Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 officially in Malaysia, priced at RM2.1mil [+Video]

Debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March, Lamborghini’s Gallardo replacement called the
Huracan
 has now officially launched by
 JH Italia Sdn. Bhd.
 here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The Gallardo has been the most successful Lamborghini to date, so the Huracan really has some big shoes to fill.
QUICK FACTS
Name
LAMBORGHINI HURACAN LP610-4
Segment
Supercar
Engine
5.2-liter V10
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch LDF  (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione)
Max Power
610 hp @ 8,250 rpm
Max Torque
560 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Price
RM 2,100,000 (with tax)

The smallest model in the Lamborghini family has always been providing drivers with a more accessible performance from the illustrated Italian brand, compared to the full-blown V12 in the flagship Aventador.
Even so, it is still a Lamborghini through and through. All new from the ground up, even the V10 engine in the
Huracan
 is claimed to be a new unit and different than the one in the outgoing Gallardo.
EXTERIOR

The Huracan can’t be mistaken for anything else other than a Lamborghini. All the styling cues from the bigger Aventador is present in the Huracan and it looks equally sinister too.

Everything is sharp on the Huracan, even the full-
LED headlamps
 with “double-Y” daytime running lights can cast a piercing stare to anyone nearby. The gaping air intakes in the front bumpers are filled with a hexagonal mesh complete with 3D texture on the mesh itself.
The wing mirrors continue the sharp theme, but the doors open conventionally unlike the scissor-doors that are reserved for the V12 Aventador. There are two air intakes on each side, the bigger top intake feeds air to the engine, while the smaller lower intake feeds the brakes.
Wheels are
 20-inch
 but stagerred, the rear wheels are 2.5-inch wider than the fronts and they are wrapped in
245/30 R20
 and
305/30 R20
 Pirelli rubbers front and back.
At the back, it features
LED taillights
, and those huge quad tailpipes will deliver the noise you can only expect to come from a Lamborghini. The particular model shown here during the launch have a slatted engine cover, but there’s option to showcase the V10 heart under a clear see-through engine cover.
INTERIOR

The fine cockpit is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, from the seats and even to the dashboard top. Some of the basic controls have been reorganized, such as the turn indicator and wiper switches now reside on the steering wheel as opposed to the normal stalks.

The steering wheel itself is very compact with flat bottom base. There you can also find the
ANIMA
 switch for the drive mode,
Strada
,
Sport
, or
Corsa
. Behind the wheel, a
 12.3-inch
 full-color
 TFT screen
 is used to display the rev counter and other vital vehicle information including the navigation map.
A smaller screen displaying oil temperature and battery information sit in between the dash and the raised center console. Just below it there’s a row of toggle switches for the windows and others, but the main centerpiece has to be the engine start/stop button complete with a bright red flip-top cover.
PERFORMANCE

Although the Huracan is not a hybrid car, the chassis of the Huracan is. A combination of
carbonfibre and aluminium

chassis
 makes it a stiff construction, and it also contributes to the supreme power-to-weight ratio of just
 2.33 kilograms per horsepower
.
The Huracan LP610-4 gets its power from a
naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10
 with
Iniezione Diretta Stratificata
 (IDS) that combines direct and indirect injections. As the name suggested, it delivers
610 hp
 at 8,250 rpm and
560 Nm
 of torque at 6,500 rpm to all four wheels.
The new
 7-speed Lamborghini Doppia Frizione
 (LDF) dual-clutch gearbox is the first to be fitted in a Lamborghini. The gearbox works in conjunction with the driving mode selected by the driver.
Sprint from
 0-100 km/h
 takes only
 3.2 seconds
 and the
 top speed
 is said to be over
325 km/h
. Stopping power is provided by
carbon ceramic brakes
 with
 six-pot calipers
 at the front and
four-pot calipers
 at the rear.
Like most new cars nowadays, the Huracan also comes with
Stop & Start technology
 as a measure to reduce its fuel consumption. In case you’re wondering, the
fuel consumption
 is rated at
 12.5 l/100 km
.
WHAT ELSE?

To date, 2,500 units of the Huracan have been spoken for and Mr. Sebastien Henry, Head of Operations, South East Asia Pacific for Automobili Lamborghini mentioned that there are already 20 orders in Malaysia even before the car is launched.
With this official launch event and the availability of the first right-hand drive Huracan here, he is confident that the numbers will keep on increasing. The on-the-road price has not been finalised yet, but the
Huracan
 is expected to cost at least a cool
RM 2.1 million
.
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IMAGE GALLERY


Chinese Luxobarge-maker Hongqi is building a 1,400 hp hypercar called the S9

If you’ve seen that one Grand Tour episode which took place in China, you would’ve probably heard of this little marque called Hongqi. The name translates literally to “Red Flag”, a nod to the Chinese Communist Party, and they predominantly make huge, expensive luxobarges – the flagship Hongqi LS5 is even used to
 ferry their President
for official purposes.
Well, not just luxobarges now it seems, because the Chinese carmaker has just unveiled a 1,400 hp PHEV hypercar called the S9 at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show.
The Hongqi S9 is the first fruit of the partnership between FAW, Hongqi’s parent company, and Silk EV, an Italian engineering and design startup. And the man responsible for the retro-yet-futuristic design is none other than legendary Italian car designer, Walter De Silva, whose famous works include the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Egoista.
As you can see from the images above, the S9 exhibits a somewhat European styling, with a sleek silhouette emphasised by the elongated tail. But according to De Silva, it’s not all just looks.
“We designed the shapes and technical surfaces skilfully until we reached the point of maximum balance between aerodynamics, proportions and beauty,” he said. “No detail was left to chance in order to complete the body shape of the Hongqi S9 with an aesthetic language of essential, dynamic lines. The end result reveals a timeless, athletic styling that defines the Essence of Beauty.”
The clearest example of what De Silva calls a “maximum balance” can be seen on the headlights, which doubles as integrated air intakes to channel fresh air into the hybrid engine. Other standout features include the exposed carbon fibre aero bits, as well as the electrochromic windows that vary in tint intensity to improve energy consumption.
None of the images provided gives a clear view of the interior, but Hongqi said in the press release that the cabin is designed for “maximum comfort” and luxury. Highlights include three touchscreen displays – two for the driver and one for the passenger, adjustable interior lighting, and a low-speed air humidifier-purifier system.
At the heart of the Hongqi S9 is a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, which pairs a V8 situated midship with three electric motors for a total system output of 1,044 kW (1,400 hp). The bonkers power output translates to a century sprint time of just 1.9 seconds, onward to an insane top speed of 400 km/h.
The batteries can provide a pure electric range of around 40 km, and can also be topped up in a matter of minutes, which means the S9 can essentially be driven purely by electric power when in the city. When it comes to the racetrack though, a flip of a button (to change the driving mode) instantly changes the Hongqi S9 into a completely different beast.
Only 99 units of the Hongqi S9 will ever be made, with base prices starting at around the RMB10 million region (~RM6 mil). Production will take place simultaneously in China and Italy.
Walter De Silva calls the Hongqi S9 the
“Il nuovo lusso
“, which translates roughly to “new luxury” or “reimagined luxury”. To us, it’s the best blend of Italian sexiness and China’s insane technologies. What do you think?
GALLERY


We need to talk about the Perodua Myvi’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA)

The
all-new Perodua Myvi
’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) was the talk of the town when Perodua pulled off the wraps of the fourth-generation hatchback. Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC) all for the price of RM55k? If this isn’t the bargain of the century, I don’t know what is.
It’s no surprise that the nation’s favourite hatchback topped sales charts once again with over 20,000 bookings secured within the first month of its official debut – and Perodua is projecting a monthly sales target of 6,000 units
only
. Many went for the
range-topping 1.5 Advance
 not only for its range of premium features but also for the ASA. But before you drive-off happily thinking you’ll always have the ASA safety net there to save you, you have to understand
what it can and cannot do
.
The ASA is taken off from
Daihatsu’s first-generation Smart Assist
 which was first equipped (for a compact vehicle) on the Daihatsu Move back in 2012. However, on the Move, it adopts a laser radar instead of the more accurate stereo camera on the Myvi. Only on later-generations, the Smart Assist II and Smart Assist III did Daihatsu adopt a stereo camera. Perhaps for future upgrades?
While Daihatsu did not have a fancy name each individual function, it works exactly the same as the Myvi’s ASA:
Daihatsu Smart Assist
Perodua ASA
Operation Object
Vehicle Speed Range
Low-speed crash avoidance

Pre-Collision Braking
For vehicles
Avoid crash: 4 – 20 km/h
Reduce damage: 20 – 30 km/h
Pre-Collision Warning
4 – 30 km/h
Informs of motion of vehicle in front
Front Departure Alert
0 km/h
Gas pedal misoperation control
Pedal Misoperation Control
< 10 km/h; obstacle within 4 meters
PCB and PCW are operable at speeds of
 4 to 30 km/h
, essentially city speeds. Using a stereo camera, the system detects large objects upfront and sends an audible warning to the driver when an imminent collision is detected. Should there be no input (steer or brake) from the driver, the car
automatically engages the brakes
 to bring the complete stop if the difference in speed between you and the car in front is
below 20 km/h
. If the relative speed difference is
between 20 – 30 km/h
, the system will
only assist in reducing damage and not necessarily avoid the crash altogether
.

