Meet the Audi PB18 e-tron concept, an all-electric Le Mans car for the road

Taking centre stage at Audi’s stand at the Pebble Beach Monterey Car Week in California is their all-electric Audi PB18 e-tron concept car. The PB18 e-tron concept was created as a design and technology study for the brand’s vision for a high-performance sports car of the future.
Penned at Audi’s new design studio in Malibu, California, the name PB18 e-tron was derived from Pebble Beach venue for the premiere and its technological DNA it shares with the Audi R18 e-tron LMP1 race car.

While Audi’s previous concepts were focused on connected mobility and autonomous driving, the PB18 e-tron had an internal working title of “Level Zero” which refers to zero development focus on autonomous driving on the road. As such, they were able to create a radical driving machine for the race track and public roads.
The PB18 e-tron follows the traditional package of a mid-engine sports car where the centre of gravity is located between the seats and rear axle – all in the name of driving dynamics. Although the concept car does not feature a conventional internal combustion engine unit, the car’s battery pack will be strategically placed to achieve the balance of a traditional mid-engine sports car.
Measuring at 4.53 m in length, 2 m in width and just 1.15 m tall with a wheelbase of 2.70 m, the PB18 e-tron will use a mix of aluminium, carbon and multi-material composites as well as light solid-state battery to give the car an expected total weight of less than 1,550 kg.
Despite its radical design, Audi combined the elements of a Le Mans race car, a coupe and a shooting brake to give the PB18 e-tron its distinctive silhouette. Every crease and openings are there purposefully to achieve exceptional aerodynamics. Although, we can’t help to think that the front end appears to be hinting at the next-generation R8’s design.
Inside, the PB18 e-tron features a variable seating position whereby the driver’s seat can be pushed to the centre for a pure race car driving experience or be mounted on the side to seat another passenger.
Powered by three electric motors – one up front and two at the rear, the PB18 e-tron commands 500 kW (680 hp) and up to 830 Nm of torque which can be momentarily boosted to 570 kW (775 hp). The all-wheel-drive electric concept car is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just slightly over 2 seconds.

The liquid-cooled solid-state battery has an energy capacity of 95 kWh and it can travel up to 500 km on a single charge. Audi also remarked that the PB18 e-tron is compatible with fast charging technology (800 volts) which can fully charge the batteries in 15 minutes. Additionally, Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) technology is also integrated into the concept car for a seamless charging experience.
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Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe AMG Line with more powerful 2.0L engine launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just launched the updated Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe AMG Line, to replace the
previous model launched in November 2018
, priced at
RM336,129.38
.
The updated model now comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired to a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox making
204 hp
 and
300 Nm
. That’s a 20 hp and 20 Nm increase from the previous 1.5-litre engine’s output of
184 hp
 and
280 Nm
.
0 to 100 km/h is done in 7.2 seconds, onward to a top speed of 245 km/h. The current C200 is also 0.7 seconds faster from before, with a 6 km/h increase in top speed.
As for the exterior, the updated C200 does not come with any changes. It still rides on 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and sports the same head and taillights graphics, front grille with chrome pins, front and rear bumper. Like before, the updated model also comes with the Agility Control suspension as standard.
Inside, the C200 Coupe now comes with the Mercedes me connect service which allows the driver to start the engine, lock and unlock the car, check fuel levels, brake pad wear and more.
Other features in C200 Coupe the Mercedes me connect includes Mercedes–Benz emergency call system (E-call), remote vehicle diagnostics, pre-entry climate control, predictive navigation, and vehicle locator.
The list of interior goodies also include a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, seats wrapped in Artico leather, Anthracite open-pore oak wood trims, illuminated door sills with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging.
To help you through the tricky situations, there is the Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, seven airbags including a knee airbag and a reverse camera.
Last month, Mercedes-Benz introduced the updated version of the C200, also fitted with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, here’s the latest price list of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia.
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Mercedes-AMG to introduce more affordable versions of A45, CLA45 & GLA45

The Mercedes-AMG compact car lineup of the future will reportedly receive a second tier variant to complement the company’s highly successful 45 models.
With the next-generation A 45 packing at least 400 hp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger (hand-built at AMG, of course), expect more toned down versions of these AMG hatchlings with figures around the 300 hp ballpark.
There are no details of the development at press time, but Mercedes-AMG are confident that their two-tiered performance car strategy will make the brand more accessible and affordable. In fact, the
A-Class seda
n (pictured above) will also get the 45 treatment!
Also, be sure to check out what we think of the
ridiculously overpowered A 45 in our review
!
Source:
AutoExpress.co.uk
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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Concept

2017 Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC


Toyota C-HR finally previewed in Malaysia, looks uber good in the metal!

First unveiled at the 2015 Frankfrut Motor Show and recently shown as a concept at the
2016 Bangkok International Motor Show
, the highly-anticipated
Toyota C-HR
 has finally arrived on our shores. Displayed at the
2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event
, the silver example is an Australian-spec C-HR brought in by UMW Toyota for previewing purposes.
Underpinning the stylish B-segment SUV is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) which means it shares the same platform as the
fourth-generation Prius
 and the
eighth-generation Toyota Camry
. Rest assured you’re not getting just a jacked up Vios. Dimensions wise, the C-HR measures at 4,360 in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.
QUICK COMPARISONS
Name
Toyota C-HR
Honda HR-V
Mazda CX-3
Length
4,360 mm
4,294 mm
4,275 mm
Width
1,795 mm
1,772 mm
1,765 mm
Height
1,565 mm
1,605 mm
1,535 mm
Wheelbase
2,640 mm
2,610 mm
2,570 mm
Max Kerb Weight
1,497 kg
1,249 kg
1,211 kg
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
377 litres
437 litres
350 litres
Visually, this preview unit appears to be the 1.2-litre turbocharged variant because there’s no “hybrid” badging and blue front emblem. The C-HR comes equipped with projector headlamps with three-dotted LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, C-shaped LED tail lamps, shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and neatly hidden rear door handles. Unfortunately, the interior was not available for public viewing.

Globally, the C-HR can be had with two powertrains, a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making
115 hp
 and
185 Nm
 of torque and a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol that develops
120 hp
. On the hybrid, the petrol engine churns out
 142 Nm
 assisted by a
163 Nm
 electric motor. Transmission of choice is a sole electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).
Another edge that the C-HR has over its rivals besides its sharp looks is the
double-wishbone suspension setup
on the rear axle! This setup actually resonates with Toyota’s emphasis on fun driving experience without compromising build quality and reliability.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Thailand will be among the first in our region to receive the C-HR before us. If anything, the Thai debut is the best indicator of its Malaysian arrival.   be sure to keep a lookout for the Thailand debut of the C-HR because we will receive the car shortly after that. Although Word has it that the C-HR, if fully imported, would cost
around RM170k, although the CKD version will cost much less at RM120k
. Expect the C-HR to arrive in early 2018.
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Proton X70 to be priced from RM85k–RM138k? Proton claims Fake News

Following the “unveiling” of the first-ever
Proton X70 SUV
, one crucial piece of forum thread detailing the “price and variants” of the Proton SUV. But Proton has released an official statement on their Facebook page that this piece of information is not true.
In the thread, the poster detailed that there will be four variants of the X70 available with a starting price of RM85k for the entry-level variant to RM138k for the highest specification Premium 2WD variant. The thread also highlighted key specification of the X70 but as Proton claims,
none
 of them is reliable information:

We at AutoBuzz.my can confirm that all variants of the X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic pushing out
181 hp
 and
265 Nm
 of torque. Proton has also confirmed that they will mimic the product strategy of the Honda CR-V by offering two-wheel drive on the range-topping Premium model while an all-wheel-drive alternative is offered on the Executive spec one grade below.
We have also detailed the X70 Premium in full
here
, so be sure to check that out. But as a quick recap, the most expensive X70 comes with smart keyless entry, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LCD instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Proton will reveal full details of the Proton X70 range in due course but for now, the company is embarking on a two-month long tour to display the X70 in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
For reliable and verified information of the Proton X70 SUV, please subscribe to trusted media outlets or Proton official channels for the latest updates.
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Proton X70 Premium 2WD


Can the new Toyota Camry justify its updated price tag?

Yes, you heard it right. As if the previous price tag of RM189,900 did not raise enough alarms, UMW Toyota Motor has updated its asking price for the
new Camry
to RM196,888; although prices for the rest of Toyota’s line-up remains unchanged.
With the
Honda Accord
 priced from RM148k to RM168k, the
 Mazda 6
 between RM156k to RM193k and the
Volkswagen Passat
 from RM176k to RM195k, on paper at least, the Camry seems to have quite a fight to put up with.

That being said, despite the disadvantage in its pricing, there’s more than one silver lining for the new Camry to hold on to. For starters, it looks more aggressive and imposing than ever and coupled with the new TNGA platform that it’s built on, the Camry, for once, offers a sharp and composed drive that eluded the previous generations.
Better yet, for those who believe in not fixing things if they aren’t broken, the new Camry is powered by a carried over 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine from the previous generation that has proven itself to be near bullet proof – much to the dismay of certain quarters.
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Toyota C-HR UK pricing announced, from RM108k to RM144k!

The
Toyota C-HR
 is close to finally being on the road, and it seems like the UK market will be one of the early recipients of Toyota’s latest crossover. Pricing for the base variant starts from RM108k (or
£20,995) to RM144k (or
£27,995) for the full-spec hybrid trim.
Two engine options will be offered; a
1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
 that produces
112 hp
 and
 185 Nm
 of torque, or a
 120 hp 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-banger
 that is hooked to an electric motor. The turbocharged variant can be had with a choice of
six-speed manual
 or
 CVT
, and remains as the only variant to be specced with the optional all-wheel drive system.

