2015 Ford Focus RS unmasked, AWD mega hatch with Mustang power [+Video]

The latest and greatest
Ford Focus RS
 has just been revealed, packing serious fireworks under its bonnet and a high-tech all-wheel drive system.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford Focus RS
Engine
2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost Turbo
Max Power
315 hp (estimated)
0-100 km/h
N/A
Top Speed
N/A

Gymkhana star
Ken Block
 was roped in as a consultant on the development of this new Focus RS. As you can see from the video below, it looks like he was having a ball developing the car too.
EXTERIOR
The Focus RS wears the meanest face in the Focus family, with a huge trapezoidal grille and an even bigger lower intake edged by a couple of side intakes that direct air to cool the brakes down.
The side is identical to the Focus ST with sculpted side skirts but under the wheel arches sit a set of unique multi-spoke
19-inches RS alloy wheels
.
At the other end of the car sports a new bumper that contains a diffuser with a fog lamp in the middle and
dual tailpipes
 jutting out underneath. And you can expect a cracking soundtrack to come out of those pipes too. Topping it off is a huge
roof spoiler
 with embossed RS logo on each side.
INTERIOR
The driver gets a
flat-bottom steering wheel
 with subtle RS logo,
alloy pedals
, and unique RS instrument graphics within the instrument cluster. A pair of deeply bolstered front
Recaro sports seats
 are fitted as standard.
An
8-inch touch screen
 with Ford’s SYNC connectivity sits in the middle of the dash, below a row of gauges for the turbo boost pressure, oil temperature, and oil pressure.
Optional items include rear view camera with park distance control, and a Sony premium sound system with 10-speakers including a subwoofer.
PERFORMANCE
Sharing the basic structure with the
2.3-litre 4-cylinder Ecoboost
 from the Mustang, a new
low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger
 with larger compressor and a
bigger intercooler
 have been fitted to free up at least
315 hp
 from the engine.
Suddenly the 280 hp in the Volkswagen Golf R sounds little in comparison, but it’s still around 40 hp less than the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG. Unlike the A 45 which is strictly offered with a 7-speed DCT and the Golf R with 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG option, the Focus RS is
strictly a 6-speed manual
 only. However, like the Golf R and the A 45 AMG, the Focus RS is also an all-wheel drive machine.
The new
Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive
 with
Dynamic Torque Vectoring
 is said to deliver a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment. Based on the driver input, the control unit in the rear drive unit continuously varies the front/rear and side-to-side torque distribution to suit the current driving situation.
The chassis has been updated with
stiffer sports suspension
 with a more rigid front suspension knuckle design and shorter-link arms. The
 electric power-assisted steering system
 has been tuned as well, to give the driver with a sporty steering feel.
WHAT ELSE?
Ford has yet to release the official 0 to 100 km/h time and the top speed. Exact performance details also yet to be finalised, for that we need to wait until its official debut at the
Geneva Motor Show
 in March 2015. Watch this space!
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


This BMW M850i xDrive Coupe is made of materials from out of this world!

The bespoke styling specialists at BMW Individual have now opened up a new dimension in exclusivity by looking beyond our planet and bringing the night sky into the car.
In BMW’s own words, that was how they introduced the one-of-a-kind
BMW Individual M850i xDrive Coupe Night Sky
 that’s furnished with bits and pieces actually made from meteoric material.
Like the ceiling from inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the M850i’s armrest is littered with stars made of LED but what’s more intriguing are the “grooves” on the centre console, side mirror and even brake discs that makes the car look as if it was driven straight out from the Guardians of the Galaxy set.
The Night Sky was presented in conjunction with a meteor shower that took place between the 3rd to 4th January 2019.

The whole of the centre console’s trim plate, the start stop button, the selector lever and the Touch Controller are all made of meteoric material, making the Night Sky a car that’s literally out of this world.
During the design process of the M850i, BMW also summoned the expertise of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, which is also located in Garching, the headquarters of BMW Individual.
The exterior paintwork of the Night Sky combines two colour tones to achieve a high-impact effect. Black non-metallic was used as the base colour for the body while a second coat in San Marino Blue metallic was then painted over it before three layers of clear coat with varying pigment particle sizes were applied to give the paint finish a remarkable sense of depth.
IMAGE GALLERY


Smart #3 could enter Malaysian market, fastback EV debuts at Auto Shanghai 2023

The
Smart #3
 has just made its world debut at
Auto Shanghai 2023
 and present at its world premiere were
Proton
 CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong, and Proton Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah. In a
Facebook post by Proton Cars
, it is stated that the Smart #3 fastback electric vehicle (EV) “may be added to the model lineup in Malaysia”.
For those who don’t know yet, the Smart #3 is essentially a fastback version of the
Smart #1
. For Malaysia, Pro-Net, which is Proton’s new energy vehicle subsidiary, will be the official distributor Smart cars. The first Smart Car that will make its debut in Malaysia is the Smart #1 in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023.
Currently on display at Auto Shanghai 2023, the Smart #3 has a maximum power output of 315 kW (
428 hp
 metric) and
543 Nm
. The Smart # 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just
3.6 seconds
. At the core of the Smart #3’s drivetrain is a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) system which comes as standard. The car runs a Macpherson strut suspension setup at the front and a five multi-ink setup at the back.
Full specifications of the Smart # have yet to be revealed. However, if specifications of the Smart #1 are anything to go by, the Smart #3 could house the same 66-kWh battery. It could provide more range than the Smart #1’s
440-km
(WLTP) figure, as the Smart #3 is reportedly more aerodynamic than its SUV counterpart.
RELATED:
Smart #1 – Launching in Malaysia in Q4 2023, here’s what we know so far
For charging, the Smart #1 supports regular AC power of up to 22 kW, which can fill the battery from 10% to 80% in under three hours. DC fast charging is also supported at speeds of up to 150 kW, taking less than 30 minutes for the same amount of charge. Again, if the Smart #1’s specifications are something to go by, the Smart #3 should somewhat be similar.
RELATED:
Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023
GALLERY