Besides that, the PCB will only operate
three times per engine start
. I repeat, three times only. Meaning to say that if the PCB has activated on three separate occasions during your journey, the system will not engage the fourth time. The only way for PCB to operate again is by restarting the engine which resets the counter to three again. If this was Super Mario arcade, you only have three lives for every token you put in.
Lastly, the stereo camera on the Myvi has been programmed to detect
sizable
 vehicles and not pedestrians or motorcycles. So, you must still be on the lookout for jaywalkers and weaving motorcyclist.
If you’re thinking that the Perodua is shortchanging you by giving you a “subpar” product, it is far from the case. Imagine this, if you require the PCW and PCB to warn you more than three separate occasions on a single journey, you should really reevaluate your driving style or take a break from driving. Having the full suite of ASA dramatically enhances the overall safety of the car but we as responsible drivers should never take these advanced safety features for granted and rely on it all the time.
Should you still get the top spec Myvi with ASA? My honest opinion is if you have the means, absolutely. Regardless whether the Autonomous Emergency Braking works three times or twenty times, as long as it avoids a collision once, its money well spent. Besides, better to have the system than not.
IMAGE GALLERY
Perodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)


All-new Nissan NP300 Navara launched in Malaysia, priced from RM79k to RM120k

Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has just launched the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara as the successor to the ever popular Navara D40 with the help of International Trade and Industry Minister II, Dato Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who was accompanied by President of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Dato’ Tan Heng Chew.
The NP300’s predecessor surfaced a few years back and has been received with open arms here. Such is the eager anticipation of the NP300 that ETCM has recorded over
 1,000
 orders on the book, and bear in mind those people did so without knowing the exact price figures. The NP300 has been teased for so long that till the official unveiling this morning, the prices were kept under lock and key, so Tan Chong says.
QUICK FACTS
Nissan NP300 Navara
Grade VL
Grade V
Grade SE (AT)
Grade SE (MT)
Grade E
Single Cab
Engine
2,488cc; inline-4 DOHC with Variable Geometry System; Commonrail Injection (YD25DDTi)
Transmission
7-speed Auto with Manual Mode
6-speed manual
Max Power
190 hp @ 3,600 rpm
163 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Max Torque
450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Link with Shocks (Rear)
Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Leaf with Shocks
Price
RM120,800
RM109,800
RM102,800
RM97,800
RM89,800
RM79,000
EXTERIOR
At the front, there’s a brand new pair of
headlamps
 which are angular in design and features the
 boomerang-shaped LED DRLs
(only for the range-topper VL variant). Also exclusive to the VL trim are LED headlights, where the rest settles for halogen bulbs. The combination of these two work really well together with the redesigned 3D-like signature
 V-Motion grille
 which in turn makes the NP300 stand out.
Speaking of aesthetics, the NP300 always does away with the wheels from its predecessor and now sports a set of 18-inch wheels. There now exists more muscular lines on the Navara which does the trick of
accentuating
 the truck’s
go-anywhere attitude
 and capability. From the
wheel arches
 to the
roof-railings
; it all seems to work well as far as looks go. Interestingly, the NP300 sports something on the tailgate that one would normally find on boy-racer’s cars – a spoiler. Yes, you read that right. This pick-up truck trots a spoiler. Now, word from Nissan is that the spoiler is there to improve the aerodynamics of the car.

Other bits new to the Navara is the amount of chrome trimming sthat can be specified (sadly it’s a cost option) in and around the car. Apart from that, the Np300 comes with roof rails which Nissan says add to the aesthetic appeal and the same time improves the aerodynamics of the truck. They are also capable of supporting load of up to
56kgs
. A quick browse through the options list and you’ll discover upon
Pro-Form Tango Sport Lid
 as an option amongst others.
INTERIOR
Nissan has indeed pushed the boat out with this all-new model. The target in mind was to make the Navara more car-like in nature. The interior has been given a new lease of life starting with the seats. Nissan says that the
Zero Gravity Inspired Seats
 are redesigned to offer improved
ergonomics
 and greater alertness, which is great for safety and can trace their inspirations to technology inspired by
NASA
. One small step for Nissan, one giant leap for safety? Regardless of how you look at it, good seats can
make or break
 a car. Naturally, the seats come additional
lumbar
 support which means your chiropractor will start to miss you.

Back to the point of the Navara’s
car-like feel
: hop in the back seats and you’ll immediately notice the
rear air-conditioning vents
 and pop-out
cup holders
. Not only that, but the
angle
 of the rear seats have been
racked
 back further for a more
cosseting
 feel. There’s also a host of
ISOFIX
 child seat restrainers, which is a good touch and certainly does boil back to the Navara’s intention of being less of a
utilitarian
 pick-up truck.
The driver is not left perched up there without luxuries. The NP300 comes with a
five-inch full colour LCD
 screen for the
 GPS navigation
 and
infotainment
 system. Additionally, the
 Advanced Drive Assist Display
 (ADAD) located right smack in the middle of both the rev counter and speedo provides a slew of
info
 for the driver. The steering wheel is littered with buttons that can do a host of different tasks from making a
handsfree phone call
 to setting the
 cruise control
. From the smallest detail such as the chunky chrome door handle, the
auto-dimming
 rear view mirror, to the
Push Start
 button, you get the distinct feeling that this truck is itching to shed its image and blossom.
PERFORMANCE
The Navara headlines in this respect when you consider the fact that this truck comes with a seven-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (VL,V and SE variants) – an industry first for the Navara. Not only that but the new
 2.5-litre YD25DDTi Variable Geometry System
 (VGS) is available in two different states of tune. The top-shelf VL model will get
187hp
 and a whopping
450 Nm
 of twisting force. The rest of the range will get
160 hp
 that’s followed closely by
403 Nm
 of torque. Not bad considering that the
 15:1
 compression ratio is helped along by the VGS turbochargers which should make for spritely driving.
The biggest change here on this all-new Navara is the fact that Nissan has elected to go with the bold move of chucking the conventional leaf-spring set up for much more modern and sophisticated
 multi-link suspension
 setup which should really lend a helping hand in Nissan’s quest in making the Navara more car-like in nature. Now, this change only affects the
double cab
 version of the all-new NP300. The more utilitarian
 single cab
 version still retains the
 leaf spring setup
 as it immediately makes it more affordable for buyers with rough use solely and firmly in mind. Multi-link suspension doesn’t quite withstand heavy-duty work as well as leaf springs will.
The Navara also comes with a
Shift-On-The-Fly
 type 4×4 mode selector that is conveniently located in the lower dashboard. This system can switched from
2H
 to
4H
 whilst driving at speeds not exceeding
100km/h
, however Nissan says that if you were shift it up to
4L
 (Low Range) it be best if you pulled over and did it. After all the transfer box is a complicated bit of cog wheels and machinery. Speaking of the muddy bits, the Navara comes with brilliant ground clearance with an
approach angle
of

31 degrees
 and a departure angle of
25.6 degrees
, making it quite the off-roader. Couple that with the fact that it has
 230mm
 of clearance makes this a winner for most.
SAFETY
The Navara comes loaded to the brim with a whole bunch safety equipments that, if we’re honest are unheard of for a truck.
 Vehicle Dynamic Control
 (VDC),
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
 and
Brake Assist
 are among many that call the NP300 home. But of them all, a feature that stands out most is the
HDC
 or
Hill Decent Control
 which is an electronic program that applies the brakes when traction is lost. Brilliant for off-roading. That system is coupled up with the
HSA
 or
Hill Start Assist
.
Interestingly too, this Mother Trucker comes bolted with
ABLS
 or Active Brake Limited Slip with a clever bit electronics and sensors that detect loss of traction and will send power to wheels that do have traction. Needless to say, this program works hand in hand with the HDC program. The NP300 comes with
 two airbags
 as standard.
WHAT ELSE ?
The all-new Navara comes with a
 3-year
 or
100,000km
 warranty, whichever comes first. In terms of paint, you’ve four options namely
Tungsten Silver
,
 Diamond Black
,
Brilliant White
 and
Savanna Orange
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab & Grade E

Nissan NP300 Navara SE (MT & AT); Grade V

Nissan NP300 Navara VL


Tesla Model S Plaid reclaims Nürburgring EV lap record, but apparently not for long

The
Tesla Model S Plaid
 has just beaten the
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
 again to reclaim the production EV lap record at the
Nürburgring Nords
chl
eife
.
According to the official list on Nürburgring’s own website, the Tesla Model S Plaid – equipped with the new Track Package option – completed the 20.832 km loop in
7 minutes and 25.231 seconds
. The new time beats the
previous record held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo S
 by over eight seconds.
The new time also improved upon
its old record
 by nearly 10 seconds, courtesy of the new Track Package that promises the “ultimate track experience” courtesy of its mechanical upgrades.
These include the new 20-inch lightweight forged aluminium wheels wrapped in sticky ‘track-ready’ Goodyear Supercar 3R tyres, as well as upgraded brakes consisting of new carbon-silicon carbide brake rotors, high-performance brake fluid, plus new six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers with “high-performance” brake pads.
In addition to actual mechanical upgrades, the Track Package also tweaks the car’s software to unlock a new 322 km/h (200 mph) top speed. The record-breaking car also features a round steering wheel, in place of the steering
joke
 yoke.

Tesla and Porsche have been busy duking it out at Nürburgring recently, with the production EV title already changing hands between them multiple times over the last few years – and it’s set to happen again very, very soon.
Despite having only set the record last Friday, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s new lap time has already reportedly been beaten by the German marque, according to an
Instagram post
by YouTuber and Nürburgring expert, Misha Charoudin.
“Anyway, whatever it is, this Plaid’s record is already broken anyway. I can only guess that announcement will follow on 75th birthday of someone/something or anytime soon,” Charoudin said at the end of a post commenting on the Model S’ latest lap record.
The “75th birthday of someone/something” obviously refers to Porsche, which is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, at an event later today (8 June). If Charoudin’s comments hold any water, then Tesla’s latest lap record will only be held for a couple of days.
Porsche has been photographed recently at the Nürburgring testing what appears to be a higher-performance version of the Taycan, with improved aerodynamics and reportedly over 1,000 hp of output. The German carmaker could be using the event today to stage its debut.
RELATED:
Porsche spent three years updating its crest… if you can even spot the differences


Volvo Concept XC Coupe: The future of Volvo XC models [+Video]

Volvo’s current SUV line-up has been in the market for quite some time now and it’s about time the Swedish marque introduce a new generation of its XC models. Well, here’s what Volvo has come up with, Volvo Concept XC Coupe, the future of XC90, XC60 and the new XC40.
This new concept is inspired by the design of modern sports equipment. A sophisticated and capable car for people with an active lifestyle. “Those who love gravity sports freely seek new thrills and challenges. To ensure that they make it back in one piece, they prefer high-performance equipment that offers the ultimate sense of freedom and protection,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.
“The Volvo Concept XC Coupé is perfectly in tune with this active lifestyle. Its capability and protection is cleverly integrated into the sophisticated looks. Concept XC Coupé is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back,” he adds.
Some of the significant designs are the floating grille, T-shaped LED in the headlights, new rear light design, chunky side sills, 21-inch wheels and front and rear skid plates. This new concept may look like a replacement of the XC60, however this is in fact a glimpse of how the new XC90 will look. The largest XC in the SUV line-up will be reveal at the Paris Motor Show in September.
Inside the car, it features an Android-based Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system via a tablet-sized central touchscreen. It allows you to download apps straight to the car. Among many other safety features in the new XC models, autobrake system that detects pedestrians in the dark and the ability to autonomously follow the car in front.
Under the hood, only a four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines across all XC models including the large XC90. Its superchargered petrol engine produces 302bhp. Hybrid versions of the same engine get 400bhp with a massive 600Nm of torque. All we need to do now is wait for the new Volvo XC90 which will be unveiled this September in Paris.
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IMAGE GALLERY


Ford Ranger T6 facelift arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM92k to RM132k [+Video]

The
facelifted Ford Ranger T6
 has finally made its way here to Malaysia, with official distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offering the popular pickup in three flavours – XL, XLT and range topping Wildtrak variants. Pricing starts from RM91,588 for the XL, RM101,388 for the XLT and RM132,188 for the
Wildtrak
.
EXTERIOR
Changes to the design are mostly subtle, but distinguishable nonetheless, starting with the
new front fascia
. The hood gets a minor tweak, featuring more prominent lines and the headlights are also new and similar to those seen on the
new Everest
.
The grille is bolder
 than ever with generous amount of chrome, and capping off the new look is the
redesigned fog lamps
.