Standard features across the range are
dual-zone climate controls
, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, Toyota’s proprietary Touch 2 touchscreen head unit and reverse camera. Optional extras include keyless entry, push start button, parking sensors, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, and satellite navigation. Some of these are standard in the more expensive variants, though.
The cabin can be customised to come in varying colours, and according to Toyota, the colour theme is Blue and Black, Brown and Black and Dark Grey.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has expressed deep interests to introduce the C-HR here, and we have a feeling the turbocharged variant will more likely be making its Malaysian debut instead of the hybrid. Either way, both variants, should they be locally assembled, will have no trouble receiving the EEV status. It’s all down to the pricing, and right now it’s not looking so great.
Oh,
the C-HR will also be part of a three-car Toyota team for the Nurburgring 24-hour race
, alongside the
Lexus RC and RC F
.
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All Volkswagen dealerships in Malaysia have attained 3S and 4S status

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) announced that all its authorised dealerships/service centres in the country are now either 3S or 4S centres. This is part of the company’s Volkswagen Cares initiatives to enhance the ownership experience for its customers.
There are currently 17 Volkswagen dealerships and one service partner, which are strategically located in key regions across the country, to provide customers with sales and aftersales services.
Check out our review of the Mk8 Golf GTI here!
14 of these dealerships are 4S centres (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Body and Paint services), whereas three are 3S centres (Sales, service, and Spare Parts), while the remaining one in Kuching is a 2S centre (Service and Spare Parts). Volkswagen ensures that all dealer groups are equipped with the expertise and facilities to handle body and paint services.

Recently, Volkswagen has been busy introducing new models to the Malaysian market. They include the Tiguan starting from RM 175k, the new
 Golf GTI
starting from RM 211k, the
Arteon R-Line
 from RM 258k, and the
Passat
 from RM 183K.


Mazda 3 gets updated – new 10.25-inch screen, remote start, new colour

Mazda Motor Corporation
 has just announced the new and updated
Mazda 3
 which is scheduled for release in early June this year. In Japan and the UK, orders can already be made for the improved Mazda 3, dubbed the 2024 Mazda 3.
Key highlights on the updated Mazda 3 include:
New “Ceramic Metallic” body colour
Heartbeat indicators (like Mazda CX-30)
Remote engine start function
New 10.25-inch head unit with wireless smartphone connectivity
New wireless QI mobile phone charger
Type-C USB connectivity
New pedestrian detection
New driver attention warning function
There are virtually no changes to the exterior except for a new body colour called “Ceramic Metallic” and the “heartbeat” indicators that can be found on the
Mazda CX-30
. The Mazda 3 also now comes with a remote engine start function. Mazda says it has improved the Mazda 3 in terms of safety, convenience, and comfort.
Updated cabin with the new 10.25-inch head unit
Inside, the Mazda 3 now features a larger 10.25-inch centre display head unit. Previously, the screen was 8.8 inches in size. The screen now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Smartphone navigation can now be displayed on the Head-up Display (HUD). The cabin is also now equipped with a wireless Qi mobile phone charger and Type-C USB connection.
In terms of safety, the updated Mazda 3 comes with an improved safety system. In addition to its ability to detect obstacles such as cars and walls, the Mazda 3’s safety system can now detect pedestrians. There is also an evolved driver monitoring function with a newly added “Inattentive warning function”. The system can detect if the driver is distracted and will warn the driver using the screen display and an audible alarm.
RELATED:
2023 Mazda CX-30 CKD launched in Malaysia, from RM128k – drops AWD and diesel variants
The updated Mazda 3 shown in the new “Ceramic Metallic” body colour
In regions where Mazda’s full connectivity is available, the Mazda 3 now gets the same features as the
Mazda CX-60
. It gets the “Mazda My Car Care” and “Driver Care” optional plans.
Announced on Mazda’s official website for now, it is not known when the updated version will reach Malaysia. In Malaysia, the Mazda 3 is currently available in both hatchback and sedan body-style options. Malaysian customers can choose between the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine options. Prices for the Mazda 3 in Malaysia start at
RM143,000
.
RELATED:
New Mazda 2 facelift debuts with EV-like grille, 198 colour combinations


Volkswagen I.D. Crozz shown at Frankfurt, promises Golf GTI like handling!

The
Volkswagen I.D. Crozz is no stranger to us
 – an all-wheel drive fully-electric SUV packing 302 hp under its belt that is slated for production in 2020. But Volkswagen is not going to let the I.D. Crozz to go under the radar until its launch. At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Volkswagen has shown a further developed zero-emission SUV along with additional technical details.
For starters, the design now resembles the production model a little more with its clearer front and rear end as well as redesigned LED headlamps. Outside, the show car is painted in Hibiscus Red Metallic with a contrasting black roof to highlight its masculine appeal.

For the first time, we can have a clearer illustration of the cabin which opens up through the large swinging and sliding doors. It appears that the I.D. Crozz seats four and will get two large LCD displays – one for the driver and one on the passenger side.
As reported previously, the I.D. Crozz will feature fully autonomous driving tech called the
“I.D. Pilot”
 mode. Now, besides activating through the VW logo on the steering wheel, drivers can activate the auto pilot by voice command. The new voice assistant will even open and close the doors when you tell it to!
Motivation comes from two electric motors – one on each axle – to send
302 hp
 to all four-corners and boasts a top speed of
180 km/h
. The I.D. Crozz is said to be able to cover
500 km
 on a single charge. When plugged into a fast-charging system (150 kW DC power), the battery pack can be charged to 80 percent capacity (from zero) in just 30 minutes.
Besides that, thanks to clever packaging of the battery pack, engineers are able to achieve an ideal weight distribution for the SUV, promising handlining characteristics on par with a
Golf GTI
. The front axles will get newly developed MacPherson struts while the rear axle gets a new multi-link suspension design.
The Volkswagen I.D. Crozz is scheduled to go into production in 2020 followed by the
all-electric Kombi Van
 in 2022. Both vehicles will contribute to Volkswagen’s pledge to sell one million electric vehicles annually by 2025
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Volkswagen I.D. Crozz at Frankfurt

Volkswagen I.D. Crozz Concept


Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing Edition unveiled

Aston Martin has come to a point of introducing special edition variants after special edition variants. Besides the all-new
AM-RB 001
 hybrid hypercar venture and
DB 11
, there’s few to look forward to. If you’re an avid Vantage fan though, this one’s news to you.
The Gaydon-based company has just introduced the Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing Edition. This incredibly mouthful car is based on the V8 and V12
Vantage S
 models, yet exclusively tailored to celebrate the partnership between the two entities. Also, these are the bespoke creations of Q by Aston Martin.
The exterior is finished with Red Bull Racing’s Mariana Blue paint (satin finish) that’s contrasted with red accents and yellow brake callipers, just like the F1 car. A Tungsten Silver alternative can also be had. New to the Vantage are the front splitter, front grille, side strakes and rear diffuser that are all made from carbon fibre.

The Formula One theme carries on inside, with the head restraints featuring Red Bull Racing embroidery, diamond-quilted seats, carbon fibre trim and Alcantara steering wheel. As an added bonus, customers can have either current RBR drivers, Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen, to sign the vehicle’s inspection plates.
Mechanically, the Vantage remains unchanged, with the V8 variant getting a
430 hp 4.7-litre
 unit while the V12 S variant gets a
563 hp 5.9-litre
 engine under its hood. The V12 Vantage S currently holds the quickest production car in the carmaker’s current stable.
The Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing editions could be one of the last to be based on the Vantage. Its successor, the
DB11
 GT, will soon be unveiled in all its glory that’s part of Aston Martin’s
Second Century
 plan.
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BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition unveiled, all black super SAVs!

Everyone’s obsession with black is creating a weird trend of names. Mercedes-Benz and Audi calls theirs the Black Series and Black Edition respectively, and now BMW wants to join in the fun with the BMW X5 M and X6 M Black Fire Editions.
New to the Black Fire Editions are mainly cosmetic enhancements, beginning with the
Sapphire Black metallic
 paint job that comes with carbon fibre wing caps and black chrome trim on the double kidney front grille. Both the X5 M and X6 M sit on 21-inch forged M alloy wheels, also finished in black.
The black theme continues inwards, with the use of black Merino leather for the seats that’s contrasted in Mugello Red highlights with red seams. BMW M Performance Alcantara and the Black Fire logos are also included for the interior.
Nothing is changed under the hood, so it retains the
 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
 that pushes out
 575 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Dynamic Performance Control system transfers torque to the rear wheels, making it a rear-biased super SUV. Performance wise, it reaches 100 km/h from standstill in
4.2 seconds
.
Both the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M Black Fire editions are available in August, although no pricing has been announced as yet.
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Next-gen Honda cars to integrate Google services, first model in 2022

Next-generation Honda vehicles will integrate Google’s in-vehicle connected service, with the first all-new model to be launch in North America from the second half of 2022. The expansion to other markets will be done in stages.
The collaboration however is an enhancement of the existing Android Auto connectivity, which already includes navigation and voice assistant. The number of in-vehicle apps is set to expand with the collaboration, as marketers view the smartphone as the window to consumer behaviour and purchase patterns.
With the increase in preference and better packaging of a large, central touchscreen infotainment system, Honda is however designing their dashboard to only house a modest free-standing 9-inch screen.
Honda Malaysia has started to include the Honda Connect telematics suite, beginning with the new City RS e:HEV! Find out more about its various benefits here!

Under the design concept of
“Simplicity and something”
, Honda aims to make the dashboard with simple lines to maximise the driver’s view outwards as well as convenient operation via well-placed switches. The menu structure of the software will also be simplified.
2021 Honda HR-V/Vezel
2021 Honda Civic
After the launch of the 11th generation
Honda Civic
 and all-new
Honda HR-V
, we can only expect the latest Honda and Google in-car services to feature in the
Honda CR-V
 that is due for replacement in North America within the next 12 months.
Ford
 has also embarked on a partnership with Google for the in-car connected services, but the scope of collaboration is much deeper, as it also involves significant data transmission to the Google Cloud, Machine Learning as well as data analytics in both vehicles and Ford’s daily operations.
Latest generation 2022 Ford F-150
The next-generation Ford vehicles will also have access to over-the-air updates to receive the latest updates, enable new features as well as apps to better serve the customers.
In Malaysia, Android Auto is listed as unofficially available by distributors as the connectivity is only built into smartphones with operating system (OS) Android 10 and 11. OS Android 9 and earlier cannot download the app in Play Store as Google has not rolled out yet in Malaysia (however available in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore), thus unable to officially use Android Auto.
New for the 2021 Honda HR-V is the fitment of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a larger 7” display. Read more on it here!