Honda to roll out Honda Sensing 360 next year – scans in all directions

Apart from updating powertrain and handling performance, Honda also intends to upgrade the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which will be called Sensing 360. The upgraded safety technology that can detect 360 degrees was unveiled together with the brand’s new
e:N electric car sub-brand
 in China.
To make it omnidirectional, or the ability to scan in every direction, the Honda Sensing 360 adds a total of five millimetre-wave radars in front and at each corner of the vehicle, in addition to the current monocular camera.
The 360-degree coverage thus eliminates blind spots as well as enhanced collision mitigating performance upfront. Corner radar units allow the vehicle to scan the environment at cross junctions, warning the driver of pedestrians and oncoming traffic, lessening the risk of collisions.
Meanwhile, the rear corner radar units not only provide more precise blind spot detection but through faster processing time allows the system can even ‘pull’ the vehicle back into its lane should the driver miss the warning, avoiding a collision. If the coast is clear, the Honda Sensing 360 system even performs automated lane change with the driver requiring to just activate the turn indicator.
In total, more than 20 smart driver assistance features will be available with the Honda Sensing 360. The application of Honda Sensing 360 will begin in 2022 with the Chinese market with plans to go on sale and standard fitted in all major markets by 2030.
Honda Malaysia is offering a highly demanded upgrade for the HR-V- the 360-degree surround-view camera system
In Malaysia, the revolutionary Honda Sensing was first introduced on the all-new
2017 Honda CR-V
 model, offering a full suite of ADAS that substantial premium European automakers lacked. One of the biggest party piece was the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow which is incredibly helpful during mundane slow-moving traffic conditions.
Today, Honda Sensing is available on almost every model by Honda Malaysia except the ageing Honda Jazz and
HR-V
 models which are due for replacement soon. The
all-new Honda BR-V
 seven-seater that was just unveiled in Indonesia will also come equipped with the most up-to-date Honda Sensing suite available in the ASEAN region.
Honda is striving for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda cars and motorcycles globally by 2050. A few days ago, Honda unveiled the usage of the
Honda Legend Hybrid Sensing Elite
 to test SAE Level 3 and 4 autonomous driving technology in Europe, a large-scale project that also involves 33 other partners from 12 countries.
GALLERY


Video: Mitsubishi Xpander full review by Indonesia’s #1 motoring journalist!

Covid-19 has sucked the fun out of everything for everyone this year. Holidays have been cancelled, weddings postponed and more so, loss of substantial income for most of us.
It hasn’t been an easy one for us too. Earlier this year, we had planned to fly to Indonesia to review the
new 1.5-litre Mitsubishi Xpander
 which became
 an instant success there
 but it wasn’t going to be just another video review shoot.

The initial plan was to host the video side by side with our local friend,
Fitra Eri
 of
 Oto Driver
, and his
self-titled channel
 but we all know how things turned out in the end. Flights were grounded, international borders were closed and the world just ceased to function.
But we weren’t going to let this idea end up in the bin. Instead, we improvised, made do and this was what we came up with. Fitra Eri, reviewing the next big thing to
land in Malaysia this year
 – the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander – with
4-star ASEAN NCAP rating
; in an AutoBuzz tee no less!
We’ve decided to leave out all the details of the car and let you find this out by yourself. For those of you who’ve followed our videos all these years, trust us, this is a special one; like nothing we’ve ever done, or you’ve ever seen before. Enjoy!


This epic elevated bus aims to solve traffic jams, and it’s real! [+Video]

Remember a while back there was this
futuristic elevated bus concept aimed to solve traffic congestions
? During the 19th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo (held from 19 to 22 May) saw a
miniature model demo of the concept
. Less than three months after the model was unveiled, China surprised the world with an actual working prototype. An. Actual. Working. Prototype.
Launched in Qinhuangdao, the elevated bus, codename
TEB-1
, is 22 meter in length, 7.8 meter in width and 4.8 meter in height. The bus from the future in its testing phase can ferry up to 300 passengers, but engineers claim that once the TEB-1 is ready for service, it will be able to accommodate up to
1,200 passengers
 each journey.
Similar to the concept of our very own BRT Sunway Line, the tracks are built on existing roads and the tram will travel above ongoing traffic. This will allow the TEB to weave through traffic uninterrupted. Compared to building an entirely new subway or a rapid transit, the TEB is said to cost significantly cheaper.
Now going through its feasibility studies, this may very well be public transport of the future. And judging from the pace the project is moving, the future is not very far away.
Picture Credits:
New China
IMAGE GALLERY


Lamborghini unveils new hybrid system – V12, tri-motor, over 1000hp

Moving towards electrification,
Lamborghini
 has unveiled the initial details of its first High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), codenamed LB744. Set to make its debut soon in celebration of the company’s 60th anniversary this year, the powertrain in the upcoming Lamborghini hybrid is said to deliver over
1,000 hp
 in total.
The HPEV powertrain consists of a brand-new naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that works in tandem with 3 electric motors. The new V12 engine, named the L545, is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever made by Lamborghini. It weighs 218 kg and the engine itself puts out
825 hp
 (metric) at 9,250 rpm and
725 Nm
 at 6,750 rpm.
The air intake ducts to the cylinders have been re-engineered to increase the supply of air and guarantee optimal airflow in the combustion chamber. The combustion within the actual engine has also been optimized, thanks to the regulation of ionization in the chamber with two control units: a solution already used in the
Aventador
 and now transferred to the new model.
As for the three electric motors, one of them is integrated into the brand’s new double-clutch eight-speed gearbox that is positioned in the rear. The other two electric motors are placed in front, one for each wheel. Each of the two front motors makes
350 Nm
 alone.
RELATED:
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the first, but also the last of its kind – 1,499 units only
The two electric motors at the front are oil-cooled axial flux units and offer an exceptional weight-to-power ratio: 18.5 kg from each of the 110 kW units. As well as providing power to the front wheels, they also have a torque vectoring function, optimizing driving dynamics, and recuperating the energy produced under braking. When in electric mode, the LB744 is front-wheel drive only to optimize energy consumption, while electric drive to the rear axle is activated on demand when needed.
The gearbox is mounted transversely, and for the first time, is placed behind the engine. With the transmission moved behind the engine,the car’s centre tunnel is now occupied by a lithium battery to power the electric motors. The battery’s capacity is
3.8 kWh
. The electric motors boost power delivery at low revs and can also turn the new LB744 into a purely electric car. With 1 engine and 3 electric motors, the new Lamborghini hybrid powertrain sends power to all wheels.
RELATED:
Lamborghini’s last non-hybrid car is the all-terrain Huracan Sterrato, to debut by year end


Did you know Lexus’ Structural Blue is actually not Blue?

Strange isn’t it? But it’s true. In this video, Lexus explained how it took thousands of years of natural evolution before this shade of blue existed – through the mesmerising colour of the Morpho butterfly.
But here’s the catch; while Lexus had been able to replicate the same colour, called
Structural Blue
, onto their
Lexus LC500
, it does not actually contain any blue material.
 It only looks blue because of the reflection of light
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYu1ruSakRg
The process of creating this unique colour begins with the usage of colourless materials. The production process comprises of
12 different stages
 where the colour pigmentation then goes through
20 quality inspections
 before they are approved for usage.
Because the process is so tedious and meticulous, it
takes Lexus eight months to produce enough paint for only 300 Lexus LCs
. Does it change the way you see blue and more importantly, does it change the way you see Lexus and its price tags?
Check out the Lexus LC500 in motion in our epic
Autobuzz.my Best Cars of 2017 video
!


2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Premium – Five areas where the new models stand out!