As for the Wildtrak, all the chrome bits you see on the XLT are finished in what Ford calls
liquid metallic grey
, accentuating its ruggedness. This includes the grille, door handles, side mirrors, bed rails and even the tail lamps. It also sits on a
larger set of wheels
 – 18-inches to be exact. The Wildtrak’s exclusive ‘Pride Orange’ paint scheme is also carried forward.
INTERIOR
Stepping inside the Ranger is altogether a less rugged affair. Its
class-leading build and ride quality
 are both retained, followed by a sleek new dashboard. The XLT variant settles for Ford’s SYNC head unit with a
 4.2-inch display
, whereas the Wildtrak gets a
huge 8-inch touchscreen head unit
 powered by Microsoft’s new-generation SYNC 2 software.

All Rangers get an all-new
Electric Power Assisted Steering
, and along with it a new pair of TFT screens built into the instrument cluster. They display information such as vehicle status, GPS navigation and air conditioning controls. Also new here is Ford’s
MyKey system
 which allows programming for maximum speed limit, seatbelt reminder and even maximum volume of the audio system.
At the back, the Ranger gets a first-in-class
230V three-pin AC socket
 next to a 12V DC outlet. The former, Ford says, is capable of
 charging laptops
 or even
power a mini refrigerator
! Other features include front and rear parking sensors including a rear view camera.
PERFORMANCE
As per the previous Ranger, two diesel engines are at duty – a
2.2-litre four-cylinder
 and
3.2-litre five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi
 engines. They make
 158 hp
 and
 385 Nm
 of torque (10 hp and 10 Nm more than the pre-facelift Ranger) for the smaller engine, while the larger engine makes the same
197 hp
 and
470 Nm
 of torque which is the same as before. However, the Wildtrak’s engine gets a
new exhaust gas recirculation system
 which helps
improve fuel efficiency
 by up to 12 percent.

Tasked with sending all that power to the wheels is either a
six-speed manual
 or
six-speed automatic
 transmission.
SAFETY
One of the best performing areas of the Ranger has always been its safety features. This time it’s fitted with
six airbags
 (Wildtrak only), Forward Alert,
Adaptive Cruise Control
, and Lane Keeping Aid. The Lane Keeping Aid system works via a front-facing camera built into the rear-view mirror, and kicks in by applying steering torque to correct driving direction. Complementing this system is Ford’s
Lane Departure Warning system
 that warns the driver through vibration of the steering wheel.
There’s also Hill Launch Assist, Adaptive Load Control and Emergency Brake Assist on top of the typical three-lettered acronyms.
WHAT ELSE?
Again, the facelifted Ranger T6 is priced from RM91,588 to RM132,188. There are
six colours
 to choose from – Pride Orange, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica and Aurora Blue. The pickup will be on display at Ford’s Tough Done Smarter Experiential Test Drive event held at
Central Park Avenue
,
 One Utama
 which will be held from 9 to 11 October. The good news is, those of you interested will not need to make prior bookings. Admission is also free.
VIDEO GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY
Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT

Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak


Nismo lists down the recipe needed to hit 720 hp in the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

Apart from the progress of sketching to
prototype
 development and finalised design, not much has been shared by Nissan on the heart of the commemorative
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign
.
Nismo
, together with Nissan Technical Centre (NTC), have now shared their build list for bumping up the power outputs of the
3.8-litre VR38DETT
 engine in the
Nissan GT-R Nismo
 model from 600 hp to
720 hp
.
Pushing out an additional
120 hp
 (this is even more than what the new
Almera Turbo
 has!) requires more than just a pair of new turbochargers and an ECU (engine control unit) upgrade. Nismo listed new items specifically just for this project that includes exhaust system plus catalysers, pistons, connecting rods, connecting pins, crankshaft, camshafts, intercooler and associated plumbing, intake manifold and air filter casings.
More energy also means more requirements of fuel, thus new fuel injectors and a higher-flow fuel pump are also part of the upgrade “recipe”. Nismo and NTC said approximately
12% of new parts
 were developed just for this special project. Many technologies and learnings from the Nissan GT-R
Nismo GT3
 racing machine were transferred to the development of these new components.
In detail, the heavily revised V6 engine in the GT-R50 develops
720 hp at 7,100 rpm
 and
780 Nm
 of torque between
4,800 to 5,600 rpm
. This is a 120 hp and 128 Nm increase over the already special made-to-order Nismo GT-R engine dishing out 600 hp and 652 Nm.

All that increase in power still meets the strict Euro 6 emission regulation, which is important as many of the GT-R50 by Italdesign will find homes in Europe. Nismo and NTC also upgraded the transmission system to handle that enormous increase in power.
Based on internal tests, the GT-R50 by Italdesign manages to reach 200 km/h in
0.8 seconds quicker
 than the normal GT-R Nismo from a standstill. No specific result was shared as the chart had its timing and speed blanked off.
For reference, the engine outputs in the “entry level” 2021 Nissan GT-R are 570 hp and 637 Nm of torque.
A
test car
 was also developed to test various new body parts such as the retractable rear wing, panels as well as chassis rigidity.
To recap, the project was conceived to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of both the GT-R nameplate and the revered Italian design house with only
50 units
 of the million-dollar (
EUR990,000
) special will be built. The GT-R50 will be finished with liveries inspired by the most successful race cars to carry the GT-R nameplate, likely making all 50 units to be completely bespoke.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: BMW X3 M Competition lands in Malaysia

The first-ever BMW X3 M Competition is now available in Malaysia, launched today by BMW Malaysia alongside three other M models – the
M8 Coupe
 and
Gran Coupe
, as well as the
X4 M Competition
 – at the Secret Garage @ M Town event.
The BMW X3 M Competition is priced at
RM886,551.58
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
 that will be in place until the end of the year. With BMW Group Malaysia’s Balloon Financing Plan, the X3 M Competition can be owned with monthly instalments starting at RM10,118.

PERFORMANCE
The BMW X3 M is powered by the brand’s new S58 three-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol engine – the same engine that will be making its way into the upcoming
BMW M3
 and
 M4
. In Competition form, which is the only one we get here, the powerplant is uprated to give an even higher power output.
Engine: S58 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six
Transmission: Eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic
Drivetrain: M xDrive all-wheel drive
Max horsepower: 510 hp @ 6,250 RPM
Max torque: 600 Nm @ 2,600 – 5,950 RPM
0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
To aid with the added performance especially on track – which we’ve

tested at the Kyalami Circuit
 – the X3 M Competition comes with a myriad of M Performance parts, including three Drivelogic transmission modes (Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus), adaptive dampers, engine compartment strut brace and stiffer stabilisers, as well as M Compound Brakes made from composite materials to reduce weight and a better stopping performance.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the M-specific xDrive all-wheel drive system and the Active M Differential, which can be set to a rear-wheel bias in Sport mode. In Conventional mode, power is distributed variably depending on grip levels and requirements.
EXTERIOR
The BMW X3 M Competition is suitably dressed up to complement its performance. Up front, the new front apron features large hexagonal air intakes which is designed to feed air to the front brakes under high thermal loads. While over at the rear, the X3 M Competition gets a slim diffuser in high-gloss black, paired to an M-specific roof spoiler.
Other exterior highlights on the X3 M Competition include:
Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant
LED taillights
21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels
M Sport exhaust system with quad black chrome tailpipes
Black kidney grille surrounds, side gills, wing mirror caps
Exterior colour choices: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey, Toronto Red
INTERIOR
The sportiness brought by the M treatment continues inside, with a whole swath of M-specific touches to elevate the interior of the
BMW X3
. These include:
M Sport seats with illuminated M badge, active seat ventilation, and lumbar support
Premium Leather Merino upholstery with BMW M colours decorative seams
M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, red push-start button
Redesigned M gear selector lever
M seatbelts, pedals, and knee pad
M-specific instrument cluster
Head-up display with M-specific display modes
10.25-inch Control Display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW Gesture Control
M door sill plates
Interior trim finishers in carbon fibre
Exclusive to the new X3 M Competition here on our shores, the rear seats now come with reclineable backrests, along with new rear-side windows roller sunblind for added comfort on longer journeys. The automatic tailgate is also retained here on the performance SUV.
Luggage capacity is also not sacrificed here for performance, with a rear cargo space of 550 litres that can be increased to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, the BMW X3 M Competition also comes with an upgraded Harman Kardon 600W audio system with nine channels and 16 speakers, as well as wireless smartphone charging tray.
Depending on which exterior colour is chosen, the new BMW X3 M Competition can be specified with Leather Merino interior upholstery in Black, Sakhir Orange, or Adelaide Grey.
SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE
The new BMW X3 M Competition comes equipped with BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus advanced driver assistance and convenience features. Functionalities include:
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function
Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Collision Prevention
Steering and lane control assistant
Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection
Front Cross Traffic Alert
Automatic parking assistant (steering, accelerating, and braking) for both parallel and reverse parking
Panorama View camera
3D Top View function
Remote 3D View – three-dimensional live image of the vehicle transmitted directly to the driver’s smartphone
PRICING
The BMW X3 M Competition is now available in Malaysia, priced at
RM886,551.58
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions that will be in place until the end of 2020. Included in the price as standard is the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience, which includes:
5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with free scheduled service programme
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
BMW Service Online
With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia Balloon Financing Plan, the BMW X3 M Competition can be yours with monthly instalment plans starting from
RM10,118
, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure period.
Customers can also book the new BMW X3 M Competition on the new
BMW Malaysia online shop
, linked
here
, with a booking fee of RM5,000, and be in the running to bring home a now-discontinued
BMW i8 Coupé
.
For the latest updated price list of BMW models in Malaysia, click
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Review: JMC Vigus Pro 2.0 Turbo – A total surprise package

I’m not gonna lie to you; when I first heard about the pick-up and saw it for the first time, expectations were not high largely due to the fact that the company was relatively unknown (at least to me, at that time). Apparently, JMC (otherwise known as Jiangling Motors Corporation) has been in Malaysia for some years now, with more focus on commercial vehicles sales.