Mitsubishi Xpander pricing announced for Malaysia – RM91k!

Ahead of its official launch, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has now unveiled the pricing for the highly-awaited Xpander seven-seater crossover. The Mitsubishi Xpander is priced at
RM91,369
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions – which the seven-seater crossover sees a 100% reduction in sales tax (SST), as it is
assembled locally in Pekan
.
At launch, the Mitsubishi Xpander will only be offered in a single variant in Malaysia, though it is among the best-equipped in the ASEAN region, thanks to a couple of exclusive standard equipment that has been introduced by MMM. These include a 360-degree around view monitor, front dashcam, as well as the diamond-quilted black leather seats, which are not available from the factory in other regions.
The Mitsubishi Xpander also arrives in Malaysia in the facelifted form, as indicated from the updated LED headlights and U-shaped louvres on the grille. Other exterior highlights include LED taillights, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Underneath the hood is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine, capable of generating
105 hp
 and
141 Nm
 of torque. The naturally-aspirated powertrain sends power to the front axle via a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Inside, the Malaysian market Mitsubishi Xpander is equipped with a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity – making it
one of the few models
 on sale in Malaysia under RM100k to be equipped with these features – paired to an analog instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, rear roof-mounted air vents, and keyless entry with push-start.
Since bookings for the
Mitsubishi Xpander started two weeks ago
, MMM says that it has already received over 2,000 bookings to date. The seven-seater crossover will be available for viewing and test drives in Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide starting 20 November.
MMM Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “Mitsubishi Motors would like to thank all its customers for showing overwhelming interest in the new Mitsubishi Xpander. We will try our utmost effort on production to honour these early bird customers as much as possible.”
Once again, Pricing for the Mitsubishi Xpander in Malaysia is set at
RM91,369
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the SST exemptions, which means that the Xpander undercuts its key rival – the
Honda BR-V
 – by approximately RM2,000 based on the pricing of the range-topping V variant. Included in the price is a five-year/unlimited mileage standard Mitsubishi warranty.


TOM’s reveals Safari Limited GR Supra, in memory of Paul Walker

TOM’s, a high-performance aftermarket manufacturer from Japan, in collaboration with local magazine
Safari
 has revealed a limited edition GR Supra ‘
Safari Limited
‘ in conjunction with the release of the new Fast 9 film.
It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first-ever The Fast and the Furious movie released in 2001. Only three (yes, just three units) will ever be made and you will need to jump through hurdles to get your hands on one.
Firstly, you have to fill out a “purchase application” and later on, there’ll be a ballot system to determine who gets to own one. When that happens the lucky three will have to fork out 12.9 million Yen (
approx. RM486,950
). We’ve heard of car sales being this difficult before, but they were Ferrari.
Toyota GR Supra in Malaysia updated with Apple CarPlay – price unchanged at RM590k. Check it out here!
So what do you get for all that hassle then? For starters, a pretty mean-looking Supra.
It’s only available in Matte White which is supposedly Paul Walker’s favourite colour for cars. It also pays tribute to the white A80 Toyota Supra owned by Paul Walker. There are also additions to the front, side and rear bumpers topped off with a massive one-off rear wing.

Lastly, the new aggressive look is finished off with a set of extremely expensive and exquisite 20-inch BBS LM two-pieces wheels made from forged aluminium; making them light but strong.
But it’s not all show and not go. With a bit of tuning through the TOM’s Power Box, the Safari Supra now pushes out
426 hp
, about 40 hp
more than standard
. Underneath its skin is a set of KW Ver.3 coilover suspension for better road holding and stability.
Toyota reveals special edition Supra to celebrate 35th anniversary. Read about it here!
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New 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 features NA V8 engine with highest output ever

Chevrolet has revealed the new 2023 Corvette Z06, designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track two years after the Corvette Stingray made its debut.
Under the hood is an all-new 5.5-litre LT6 engine paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox; it’s the highest output, naturally aspirated V8 engine in any production car. There’s 670 hp and 623 Nm, and a redline of 8,600 rpm.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
It’s said that Chevrolet’s engineers spend two years crafting a distinct, rich exhaust note unlike anything ever heard from a Corvette.
The exterior is more than three inches wider than the Stingray both in the front and rear sections. The front end has been optimised for better cooling with fins and ducts directing air to one of the car’s five heat exchangers for better cooling.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Wheels measure 20-inches in the front and 21-inches at the rear while a pair of 6-pot calipers in the front ensure optimal braking ability especially on the track. The Corvette Z06 boasts the largest wheels in any Corvette with its rear tyres measuring 345 mm wide. In total, Chevrolet has up to seven different wheel designs for the Z06 and 12 exterior colours. Its rear wing is made of carbon fibre.
The Corvette Z06 comes with launch control and a Performance Traction Management system that offers five different settings for torque reduction and brake intervention in the event of track driving.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Inside the driver-focused cockpit, customers can choose from various trim offerings including a full carbon fibre look. There are also hand-wrapped leather options along with a full red leather interior option. In total, there are seven interior colour combinations to choose from. There are even three different seat designs!
Bespoke attention to detail
In the driver-focused cockpit, premium materials continue to elevate the luxurious look and feel introduced with the Stingray. They’re complemented with available carbon fiber trim that expresses the car’s lightweight, track-focused mantra.
Production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 begins in summer 2022 in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations.
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Forget Alphards – Kia is gunning straight for the Lexus LM with the Carnival Hi-Limousine

Remember when we said the all-new Hyundai Carnival’s interior can
rival that of the Toyota Alphard
? Well, it seems like even the
Lexus LM
 needs to watch its back, because the four-seater Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine is here to challenge the Lexus at its own game.
From the exterior, the four-seater Hi-Limousine doesn’t look all that different from the regular
Kia Carnival
– which, to us, is a very good thing, since the all-new Carnival is perhaps the best-looking MPV in recent times.
But as we’ve suggested above, the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine’s party trick is on the inside, where you’ll find only four ottoman seats, rather than seven, eight, or 11 of the regular Kia Carnival.
The Lexus LM is now available in Malaysia, starting at RM1.15 million. Read more about it here!
The two Nappa leather-wrapped “Premium Relaxation” captain chairs in the back is said to mimic what you’d find in a first-class aeroplane cabin, and even comes with their own leg massagers.
As you’d expect, they can also be fully reclined electronically, and there’s a touchscreen control panel mounted onto the centre armrest, along with their own fold-out airplane-like tray tables.
For the more “regular” taukeys, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire has been updated in Malaysia with new advanced driver assistance systems. Learn more about it here.
The roof of the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine has been scalloped upwards to afford more vertical space, for… activities. A 21.5-inch TV hangs from the ceiling, and while admittedly quite a bit smaller than the one in the Lexus LM, it does look a lot higher in resolution (and smarter, supposedly).
And of course, being a luxury VIP ferry, there’s also a mini-fridge and heated/cooled cupholders to keep your drinks at the ideal temperatures – we wonder if it’s tuned to the
“optimum serving temperature” for serving champagnes
.
Even the all-new Kia Sportage SUV has a pretty luxurious interior! Learn more about it here.
Other interior features for the rear passengers include the fully-pleated curtains for extra privacy, wireless charging pads, as well as an air purifier system – only the finest air for the bosses, please.
How much is it, then, for all these extravagances? The sticker price of the Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine starts at 88,260,000 Korean Won (~RM324K), which is more than double of what Kia charges for the standard Carnival, but fits in just about the price bracket of a
BMW X7 xDrive40i
 (which retails for RM649k here in Malaysia). Sounds pretty decent, doesn’t it?
GALLERY


Porsche’s Vision 357 Speedster concept EV marks 75 years of the original

Porsche
’s
 first car – the 356 No. 1 Roadster has turned 75 this year. To celebrate this occasion, Porsche is showcasing its modern interpretation of the iconic open-top sports car known as the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
If you think the name of this speedster sounds familiar, that’s because it is the follow-up model to its coupé sibling that was unveiled earlier this year – the Porsche Vision 357. The chassis of this all-electric concept car is sourced from the
718 GT4 Clubsport
, while its electric motors and battery tech are borrowed from the
Mission R concept
.
For the exterior of the Vision 357 Speedster, Porsche has paid tribute to the original 356. Its shape has been aerodynamically optimised, giving it a shape that is reminiscent of wings, according to Porsche.
The Vision 357 Speedster has been finished in a two-tone Marble Grey and Grivelo Grey Metallic paint combination, together with Miami blue accents throughout its exterior. The two-tone colours also continue on the speedster’s wheels, contributing to the concept car’s funky look.
RELATED:
Next-gen Porsche Macan might not be EV-only after all
The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is fitted with a wraparound front hood, and instead of traditional headlights, the concept EV speedster features perforated front and rear surfaces that form its headlights and rear lights. The third brake light, on the other hand, is integrated into the vertical rear vents.
At its sides and front hood are the large “75” logos, indicating the 356’s 75th birthday and Vision 357 Speedster’s proud connection to the iconic roadster. And instead of traditional side mirrors, Porsche has given its concept EV speedster a futuristic-looking pair of fender-mounted cameras instead.
Like many speedsters, the Vision 357 Speedster also features a squat and shortened windscreen, and is interestingly equipped with a one-sided tonneau cover too. Fitted onto the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster is a set of 20-inch magnesium centre-lock wheels equipped with carbon fibre hubcaps.
Moving inside, you will find an interior that is designed in a minimalistic and driver-focused manner. The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster’s dashboard is finished in carbon fibre, and its instrument cluster is transparent as well.
The Miami blue accents that were seen outside continue on the inside. These accents can be found on some of the car’s individual controls and also its steering wheel.
RELATED:
Porsche Mission X EV concept car debuts – 1hp/kg, 900V architecture
Equipped with a six-point racing harness, the all-electric concept speedster’s low-mounted seat is wrapped in a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic shell that is integrated into the monocoque. In order to reduce weight, Porsche has given the Vision 357 Speedster fabric strap door handles rather than the typical ones.
Following its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster concept will also be showcased at Porsche’s 2023 Rennsport Reunion. The event will be held starting from the end of September this year at the Laguna Seca in California, USA.
RELATED:
Porsche spent three years updating its crest… if you can even spot the differences
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz EQA unveiled as a GLA-based fully-electric crossover