Launched in
2021
, the
Isuzu D-Max
 has received some
new upgrades

for the 2023 models
 after being updated just
last year
. The D-Max is available either with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with
150 hp
 and
350 Nm
, or a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with
190 hp
 and
450 Nm
.
Transmission options include a six-speed automatic with sequential shift or a six-speed manual. The D-Max’s powertrain options and output may remain unchanged but here’s what’s new!
RELATED:

Old vs New – A detailed look at the changes in the all-new Isuzu D-Max
New front grille & wheel designs
Up ahead, the 2023 D-Max’s new front grille loses the vertical slats from before and is offered in all variants. There are also new 17-inch (Standard and Auto Plus) and 18-inch (X-Terrain and Premium) wheel designs.
New locking differential & revised suspension
The 3.0-litre Premium Automatic variant’s suspension has been revised to handle heavier payloads, up from 580 kg to
775 kg
. All four-wheel drive variants now also get an electronic locking rear differential as standard to allow the wheels to spin at the same speed for better traction.
RELATED:
Performance Comparison – Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi Triton
New colours & Dark Grey accents for X-Terrain
The new D-Max is available in the striking new Islay Gray Mica and Dolomite White Pearl (replaces Silky White Pearl) for the X-Terrain and Premium variants, while a new Biarritz Blue is available for the Premium, Auto Plus, and Standard AT variants, replacing the existing Sapphire Blue option.
A new rear combination lamp housing is fitted onto the X-Terrain and Premium variant while exclusive to the former are roof rails, side mirror, door and tailgate handles, front bumper, side step and over fenders are finished in Dark Grey. Also new in the X-Terrain is a lower bumper garnish in Silver.
New seat design and Cafe Brown trims
In the X-Terrain and Premium variants, the seats now come with a new design and are wrapped in black leather upholstery. The X-Terrain in particular gets Cafe Brown garnishes and trims on the instrument panel, doors, dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever.
RELATED:
(Video) Triple Truck Tussle – Triton vs Navara vs D-Max
New Cabin features
Building upon the wireless charger offered in the 2022 model update, the new wireless charger now comes with a power switch and LED status indicator and is available in the X-Terrain, Premium and Auto Plus variants. The X-Terrain and Premium are now also fitted with a 2.1A USB Type-C fast-charging port. The X-Terrain now gets blue ambient lighting, which comes on for 60 seconds when the doors are opened, along with front and rear digital video recorders (dashcam).
There are now a total of eight variants with prices starting from RM94k for the 1.9-litre manual single cab, to RM150k for the 3.0-litre automatic X-Terrain variant.
1.9L MT Single Cab – RM94,949.20
3.0L MT Single Cab – RM101,888.40
1.9L Auto Plus 4X2 – RM105,499.20
1.9L MT Standard – RM104,099.20
1.9L AT Standard – RM111,499.20
1.9L AT Premium – RM129,149.20
3.0L AT Premium – RM135,638.40
3.0L AT X-Terrain – RM150,938.40


“Setel” your Kedai Mesra payments with the new Deliver2Me service!

Setel
, Malaysia’s first e-payment solution that allows you to
purchase fuel right off the app
in your smartphone, has now introduced the new Deliver2Me service and in-store cashless payment with the Setel Wallet.
Deliver2Me

allows Setel users to purchase selected items from participating Kedai Mesra

outlets and have it promptly delivered directly to their vehicle while refueling. That way, customers will never have to leave the comforts and safety of their vehicles.
For those who prefer the full shopping experience, Setel has introduced a cashless system to easily pay for items at 800 participating Kedai Mesra

outlets through the
Setel Wallet
. The feature allows customers to pay for items in Kedai Mesra with minimal physical contact. Customers will not only be able to earn Mesra points, but also perform Mesra points redemption directly through the application.
“Today, we are pleased to offer greater convenience to over 1.5 million users through our cashless payment system in Kedai Mesra. This is just a stepping stone in our journey of expansion as we add more intuitive features tailored to individual customers, in line with PETRONAS’ growing offerings,” said Setel, CEO, Iskandar Ezzahuddin.
Deliver2Me

is now available at six participating PETRONAS stations in the Klang Valley and will progressively roll out to all Setel-enabled stations nationwide starting Q1 2021. Setel is available at over 900 PETRONAS stations nationwide and can be downloaded for FREE via the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.


Review: 2016 Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI quattro, the true three-lettered seductress [+Video]

Let it be known that the Audi TTS is basically a Golf R in a fancier suit. It’s not quite as tail-happy as its closest rivals, nor impressive by the sheer numbers its 2.0-litre engine produces. But we’re here to tell you that these all don’t matter. We’re here to set a few things straight and hopefully by the end of this review, you’ll have a couple more reasons to put your money down (or not) on Ingolstadt’s meanest breed of TT on sale here in Malaysia.
Some of us are familiar with the TTS. The second generation model proved to be popular here, but it didn’t manage to swoon driving enthusiasts over quite as convincingly as say, a straight-six BMW 135i, never mind a Lotus. It couldn’t make the cut, and it’s for that very reason why people who bought them hardly ever bring the TTS to its limits. Its sporty credentials mellowed into a mere symbol of status, but the Audi TTS you see here aims to prove how well it can walk its talk, and how well it can take a beating.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI
Engine
1,984cc; direct injection, turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
6-speed dual clutch S tronic
Max Power
286 hp @ 5,300 – 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
380 Nm @ 1,800 – 5,200 rpm
0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed
4.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Price
RM392,900.00 (OTR without insurance)
EXTERIOR
As with all Audi S models, the TTS comes with satin aluminium side mirrors. The front end is dressed with a more aggressive bumper, chromed hexagonal grille and full LED headlights as standard. You can opt for the Matrix LED headlights for an additional sum if you fancy, but we think this does the job well enough.

The wheels are larger at 19-inches, and the rear is finished off with a sportier bumper with integrated diffuser. Thankfully, both exhausts are not visually faked, unlike a few rivalling brands. In typical TT fashion, the spoiler is automatically raised at 120km/h, but can be manually raised through a switch located just below the central air vents. Overall, the TTS is about 50kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to more liberal use of aluminium.
INTERIOR
Here, things aren’t profoundly different from the regular TT. They may look identical, but the TTS comes with Alcantara-leather seats, and both front seats are electronically adjustable. Another difference is the that seats now come with pneumatically adjustable side bolsters that can inflate or deflate to fit drivers of varying sizes.
The wholly digital 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit setup is standard offering, and this time we get to sample the MMI Navigation which is by far the best in-car navigational mapping system, period. If it gets too distracting, simply press on the ‘View’ button on the steering wheel and you’ll have your route guidance shifted (very smoothly too, I might add) to the left of the screen.

