030 here.
New in the facelifted E-Class is the Urban Guard vehicle protection system that features all-around monitoring via anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning and interior monitoring.
Other key highlights in the interior include:
MBUX Dual 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display
Full open-pore black ash wood trim
Dashboard lined with Artico material
Four-zone automatic climate control
Electric sunblind for rear windows
Mercedes me connect services
Burmester 13-speaker, 590 W surround sound system
Touchpad
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity
Wireless charger in front and USB charging ports at the rear
PERFORMANCE
Similar to the E 200, the E 300 is powered by the M264 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with maintained outputs of
258 hp
 and
370 Nm
 of torque. There are no forms of electrification in this powertrain.
Engine: M264 1,991 cc; inline-four turbocharged
Transmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission
Drivertrain: Rear-wheel drive
Max Power: 258 hp @ 5,800 – 6,100 rpm
Max Torque: 370 Nm @ 1,800 – 4,000 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km
The suspension continues to be the more comfort-oriented Agility Control items.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line sees the most upgrades. Unlike its predecessor with just Blind Spot Assist and Lane Tracking Package, the new E 300 AMG Line gets the full Driving Assistance package from the now-discontinued
E 350 variant
.
It now includes Distronic adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist. Active Brake Assist a.k.a autonomous emergency braking is standard as expected in this premium sedan. The system also functions when turning into junctions.
Other standard safety equipment include:
360-degree parking camera system
Active Parking Assist with Parktronic
Driver’s knee airbag
Pre-Safe system
Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
Prefer a large SUV plus a six-cylinder engine? Take a look at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s latest GLE 450 AMG Line here.
Note the image from Mercedes-Benz Thailand
PRICING
As mentioned earlier, the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is now available in Malaysia, priced at
RM375,432.19
 on the road, without insurance and inclusive of the sales tax exemption that is valid until the end of the year. Included as standard in the price is a two-year manufacturer warranty and a two-year in-country extended warranty, with unlimited mileage coverage.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also offers the highly attractive Step Up Agility Financing plan, at
RM2,988 per month
 for a five-year tenure with a down payment of approximately 10% of the vehicle price. For more information on the financing product, visit the Financial Services website
here
.
GALLERY
2021 Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
2021 Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG in Thailand


New Countryman addresses a much needed update in every MINI before it

First introduced three years ago, the second generation MINI Countryman has received a facelift but it’s not the changes on the outside we’re concerned about, it’s the new instrument cluster.
As unconventional and funky as it appeared, in line with MINI’s youthful image, it never really looked like it belong there – more like an afterthought, if anything. It still worked like a charm as MINI Malaysia in particular sold plenty of the Countryman but in this facelift model, the new digital instrument cluster should silence tech-demanding buyers for just a little longer…cause it looks great!
The new.
If you’re not willing to pay extra.
Unfortunately, it only looks this way if you opt for the Connected Median option. Yes, it is sadly an option. Forget the new grille, new front bumper and wheel design, or that it now also gets the Union Jack graphics on the tail lights.
If there was one thing the facelift Countryman had to have as standard, it would be a new instrument cluster. Most would probably agree that the same applies to every new MINI model that follows.
Wheels are of a light-alloy material, ranging from 16 to 19 inch in size. For those interested in a more cynical appearance, there is a Piano Black Exterior option that turns exterior trims such as the headlamp surrounds and front grille into high gloss back, instead of chrome as standard.
LED headlamps are standard items, where the daytime running light rings also serve as turn indicators. There’s also an adaptive headlight system that utilises a forward-facing camera to detect on-coming traffic, to avoid dazzling them. Capable of operating at speeds in excess of 70 km/h, the feature is also an option.
There have been rather significant revisions to the 4-cylinder engines in the Countryman S, the model most likely to arrive here, including a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold to ensure the most effective cooling of compressed air generated by the turbo.
Along with that all 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines now comes with a starter generator. Transmission options range from 6-speed manual and auto, to 7-speed dual clutch and 8-speed automatic; the ones we’re likely to see here are the 8-speed automatics.
As for the plug-in hybrid model, combined output is rated at 220 hp with pure electric range extended from 55 km to 61 km through a 9.6kWh battery.
GALLERY