Three years after it’s first teased at the Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the marque’s first fully-electric compact car, the EQA. Interestingly, the actual production EQA takes the form of a crossover, even though the original concept was
shown-off as a hatchback
!
Said to provide an “excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market”, the EQA is Mercedes-Benz’s first model in its charge towards electrification, which will see
six EQ models to be launched by 2022
.
Although it is based on the
GLA
, the Mercedes-Benz EQA features several significant styling differences to separate itself from its internal combustion-powered sibling. These include the signature ‘black panel’ EQ grille featuring an unbroken fibre optic light signature that joins the two headlights, as well as a reworked tailgate with a full-width tail light design.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA also features significant use of rose gold and blue accents in its design, most notably on the wheels, of which its designs are unique to the model, and are available up to 20-inch in size.
Changes to the interior are less apparent, with most of the functional and design features retained from the GLA counterpart – aside from the blue and rose gold details all around the cabin as well as the dual-screen set-up.
Speaking of screens, the EQA comes with a revamped MBUX system with specific displays and functions for its electric drivetrain. The most significant addition to the system is the ‘navigation with electric intelligence’ feature, which in addition to calculating the fastest route, uses range simulations to plan for any necessary charging stops, taking into account the topography, weather, traffic, and driving style.
The EQ-specific MBUX system can even pre-heat or cool the battery while driving to bring it to the ideal temperature for rapid charging. The heat generated from the electric system is also used to warm the cabin, improving the efficiency of the vehicle – though it’s basically useless in the Malaysian climate, if the car actually does make it over here.
Mercedes-Benz is only offering one variant of the EQA at launch, the EQA 250. It’s powered by a single electric powertrain (called eATS) on the front axle, generating
140 kW (188 hp)
 and
375 Nm
 of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of
 8.9 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
160 km/h
.
While not a drag race champion by any means, the EQA does fare pretty well in every-day usage – on paper at least. Mercedes-Benz boasts a range of
486 km
 (NEDC) on the EQA – which is right up there with the other segment leaders – thanks to its double-decker
66.5 kWh
 lithium-ion battery and a drag-coefficient of 0.28 Cd.
Charging the battery from empty with a regular AC charger takes just under six hours, while with a DC fast charger, 0-80% takes just 30 minutes. The German carmaker also boasted about its Mercedes me Charge network as the current “world’s biggest charging network”, comprising of more than 450,000 AC and DC charging points across 31 countries.
Mercedes-Benz says that further derivatives of the fully-electric crossover will be introduced soon, including a long-range EQA with more than 500 km in range, alongside an all-wheel drive variant with an additional eATS system on the rear axle.
Pricing wise, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 starts at GBP39,000 (~RM215K) over in the UK with the government EV grant included, which is about GBP10k (~RM55K) more than the regular internal combustion GLA.
GALLERY


Lotus Cars Malaysia announces pricing of Emira V6

Just a couple of months after its global premiere, Lotus Cars Malaysia, has announced the price of the
Emira V6 First Edition
 starting from
RM1,131,000
 and RM449,800 in Langkawi.
Lotus’ latest mid-engined supercar is powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine pushing out
400 hp
 and
420 Nm
, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The dual-clutch gearbox is only reserved for the variants with the turbocharged AMG engine.
Hethel Yellow
Dark Verdant
The First Edition will be available in six different colours – Seneca Blue, Hethel Yellow, Magma Red, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey, and Nimbus Grey – with more colour options available in 2022. To complement these colours, the Emira V6 sits on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels.
On the outside, the Emira is fitted with LED lighting all-round, titanium exhaust tips, and reverse sensors. The Emira also comes as standard with a
 Lower Black Pack
 with front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser all finished in gloss black.
The variety of colors also extend to the interior with multiple interior colours to choose from. They include red, black, grey, and tan Nappa leather as well as black Alcantara. Unlike Lotus vehicles of the past, baron or spartan are words you can’t use to describe the cabin anymore. It’s now finished with chrome trims, ambient lighting, and Lotus-branded door sills for that upmarket look.
Also unlike Lotus’ of old, it even comes with cruise control, keyless start, on-board navigation, drive mode selector, Bluetooth, 12-way electric seats along with a 10.25-inch infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Lower Black Pack isn’t the only optional package fitted to the car as standard. The Emira will also get the
Drivers Pack
 for a choice of Sport or Toruing suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
A
Design Pack
adds privacy glass, sports pedals, Alcantara headlining and brake calipers either in black, red, yellow, or silver. The Design pack also comes with Lotus-branded footwell mats.
Lastly, the
Convenience Pack
 adds front parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a net for rear luggage.
Production of the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition begins in Spring of 2022. Interested parties can check out the newly updated configutor
here
.
GALLERY


Toyota Fortuner GR Sport launched in Thailand

A day after launching the
Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2WD and 4WD

models, Toyota Motor Thailand has unveiled the new Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GR Sport 4WD. This makes it the fifth GR-branded model in Thailand after the Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota GR Yaris and yesterday’s Hilux GR Sport.
The new Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 4WD is priced at
THB1,899,000
 (approx RM243k), surpassing the Fortuner 2.8 Legender by THB60,000, making it the priciest Fortuner model.
So, apart from the known GR Sport exterior and interior updates, what else is added to make up the THB60,000 (RM7,700) premium? The new aerokit up front looks rather simple as it’s based on the already-sporty
Fortuner 2.8 VRZ
/Legender front fascia.
Similar to the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, the GR treatment removes the off-road themed silver-painted bumper underguard. At the sides, the subtle wheel arch extensions are body colour coded and now house large 20-inch wheels with 265/50R20 tyres.
At the rear, the garnishing trim between the tail lamps has been applied with body colour as opposed to gloss black. Toyota also included a new GR Sport roof spoiler to complement the sporty image. Three signature GR Sport shades are made available, which are Emotional Red, White Pearl and Attitude black, and all three are presented in dual-tone thanks to gloss black upper half finish.
To be validated as a
true GR Sport product
, improvement to the handling must be done so the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport includes sportier-tuned monotube shock absorbers at all four corners. The bright red brake calipers (front and back too) with GR logo carry no performance upgrades but they do communicate the sportiness of the vehicle much better.
At launch, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser already has a GR Sport variant. Find out the performance upgrades that were done on the ultimate Japanese SUV here!
Inside, the GR Sport treatment consists of the GR-specific instrument cluster (logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching and GR logo and metallic foot pedals.
Both the ignition button as well as the smart key are also decorated with the GR logo.
Soft-touch pads on the dashboard and doors also get red stitching on black material. This is perhaps the first GR Sport product to feature a faux carbon fibre pattern, covering the lower console and lid of the cupholder.
Other features in the 2.8 Legender 4WD such as JBL 11-speaker Premium Audio system, 9-inch infotainment display, power-adjustable front seats, Sport drive mode, front and rear automatic air-conditioning system and a handsfree powered tailgate are also maintained for the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport.
GR Sport variants do not impose higher engine output, so, no changes to the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine which develops
204 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is the sole transmission available and paired to a part-time 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly, as well as brake assisted traction controllers such as Active Limited Slip Differential and Active TRC (A-TRC) for use in challenging terrain.
All the safety features are also carried over from the Legender 2.8 4WD. Key items include
Dynamic Radar Cruise

Control
, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Pre-collision System, Blind Spot Monitor and Panoramic View Monitor with 3D View.
Will we see a Toyota Camry GR Sport joining the line-up? What about the hugely popular
Toyota Corolla Cross
? That is rather welcomed given the mass market appeal of the SUV/crossover product and its styling certainly could gain some additional tweaks from the Toyota GR Sport division.
Check out Toyota Motor Indonesia’s GR Sport range, now up to six models! But do they get upgraded fun-to-drive attributes? More about the line-up here.
GALLERY


Mercedes-AMG turns 50 this year, launches a trio of limited edition AMGs

Many years ago, the AMG tuning company was founded by former Mercedes-Benz engineers who transformed mundane “uncle cars” into hardcore, high performing machines. Daimler AG wasted no time in acquiring them, which later became known as Mercedes-AMG.
However, all that happened 50 years ago and to commemorate the momentous occasion, the company launched a trio of super fast specials.
Spearheading this celebration is none other than the
AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50
. Only 500 units of this convertible GT C will be made, and with only two colours to choose from – Graphite Grey or Cashmere White. Aesthetic enhancements include black chrome exterior accents, whereas the black and silver contrasts extend into the cabin. AMG Interior Night Package comes fitted as standard.
The go-fast looking bits aren’t actually complemented by a mechanical upgrade, unfortunately. The same
 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8
 engine still makes
557 hp
 and
680 Nm
 of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a
seven-speed dual clutch transmission
, allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h.
Next up are the
Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Night Editions
 models. Available in both coupe and cabriolet forms, enhancements are mainly on the cosmetic side. Just like the
S-Class Coupe Night Edition
, it is finished with black exterior trims. This too, trickles into the cabin.
The last of the trio goes to the more exclusive
Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet Ocean Blue Edition
, where just 150 units will be made. The Ocean Blue finish actually appears to be the colour of the fabric roof and the contrast stitching on the inside. This C63 gets the same Graphite Grey and Cashmere White as the GT C Roadster Edition 50.
Order books for these trio of Mercedes-AMGs will be opened from 6 March 2017 onwards. Deliveries begin as early as Q2 of 2017.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Nissan Serena S-Hybrid J IMPUL MPV review

Launched in May 2018
, the new Nissan Serena is still perhaps the most bang-for-the-buck MPV you can buy. Not long after, they followed up with the
 “J Impul” edition
 the same year that focuses primarily on aesthetic upgrades, priced at RM149,888. Following the
Sales Tax Redemption
, the “J Impul” edition is now
priced at RM145,524
.
To put things in perspective, that’s RM18k more than the standard Serena S-Hybrid, so what do you get out of this?