The JMC Vigus Pro then is the company’s first pick-up offering in Malaysia through Angka-Tan Motor. The company is a subsidiary of Warisan Tan Chong Holdings.
We were given the car just two days
after its launch
and boy, was I surprised. There’s no denying that I’m not the biggest fan of how it looks; it has sharp edges, curves, and bulges that just doesn’t seem to jive, to me at least.
But looks are always subjective and a large portion of the people I met with the truck were actually impressed with how it looks – theory proven. Most were in favour of the large front grille with horizontal slates, and how imposing the front-end looked overall. The Vigus Pro’s LED daytime running probably had something to do with how aggressive the Vigus Pro looked as well.
On the outside, it seems to have everything you’d need in a 4×4 pick-up; a large cargo bed, leaf springs, rugged Maxxis tyres, a side step, and hooks for cargo/cover at the rear. It would’ve been more ideal to have a damper for the heavy tailgate but I suspect those who really use the Vigus Pro for what it’s intended for, would not complain about the absence of it.
Where the Vigus Pro started to impress (me at least) was the interior. The first thing I took notice of and a liking for during our pre-launch shoot were the seats. Granted, aesthetically they’re not the most exciting to look at but trust me, you wouldn’t be thinking about how it looks once you’re actually seated on it.
In that aspect, the padding on those seats is some of the most comfortable my brittle back and skinny bottom has laid on. That being said, if it was that soft when new, I’m not sure how long it can retain that buoyancy.
As for the rest of the interior, the Vigus Pro is certainly relevant in today’s market. It’s pleasing to the eye, with a predominantly black cabin although limited in features and equipment, it certainly doesn’t feel like a cheap 4×4.
It’s not a plain jane either; you get the sense that JMC does not want the Vigus Pro to be just a ‘budget pick-up” with standout items such as the twin-spoke steering wheel and a shift lever that looks like the one in the
Peugeot 3008
and
5008
.
It has a Bluetooth player, a 3.5-inch TFT display for some driving information and even paddle shifters. Interestingly, it comes with paddle shifters but for all the fancy stuff it tries to offer, the Vigus Pro lacks the telescopic adjustment function for the steering wheel.
For someone as tall as me, having a telescopic function is vital. Without it, either my hands will be too stretched out in order to accommodate my legs or they would be too close to the pedals, to accommodate my long arms. Like Bluetooth, the telescopic function should be mandatory in all cars by now.
As for the driving bit, here’s where the Vigus Pro started to impress. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged Ford engine offered plenty of grunt with 141 hp and 340 Nm but it’s how the power is delivered that was even more surprising.
Coupled with an 8-speed ZF gearbox, power delivery was smooth especially in the lower revs with the gearbox reacting quickly to any slightest input on the accelerator pedal. Fuel consumption is worth a mention too; with a mix of hard acceleration and light and easy cruising, the Vigus Pro returned a respectable 10.7L/100km. All this while bearing in mind that it’s less than RM100k, is quite impressive.
There is a quirk to it though; at lower speeds, each time you lift off the accelerator pedal, there’s a strong sense of engine braking pulling the car back which can be a little unsettling.
There’s plenty enough room at the back with the seats offering some slight recline angle but the vibration over bumps, as a result of the Vigus Pro’s ladder-frame chassis that all pick-ups adopt, is somehow a little more noticeable than your household names, but excusable because again, it’s only under RM100k.
That may sound appealing, but I suspect the RM98,888 Vigus Pro will still face stiff competition from the more established names still. If you compare their prices, the equivalent Ranger XL 4×4 is priced at RM105,388, the equivalent Triton 4×4 at RM105,990 and the equivalent Hilux V 4×4 at RM108,880.
For those looking to get a pick-up purely for heavy work use, the difference of RM10k or less in the asking price may not matter so much if the trade-off includes a more comprehensive dealership network for unforeseen circumstances.
It may be an impressive product if judged purely on its own but seeing as we’re spoilt for choices when it comes to buying a pick-up in Malaysia, it may require loads of work from JMC to avoid the Vigus Pro from quickly falling out of the public’s attention.
GALLERY


Perodua sold 213,300 cars in 2015, targets 216,000 for 2016

While 2015 has been a roller coaster ride for the Malaysian automotive industry, Perodua became the biggest beneficiary among auto manufacturers in this country. Not only have they surpassed the 200,000 sales mark in 2015, but they also became the country’s leading automaker for the tenth consecutive year
Perodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said, “Last year (2015) was a very challenging year for us with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax; the weakening ringgit as well as the slump in oil prices having a big impact to the country’s economy.”
He added that the challenging economy had caused many customers to scale down their purchases to more affordable cars. With that, the
Axia
, launched in 2014, met their requirements which contributes to 99,700 units or 46.7 percent of Perodua’s sales last year. Perodua also scored a market share of 32 percent based on its Total Industry Volume (TIV) estimation of 667,000 in 2015.
Despite that, Perodua’s profit dipped due to the volatile Ringgit, and this is because the company imports about 8 to 10 percent of its components.
However, the optimistic CEO targets to sell 216,000 units this year, despite
Frost & Sullivan
‘s prediction stating that vehicle sales in Malaysia will decline by 1.44 per cent year-on-year to reach 648,000 units in 2016. The second national car maker will rely on strong sales and marketing efforts as well as further improving its customer experience through all its sales and service network to continue strengthening its position.
The increase of sales also led to a new record for its after sales business. Last year, there were 1.96 million intakes, an increase of 2.3 percent, from 1.92 million intakes in 2014. As of December 2015, Perodua has 181 sales and 190 service centres nationwide.
While other manufacturers have already resorted to raising car prices, Perodua chose not to follow suit in the near term. However, the company will proactively observe the forex exchange and will review their pricing strategy when needed. Last year, Perodua increased the price of the Axia G variant for RM1,500 in order to add the ABS.
Despite that, Perodua will not rest its laurels in 2016, with stiffer competition and market liberalisation are among the new challenges. Also, the company is working closely with Daihatsu and Toyota with an upcoming compact saloon model based on the Buddyz concept unveiled in KLIMS 2013.


Updated Volkswagen Beetle now in Malaysia, two variants, 1.2L turbo, from RM138k

Together with the launch of the Volkswagen Vento Allstar and Vento GT, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) also introduced the updated Beetle.
Just two variants will go on sale – the Design and Sport trims, both sharing the same
1.2-litre turbocharged
 four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The engine produces
104 hp
 and
175 Nm
 of torque.

Standard on both Beetles are the 16-inch “Whirl” alloy wheels with 215/60 Bridgestone Turanza tyres, body-coloured dashboard, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry. The Design Package gives you “Pepita” fabric seats, halogen reflector headlamps, manual air conditioning and a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with 8 speakers.
The Sport Package comes with a larger 6.5-inch Composition Media head unit (also with 8 speakers) with App Connect, enabling Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link functions. This is the only variant that comes with the bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, cruise control, lumbar support for the front seats, “Vienna” leather seats and dual-zone Climatronic air-conditioning.

The Volkswagen Beetle Design retails for RM137,620.00 whereas the Beetle Sport costs RM148,620.00. Both prices have taxes and registration fees accounted for but excludes insurance. Each purchase comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty package, 5-year roadside assist with a service interval of 15,000 km.
It’s fully imported and comes in a variety of colours – Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze, Habanero Orange and White Silver.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lamborghini’s ‘Space Key’ is a piece of carbon fibre that unlocks an NFT art piece

NFTs – short for
 Non-Fungible Tokens
– are the hottest new commodity on the internet, so it’s not surprising that carmakers too want to cash in on all that rage. The latest is
Lamborghini
, who has just unveiled its first-ever NFT piece, called Space Key.
At the centre of Lamborghini’s Space Key art piece is a piece of “advanced carbon fibre composite material” that was actually sent to space in 2019 as part of a joint research project. Once returned from its journey, the piece of carbon fibre was then sent back to Lamborghini, where they’ve then etched a unique QR code to the back that unlocks a piece of NFT digital artwork.
Only five examples of the Space Key will ever be available, with each QR code tied to a unique exclusive digital artwork, commissioned from a yet undisclosed artist.
“Innovation is a deeply rooted part of the Lamborghini DNA,” said Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. “As a leading company for carbon fibre composite materials within the automotive sector, we pushed boundaries two and a half years ago with the joint research project in space. Now entering the metaverse is again proof of Lamborghini always setting sail for new horizons.
RELATED: Volkswagen Malaysia releases NFT “crypto art” based on Arteon
“The NFT world has been calling to us, and we are excited about engaging with this very passionate and innovative community.”
Lamborghini is working with NFT PRO to publish the Space Key NFT art piece. More info, including the name of the artist and auction, will be revealed in the following days and weeks.
GALLERY


Join the Honda Civic Type R “Limited Edition” for a record-breaking lap in Suzuka, Japan

The
Honda Civic Type R
, more specifically the
Limited Edition model
 revealed recently, is out for blood. Not pleased with Renault stomping on their Front-wheel Drive (FWD) territory, Honda recently took the
 FK8 Type R
around the Suzuka circuit in Japan, and emerged with outstanding results and an incredible video.
In the hands of Super GT driver, Takuya Isawa, the limited edition cracked the record set in November last year by the Renault Megane Trophy-R by a full second – en route to becoming the fastest FWD around Suzuka.
That’s mighty impressive considering there were no performance upgrades in the limited edition model with only 1,000 units available. Instead what Honda did was
lighten it by almost 50 kg
. Honda achieved that by removing the rear wipers, the tonneau cover and rear heater ducts.