There’s a
12-speaker Bang & Olufsen
 premium sound system which offer exceptional clarity and thumping bass, something many can really appreciate on a casual, slow drive (yeah, slow, right). Other additions include more TTS embellishments on the bottom of the steering wheel and head restraints, as well as a quattro badge to the left of the dashboard.
PERFORMANCE
Underpinning this TTS is Volkswagen’s MQB chassis, which means it’s inherently talented and well balanced to begin with. The four-cylinder engine displaces
1,984cc
 and is given a bigger turbocharger to ram more air into the engine. The engine is mounted transversely and produces
286 horsepower
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels (quattro comes as standard) through a close ratio
six-speed wet dual clutch transmission
.
Unfortunately for us, we won’t be getting the 310 hp variant offered in other markets, so this version of the TTS is the one and only choice available in Malaysia. Besides losing out one-tenth of a second in the century sprint (the 310 hp dusts that in 4.6 seconds, versus our TTS’ 4.7 seconds), everything else is as standard as the TTS gets. Thrown into the package here is a synthesiser that manufactures engine noise and feeds it into the cabin. It’s a tad more muted compared to the same feature found in the Golf R, but welcoming nonetheless.
THE DRIVE
Armed with three-quarters to a full tank of RON 97, I thought best to test the boundaries of the TTS’ limits on a trip up the highlands. It was an hour before midnight on a weekday, and with that constraint I unhesitatingly began driving through the zippy roads of Ulu Yam.
On just about any road condition, ride quality was terribly harsh, partly due to thin tyres, partly because of how the suspension was tuned. It doesn’t matter what driving mode you choose, for the TTS is rigid 24/7. The upside to this is an urgent sense of the foot; the coupe decimates every corner unperturbed, so precise as it is quick on the turn in.
The dynamic ceiling of the TTS is far higher than the TT we sampled before, and it’s all thanks to an Italian word – quattro. The Haldex all-wheel drive system doesn’t work full-time, which means the bulk of the power is sent to the front wheels on any given occasion. The only time the rear wheels slip into action is when the car’s computers deem it necessary, and the amount of torque each wheel receives is infinitely variable. In short, you can gun the TTS into a corner, apply a dollop of throttle and still exit the corner without the slightest hint of understeer. It’s got you covered that way, we promise.
It may have just 286 hp and 380 Nm on paper, but Audi’s clever gearing trickery makes any overtaking or sprinting attempts seem much quicker than the outputs suggest. It is brutal in acceleration, intoxicating when rocketing down the freeways yet surprisingly pliant and confident, perhaps almost too composed for comfort. The gear ratios are short, fixed and gives you absolutely no reason to drive with sedation. Don’t bother chasing fuel economy figures, because that’s what the A6 Hybrid in the garage does better.
But how does it fare in a drag race against a close rival, the
Mercedes-AMG A45
? It’s no contest, really. The Affalterbach-bred A-Klasse is the Hercules of its class, boasting the world’s most powerful 2.0-litre engine (381 hp and 475 Nm) underneath the hood. With AMG sports exhaust fitted, it sounds far better than the TTS too. Not all is lost for the TTS though, because I feel significantly more confident driving the Audi through snaky roads compared to the Merc-AMG. Just don’t ask which is the more comfortable car to drive.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
Audi Malaysia is asking you to part with RM400k for what is essentially a
Golf R
 made by a different German tailor. Is it worth the RM100k premium over the Golf R? We think not, because with the Golf R, you get adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) that works better than the TTS’ magnetic damping, has two extra doors and similar driving dynamics.
For the brand conscious, the TTS is a no-brainer. It’s exquisitely ravishing and comes with impeccable build quality inside and out – things Audi have long and steadfastly established before the turn of the millennium. The novelty is a bonus far more fulfilling than anything else in its class, and the Bauhaus styling guarantees public attention wherever you drive it to.
WOULD I BUY IT?
In retrospect, the TTS is feral and all that, but I can have twice the fun and thrice the adrenaline shot in a Lotus Elise for half the price. I’d still turn eyes driving a Lotus, but the drab interior is not a sight for sore eyes, but that’s precisely not the reason why anyone would buy a Lotus anyway.
To this day, it’s still hard for me to think of a solid reason to buy the TTS. I’ve slept on it, dwelled on it and lied to myself about it, but nothing concrete ever came to mind. It may be close to 20 years old, but as it ages, so will its
raison d’etre
. Can the TT survive another generation being adrift in a sea filled with A45s and the likes of it? Unlikely so, but word has it that Audi is
working on an all-new model called the R6
. Until that day comes, the TT will have to fight relentlessly to stay relevant, otherwise its days are as good as numbered.
IMAGE GALLERY


Next-generation Toyobaru twins might be renamed GR86, built on TNGA platform

Although Toyota and Subaru has confirmed that a new 86/BRZ is in the piepline
four months ago
, not much information has surfaced regarding the new Toyobaru twins – even when it has been rumoured that the official launch will take place some time next year.
However,
Autocar UK
 claimed to have receive inside knowledge on the next 86/BRZ, and if the sources are correct, changes are aplenty – starting with the name.
The next-generation Toyota 86 will be rebranded as the
GR86
 (at least on Toyota’s side), to be more aligned with the rest of the Gazoo Racing brand alongside the
GR Supra
 and recently-announced
 GR Yaris
.
Originally launched in 2012, the
Toyota 86
 was built on a Subaru-developed architecture. However, as Subaru no-longer supports RWD drivetrains, Autocar suggests that the new 86 will utilise an evolution of the TNGA platform.
Currently, most TNGA platforms are designed for front- and all-wheel drive cars, so significant work needs to be done if the GR86 were to uphold its front-engine rear-wheel drive legacy.
Autocar also suggests that Subaru will once again take charge of the powertrain development, and we will most likely see the 2.4-litre boxer-four turbocharged engine seen on the Outback XT.
The FA24 engine is capable of generating
 250 hp
 and
376 Nm
 of torque, a healthy 50 hp increase from the original Toyobaru. The new change will definitely appease many fans who have been crying for a power bump, though a bigger engine also means a heavier car.
Adding to the weight will be the new interior of the GR86, as Autocar says that the two brands are working to increase the aesthetic appeal of the car, both inside and out.
Often criticised for the cheap-looking cabin, we can expect that the next-generation 86/BRZ will be fitted with better material usage, technology, and fit and finish.
It will be interesting to see how Toyota and Subaru manage the added weight, and possibly realign it the car to appeal to a wider buyer market. But of course, these are all rumours, and it may all turn out to be untrue – we’ll just have to wait and see.


Lexus LS coming to Malaysia in Q1 2018, 3 variants from RM799k to RM1.4 mil

Lexus Malaysia has announced that the company is now accepting orders for the
fifth-generation Lexus LS
. The full-sized luxury sedan will be offered in three variants – one of which is a hybrid and is expected to hit the Malaysian market sometime in Q1 of 2018.
The base model is the LS Luxury which retails at RM799,000 while the LS Executive costs RM999,000. The range-topping LS Executive Hybrid, on the other hand, will set you back at a hefty RM1,459,000. Prices quoted are On-the-Road without insurance. However, the company has not revealed the powertrain options for the Malaysian market.
Globally, the LS is available with
 three engine choices
 – LS 350,
LS 500
 and
LS 500h
. The model depicted here is the entry-level
LS 350
 which is driven by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic churning out
311 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. Stepping up to the
LS 500
 and the same engine gets slapped on with two turbochargers to deliver
415 hp
 and
 599 Nm
 of torque. Lastly, the top of the line
LS 500h
 gets a Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System (3.5L V6 hybrid) to deliver a combined output of
354 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of twisting force.
Visually, the LS borrows much of its design cue from the brand’s futuristic
LC coupe
 – which happens to be one of
AutoBuzz.my
 Best Cars of 2017
. Sitting on the brand’s latest “Global Architecture – Luxury”, the LS has a wheelbase of 3,125 mm which is 33 mm longer than the previous-gen long-wheelbase model! Key dimensions measures at 5,235 mm in length, 1,450 mm in height and 1,900 mm in width.