For starters, you get larger 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/40 Michelin PS4 tyres which somewhat changes the way the Serena drives, with slightly increased stability on the highway. At the front bumper, there are visibly more chrome trims for a more defined, aggressive look than the standard model.
Interestingly,
Tan Chong
 claims that the Impul aero kit
increases downforce and high speed stability by 10%
. The Impul effect isn’t just limited to the interior, the Serena’s cabin has seen a dramatic revamp as well.
The X-Trail with Impul Aerokit.
A mocha-colour, diamond-quilted leather interior has been selected in replacement of the black leather upholstery in the standard Serena. What do you think? Has the aerokit and upholstery done enough to elevate the image of the Serena?
Recently, Edaran Tan Chong Motor also introduced a new X-Trail with an Impul Aerokit. The special edition comes with 18-inch wheels, sport springs and a spoiler along with redesigned front and rear bumpers and side skirts.


Review: Volvo XC60 T6 Drive-E, the unassuming delectable Scandinavian SUV

We can assure you this is not
déjà vu.
 Yes, we did a review on the Volvo XC60 awhile back but that was the
T5 variant
. Currently,
Volvo Malaysia
 has two variants of the
XC60
 on sale; the
T5
 and the
 T6
. This time we got our hands on the T6 with
61 hp more
 (and costing RM30k more) than the T5.
The claws of emission laws have got hold of the car industry and manufacturers have resorted in a move to downsize their engines to cut emissions. So instead of a 3.0-litre straight six used in the pre-facelifted XC60 T6, the new T6 uses the basically the same
turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder

Drive-E
 engine as appeared in the T5 but
adds on a supercharger
. As a result, the new T6 is not only kinder to the environment, it’s also more powerful than before. Sounds good already doesn’t it?
QUICK FACTS
Name
Volvo XC60 T6 Drive-E

Segment
Premium Compact SUV
Engine
1,969 cc 4-Cylinder turbocharged & supercharged
Max Power
306 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque
400 Nm @ 2,100 – 4,500 rpm
Price
RM 318,888.00
 (OTR without insurance)
Unlike the first generation Volvo XC90 that stayed in the market for a good 12 years looking the same, the little brother XC60 received a makeover after six years in its lifecycle. It’s not just a mere facelift though, Volvo took the opportunity to introduce their latest
Drive-E
 powertrain to the world. The flexible new Drive-E engine has been developed to suit multiple applications with multiple states of tune, and eventually it will be featured in every upcoming Volvo vehicles in the range.
The Drive-E T6 in our Seashell Metallic XC60 here produces
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, and similar to the XC60 T5 it sends all the power to the front wheels alone. You read that right, that amount of power in a front wheel drive SUV should equals massive torque steer, but is that really the case with this XC60 T6? We set out to investigate.
EXTERIOR
After the recent nip-and-tuck, the XC60 looks more matured than ever. With the simpler front end and colour-coordinated all-round skirts, it should appeal to a broader set of audience. If the previous XC60 was a jersey-wearing youth with scruffy facial hair, the facelifted XC60 is more of a clean-shaven gentleman in a sharp suit.

However, if you find it too plain to your liking, you can always opt for the styling package as appeared on our XC60 T5 we drove earlier. But in its stock form, the XC60 won’t turn any heads although it’s stylish, classy, and ticks the right boxes to qualify it as valet-worthy.
The T6 looks virtually identical to the T5, save for the headlights that feature
Active High Beam Control
 and a blanked-out panel in the grille housing the sensor for the
Adaptive Cruise Control
 (ACC).
The standard wheels are
18-inch “Pan” alloys
 wrapped in
235/60 R18
 Pirelli, which is an inch up from the 17-inch wheels fitted on the T5. Admittedly, they’re not as visually arresting as the optional 20-inch “Candor” wheels that was fitted on the T5 we drove earlier, but the high-profile rubbers should provide a better cushioned ride overall.

Again, the back is almost indistinguishable from the lesser variant save for the badge. Disappointingly too, the reverse camera has been dropped in this T6 but it gains a
powered tailgate
. Personally I’d take the reverse camera in favour of closing the tailgate myself, but I guess the parking sensors are sufficient for most people.
INTERIOR
The outside may have received a makeover, but the inside appears to be locked in a time capsule from the year 2008. The trademark
floating center console
 is festooned with buttons that look like they were taken off a 90’s mobile phone, and the interface to the
Sensus Connect
 system is fiddly to operate. At least it’s beautifully styled with quality materials and still dripping with Scandinavian coolness.

Gratefully the
Adaptive Digital Display
 brings the cabin up to date to 2015. Featuring sharp graphics and three preset themes, it’s a real eye candy and suits every mood that you might come across while driving.
The rest of the practical cabin mirrors the T5’s, though. Loads of headroom and legroom on offer, and there are sufficient amount storage compartments at the front and back. You get
powered front seats
with memory function for the driver,
40/20/40 split folding rear seats
 with two built-in
two-stage child seat boosters
, and a
532 litre boot
 like on the T5; but on the T6 you also get a powered tailgate for added convenience.

And since it’s a Volvo, you can be rest assured that the vehicle is chock full of safety kit. Need we remind you that the XC60 won the
 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award
? Well, they achieved that by having a big bowl of safety abbreviations such as
WHIPS
,
SIPS
, and
ROPS
.
PERFORMANCE
The new T6 might have lost a couple of cylinders and 1,000 cc of displacement from its forebear, but it gained 21 hp from the
 turbocharged AND supercharged
 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E engine. Generating a total of
306 hp
 and a heady
400 Nm
 worth of torque, the XC60 T6 sends the power to the front wheels via an
eight-speed Geartronic
 automatic transmission.
Start/stop
 is standard, playing its part to contribute to the claimed
7.3 litres per 100 km
 fuel consumption. Despite the cleaner credentials it now boasts, the T6 will accelerate from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
6.9 seconds
, with a
top speed
 of
210 km/h
 to boot. That’s pretty quick for a 1,800 kg SUV.
THE DRIVE
Starting my drive in the wee hours, I nonchalantly chuck the column stalk into high beam knowing that the
 Active High Beam Control
 (AHBC) will take care of adjusting the light beam for me. Fitted exclusively on the T6, the AHBC will
 automatically dip the beam
 when it detects oncoming traffic and resumes full beam as traffic clears.
That’s not all. It will read traffic ahead and
selectively blocks out a section of the beam
 to avoid dazzling the rearview mirrors of the cars in front, at the same time saving the driver from being labeled as some inconsiderate motorist who doesn’t know how to dip their beams. It works brilliantly, and with
Active Bending Lights
 the projected light path even follows where you point the steering wheel.
Manoeuvring the T6 is exactly like the T5, with large turning radius and quite limited rear view. On the brighter side, similar to the T5, the T6 shrinks itself once on the move with lithe handling and surprising amount of agility for a tall-riding SUV.
Although the T6 grants you the choice of
three different steering assistance
, I left it at the heaviest setting 99 percent of the time mainly because the lightest setting made me feel like a puppeteer.
Grip is abundant from the
235/60 R18 Pirelli P Zero Rosso
 and the smaller yet higher-profiled tyres contribute to a better ride compared to the T5 fitted with the optional 20-inch wheels. I know it’s hard to resist the gorgeous Candor wheels but in the long run you’ll appreciate the more supple ride, and the cost of replacing the rubbers is considerably cheaper too.
The T5 we drove earlier was quite a handful on the limit, dishing out a huge dollop of horsepower in one lump sum to the front tyres once the turbo comes on song somewhere around 1,500 rpm. As mentioned earlier, with
more than 300 hp
 powering the front wheels alone, yours truly was expecting the T6 to be some sort of an unwieldy beast after the T5; but Volvo proved that it was not the case.
The inclusion of the supercharger works well to fill the gap where the turbocharger wasn’t able to. The T6 feels surprisingly docile, where power delivery is spread gradually and smoother across the rev range compared to the T5. Though it’s still laggy below 2,000 rpm, the torque doesn’t arrive out of the blue as though you’re being splashed with a bucket of ice-cold water by surprise; so you don’t get as much torque steer as you get from the less powerful T5.
It sounds better on the move too. The muted turbo whistle from the T5 is now accompanied by a zingy supercharger whine in this T6, notwithstanding the fact that ultimately the soulful creaminess of the previous six-cylinder T6 will be sorely missed. Volvo claims the T6 sips
7.3 litres of petrol for every 100 km
, but with a heavy right foot you’re looking at well above 10.0 litres per 100km.
Taken to the highway, the T6 manifests itself as a great cruiser. The
Adaptive Cruise Control
 with
Queue Assist
 and
Distance Alert
 is particularly a plus point, as it takes out a huge chunk of the driving from you by
accelerating and braking itself automatically
 based on the traffic in front, leaving you with the task of just steering the vehicle. It’s almost like a preview of what fulll automated driving is going to be like.
Apart from that, the
Swedish nanny
 in the T6 is more alert than the previous
V40 T5
 and the
XC60 T5
 we’ve driven before. If you’ve exceeded the speed limit she will inform you with the
Road Sign Information
 (RSI) in the instrument panel, if you fail to indicate upon switching lanes she will make herself audible with the
 Lane Departure Warning
 (LDW), and when she senses you’re tailgating too close or about to hit the car in front, she will scream her lungs out and flash you a strip of red lights on the windscreen with the
Collision Warning
 system. And being a caring nanny, with the
Driver Alert Control
 (DAC) she will even suggest you to have a cup of joe if she catches you slowly losing concentration behind the helm.
IS IT FOR YOU?
Are you the type that doesn’t like attention? Do you appreciate the finer things in life but rather not be shouty about it? Or do you just wish that the XC60 T5 could be more powerful yet remains under control? If you answered “yes” to those questions then the XC60 T6 is right up your alley. And the best thing is, Volvo cars are generally cheaper than any of the closest German rivals in Malaysia.
COMPARISONS
The RM218,888 XC60 T5 is a bargain next to the German duo, the
BMW X3 xDrive20i
 which sells for
RM 325,800
 and the
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro
 at
RM 324,900
. And yet, this
XC60 T6
 still undercuts the German duo by more than RM6k. Of the three, only the Q5 is a CBU unit, and only the XC60 is front-wheel driven.
A
2.0-litre four-cylinder
 paired to an
 8-speed automatic
 can be found in each vehicles with most amount of horses reside under the bonnet of the XC60. The power figures speak for themselves, 306 hp and 400 Nm in the XC60, 225 hp and 350 Nm in the Q5, and 184 hp and 270 Nm in the X3. Fuel consumption is sub seven litres per 100 km for all three.
Volvo XC60 T6 Drive-E