Removing the sound dampening materials alone in the Civic Type R Limited Edition
reduced more than 12kg of the car’s overall weight
. The limited edition Type R not only comes with the new Phoenix Yellow paint job but also lightweight forged aluminium BBS wheels.
As mentioned earlier, performance figures have remained unchanged. The FK8’s 2.0-litre turbcharged VTEC engine makes
320 hp
 and
400Nm
. The lighter and faster Civic Type R now also comes with the Honda Sensing driver assistance system.
Next up, Nurburging? It appears so as the current “Fastest Front-wheel Drive (FWD) record” is also held by the Trophy-R.
GALLERY


Edaran Tan Chong issues recall for X-Trail and Teana models over faulty Takata airbag inflator

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor and assembler of Nissan cars here on our shores, has recently announced that there will be a service campaign to notify the 12,444 units of its cars that are affected by the global recall caused by airbag manufacturer Takata.
The fault in this case, is the inflator module for the front passenger airbags. This recall also rang the same bells over at Honda, after
recently recalling 46,710 cars
 just weeks earlier. Three specific models are involved in the program, which includes the locally assembled
T30 X-Trail
(first gen), the
fully imported first generation J31 Teana
 and
M12 Liberty
. The recently unveiled
T32 X-Trail
 is not part of the programme, because this issue is specifically centred around the first-generation model made between May 2002 to March 2007.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Model
Product code
Year manufactured
Affected units
X-TRAIL(CKD)
T30
1 May 2002 – Mar 2007
12,420
TEANA(CBU)
J31
Aug 2004 – Sep 2004
4
LIBERTY(CBU)
M12
2003
20
Tan Chong Express Auto Service Centre
 (TCEAS) will be carrying out the tasks of replacing the faulty parts and
will be directly in touch
 with the owners of the affected cars. The costs involved in the rectification will be borne by
ETCM
.


Subaru Connex telematics system for XV and Forester launched in Malaysia – RM1,900

TC Subaru today officially introduced the Subaru Connex app, after a two-year-long trial here in Malaysia. The telematics system is designed to greater safety and peace of mind to Subaru owners, and will be offered to new and existing
XV
 and
Forester
 owners at
RM1,900
 from September 10 onwards.
The price includes all necessary costs for hardware installation, along with a one-year subscription. From the second year onwards, a subscription fee of
RM360/year
 will be charged annually.
In terms of features, the Subaru Connex app is pretty similar to what’s offered in all other telematics systems such as the
Honda Connect
 and
Hyundai Telematics System
, with functions split into a couple of main categories, starting with the automatic accident alert and response.
In the event of a crash where the on-board device detects an impact in excess of 2G, the system will automatically send key vehicle information such as location, crash speed, and impact force directly to a dedicated call centre.
Should you buy a Subaru XV? Here are five types of drivers we think will be perfect for the compact SUV!
The call centre will then contact the passengers directly through the on-board voice-box to understand the situation, and determine if additional emergency services is needed. However, in the event that no response was received, and a severe impact was recorded on the on-board device, the call centre will then automatically contact emergency services to request for an ambulance at the accident site.
The Subaru Connex systems also makes it easier for owners to request for breakdown assistance when needed, through the on-board bCall button which notifies Subaru’s Roadside Assist team to send the necessary help to the vehicle’s location.
There’s also an on-board SOS button, which will notify the call centre to send emergency medical assistance to the vehicle’s location. The SOS button can also be used to request for ambulance services when the driver witnesses an accident, or needs help in assisting someone who needs it.
The Subaru XV 2.0i-P recently received a pretty sizeable update for 2021. Here’s everything you need to know!
Aside from safety features, the Subaru Connex service also offers several security and convenience functions, such as the Smart Alarm, which notifies the owner via the connected mobile app if their car’s ignition has been switched on, or if their vehicle is being towed.
Owners can also keep track of their vehicle’s status at all times via the app, including the car’s battery voltage (with automatic notification when the system detects a low voltage), ignition status, driving history, last parked location, and the due date for the next scheduled service.
The app also allows owners to set an arbitrary speed limit on the vehicle, which sends a notification whenever the car goes over the speed limit – particularly useful for when the car is loaned out to family members, friends, or even fleet customers.
Last but not least, there’s also a stolen vehicle recovery function, which – upon verification – activates the process and enable the call centre to liaise with the police for vehicle recovery, based on GPS location data.
You can now get the same sporty look of the Forester GT Edition at a much cheaper price! Check out the Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition here.
Subaru Connex customers are also offered additional services as part of the VIP Assist package, which includes unlimited towing to their preferred authorised Subaru workshop in case of aflood, breakdown, or accident; on-site repair service (up to RM300 for labour charges per incident); and transport reimbursement in case of an accident repair at an authorised Subaru Workshop, up to RM2,000.
Additionally, Subaru also says that the Connex system is also ready for Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) policies, although more information will only be provided when the programme is launched by early 2022.
“Subaru Connex has come at the right time when safety has become more important than ever. The device further enhances our continuous commitment to safety, giving Subaru drivers something more that they can rely on should they require emergency assistance,” said TC Subaru Country Manager, Eugene Tay.


Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance in Malaysia – 843 hp, 0-100 km/h 2.9s, from RM2.08 million

Revealed to the world in September 2021, the
Mercedes-AMG GT63S E Performance
 has arrived in Malaysia. The GT63S E Performance is not only the first hybrid AMG but also the most powerful production Mercedes-AMG ever made, with a price tag of RM2,088,888.
Renewing your car insurance? Be sure to check out
MotorTakaful.com

by Etiqa. By renewing online, you’ll get a 10% rebate, and even cash back at the end of your coverage.
Under the hood is a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 639 hp and 900 Nm, paired with a 9G AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with drift mode.
Combined with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, the GT63S E Performance produces a total of 843 hp and 1,470 Nm of torque. As such, 0-100 km/h takes a brisk 2.9 seconds, with 200 km/h achieved in under 10 seconds. As for top speed, it’s similar to the standard GT63S at 316 km/h.
The rear electric motor works together with a two-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential known together as the Electric Drive Unit. Powering the electric motor is a 6.1 kWh battery that offers a measly 12 km of electric driving, up to a top speed of 130 km/h.
The GT63S E Performance comes with the AMG Ride Control+ adaptive suspension, 21-inch AMG forged wheels and AMG ceramic composite brakes measuring a whopping 420 mm at the front. The AMG GT63S E Performance distinguishes itself from the standard GT63S with E Performance badges on the fenders finished with chrome.
Seen here is the GT63S E Performance finished in Manufaktur Kalahari Gold while also available are AMG Green Hell Magno, Copper Orange Magno, Olive Metallic, and Classic Grey Uni exterior colour options. The AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG Exterior Carbon package are included as standard.
Inside, the driver can adjust the traction control, suspension and drive mode settings through the digital knobs on the AMG steering wheel. The dashboard is fitted with carbon fibre inserts; as are the door panels. The Nappa leather-wrapped Performance seats are accompanied by red seat belts.
GALLERY


Malaysians spend more time watching videos to aid car purchase – Google

Before the turn of the millennium, selling cars was simple. Consumers can be easily reached via TV, radio and print advertisements. This went on for another decade before the process took a more complex turn, thanks to mobile devices.
About 75 percent of Malaysians (roughly 24 million individuals) have 3.1 mobile devices (!) per person, changing the way we communicate, shop and entertain ourselves. A study by Google-TNS revealed that 86 percent of car buyers research online before making a purchase, and approximately 75 percent of them already have a preferred brand in mind.
The average car buyer used to visit 3.5 dealerships back in 2013, but now
it takes just two visits
 to make up their minds. Online searches for car loans have also grown by 21 percent from 2015 to 2016. Here are more telling statistics:
80% of Malaysian consumers research online before making a purchase decision
Malaysians love engaging various platforms and mediums to aid their purchase decision
Malaysians spend 6.3 hours a day online, 59% of which is on their mobile devices!
A whopping
88% of them
watch car videos online
!
Gone are the days where a salesperson at the showroom can bluff you into buying a car, because on the whole, dealers and car manufacturers have never faced a more informed customer.
At the end of the day, the car buying Malaysian just wants a good deal. Mass market consumers focus on after-sales service, fuel economy and resale value, whereas luxury brand consumers give more weight to performance, technology and design.
Now tell us, which car would you like us to review for you?


2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet to debut in Geneva

The
W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 had expanded beyond the three-box configuration ever since the sedan was launched last year. Basically, there’s an E-Class for everyone, be it a
coupe
, an
estate
, or even a
drift-happy monster
. Completing the W213’s lineup is the new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.
This single teaser shows a shadowy image of the E-Class cabriolet, but what’s distinguishable here is its four-seater configuration. It’ll most likely share similar proportions with the coupe equivalent, which already is bigger than the previous E-Class Coupe in dimensions.
A variety of engines will be available, beginning with the
333 hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
 petrol engine with 4MATIC as its flagship, for now. Other possible engines include the
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
 petrol engine with two different tunes –
184 hp
 and
245 hp,
 together with the
2.0-litre turbodiesel
mill

that makes
 194 hp.
Regardless of engine choice, they all will be mated to a
nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission
.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will be sitting alongside the
three Mercedes-AMG specials
, the
Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet
, and a new “electric sports car” concept at Mercedes-Benz’s booth in Geneva. It’s certainly going to be a busy week for the three-pointed star!


Take your driving skills from [P]oor to Pro with Volkswagen Malaysia “Polo P”

Calling out all P-license drivers, college and university students! Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is hosting its inaugural “Polo P” project to help you polish your driving skills from Probationary to Professional.
VPCM will be touring around selected college and university campuses around peninsular Malaysia to conduct this
Young Drivers Training programme
. Participants will be taught essential skills to be safer drivers on the road.
During the session, participants will be taught the basics of car maintenance, visual checkpoints, proper sitting and steering positions. Participants will also be getting some hands-on practice during the
defensive driving exercise
which includes emergency braking and a slalom course.
The “Polo P” project kicked off at UTAR Sg Long Campus last weekend (25 & 26 March) but in case you’ve missed it, below are dates and campus venues of the upcoming “Polo P” tour:
Date
Location
25 & 26 March
UTAR, Sungai Long
8 & 9 April
Nilai University, Seremban
8 & 9 July
Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya
19 & 20 August
Sunway College, Johor Bahru
To register and get updates on future locations of the “Polo P” project, hop onto
Volkswagen Malaysia’s website
 or send a private message on
Volkswagen Malaysia Facebook
 page.
All driving exercises will be conducted in the Volkswagen Polo 1.6L hatchback, which packs a 1.6-litre MPI four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic gearbox developing
104 hp
 and
153 Nm
 of torque. In case you didn’t know, this exact Polo is
priced at RM69,888 for a limited time
, the most affordable Volkswagen to go with the
“VW” registration plates
 don’t you think?