It comes with a never-ending list of options such as reclining and
Shiatsu
 massaging rear seats, air suspension, 24-inch colour heads-up display (the largest in the world) and 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package with ceiling mounted speakers, Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering and many more. If we know Lexus Malaysia, you can bet Malaysia-bound cars will be armed to the teeth.
All Lexus LS comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage and complete aftersales support at seven locations around Malaysia. Bookings can be made at all authorised Lexus centres across Malaysia. Now, we wonder how much would it cost to have the
F-Sport package
…
IMAGE GALLERY
Lexus LS 350 at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show

Lexus LS 500

Lexus LS 500h


BAC Mono sets new supercar record on Goodwood Festival of Speed Hill Climb

While Volkswagen celebrated its
new record for electric vehicles
 on the legendary Hill Climb with the I.D. R Race car, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) claimed the supercar record with the Mono on the 1.86 km course.
With multiple Goodwood Champion, Anthony Reid, behind the wheel, the BAC Mono conquered the famous Hill Climb run in just
 49.13 seconds
 – claiming the podium by more than a second and
beating the previous supercar record by 0.14 seconds
.
The previous record was set by a Nissan GTR with a time of 49.27 seconds back in 2014. The BAC Mono even managed to edge ahead of the Porsche GT2 RS (50.38 seconds), Ford GT (51.63 seconds) and the Aston Martin Vulcan (51.66 seconds).
It’s the second consecutive year that BAC has topped the Goodwood FOS leaderboards, having led the Race Cars for the Road category in 2017 with a time of 49.54 seconds.
“I know the Hillclimb very, very well but it’s always different and remains a challenging drive – there are lots of undulations and always so much to think about – but Mono is so accessible and agile,” said Anthony Reid.
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar E-Pace teased, high-performance SUV priced from RM154k!

Following the success of the
Jaguar F-Pace SUV
 and the
all-electric I-Pace SUV
, Jaguar has teased yet another SUV – the Jaguar E-Pace. Slotting above the F-Pace, the E-Pace is positioned to be a high-performance compact SUV with sports cars derived technology and athletic styling.
The E-Pace combines an athletic design and sporty performance with the everyday practicality of an SUV. All-wheel drive and a range of
Ingenium petrol
 and diesel engines will be featured on the new E-Pace as well as the marque’s latest-generation tech and safety features.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character.”
The E-Pace will make its global debut on 13 July 2017 and carries an indicative of £28,500 (RM154k).


Mitsubishi Motors’ year-end deals offers up to RM7,000 in cash rebates

It’s that time of the year again, where people start flipping their cheque books to buy new cars in anticipation of the holiday and festive season.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just announced that their year-end sales campaign, the
Mitsubishi Countdown Deals
, has started and buyers can look forward to receive up to
RM7,000 in cash rebates
 for bookings made
before 31 December

2014
.
For those who are looking into the
Attrage
, you’d be please to know that it comes with a cash rebate of
RM6,000
. As a recap, the Attrage is powered by the
1.2-litre MIVEC
 engine that is paired to a
CVT
 gearbox that boasts a fuel consumption rating of
21km per litre
. The Attrage
GS
 (which we
reviewed
) goes for
RM67,798.50
 whereas the range topping
SE
 goes for
RM75,796.50
.
For the ASX, you get
RM4,000
 cash rebate. Priced at
RM114,743.50
 for the
2WD
 variant and
RM128,879.50
 for the
4WD
, both the
locally assembled
 ASXs are powered by the
2.0-litre MIVEC
 engine that is also paired with a
CVT
 gearbox with
six virtual ratios
 for a sportier drive. We recently
reviewed both these units
, and MMM just recently introduced the
ASX Designer Edition
that is limited to
180 units
. It’s unclear if the latter is subjected to the promotional campaign, but we think that it’s quite unlikely.
If the ASX isn’t big enough for your liking, then it’s worth noting that this
seven-seater SUV
, the
Pajero Sport VGT
, is given a
RM5,000
 cash rebate. This top-spec Pajero Sport VGT is priced at
RM172,211.60
, while the
Sport GL
 goes for
RM151,277.60
. Underneath the hood of this SUV is the
2.5-litre common-rail diesel
 engine that is capable of
175 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of torque.
Last but not least, the
Triton VGT
. This is now offered with a cash rebate of up to
RM7,000
, and is priced at
RM107,809.60
. It shares the same
2.5-litre common rail diesel
 engine as the
Pajero Sport
.
Again, the campaign runs until the last day of the year, so be sure to drop by at any one of the 57 Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide by then.


Bus, taxi, e-hailing drivers to receive one-off RM500 financial aid beginning today

The government will be disbursing a one-off RM500 financial aid for drivers of taxis, school buses, sightseeing buses, rental and e-hailing vehicles starting today,
Bernama
 reports
.
The financial assistance, which comes under the Malaysian Economic and Rakyat’s Protection Assistance Package (PERMAI), will involve about 110,000 people, with a total allocation of RM55 million. The one-time financial aid was
first announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
on January 18.
“Some 20,000 taxi and rental car drivers have received the assistance which has been credited into the accounts of the drivers involved, while the remaining 15,000 will receive the assistance in stages by March 15, 2021,” said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in a statement last night.
Meanwhile, the remaining 75,000 recipients including drivers of e-hailing vehicles, school and sightseeing buses will receive their financial aid disbursements in stages from Feb 26.
The financial aid will hopefully help tide the target group over the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, while the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) is being implemented, says Tengku Zafrul. “PICK certainly represents the starting point for the recovery of the tourism sector and other sectors that have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
This is the
second of such financial aid distribution
 to the specific target group, as their source of income has been severely affected due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, approximately 120,000 drivers received financial aid from a total allotment of RM66 million.
For individuals involved, you can check the status of your funds disbursement via the Land Public Transport Agency’s (APAD) website,
here
.


The Honda CR-V will finally make its European debut, hybrid & 7-seats!