BMW X3 xDrive 20i

Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro

ENGINE
Type
4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol
Displacement
cc
1,969
1,997
1,984
Max Power
hp/rpm
306/5,700
184/5,000-6,250
225/4,500-6,250
Max Torque
Nm/rpm
400/2,100-4,500
270/1,250-4,500
350/1,500-4,500
STEERING
Type
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
Electrical power-assisted
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission
8-speed Geartronic
8-speed Automatic
8-speed Tiptronic
SUSPENSION
Type
MacPherson struts / Multilink
MacPherson struts / Multilink
MacPherson struts / Multilink
BRAKES
Front
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear
Ventilated disc
Solid disc
Solid disc
TYRE & WHEELS
Tyres
235/60 R18
245/50 R18
235/60 R18
Wheels
Alloy
Alloy
Alloy
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Overall Length
mm
4,644
4,657
4,629
Overall Width
mm
1,891
1,881
1,898
Overall Height
mm
1,713
1,678
1,655
Wheelbase
mm
2,774
2,810
2,807
Max Kerb weight
kg
1,794
1,810
1,850
Luggage Capacity (VDA)
L
523
550
540
FUEL
Tank Capacity
70 litres
67 litres
75 litres
Consumption
7.3 L/100 km
7.2 L/100 km
7.9 L/100 km
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed
km/h
210
210
222
0 – 100km/h
sec
6.9
8.2
7.1
PRICE
RM
318,888.00
325,800.00
324,900.00
WILL I BUY IT?
It is safe to say that the
T6
 is my
pick of the XC60 range
. After experiencing both the T5 and T6 variants, the T6 comes out to be the more complete of the two. It’s remarkable how the supplementary supercharger makes the T6 more powerful but at the same time makes it more driveable compared to the T5.
If the Drive-E engine is a curry, the turbo in the T5 is the salt; it lifts up the curry with a full body taste. While the additional supercharger in the T6 is the sugar, it balances everything out nicely to deliver a complete flavoursome taste. On a separate note, I’m pondering on the prospect of the Scandinavian curry being served in the V40.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen T-Roc a big hit in Europe, 40k orders, will it come to Malaysia?

The
all-new Volkswagen T-Roc
, the brand’s fourth member of its SUV family is making waves in Europe. Shortly after going on sale in November 2017, the T-Roc has raked in over 40,000 orders across Europe over the span of four months!
Sitting below the Tiguan, the T-Roc is a stylish alternative to appeal to the younger audience. Its unique selling point includes a striking fresh design, extensive personalisation options and impressive safety suite.

Inside the cabin, the T-Roc can be finished in either Style and Sport Line. Style Line allows the customers to have the interior panels finished in one of four vibrant colours while the Sport Line gets Sport comfort seats as standard. Boot space is rated at
445 litres
; more spacious than the
Honda HR-V
.
As standard, the T-Roc comes equipped with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking. Further options include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), reverse camera, Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Park Assist, Traffic jam Assist and Emergency Assist.
Powertrain options for the compact SUV include three turbo petrol engines (TSI) and three turbodiesels (TDI), all paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. All T-Rocs are front-wheel driven but 4Motion all-wheel drive can be had as an option.
SUVs currently plays a major role in Volkswagen’s growth and the brand estimates that
40 percent
 of all vehicles sold by Volkswagen will be SUVs by 2020. Moving forward, Volkswagen is looking to expand its SUV range to
 20 models
 before the decade ends starting with a new
T-Roc Convertible
.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio ‘Estrema’ special edition is more than just a styling upgrade

Alfa Romeo just dropped a new special edition model for the
Giulia
and
Stelvio
 called ‘Estrema’, and they’re billed as the first “global special series” for the models. This new special edition is based on the
Veloce trim
 that was offered quite a while back, but what sets this apart is its driving dynamics – essentially filling in the gap between the Veloce and
Quadrifoglio
.
The new Giulia and Stelvio Estrema come with several mechanical upgrades as standard, including a new adaptive suspension with Alfa Synaptic Driving Control (SDC) and a limited-slip differential.
Alfa Romeo claims that these upgrades will improve the car’s stability and grip levels in the corners, while still not compromising on ride comfort.
Adding to the already menacing look of the Giulia and Stelvio, the new special edition models are fitted with carbon fibre side mirror covers and‘V’ front grille, along with darkened-out Estrema badging and wheels (19-inches on the Giulia and 20-inches on the Stelvio).
The cars will be offered in four choices of exterior colours: Alfa White, Alfa Rosso, Misano Blue, and Vulcano Black, all of which will be paired with gloss black trim applied on the side window trim and B-pillars.
The mood of the interior matches the exterior, with carbon accents and Alcantara sprinkled across the cabin, similar to the Quadrifoglio. The leather upholstery on the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and gear knob also get additional red stitching to complement the sporty look and feel of the car.
Both the Giulia and Stelvio Estrema are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with
280 hp
 and
400 Nm
, while the Stelvio comes with an additional choice of a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel mill with
210 hp
.
These special editions are now available for order, and will be available worldwide during the third quarter of 2022. The Giulia Estrema starts from USD55,090 (approx. RM241k) while the Stelvio starts from USD58,950 (approx. RM258k).
Unfortunately, “worldwide” doesn’t exactly apply for us, as official Alfa Romeo dealerships in Malaysia no longer exist. So if you want one, you’ll have to deal with the costly and complicated import procedures yourselves, or be contented just admiring them on the internet.
GALLERY


Awesome or awful? Ferrari F8 Tributo nearly unrecognisable with Novitec kit

Novitec has been tuning and bringing out more power out of supercars for many years and their latest full-package kit is the N-Largo conversion kit for the
Ferrari F8 Tributo
.
Under the N-Largo label, Novitec of Germany has developed and produced spectacular widebody versions for the world’s most thrilling supercars such as the McLaren 720S, Ferrari 812 Superfast, and Ferrari 488 GTB. Production is always limited and is no different with the latest N-Largo kit for Ferrari F8 Tributo, as it will
only have 15 examples
 made.
The widebody changes all the body panels on the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Heavily sculpted fenders and bumpers have now been replaced with more angular-looking items designed by German designer Vittorio Strosek. The form and function of carbon-fibre body panels (bumpers, side skirts and fenders) have been perfected at the wind tunnel.
Windtunnel work has also made better airflow around the car with front fender air vents as well as a large rear spoiler working in tandem with a new engine cover and large underbody diffuser. Novitec says they see an
increase in downforce levels
 compared to the Ferrari styling.

The basis of the N-Largo kit is the widening of the vehicle arches to fit even larger wheels. At the front end, the N-Largo kit
adds 70 mm
 in width to the Ferrari F8 Tributo, while the rear sees
130 mm addition
. Exclusively Novitec designed NF10 NL forged wheels measuring 9.5Jx21 in front and 12Jx22 at the rear are made by Vossen and wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 255/30R21 and 335/25R22 sizes.
To fully maximise the new widebody look and presence, Novitec also lowered the vehicle by 35 mm via sport springs. An optional front lift system is available to lift the front axle by about 40 mm to clear slopes, ramps and other uneven roads.
As for the power plant, Novitec’s signature high-performance exhaust system and engine control module upgrade package pushes out
818 hp
 and
903 Nm
 of torque from the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Those figures are a whopping 98 hp and 133 Nm more than the standard Ferrari F8 Tributo.
The Ferrari F8 Spider caught the attention of a lady in riding the Ducati Panigale. Hear what she has to say!
Performance as such also increases, even with the wider body slicing through the air. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in
2.6 seconds
, to 200 km/h in just 7.4 seconds and onward to a top speed in
excess of 340 km/h
.
Novitec also has interior personalisation items for the 15 lucky owners who have purchased the N-Largo widebody kit. As usual, Novitec does not disclose the package price of the N-Largo kits.
GALLERY


Jaguar turned two F-Type convertibles into one-off rally cars

Based on the
F-Type Chequered Flag edition
, Jaguar has developed two F-Type convertible rally cars to continue its 70 years of sports car heritage celebration which began with the XK 120 in 1948.
Both the rally-prepped F-Type convertibles have been equipped with modifications by Jaguar Design and Engineering – to FIA specifications – such as upgraded brakes and suspension, a rollcage, and bucket seats with six-point harnesses.
Brakes are now four-pot caliper units with grooved discs, both front and rear. Hand-built competition dampers and softer springs ensures that the convertibles can be driven flat-out over rough rally stages. Three-way adjustable dampers allow the cars to be tuned for different surfaces and feature spherical bearings for added precision.
Along the drivetrain, Jaguar even fitted a limited-slip differential to improve power delivery on loose surfaces while a hydraulic handbrake makes it easier (and more fun) to maneuver through hairpins. The Jaguar F-Type Chequered Flag Edition is available from £62,335 (RM336k).
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW’s all-new iDrive system wants you to forget about physical controls