Standardise electric car charging, Volvo Cars tells auto industry

“A globally standardised charging system is sorely needed, because while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is simply not there yet.”
Those were the words of Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for R&D of Volvo Cars. To put things into context, Volvo is one of the leading carmakers whose belief in electrification yields tangible results – one of every five
Volvo XC90
 is of the T8 plug-in hybrid variant. In fact, the numbers and prospects are so promising that Volvo has decided to offer a plug-in hybrid variant for every new model they introduce or replace in the coming years. Yes, every single model, including an all-electric model (based on their modular SPA architecture) by 2019.
As of today, there isn’t such a thing as a ‘global standard’ for car charging, which is why the Swedish car manufacturer started a
Charging Interface Initiative
 (CII) – a consortium of stakeholders founded to establish and set standards for car charging, known as the
Combined Charging System (CCS)
. Dr Mertens said the only way to cement the increasing popularity of electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids is to make available a simple,
standardised global charging infrastructure
.
Range anxiety is a real thing, especially for urbanites driving full electric or plug-in hybrid cars. Through CII, Volvo believes that owning and driving electric cars will be a much more convenient and practical experience.
The consortium is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the world. This means now matter what brand of electric car you drive next time, all charging outlets will be compatible. After all, how can electrification thrive when there isn’t a standard infrastructure to facilitate its growth?


Would you get the Nissan X-Trail facelift with ProPilot over the CR-V Turbo?

The third-generation
Nissan X-Trail
, one of the world’s best-selling SUV, will be given a new breath of life. The model refresh for the 2017 Nissan X-Trail is not limited visually but will be given a massive boost in its safety department via the
ProPilot
 autonomous driver assist technology.
The obvious exterior add-ons are the
 V-shaped front grille
 and redesigned front bumper. The headlights now get adaptive lighting technology with revised LED DRLs. The circular fog lamps from before are now squared. Behind, the tail lamps receive new graphics and gets a new ‘shark fin’ antenna.

Inside, the X-Trail gets a real sleek three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel and boasts having higher quality materials. The
NissanConnect
 Infotainment system projects a smartphone-like interface and experience. Just like before, the X-Trail can be had with either five or seven seats.
It gets a slight bump in interior packaging, with an enlarged boot space – up 15 litres to
565 litres
 from before. The total boot space with all rear seats stowed is a massive 1,996 litres. The
Luggage Board System
 meanwhile provides a modular storage solution available in nine different configurations.
The biggest update of the X-Trail is the implementation of
ProPilot
. First introduced in the
Nissan Serena
, the system monitors acceleration, braking and steering while cruising on highways. This, together with
 Intelligent Emergency Braking

with Pedestrian Recognition
 and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
 are part of the new
Nissan Intelligent Mobility
 solution offered for the refreshed X-Trail.
The 2017 Nissan X-Trail is scheduled for UK launch in August with a wide choice of diesel powertrains. Back home, the third-generation Nissan X-Trail was launched in 2015 and will be at a major disadvantage when compared to the new and feature-rich
Honda CR-V
. But is this update enough to give the
fifth-generation CR-V
 a good fight? Perhaps.
At the same time, do check out our
written and video reviews
 of the current X-Trail SUV.
IMAGE GALLERY


Audi EVs to launch in Malaysia soon, ROI open for Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT

PHS Automotive
, the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia has announced that the registration of interest (ROI) is now open for the all-electric
Audi e-tron
 range. Customers may specify which e-tron model they would be most interested in on the company’s official website.
Listed on the ROI form are two e-tron models to choose from (2 versions of the e-tron GT and 4 versions of the Q8 e-tron). In the list are the
Audi RS e-tron GT
Audi e-tron GT Quattro
Audi Q8 e-tron 50
Audi Q8 e-tron 55
Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 50
Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 55.
Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro
Just so you know, the Audi Q8 was previously only called the ‘e-tron’, but with the brand’s expanding e-tron range,
it has been designated as the Q8 e-tron
.
PHS Automotive, which is the official distributor of Volkswagen in Malaysia, was also named the official distributor of Audi in Malaysia in July 2022. Last year, PHS Automotive already hinted at the imminent arrival of the e-tron range in Malaysia during the Volkswagen Fest 2022,
where the Volkswagen ID.4 was previewed
.
RELATED:
Updated Audi e-tron is now the Q8 e-tron – tri-motor SQ8 boasts 503 hp, 973 Nm
Audi Q8 e-tron range
Powering the Q8 e-tron are three different electric all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. The base Audi Q8 50 e-tron gets a dual-motor setup that makes
250 kW (340 hp metric)
 and
664 Nm
. Storing power is an
89-kWh
 (net) battery pack that provides
491 km
 of range (WLTP) for the SUV version and
505 km
 of range (WLTP) for the Sportback version.
A step above is the Q8 55 e-tron which gets a dual-motor setup that makes
300 kW (408 hp metric)
 and
664 Nm
. The Q8 55 gets a larger
106-kWh
 (nett) battery pack that gives the SUV version
582 km
 of range (WLTP) and the Sportback version
600 km
 of range (WLTP). Its top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
RELATED:
The Audi A6 e-tron concept uses its headlamps to project video games!
Audi e-tron GT
As for the e-tron GT, the RS e-tron GT has a base output of
598 hp
 and
830 Nm
 of torque, which can be temporarily boosted up to
646 hp
. 0 to 100 km/h is done in just
3.3 seconds
 with launch control activated and the top speed is limited to
250 km/h
. The ‘regular’ e-tron GT makes a total output of
476 hp
 and
630 Nm
 and can be boosted to
530 hp
 and 10 Nm more. 0-100 km/h is done in
4.1 seconds
 and the car has a top speed of
245 km/h
.
Interested customers may register their interests through Audi Malaysia’s official website.
RELATED:
Audi reveals new e-tron GT with 646 hp and 487 km electric range!


Aston Martin’s first SUV will be a sports car first, SUV second says design chief

No one can resist the temptation of an SUV, not
Bentley
, not
Rolls-Royce
 and certainly not
Lamborghini
. Aston Martin too is ready for their first ever SUV codenamed the
Aston Martin DBX
 and we’ve learnt a thing or two about their upcoming SUV from Aston Martin Creative Director of Exterior, Miles Nurnberger.
Speaking at a roundtable media session, Nurnberger has disclosed that the production version of the DBX is almost complete and the SUV is currently undergoing final stages of engineering and prototype session. The DBX will ride on a bespoke platform that was designed from the ground up for SUVs. This allows the engineers to create a car with go-anywhere capability while retaining much of its sporty characteristics known to Aston Martin sports cars.

In terms of design, Nurnberger has assured that the DBX will not be mistaken for anything else other than an Aston Martin. We will very much see the brand’s familiar design cues such as the gaping front grille, lean silhouette and slim taillamps. However, Nurnberger has stressed that the DBX will give off the appeal of a sports car first and SUV second.
As for powertrain option, we believe that the DBX will feature a turbocharged powerplant as the characteristics of high low-end torque would be beneficial for trekking off-road terrains. This would mean Aston Martin might employ the AMG sourced M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 that produces
503 hp
 and
675 Nm
 on the
DB11 V8
 while a higher variant to use the 5.3-litre bi-turbo V12 that is good for
599 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of twist, the latter kicking in at a lowly 1,500 rpm.
SUVs have been all the craze now with more people buying them than ever. It makes a strong business case for ultra-luxe brands like Aston Martin to take a piece of the pie because an Aston that fits four comfortably with a sizeable boot and go-anywhere everyday attitude sounds like a pretty sweet proposition to me.
IMAGE GALLERY
Aston Martin DBX Concept


It was truly surreal to be up close with the new Bugatti Chiron Sport

When the
new Bugatti Chiron Sport made its debut earlier this year
 at the Geneva Motor Show, it was beyond our wildest dreams to be in the presence of one of the fastest, most powerful and most expensive cars in the world.
But dreams, sometimes, do come true and for most of us in the motoring media industry, that dream came true today.
As there are almost boundless possibilities on how to specify the car, the Bugatti Chiron Sport can be as expensive as your net worth allows it to be.
Prices start from a minimum of the
2.65 million Euros
 (approx. RM12 million) and that’s just a start. A carbon fibre roof, for instance, will set you back another
180,000 Euros
 (approx. RM 850k) and if your heart desires a new colour for the Chiron, it would be a six-figure job (in Euros of course).
But if you’re in such a fortunate situation to consider one, the Bugatti shopping experience will not be one to disappoint. Word is that it’s uncommon for a prospective buyer to be flown all the way to Bugatti’s headquarters – treated to the all exclusive delights that would mesmerise even the wealthiest of men and women – just for their consideration. Obviously, a test drive wouldn’t be excluded.
When the mind has been overpowered by what the heart wants, a handsome deposit that edges to the million Ringgit mark will be required just to confirm your burning desire to own one of the most exclusive cars man has ever created. Only 500 Chirons (Sport or Sport-less) will ever be made.
It’s not everyday you see a speedometer that reaches up to 500 km/h!
Everything about the Chiron Sport
 is as ridiculously staggering as it is expensive – even
its Lego set costs RM 2,000
!
Its 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine makes
1,500 hp
 and
1,600 Nm
 of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is obliterated in just 2.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the
fastest Porsche 911 ever made – the GT2 RS
.
IMAGE GALLERY


GWM Cannon previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2023, Hilux alternative