The Honda CR-V will finally make its
European debut
 at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Yes, you read that right, despite it going on sale in Malaysia since July 2017, our friends in Europe will only receive their CR-V September 2018 onwards.
As
reported earlier
, Europe-bound CR-Vs will be available with
two powertrains
 – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo (
same unit we are having
) and a 2.0-litre i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid. The VTEC Turbo mill is paired to either a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a six-speed manual to deliver a total output of
 190 hp
 and
243 Nm
 of torque.
The
CR-V i-MMD Hybrid
, on the other hand, sports a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle naturally aspirated mill paired to an electric motor producing a total output of
212 hp
. Drive is channelled to the axles via a single fixed-gear ratio transmission for a more direct and smoother torque transfer. This also marks Honda’s first-ever hybrid SUV to go on sale in Europe.
Both the petrol and hybrid-powered CR-Vs are available in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive guise. Interestingly, Europe customers will have the option to have their CR-V in either five or
seven-seats
 as offered in
Thailand
. Honda promises exceptional legroom for the third-row passengers as well as a 101-degree seat angle for greater comfort during long-distance journeys.
First deliveries of Honda CR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine is expected to commence from September 2018 while hybrid models will follow in early 2019. Consider ourselves lucky to get to roll around in the
fourth-generation CR-V
 so soon!
IAMGE GALLERY


Charging your EV at home could cost you over RM0.12 more per kWh, starting July 1

Affordability has always been one of the biggest selling points of
electric vehicles (EVs)
, as it generally costs considerably lesser to upkeep and maintain – at least for the first eight or so years until the battery warranty runs out. But that could possibly change soon, as a result of the revised electricity tariff that will come into effect for the second half of 2023, starting July 1.
According to the revised electricity tariff based on the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) scheme, domestic consumers who utilise more than 1,500 kWh per month will incur a RM0.10 surcharge per kWh. The surcharge is also
applicable to your entire electricity bill
, rather than just usage above the 1,500 kWh limit.
For EV users, especially those who frequently travel long distances, the hard ‘switchover point’ mechanism means that charging your vehicle at home could potentially result in a significant hike in your monthly electricity bill – and not just increased cost for EV charging – as the surcharge is still applied to your entire bill, even if you only use 1,500.1 kWh.
RELATED:
I drove 1,142km in an EV for Hari Raya and didn’t need a DC fast charger at all
In practice, the surcharge also translates to a nett +RM0.12 swing per kWh, as domestic users previously enjoyed a rebate of RM0.02/kWh. Consumers who utilise less than RM1,500 kWh, though, will still continue to receive the rebate.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC) says that only approximately 83,000 consumers (1% of domestic users) will be affected by this change. Customers in this category will see a minimum increase of 25% (RM187) to their electricity bills (RM708 for 1,500 kWh based on latest tariffs).
Image Source: NRECC Malaysia/Twitter
The Ministry says that the new ICPT-based surcharge is a based on the fuel prices in the preceding six months (January to June 2023), of which global coal prices still far exceeds the projected fuel costs, despite a slight decrease in average fuel price.
For the period of July 1 to December 31, 2023, the government will be allocating a total of RM5.2 billion in electricity subsidies; the majority of domestic consumers and non-domestic low voltage consumers will not be affected by the new tariffs.
ALSO READ:
Yinson GreenTech & PLUS to develop Malaysia’s first hyperpower DC fast charging hub with 8X 350kW chargers
[
H/T:
Paultan.org
]


80-year old boy racer caught doing over 180 km/h in Subaru Impreza WRX

There’s a saying that goes “a tiger never loses its stripes” and even as age catches up, old habits die hard and this is especially true with the need for speed.
Yesterday, an 80-year old man in Alma, South Australia took that need just a little too far, and worse, got caught. The man from Adelaide was caught speeding in his Subaru Impreza WRX, clocking 182 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.
Source: South Australia Police
As a result, the offender was issued a fine of AUD 1,814 (approx. RM5,534) and his license was revoked for six months – the worst nightmare for anyone who loves driving.
Australia has one of the strictest speeding laws in the region. In most parts of the country, the speed limit is set at 110 km/h similar to ours, while the highest legal speed limit is 130 km/h but is limited to the country’s northern region.
If a driver is caught exceeding the speed limit by over 40 km/h, a minimum fine of AUD 1,286 will be imposed along with six month’s suspension of their driving license.
Volvo starts rolling out 180 km/h speed limit on new car…read about it here!


SG-based Speedwork Autocare launches one-stop e-commerce platform for car maintenance in Malaysia

Building upon its success in providing digital solutions for auto parts distribution in China, Singapore-based
Speedwork Autocare
has set up shop in Malaysia to offer digital and offline solutions for all things vehicle maintenance.
As there is a huge gap between purchasing a car replacement part online and a place to properly install it, Speedwork Autocare’s aim is to bridge the gap between online purchasing to offline installation, without neglecting customer relationship management.
According to Speedwork Autocare, the platform serves as a one-stop centre for auto parts and vehicle maintenance services while connecting online consumers with workshop operators.
Aside from passenger cars, the sister company of Giti Tires, also provides the same set of services for motorcycles as well.
Once a service or product is purchased, Speedwork Autocare personnel will serve the customer through messaging or other means of communication.
“This allows for easy enquiry with a more personal touch which has helped in raising the confidence level of the consumer when they shop at our digital platform,” said Speedwork Networks, Director, Chris Bloor.
“There’s a lack of end-to-end digital ecosystems that provide a seamless online-to-offline vehicle maintenance experience,” he added.
To sweeten the deal, exclusive offers will only be available through Speedwork’s comprehensive network of workshops. Currently, Speedwork’s partners also include BonusLink, Touch ‘n Go and local bank, CIMB.
Aside from attracting customers, Speedwork Autocare is also looking to expand its ever-growing network of workshops.
“Our main challenge is to help our partner workshops and brand to see the benefits that they can gain from this platform while growing their businesses. We are providing a way to drive the online shopper to the participating workshops,” Bloor said.
Speedwork Autocare first started out in China back in 2017 and has been in Malaysia since the tail end of 2020. Aside from China and Malaysia, Bloor revealed that Speedwork also operates in Indonesia. He added that expansion to other Asian countries is also in the pipeline.
For more info on Speedwork Autocare and their list of products and services, click
here
.