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, particularly in its Operating System 7.0 version, has always been rated as one of the best in the biz, with intuitive controls and clear graphics, putting it ahead of its competition. With the upcoming
iX
 and
 i4
EVs just about to hit the market, BMW has given the operating system a complete rework, with a new control system that feels almost like you’re talking to Tony Stark’s JARVIS.
The new BMW iDrive system is characterised by the BMW Curved Display, a curved pane of glass sitting atop the dashboard that combines a 12.3-inch “information display” (instrument cluster) and a 14.9-inch “control display” (infotainment touchscreen) into a single unit. In classic BMW fashion, the curved display is of course, angled towards the driver for better ergonomics.
The system gets new eye-catching graphics to go along with the new, larger displays. But despite more screen real estate, BMW says that the user interface has been optimised to “present the right amount of information”, preventing information overload by pre-filtering only the information relevant to the driving situation at the current time.
Drivers can choose between three display layouts – Focus, Drive, and Gallery – which alters the number of information and widgets being shown to the driver on the two screens. BMW says that they are catered to different “driving situations”, with the Focus layout designed for “extremely dynamic driving situation”.
The Gallery layout is the complete opposite, with minimal driving information to clear out as much space as possible for widget content. In a future where cars can basically drive themselves, this probably makes quite a bit of sense.
While the familiar rotary controller is still here, now in a fancy glass-effect finish, BMW says that the number of physical buttons and switches have been “reduced by almost half”. Even the remaining “physical” controls are of the capacitive touch buttons variety, with almost zero delineation and tiny labels. Once you’ve stopped yourself from physically wincing, read on.
The best way to control almost everything in the car, according to BMW, is to utilise the new and improved Intelligent Personal Assistant feature. Flexing its artificial intelligence muscles, BMW says that the new personal assistant automatically adjusts to the driver’s individual needs and routines, as well as the situation at hand, giving you the right answers at the right time.
The personal assistant has been updated to better understand natural language, and now even gets a new “face”, made up of a cluster of light spheres floating across the display. BMW says that this improves the interaction between human and machine, as it is able to react to your voice inputs in a visual way – like how we can pick up emotions by watching one’s facial expressions.
All of these new smart features will continuously improve over time, as the system gets more data and information from both the car itself, and the entire BMW Group vehicle fleet of over 440 million customer journeys across the globe.
This system recognises repetitive situations and learns from them, with all of these adjustments registered by the system and stored in the user’s own BMW ID profile. For example, the BMW Maps included in the all-new iDrive will automatically learn your common routes, and will automatically suggest destinations – such as daily commute to work – based on the context of the drive, such as the day and time.
Even the climate control is tied in to the AI-powered system, with the software automatically learning the user’s preferences such as fan speed and air distribution, seats and surface heating and ventilation, even taking into the intensity and direction of the sunlight! BMW says that with everything working correctly, customers should seldom need to adjust any of the climate control settings, so it’s OK to jettison those controls.
All of these settings are automatically adjusted to the user, even before they enter the car. The car utilises ultra-wide band signals (found on the latest iPhones, for example) to detect the approaching driver, and does a whole song and dance sequence called “Great Entrance Moments”, utilising lights both inside and outside the car to “welcome the driver and invites them into the vehicle with a thoroughly choreographed routine”.
As our cars become increasingly smarter and automated, the software and overall user experience will become vital to how we interact with our cars – they’re no longer just mechanical machineries any more. It will be interesting to see what these traditional carmakers come up with in the near future, especially as we move into the new era of electrified vehicles.
Most brands – including
Mercedes-Benz
 – seem to trend towards utilising some combination of artificial intelligence and personal assistants to help users navigate around the increasingly complicating system, though only time will tell if that’s the right way forward. What do you think of BMW’s new iDrive system?
GALLERY


The new Hyundai Tucson looks like it’s from outer space

Hyundai Motor Company today revealed the first images of the all-new Tucson, due for its world premiere on the 15th of September, and we’re assuming that Martians were involved with its design.
The all-new Tucson is an expression of what Hyundai designers call “Parametric Dynamics” that utilises lines, faces, angles and shapes to create a kinetic, jewel-like surface.
It also features the company’s new signature headlamp architecture called “Parametric Hidden Lights” – with the daytime running lights seamlessly integrated into a jewel-like grille. The Tucson will also come with a longer wheelbase and a Coupe-like exterior that’s wider than previous generation models.
“The mission of
‘Sensuous Sportiness’, first introduced on the new Elantra
, is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved,” said Hyundai Global Design Centre, Senior Vice President, SangYup Lee.
Hyundai says entering its “Interspace” cabin is like entering a neatly organised room where everyday concerns disappear – sounds like the perfect spot for urban trotters with an existential crisis.
Inside, the dashboard extends towards the doors, wrapping around the front occupants (in Hyundai’s own words) like a deep gorge while the centre console was inspired by waterfalls.
Locally, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors is set to
 introduce the Hyundai Kona as the order books are now open
. The Kona is priced at an estimated RM115,XXX and will be fully imported from South Korea.


Post SST – Honda Malaysia announces new prices

So the tax holiday is finally over, and effective immediately from 1st September 2018, these will be the new prices (inclusive of 10% Sales Tax) for Honda vehicles in Malaysia after the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax.
The highest spec Honda CR-V, the 1.5 TC-P 4WD is almost a full RM 5,000 cheaper after price adjustments, with the base model Honda Jazz now more than RM 2,000 cheaper than with GST before.
Model
Variant
Price
Honda Jazz
S
From RM 70,242
E
From RM 76,316
V
From RM 83,633
Honda City
S
From RM 73,836
E
From RM 79,955
V
From RM 86,983
Honda BR-V
E
From RM 80,989
V
From RM 87,701
Honda Civic
1.8 S
From RM 108,165
1.5 TC
From RM 120,855
1.5 TC-P
From RM 128,631
Honda CR-V
2.0 2WD
From RM 138,308
1.5 TC 2WD
From RM 150,992
1.5 TC 4WD
From RM 156,732
1.5 TC-P 4WD
From RM 163,191
Honda Accord
2.0 VTi-L
From RM 148,512
2.4 VTi-L Advance
From RM 168,998
Honda Odyssey
RM 258,896
Honda Civic Type R
RM 330,002


All-new 2022 Maserati GranTurismo: same-same, but also completely different

The
Maserati GranTurismo
 has returned for a second-generation, and although it might look a little familiar, the rest of the car is anything but. Underneath the sleek-looking GT bodywork is a brand-new flexible architecture, which enables the all-new Maserati Gran Turismo to be offered in three distinct flavours: two with a V6 engine, and another with three electric motors.
Dubbed Folgore (Italian for ‘lightning’), the fully-electric GranTurismo will act as the pole bearer for Maserati’s electrification plans, which will
phase out combustion power entirely from 2030
.
No tailpipes to be found.
The three in-house-built electric motors are split into one for the front axle, and two for the rear, enabling the car to be driven in rear- and all-wheel drive modes. Each of the three motors is capable of providing 300 kW (408 hp), but due to tuning and optimisation, the total system output at the wheels is rated at
 560 kW (761 hp)
 and
 1,350 Nm
.
Maserati says the electric powertrain features several technologies derived from Formula E, and with power drawn from a 92.5 kWh (83 kWh usable) battery, the all-new GranTurismo Folgore is able to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just
2.7 seconds
, onward to a top speed of 320 km/h, with a driving range of
over 402 km
.
RELATED:
Maserati teases GranTurismo Folgore – fully-electric GT with over 1,200 hp!
Thanks to 800V high-voltage electrical system, the GranTurismo Folgore supports DC fast charging at up to 270 kW, translating to 100 km of range in just five minutes. The batteries are also arranged in a T-shaped layout instead of a skateboard package to allow for a lower, sportier driving position, while also giving it a perfect 50-50 weight distribution split, even bettering its ICE twin’s 52-48.
As for the two petrol-powered versions, both the GranTurismo Trofeo and Modena will be powered by Maserati’s new Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 mill, which first made its debut on the
MC20 supercar
, although slightly detuned here on the GT – the Modena variant gets
 486 hp
 and
600 Nm
, while the Trofeo version offers
 557 hp
 and
650 Nm
.
The engine is paired to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, alongside an all-wheel drive system on both variants to send power to all four wheels. In terms of performance, 0-100 km/h sprint times are rated at
3.9 seconds
 for the Modena, and
3.5 seconds
 on the Trofeo. Top speed meanwhile is rated at
302 km/h
 and
 320 km/h
 respectively.
ALSO READ:
The Maserati MC20 is the brand’s most important car in modern times
While the all-new GranTurismo shares a similar design with the previous-gen model – a conscious decision from Maserati’s designers – the company says the two share no body panels.
It still has the characteristic long bonnet, low ride height, and cab-back stance, even on the fully-electric model, but it’s also received some more modern design touches, such as the new ‘Cofango’ bonnet, and the vertical-oriented headlights and slim taillights, to more resemble the marque’s latest models.
Styling differences between the ICE and EV variants are basically only limited to the subtly tweaked front bumper, as well as the removal of the quad tailpipe exits at the back. The EV version also comes with a smaller boot, due to the electric motors at the back.
All three versions feature staggered 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels, with the Folgore’s designed specifically for aerodynamics, which helps improve its drag coefficient by up to 7%. The Folgore also features an air inlet between the bumper and wheel arch, which is said to help reduce wind noise.
The interior of the all-new Maserati GranTurismo hasn’t been revealed just yet, but the company says that it’s designed in the same vein as the MC20 and
Grecale
, and will feature a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, alongside four more displays for the infotainment (12.3-inch), climate control panel, a head-up display, and a small digital clock – like the Grecale – in the centre replacing the marque’s staple analogue unit.
The all-new Maserati GranTurismo is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2023, with the Modena and Trofeo versions arriving first. The electric Folgore will go on sale sometime after that, but Maserati didn’t provide a specific timeline.
GALLERY
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
Maserati GranTurismo Modena
Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo


Tengku Djan wins his third Toyota Vios Challenge championship and the season finale