The
GWM
 Cannon pickup truck is now previewed for the first time in Malaysia at the
Malaysia Autoshow 2023
. With a total of two variants showcased, we are assuming one is the lower variant while the other one is the higher variant of the Cannon.
For the moment, there are no price or specification details confirmed for the GWM Cannon pickup truck in Malaysia yet. However, based on
GWM’s Chinese site
, there are three variants available for the Poer (the pickup truck’s official name for the Chinese market). These variants are namely the P11, P12 and P13.
Looking at the designs of the two variants showcased here at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, they look to be the P11 and P12 variants. These variants will be aimed towards commercial and passenger use respectively.
On the outside, the higher variant of the Cannon features many chrome bits, which can be found in the grille, front side panel, side mirrors, and door handles. LED headlights, fog lights, a sports bar, and dual-tone wheels are present as well.
The lower variant of the GWM Cannon features a more downtoned design instead. The chrome bits found on the higher variant are all gone, with body-coloured and black bits in place instead. The wheels are also single-tone. Compared to the higher variant GWM Cannon, this variant comes with simpler-looking headlights as well.
RELATED:
Coming to Malaysia, here is the GWM Tank 500 at Auto Shanghai 2023
Inside, both variants look similar for the most part. Standard equipment that can be seen includes a touchscreen infotainment display, an automatic driver seat, as well as an electronic parking brake. Extra bits we can see available on the higher variant of the GWM Cannon are a digital instrument cluster, and leather quilted patterns on the door panel as well as the seats. There are also some silver trims on the higher variant Cannon’s centre console as well.
Again, details of the GWM Cannon are not confirmed at this point in time. There are also no official specifications or pricing details either.
RELATED:
GWM’s Tank 300 coming soon to Malaysia – Still want that Jimny?
GALLERY


Carro invests into Driven Communications, hopes to create healthy competition

Carro
, the used car company that owns
MyTukar
 has announced that it is making a strategic investment into the automotive media firm – Driven Communications. Driven Communications itself owns a list of websites, which includes paultan.org, carbase.my, and oto.my.
Carro, which is based in Singapore, has ensured that despite this investment, Driven Communication’s co-CEOs Paul Tan and Harvinder Singh will continue to lead the business. Driven Communications will also continue to have complete autonomy over its editorial direction. The investment is expected to be completed within 2 months, according to Carro.
Driven Communications co-CEO, Harvinder Singh said, “We are thrilled to know that Carro respects our editorial independence, our work with our customers, and encourages us to charge arm’s-length commercial charges to Carro group of companies. With this investment, we are looking forward to achieving profitability and growth beyond Malaysia.”
Carro highlighted that its investment into Driven Communications is its proactive move to promote openness and independence. The Singaporean-based firm explained that recent acquisitions of automotive classifieds and sites by other competitors in the industry has caused multiple dealers and platforms to be blocked. “This stifles healthy competition and customer access across the region – something Carro hopes to change,” the company said.
Driven Communications founder and co-CEO, Paul Tan said, “We welcome Carro’s strategic investment and our shared vision of a better, digitalised, transparent automotive used car ecosystem. Like many businesses, Driven Communications suffered financially during COVID-19. We are thankful for Carro’s future support that will protect our sites that loyal fans have come to love, save jobs and ensure continued independent reviews.”
Carro co-founder and CEO, Aaron Tan said, “We have been working with Driven Communications for nearly 2 years. They helped us launch our first MyTukar Autofair in Malaysia and their digital online reach was incredible. Feedback from other automotive participants has been amazing; OEMs and end-customers alike rely on them. It would be a shame that it does not have the right resources and tools to scale higher.”
Aaron also added, “We are a believer that classifieds and other services under Driven Communications should continue to be made available to their existing clientele, as well as our customers, dealers and competitors – a move we hope all classifieds emulate, given the Malaysian government initiative to break down monopolies and anti-competitive behaviour. We also strongly support its role to freely shape industry awareness and disseminate relevant information that will benefit end-customers and the industry, underpinned by facts and professional journalism. We aim to maintain a non-controlling stake and welcome other industry participants to jointly invest and support Driven Communication’s continued growth.”


Haval H1 facelift launched in Malaysia, EEV, priced from RM62k to RM75k!

GO Auto, the official distributor of Great Wall Motors (GWM) cars, has just launched the updated Haval H1. Formerly known as Haval M4, this new H1 is essentially a facelifted model of the M4. This is part of GWM’s efforts to streamline and rebrand the Haval SUV line-up to boost its sales in the international arena.
The Haval is positioned as the brand’s littlest SUV. Dimensions wise, the H1 measures 3,961 mm in overall length, 1,728 mm in width and is 1,617 mm tall. The H1 can be had in three different flavours – Comfort, Premium and Elite, with pricing
starting from RM62k
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Great Wall Haval H1 Comfort
Great Wall Haval H1 Premium
Great Wall Haval H1 Elite
Engine
1,497cc; inline-4 VVT MPI
Transmission
6-speed automated manual transmission
Max Power
105 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
138 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Price OTR
RM61,950
RM67,950
RM74,950
EXTERIOR
This rebranding exercise brings along a minor refresh to the H1’s aesthetics. For starters, it now gets redesigned halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, horizontal Haval front grille, revised front and rear bumper, roof rails, halogen combination tail lamps and rear spoiler with integrated third brake light.

Top of the line Elite variant adds on
Poly-Eclipse projector

headlamps
 and LED daytime running lights. Regardless of trim levels, the H1 rides on
16-inch multispoke alloys
 wrapped in 205/60 profile Continental CC5 rubbers.
INTERIOR
Here, the equipment list is impressive to say the least. The Elite gets leather upholstery, leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, navigation, centre armrest, tinted windows, cruise control, Battery Alert Sensor (BAS), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), central locking and rear view mirror with
integrated SmartTAG reader
.

The Premium variant loses out on the centre armrest, DVR and tinted film while the Comfort variant gets leather seats, rear view mirror with integrated SmartTAG reader and navigation omitted altogether. Boot space is rated at
310 litres
.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this B-segment SUV is a
1.5-litre four-cylinder VVT MPI
 engine that outputs
105 hp
 and
138 Nm
. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a
six-speed automated manual transmission
 (6AMT). According to the GO Auto, the H1 has a rated fuel economy of 6.0L/100km which allows the car to be awarded with EEV certifications.
SAFETY
Safety features on the H1 is as complete as cars in the segment can get. As standard, all variants are equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist and ESC.
WHAT ELSE?
Customers can have their H1 in six different exterior colours – Titanium White, Sky Silver, Pure Black, Ocean Blue, Jazz Red and Fashionable Orange. Every purchase of this SUV comes with a
7-Year unlimited mileage warranty
 for added peace of mind.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Manhart MH2 GTR has even more torque than the BMW M8 Competition

When
Brabus introduced the B45-450 last week
, which took the
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S
 to
BMW M2 CS
-equalling power, we questioned the purpose of it as we thought that the A 45 S already had more than enough power. But now, Manhart Performance has hit back with the MH2 GTR, pushing the M2 CS’s power output all-the way up to 600 hp. And you know what – we’re actually okay with this.
Call us biased, but the reason we think that is because the Manhart MH2 GTR is built to be an all-out track toy, that so happens to also be a road-legal car, instead of
 just
 trying to stuff more power underneath the hood to appease the spec-sheet car buyer.
For the new ultimate BMW M2, Manhart took the factory-supplied S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six mill, and slapped on a new performance turbo kit, an uprated intercooler, carbon fibre intakes, alongside an ECU tune.
And the results are simply stunning – from the stock output of 450 hp and 550 Nm, Manhart managed to squeeze out
600 hp
 and a whopping
 830 Nm
 of torque from the mighty three-litre engine. Yes, you read that right – 830 Nm. That’s even more than the
BMW M8 Competition
!
Also helping with the performance is the new exhaust system with sport downpipes and a more free-flowing 300-cell catalytic converter, alongside a new software recalibration for the DCT transmission. Manhart did not reveal any performance figures for the MH2 GTR, but we’d imagine that it’d be a whole lot faster than the stock BMW M2 CS, which already does 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds – that is, if you can put all 830 Nm of torque to the ground.
And like we said, the Manhart MH2 GTR isn’t just made for the numbers. Tying up the entire track-focused package are the new suspension upgrades from H&R, upgraded brakes, as well as sticky Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard, fitted onto the in-house produced 20-inch “Concave One” forged wheels.
The Manhart MH2 GTR also comes with a number of modifications on the exterior to boost performance (and aesthetics, but that’s not the main point here). Similar to the M4 Competition-based MH4 GTR launched last year, the baby brother is also fitted with carbon fibre aerodynamic components including the menacing air vents on the front fender, as well as the stacked rear wings. The BMW M Performance-inspired livery also adds a nice touch to the whole race car image.
Inside, you’ll find new Recaro bucket seats, with a whole swathe of carbon fibre bits applied to the steering wheel and gear selector. The left centre air vent has also been replaced by an Awron data display, providing the driver with important information about the powertrain. Why? Because race car, simple as that.
GALLERY


Throwback Thursday: Volkswagen Beetle (Part 1) – The Bug’s rough beginnings

Recently, it was announced that the
Volkswagen Beetle
will be discontinued indefinitely. Coincidentally, 2018 also marked the 80th anniversary since the Beetle was introduced. Be it the Bumblebee, Herbie, or even the Dune Buggy, it’s amazing to see how a two-door, rear-engined compact car revolutionised the motoring scene and the world around it. In this two-part special of our Throwback Thursday series, we’ll look back at the car that started it all, the original Volkswagen Beetle.
It began in Germany circa 1934. While Adolf Hilter’s legacy of atrocities have stretched beyond his existence, so has his “noble deed” towards his fellow Germans. He orchestrated the production of the Beetle – a car that needed to be practical and affordable. The Fuhrer tasked Ferdinand Porsche with the creation of the people’s car that need to meet certain criterias: fit five passengers, frugal and is capable of speeds in excess of

100 km/h.
It took a few years before Porsche and his team of engineers came up with the first batch of the
Type 1

Beetle
. It was informally known as the “
Käfer
” (Beetle in German) amongst Germans. At the heart of the Beetle lied an
air-cooled engine
with drive sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.