Porsche Mission X EV concept car debuts – 1hp/kg, 900V architecture

Porsche
 has just unveiled its newest concept hypercar to the world, the Porsche Mission X, which is fully electric. Bearing an exterior design similar to one of the concept cars featured in the Porsche Unseen book – the Porsche Vision 918, the Mission X is similarly sized to the brand’s Carrera GT and
918 Spyder
.
One of the most eye-catching parts of the Mission X has to be its headlights. Featuring a vertical design that is inspired by historic racing cars like the Porsche 906 and 908, the headlights come with Porsche’s reinterpreted four-point graphic too. Also, the Mission X bears the
latest updated Porsche logo
.
The Le Mans-style doors are certainly not to be missed. Attached to the A-pillar and the roof, the doors open forwards and upwards, amplifying its hypercar identity. This is not the first time Porsche has featured doors with such a design, however, as the doors were once used on the Porsche 917 racing car.
The rear lights are just as dramatic as the headlights, extending across the entire width of the vehicle. And just in case this isn’t fancy enough, Porsche has added a Porsche lettering which is transparent and illuminated. While the car is charging, the ‘E’ of the Porsche lettering also pulsates.
RELATED:
Porsche spent three years updating its crest… if you can even spot the differences
The Mission X, as mentioned above is Porsche’s concept model. However, the sports car company has aimed to set benchmarks with the concept hypercar. According to Porsche, if the Mission X is to go into series production, it should be the fastest road-legal vehicle around the
Nurburgring Nordschleife
.
Porsche also boasts its power-to-weight ratio of one hp (metric) per kilogram, its downforce values that surpass those delivered by the
911 GT3 RS
, as well its capability of charging twice as quickly as the
Porsche Taycan
 Turbo S
, thanks to its 900-volt system architecture. To achieve a balanced handling performance, the Mission X’s battery pack is positioned similarly to an engine in a mid-engine car. Known as the ‘e-core layout’, this is done to achieve greater agility.
For aerodynamic purposes, the concept car features a staggered setup, 20-inch wheels at the front, and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The rear axle is fitted with translucent aero blades. Designed like turbines, the aero blades are there to cool the brakes.
Inside, the Porsche Mission X feature a driver-focused design, with its two seats that are coloured differently. The passenger seat is finished in Andalusia Brown, while the driver seat features a dual-tone Andalusia Brown and Kalahari Grey combination. The six-point seatbelts and open-top steering wheel further emphasise the hypercar’s motorsport identity.
RELATED:
Malaysia-assembled CKD Porsche Cayenne reaches 1,000-unit milestone
Additionally, the passenger side features a bayonet system embedded in the instrument panel to which a stopwatch module can be attached. Porsche Design has also created a special stopwatch module with an analogue and digital display for both the racetrack and rally use. The clocks can display information such as lap times or the driver’s vital data.
RELATED:
Porsche 718 Spyder RS unveiled – 492hp, 0-100km/h in 3.4 secs
GALLERY


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recalls 2,083 vehicles for inspection

Earlier today, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) have issued a recall for the purposes of vehicle inspection as part of their “Field Fix Campaign”. Approximately 2,083 Mitsubishi owners have been called in to get their cars checked, with models ranging from the
Airtrek
,
Colt
,
Lancer
,
Lancer Evolution
,
Grandis
 and
Outlander
.
Owners whose cars are made after 14 March 2008 are exempted from the recall. MMM strongly suggests all vehicles made before the said date to undergo a series of checks to the light switches and for it to be replaced if deemed necessary.
Due to the structure of the circuitry board, cracks could occur which could cause the signal lights and headlamps to malfunction if left undetected over time. MMM said if owners are experiencing
flickering lights
,
blinking lights
,
remains lit
 even after switching the headlights off or
completely malfunctions
, chances are the cracks have already occurred.
Notification letters have already been issued to affected Mitsubishi owners, and MMM will absorb the full cost of inspection and repair (if required). If any of you Mitsubishi owners are experiencing any of the abnormalities above, it’s recommended that you make an appointment with any of Mitsubishi’s authorised service centres for inspection that will take approximately
one hour
.
For more information and to see the list of Mitsubishi’s service centres, please visit their website
here
 or contact our Customer Careline at 1-800-18-6611 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00am-5.00pm) for assistance.


How much to replace the Nissan Leaf’s batteries?

If you’ve always wondered how much it would cost to replace or in this case, to rejuvenate the battery pack of the fully-electric Nissan Leaf, wonder no more.
Starting this May in Japan, owners of the first-generation Leaf (launched back in December, 2011) can now exchange their old batteries for refabricated ones under a fee-based system.
This is made possible with the help of the battery-refabrication facilities of 4R Energy Corp., a company established through a joint venture with Sumitomo Corp. Nissan hopes that via this refurbishment programme, the replacement cost of battery packs can be lowered, thus preserving the residues of fully electric vehicles.
While the price of a battery pack replacement is rarely revealed, the general consensus was that it constituted 50% of the cost of the car when Nissan started retail sales of the Leaf in the early part of this decade. Of course, the cost of lithium-ion battery cells has since gone down significantly with the auto industry now fully committed to an electrified future.
Nismo’s
 interpretation of the
new Nissan Leaf, due for Malaysia this year.
How much? Nissan will initially offer 24 kWh re-fabricated batteries for 300,000 yen (around RM11,000) apiece, while the exchange costs for brand-new battery packs are 650,000 yen (RM23,700) for 24 kWh; 800,000 yen (RM29,000) for 30 kWh, and 820,000 yen (RM30,000) for 40 kWh.
Depending on usage patterns and recharging cycles, the first-generation Nissan Leaf battery packs are believed to be able to
last anywhere from five to seven years
 (with a gradual depletion in range) before requiring change. Just think of it as getting a new engine.


Acura Integra Prototype unveiled, more than a restyled 2021 Honda Civic

After a few great teasers and even a clip of all four generations
ro
wing
 their shift levers, Acura USA has unveiled the Integra Prototype at a simple digital broadcast event earlier today.
When the company first announced the
revival of the nameplate
, many expected the Integra to bring back fond memories of the DC2 and DC5 Honda Integra Type-R models, the exceptionally good compact coupes with very admirable dynamism.
However, Acura was quick to point out that earlier generations of Acura Integra’s are also available in
five-door fastback
 body type, and as such, this fifth-generation (to be called 2023 Acura Integra) continues the lineage.
Visually, when compared to the
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback
, the “hardlines” of the Integra Prototype’s body structure are familiar- the windscreen angle, the thickness of the A-pillar, the long bonnet and even the shape of the rear doors all point to the Honda model.
However, Acura has restyled the C-pillar on the Integra Prototype, omitting the sharp upwards kink that is a new Honda design signature. The rear quarters have been heavily reworked with bulging wheel arches to create the fastback visual look. Both the front and rear bumpers also display trademark cues of the sporty model with an embossed Integra name at the right corners when viewed straight ahead.
The Acura Integra Prototype model is painted with a striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint that pays homage to the Phoenix Yellow that was offered on the iconic 2000 Integra Type R. The yellow highlights are also applied to the large brake calipers and exhaust tips.
The Honda Integra sedan is being offered, but only in China! More info here!
2023 Acura Integra, 6 MT
While we earlier speculated that the 2023 Acura Integra could be fitted with a larger displacing turbocharged engine, an existing 1.5-litre unit from the 2022 Honda Civic Si will be used to keep the pricing within USD30,000 (approx. RM125k), signalling the replacement of the ageing Acura ILX that is also based on a Honda Civic sedan.
At USD27,300, the
2022 Honda Civic Si
 (only in a sedan) pairs its 202 hp / 260 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential driving the front wheels.
The 2023 Acura Integra will be made in the USA at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio and is targeted to reach dealers by the first half of next year.


Next-gen BMW Z4 teased, would you rather this over the Mercedes-Benz SLC?