Tension, penalties and plenty of on-track drama from start to finish provided the perfect backdrop for an exciting finale as Season 4 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF) and Vios Challenge racing series drew to a close with the crowning of four overall class champions.
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
Fan favourite as well as two-time Toyota Vios Challenge champion Tengku Djan Ley (Car 61) and his Prima Pearl Auto entered Round 3 after a very successful season opener in
March
 with full race wins but disappointing Round 2. Syafiq Ali (Car 70) and Mitchell Cheah (Car 23) were in contention but Djan’s strong performances in both races sealed the title for him.
“It has been both an incredibly challenging and rewarding season. I started the first two races of the year very well with back-to-back victories, but the following two races did not turn out favourably and as a result, we lost a lot of valuable points. A third-place finish in Race 1 yesterday and a race win tonight gave us the result that we needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only my team and sponsors, but also to commend everyone in the Super Sporting Class for a very hard-fought season,” expressed Tengku Djan.
Even without the post-race penalty that saw Mitchell Cheah and 23 Motors losing his race win and promoting
Tengku Djan
 (and his third race win of the season), Malaysia’s
Prince of Drift
 has amassed sufficient points to be the champion of Super Sporting Class. This is his third championship title after winning the inaugural challenge in
2018
 and his second in 2020 (Season 3). Instead of another Toyota Vios car, Tengku Djan and Prima Pearl Auto take home the RM70,000 prize money.
Only Boy Wong (Car 21) is the other driver to have won the Championship (Season 2, 2019) in the category of Malaysia’s top racing drivers.
PROMOTIONAL CLASS
All eyes were on actors Shukri Yahaya (Car 24) and Zizan Razak (Car 15) who both had their sights set on becoming the overall champion in the Promotional Class racing the 2021 Toyota Vios GR Sport.
In Saturday’s race, Shukri was promoted to the win after a post-race penalty was handed to the charging Zizan Razak for exceeding track limits when overtaking thus relegating him back to second place with
Akio Takeyama
 (Car 1), Chief Motorsports Officer for UMW Toyota Motor, rounding up the top three.
On Sunday night, the season 4 finale race began fiercely with Zizan taking the lead and Shukri in tow while singer Khai Bahar (Car 94) was in third. Positions remained unchanged in the first five laps of the race until Zizan made a mistake by going wide, allowing Shukri to dart into the lead and losing another place to Khai.
Zizan never recovered from that mistake and remained in third while the front two drivers consolidated their lead to being almost 10 seconds ahead.
Shukri and Khai were only separated by with only 0.3 seconds when the chequered flag came out but another post-race penalty punished Shukri and promoted Khai as race winner.
Shukri Yahaya
 only needed to finish ahead of Zizan to capture his first Vios Challenge championship and the penalty didn’t stop him, thus sealing the title for the actor with his signature ‘predator teeth’ helmet design.
SPORTING CLASS
Thanks to the sheer size of the category with as many as 19 Toyota Vios 1.5 sedans battling it out, there is no short of excitement and drama in this category of gentlemen and professional racers.
Saturday night saw Round 2 winner
Ady Rahimy
 (Car 99), a very promising member of the Sepang Talent Development Programme, taking the chequered flag but contact with Amiral Haikal on Lap 1 meant a post-race penalty demoted him to second position. Bradley Benedict (Car 55) of Dream Chaser thus took his first race of the season with Dannies Ng in third after taking advantage of the individual battles and driver mistakes around him.
An evening downpour earlier meant Sunday night’s race started in greasy conditions that has proven to be a great equaliser plus action for us watching
online
. The night’s race opened in dramatic fashion with no less than six cars involved in skirmishes from the very first lap of the race because of a wet track.
Clement Yeo of Distinctive Model (Car 98) made a brilliant start from fifth position on the grid to stay within a car’s length of Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh (Car 77), before eventually passing him for the lead. Behind, the battle for third, fourth and fifth positions was even more intense which saw 23 Motor’s Ady Rahimy being the first to be pelted off the track, followed by Team Fokus Tetap’s Lim Chun Beng (Car 68) and subsequently Dato’ Ken Foo (Car 10), A. Shanmuganathan (Car 69) and Eric Yong (Car 9).
A big contact between Mirza Syahmi of Aylezo Motorsport (Car 97) and Super Evergreen Motorsport’s Amirul Haikal (Car 36) entering Turn 8 brought the Toyota Camry 2.5V Safety Car out on Lap 5 as both Toyota Vios cars were stranded at the trackside.
When the safety car period was discontinued on Lap 10, just ten minutes of racing on left on the clock and Clement pulled away from battling trio of Kenneth Koh, Ady Rahimy and Bradley Benedict.
Winning the race also meant winning his first Toyota Vios Challenge Championship for
Clement Yeo
 and Team Distinctive Model. Ady Rahimy’s ‘never give up’ attitude which pulled him from 16th at the start of Lap 2 saw him missing out on the final podium spot by just 0.5 seconds behind Kenneth Koh and Bradley Benedict after what seems to be the best final 1,000 metres dogfight to the chequered flag.
ROOKIE CLASS
Naquib Azlan (Car 17) turned out to be the surprising star of the season having participated in a saloon car race with only experience drawn from competing as a simulator racer.
“It was a dream come true. Never did I expect to enter racing in real life and to have been able to perform as well as I did. I am extremely thankful. I have to say a very big thank you to Toyota for having the trust in me and giving us the opportunity, the team, to Alex Yoong who helped all of
the rookies
 throughout the entire journey. This is something that no other manufacturer has done and to represent Toyota is such an honour. I look forward to doing this again next season,” said Naquib.
Putera Adam’s
 (Car 25) strong double-victory in Round 3 was just insufficient to topple
Naquib Azlan
 who won three races and another two visits to the podium in their Gen-1 Toyota Vios Challenge cars.
At the season finale, UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K. and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia said they remain committed to expanding local motorsports initiatives and he called on the support of all stakeholders to bring Malaysian motorsports to a higher level.
Visit the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia
website
 for results from all categories and past races.
GALLERY


Tesla Model Y is one of the cutest SUVs we’ve seen in recent times

Tesla has just unveiled
its latest Tesla Model Y, a seven-seater SUV that forms the electric carmaker’s
four model line up. Packed with the most advanced tech from Tesla, the Model Y is
positioned as a lower alternative to the Model X SUV.
There are four variants of the Model Y available – Standard, Long Range, Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive. The Standard and Long Range models feature a rear-mounted electric motor that provides 370 km and 483 km of driving range respectively while the Dual-Motor and Performance variants have 450 km of pure electric driving range.
Tesla’s current line up consist of the Model S,3,X,Y. Cheeky Elon Musk.
Opt for the Performance
variant and it will take you from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 3.5 seconds while
the Dual-Motor drops the acceleration time to 4.8 seconds. The rear-wheel
driven Model Ys are pretty sprightly too, with sprint times of 5.9 and 5.5
seconds for the Standard and Long Range variants, respectively.
The Model Y is also
compatible with Tesla’s new V3 Supercharger network that can give 120 km worth of
driving range in under 5 minutes.
The Model Y takes
design inspiration from the Model 3, with a quirky exterior and minimalistic
interior dominated by a single 15-inch touchscreen interface. Unlike the Model
X with its fancy gullwing doors, the Model Y features conventional frameless
doors.
Tesla is pricing the
Model Y between US$39,000 (RM159k) to US$60,000 (RM244k) and customers will
have to place a US$2,500 deposit to secure an allocation.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Audi A6 offers six-cylinder option, but comes at a price

At RM 589,900, you could say that the new Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro will likely be an acquired taste in the mid-sized executive saloon segment, but only if you must have a six-cylinder engine, something which BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo do not currently offer in their CKD line ups.
Like the A8 L
, the A6’s
3.0-litre turbocharged V6
 is identical with the same output of
340 hp
 and
500 Nm
, assisted electrically by a
mild hybrid system
 comprising a
belt alternator starter motor
 and a 10Ah lithium-ion battery pack. However, the similarities end with the transmission; the A8 L uses a conventional 8-speed automatic whereas the A6 deploys a
7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
 (which Audi dubs S tronic) and
quattro all-wheel drive
 with
 ‘ultra-technology’
 for improved fuel efficiency.
New A6 utilises quattro drivetrain with ‘ultra technology’ for better efficiency.
The quattro ultra-technology system is developed for models with
longitudinally front-mounted engines
. It offers the efficiency of a front-wheel drive system and would only engage all-wheel drive when situation warrants, but reacts quick enough before the wheel reaches traction limit, otherwise the
rear differential remains decoupled
 until called into action. But don’t think for a second that the A6 is a fuel-sipping hero,
idle to 100km/h
 is dispatched in a rather rapid
5.1 seconds
. By the way, all-wheel steering is also standard on the car.
The interior theme of the 8
th
 generation A6 takes after the A8 with the touch-centric
MMI navigation plus interface
 taking centre stage alongside Audi’s excellent
virtual cockpit
 and
heads up display
. Leather surfaces are aplenty in the cabin, as you’d expect for the price, contrasted against aluminium inserts and a black headliner.
B&O premium audio system
 and panoramic sunroof are other interior highlights.
The fully-imported A6 3.0 TSFI is clothed in sporty
 S line exterior package
, complemented by
Matrix LED headlamps
 with dynamic indicators, LED rear combi tail-lamps and tasty 5-spoke V-style
20-inch alloys
 shod with
255/40 R20 rubber
.


Want a louder Lamborghini? Valentino Balboni has just what you need

Meet Valentino Balboni, the man who arguably had the best job in the world. For four decades the Italian tested some of the finest Lamborghinis before they make it to the showroom floor. He has since retired from Lamborghini, but his contribution towards Sant’Agata did not stop there. Now, he manufactures aftermarket exhaust systems designed exclusively for Lamborghini, via his new brand called “VB” .
While it’s no secret that VB refers to his initials, his first ever product is a
 titanium exhaust
 for the
Lamborghini Aventador SV
. These exhausts are entirely made out of Grade 2 titanium and it’s pretty lightweight at
 6.4 kg
. The entire assembly took a painstaking 350 man hours, which include multiple welding jobs to make multiple components whole.

To make it as exclusive as the Lamborghinis, production of this VB exhaust system is limited to just
30 units
. This also means that they will be terribly expensive, but shouldn’t be the least of concerns for most (if not all) Aventador SV owners.
No details have been provided on the added performance, but after taking into consideration Balboni’s  40 years experience as a test driver, let’s just assume that he knows what’s best for the raging bulls. The exhaust system from VB will be officially unveiled during the upcoming Concorso Italiano on 29 August 2016 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
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