It costs
990 Reich Marks
then, or the equivalent of 31 weeks pay for the average blue collar German. A special saving scheme was even created by KdF (Kraft durch Freude, or Strength through Joy) encourage ordinary Germans to buy one.
The Beetle reassembled the
Tatra V570
 from Czechoslovakia, where both Porsche and Hilter admittedly took influence from. It did not take long before Hans Ledwinka, the Austrian engineer behind the Tatra, to launch a lawsuit only to be halted by the invasion of Austria and Czechoslovakia by Germany. Guess that’s the perks of having a dictator controlling a car company.
Unfortunately, the Beetle’s production halted after just 210 units built, with efforts focused on the unfortunate war. As history has dictated (pun intended), the Germans lost the war with Hilter committing suicide after American and Russian forces infiltrated Germany.
Thereafter, a certain British army officer and engineer,
Major Ivan Hirst
, discovered the heavily-damaged factory that was once the production line of the Beetle. He subsequently revived the Beetle in Wolfsburg, for the purpose of transporting Allied troops in occupied Germany. The Beetle was eventually sold around the rest of Europe in 1947, where a million Bugs were shipped eight years later. Thereon, an icon was born – an automotive shrine for the coming years.
NEXT:
 How the Beetle turned from a “Hilter-mobile” into the world’s most recognisable and revered vehicle.
Image Credit:
Volkswagen


You can now buy 3M DIY Car Care Products on Lazada

3M Malaysia has just introduced its DIY Car Care Range for car enthusiasts and DIY junkies to clean, restore and aesthetically enhance their vehicles with professional grade products from the comfort of their own home.
The range of products ranges from premium car wash solution to restore hazy and dull headlamps. There are also rubbing compound and scratch remover solutions to remove stubborn stains, light scratches and swirl marks.
In conjunction with the launch, 3M Malaysia has partnered with Lazada to launch its first official 3M Automotive Flagship Store,
3M Auto Care
, on the popular e-commerce website. Together with Lazada, this initiative hopes to make its range of 3M DIY Car Care products more accessible to all Malaysians as well as the assurance of receiving 100 per cent genuine products.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of 3M Malaysia, Mr. Parameswaran Nair said: “3M has always been at the forefront of automotive science and innovation, and today, we are pleased to introduce our new range of car care products that brings decades of scientific development right in your hands. Our DIY car care kits are easy to use and delivers exceptional results at the fraction of the cost. We are also very excited to launch our first official 3M Automotive Flagship Store with Lazada to make our products more accessible digitally to consumers.”
As part of the launch, 3M Malaysia is offering RM30 off the original price of four exclusive bundles: 3M Light/Medium Scratch Removal Set, 3M Watermark Protection Set, 3M Paint Transfer Removal Set, and 3M Headlight Restoration Set to Lazada shoppers from 19 September to 19 October 2018.
To make things even sweeter, use our promo code “
3MAUTOBUZZ15
” at checkout and get additional 15 per cent off (limited to 1,000 redemptions) the total bill on 3M’s DIY Car Care Range! Head on over to
3M Auto Care on Lazada
 and shop away.
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes thinks that the traditional three-box sedan will not be part of our electric future

The rise of EVs will revolutionise the entire automotive landscape in more ways than one. We already know about the ecological benefits they bring, the way they sound, and the way they deliver power. But what we may not have realised just yet, is that EVs may actually change how cars look in the future.
The signs are already there – just take a look at the “radical” EV concepts popping up over the years. And while those may not be enough to convince you yet, you best believe it when it’s coming from the chief designer of one of the most influential brands in the world.
Speaking to
Top Gear
 at the
 2021 IAA Motor Show
, Mercedes-Benz chief designer Gorden Wagener told the publication that “electrification will kill the three-box sedan for several reasons.
“Aero is one. Secondly, with a six-inch battery pack a three-box sedan simply doesn’t look good, it looks s***. You have to do something that visually digests the height,” he added.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the model that introduced the EQ’s new “one-bow” design. Check it out in detail here.
And that is why Mercedes-Benz has adopted a curved, almost fastback-like roofline – called “one-bow design” – for all of its latest electric cars in the EQ brand. “Because it looks stretched, it looks stylish,” Wagener explained.
It’s a similar trend across the industry, too. Take a look at the latest electric cars out there – how many can you genuinely call a (three-box) sedan? Not the
Porsche Taycan
, not the
 Tesla Model S
, and not the
BMW i4
.
What Gordon Wagener described, is also pretty much the reason
why most EVs are SUVs
, at least aside from the market’s general affinity towards them. With the battery packs taking up precious vertical space, the most logical way to preserve cabin space – at least for mass market models.
Still not a sedan.
While it may seem as a shame to us, that such an iconic part of automotive history (and Mercedes-Benz themselves) will soon be completely replaced, Wagener is not one to mourn its passing.
“The three-box sedan is actually the most difficult car to design. To make a really good-looking one is quite difficult. A nice sportscar is so easy!” he joked. “I always like it when there’s something more futuristic coming. That’s why electrification is a great chance to change stuff, and change is always good.”
“We have to make sure they don’t all look alike, but that fear has existed for 30 years or so. We managed to make them look different [before], and I’m confident we can do that in the future.”


Driving school in Dubai uses Bentley Bentaygas to teach, RM33k for 20 hours!

Around the world, driving schools and institute offer basic, entry-level cars to teach the basic skills of driving, which is fine as the majority of new licence holders are virgins behind the wheel.
But what if your household or you yourself is getting something more powerful, far more superior than the usual mainstream cars, such a Tesla or Range Rover.
In Dubai, where the population of luxury cars is higher than the usual, the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI) offers the Platinum Driving Course where you get access to luxury vehicles for your driving lessons.
EDI’s Platinum package allows customers to choose from Tesla Model X, Range Rover Sport,
Porsche Cayenne
 and even a
Bentley Bentayga
. The company saw the potential in offering such a service as powerful vehicles with 300 hp and above behave differently from the usual fleet of Toyota Camry and Nissan Almera training cars.
Discerning customers also get to learn features in the luxury vehicles, such as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The Platinum Driving Course comes with higher fees too, where a 20-hour course equates to USD8,000 (approx RM33k) or three times more than a course with mainstream cars.
Having this platinum fleet has positively help EDI, where the company now sees 50 lessons a month, compared to just 10 during their earlier years of operations. International superstar DJ David Guetta also
took the package
 with EDI earlier this year. They are now offering lessons with a MINI Countryman just for the ladies.
On the topic of improving your driving skills, BMW Malaysia did offer the
BMW Driver Training
 programme which happened two to three times a year at Sepang International Circuit. However, due to the venue’s busy and packed schedule as well as the on-going pandemic, driving courses have been temporary halted.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia meanwhile held a few sessions of Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience at the circuit too, but the training and experience event is usually catered towards owners, unlike BMW which is opened to non-owners as well.


This Datsun mi-DO is for those who want to leave the city life for good

Whether it’s through a survey or through a general observation that most are increasingly sick and tired of metropolitan living, Datsun has acknowledged it and took it upon themselves to build this.
It’s called the Datsun mi-DO and it’s been specially-built by Datsun and introduced for the Russian market. It’s said that the new model is designed for “people who love outdoor activities, particularly fishing”; not sure what this Datsun can do that the average Mitsubishi or Toyota pick-up can’t though.
And why specifically fishing? Last I checked, while the Russians may be into their sports fishing, most of which only takes place in the summer. According to Datsun, 58% of its participants from a survey listed
car travel
 as a hobby while 27.2% listed
fishing
.
While the mechanical specifics were not disclosed, Datsun said that the car was designed with the robust Datsun mi-DO hatchback as its base, with significant modifications to the exterior and interior to make it better suited for camping and fishing excursions.
“At Datsun, we carefully monitor the lifestyles and preferences of our customers and look for innovative solutions to address their needs,” said Andrey Chirkov.
Datsun is a subsidiary brand under the Nissan Motor Company umbrella. It was phased out in the 1980s before being reintroduced in 2013.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW 430i M Sport now open for booking in Malaysia – RM419k

Following the availability of the
BMW M3 and M4 Competition
, BMW Malaysia is now formally introducing the
all new 4 Series
 here on our shores. Only one variant – the 430i M Sport – is available for pre-booking now, with prices starting at
 RM418,800
.
The all-new BMW 4 Series needs no introduction in terms of looks – you already know about its most defining feature, the humongous
buckteeth-like kidney grille up front
, finished in matte aluminium on the mesh pattern, while the surrounding frame gets a coat of high-gloss chrome.
Specifications wise, the Malaysia-spec BMW 430i is dressed in the M Sport exterior pack, which includes a more aggressive front bumper with larger side vertical struts air intake (similar to that of the
M340i
), along with an M Sport rear bumper with more black glossy plastic bits and a rear diffuser, surrounding the split hexagonal-shaped exhaust exits.
The BMW 430i Coupe is also equipped with the M Aerodynamics package, which includes a small ducktail wing extension. Other exterior highlights include the 19-inch double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour M light alloy wheels on all four corners, Shadow Line blacked-out window surrounds, and LED headlights and fog lights as standard.
Upholstered in Vernasca leather as part of the Innovation Pack.
The M Sport package extends to the interior as well, with the inclusion of the M leather steering wheel, M-specific pedals, and powered sports seats for the front passengers, the latter upholstered in a cloth/sensatec synthetic leather combination.
As standard, the BMW 430i M Sport in Malaysia is equipped with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional displays, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired to a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Other interior equipment include a HiFi Loudspeaker sound system, tri-zone automatic air-conditioning, a wireless charging pad for your mobile phones, and a powered tailgate.
As for safety, the Malaysian-specification BMW 430i M Sport comes with the BMW Driving Assistant package, which includes features such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert with rear collision prevention, adaptive cruise control, as well as the Parking Assistant feature with Reversing Assist.
Underneath the bonnet of the all-new BMW 430i is a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, pushing
258 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque to the rear wheels. The four-pot mill is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission to complete the century sprint in
5.8 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
 250 km/h
.
The 430i M Sport in Malaysia also comes as standard with M Sport suspensions, M Sport brakes (with blue calipers), as well as Variable Sport Steering.
As mentioned above, the BMW 430i M Sport in Malaysia is priced at
RM418,800
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of a
five-year extended warranty & service package
 (RM13,120).
Just like the M4, BMW Malaysia is also offering an optional Innovation Package for the 430i, which adds on BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant, Leather Vernasca upholstery, the BMW Connected Package Professional system, as well as a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The Innovation Package for the BMW 430i M Sport is priced at
RM36,000
, and is available for selection when you pre-book your vehicle via the
BMW Shop Online
 booking platform, linked
here
.
GALLERY