BMW has just released a single image of a topless roadster on its Facebook page with an accompanying caption “Tune in on August 17th at Pebble Beach”, teasing the imminent unveiling of a new roadster at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’ELEGANCE. Hope we’re not jumping the gun by calling the Z5 for now.
BMW’s only roadster in its stable is the two-seater E89 Z4 which ceased production in June 2016 therefore the new roadster may very well be the replacement for the Z4. The next-gen Z4 is jointly developed with the highly anticipated
Toyota Supra
 where both cars will share a new platform and powertrain options.
The next-gen Z4’s twin, Toyota FT-1
Based on the teaser image, the next-gen Z4 appears to share a similar silhouette as the
FT-1 Concept
: long bonnet, sloping roof line and sharp rear end. It will most definitely be available with a
folding soft and hard top
 like its predecessors but whether or not for BMW to a fixed roof coupe version like the E86 Z4 remains to be seen. More information of the
Mercedes-Benz SLC
 rival to come in due course.


We don’t just want the Honda Sports Vision in our games – bring it to life!

We’re all too familiar with the concept of road-going, production sports and race cars being “reflected” into our games but it’s another thing to have a car whose birth is solely for our virtual leisure and never existing in reality.
The Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo is one such car – given birth through the Gran Turismo, the Real Driving Simulator. Unlike the usual production cars drawn up from within Honda, the Gran Turismo’s outline is a result of a worldwide design competition ran by Honda.
The Sports Vision’s design draws the eye to its streamlined body, with wide fenders and air intakes – a result from the mix of form, functionality and more importantly, beauty.
In the game, the car is confined to weigh under a tonne at 899 kg, primarily with the use of carbon fibre components. The mid-engined sportscar is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine producing just over
400 hp
, delivering power through an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.
As if it were to be put into production, Honda even ran wind tunnel tests with a full scale model! The end result guarantees airflow and exit of air around the Sports Vision’s body, through the undercarriage as well engine compartment.
Image Credit:
Gran Turismo
IMAGE GALLERY


Lotus introduces plug-and-play digital dashboard for a better track day experience

Lotus is known for their back to basics, lightweight and raw sportscars, which means most of their cars have barebones interiors – no squishy soft touch materials, and no unnecessary infotainment displays.
In general, fans and purists seem to appreciate Lotus’ efforts in preserving the purest driving experience. But even then, it’s still nice sometimes to have additional information about the car, especially during spirited driving on track.
For that purpose, the boys at Hethel have cooked up a new plug-and-play digital dashboard device – dubbed Digital Instrument Pack – to upgrade your track day experience, specially designed to fit perfectly into your
Lotus Elise
 or
Exige
 made from 2008 and onwards.
The digital dashboard device, which consists of a six-inch TFT LCD display and a GPS module, measures, displays and records data captured via various onboard sensors, helping drivers improve their lap times on the fly. It is even pre-loaded with
4,127 individual international race tracks
, and automatically detects when the car is on one to help track your lap times accurately.
For those that like to document their track day experience, the device comes with a camera input, allowing you to overlay the vital information such as vehicle speed directly onto the video itself. The digital dashboard can also be detached from its frame, allowing the driver to download the data onto a computer for further analysis.
Lotus Aftersales Director, Chris Hinks said, “We know our customers appreciate the motorsport heritage of Lotus cars and love to use their own vehicles on track days. Integrating a Digital Instrument Pack into an Elise or Exige is only going to enhance that experience.”
The Lotus digital dashboard is priced at
GBP1,470 (RM7,875)
 in the UK, though Lotus also says that pricing will vary depending on region. The new plug-and-play device will be available at all markets where the two cars are sold.


Mazda Koeru Concept: Could it be a CX-4 under all the blatant ambiguity?

Mazda Motor Corporation have just announced that they will play host to the world premier of their Koeru crossover SUV concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in mid September 2015.
Details are way to scarce for us to even make sense of what the Koeru will be, but the company says the word in Japanese means to “exceed” or “go beyond”, adding that they aim to exceed all conventional notions of the segment in which the Koeru will contend. It’s definitely a CX model, and not the hot Mazda3 MPS we all long to see in the flesh.
Right now, we can only guess that the final form of the Koeru is either that of the CX-4 or the CX-6, complementing the CX-3 and CX-5 models in a fashion similar to how the BMW X4 is to the X3, X5 and so on. When the Koeru takes centre stage on 15 September, it will give us a sneak peek of the company’s latest embodiment of their KODO Soul of Motion design philosophy.


McLaren’s new Muriwai White colour was inspired by Bruce McLaren’s, house…?

McLaren Automotive’s bespoke personalisation arm, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has developed a unique paint colour inspired by the family story of its founder, Bruce McLaren. Muriwai White, as it’s called was developed in partnership with Amanda McLaren, Bruce’s only child.
Muriwai is the name of the New Zealand costal community where Bruce won his first motor race and is also the name he gave to his family house in Surrey, England. Inspired by the whitewashed walls, deep blue doors and shutters of the McLaren homestead,
Muriwai White paint
 is white with blue flecks, giving it a dreamy bluish hue.
The first car to be graced with this unique paintjob is a
570S Spider
 with the full exterior carbon pack and five-spoke alloys. Roof down and its red and black interior beams out from inside out, creating a mesmerising contrast that ties in with the red painted brake callipers.
The Muriwai White will officially be part of MSO colour palette, but MSO will fulfil any colour choices of its clients and will tailor make bespoke colour if needed. Much like the
Fux Fuchsia 720S
 which the owner has exclusive rights to the colour.
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is officially the fastest saloon around the Nurburgring!

When Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) pulled the wraps off the most hardcore Jaguar XE ever, the company intended the
XE SV Project 8
 to be a four-door supercar killer. And to put money where their mouth is, the Project 8 is officially the world’s fastest saloon car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The Project 8 went one full circle around the Green Hell in
7 minutes and 21.23 seconds
, humiliating the previous record holder, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio by some
11 seconds
! That puts the Project 8 on par with some big names such as the
Ferrari 488 GTB
 and
Dodge Viper ACR
. Before we go any further, jump on-board the Project 8 on its record-setting lap.
So how did an executive saloon achieve such ludicrous performance? For starters, the Project 8 is unlike your run off the mill
XE
– only the roof and front door skins are carried over from the regular models. Around 75 per cent of its mechanical hardware is all new and unrelated to the standard car.
The record-breaking car came equipped with the optional
two-seat track pack
 that slaps on racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses and retention hoops. Other than that, the rest of the vehicle is identical to the production model.
Under the hood you’ll find a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 generating
 592 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque, sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission and Jaguar’s All-Wheel Drive system (AWD). Sprinting from 0 to 96 km/h takes only
3.3 seconds
, quicker than the highly acclaimed
F-Type SVR
! On full whack, the Project 8 will reach speeds of
322 km/h
.
Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, John Edwards added: “SVO exists to push the boundaries of performance, luxury and all-terrain capability. The hand-assembled XE SV Project 8 takes that principle to the limit, extracting supercar-beating performance from Jaguar’s most compact four-door sedan.” Only 300 left-hand drive will be made, and registration of interest is now open.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volvo continues downsizing trend, confirms production for Drive-E 3-cylinder engines

We’ve recently learned about Volvo’s high-output
four-cylinder T8 engine
 that will be powering the new XC90, as well as their
450hp triple-charged 2.0-litre engine
 that was co-developed with Volvo Polestar Racing and Denso.
Now, Volvo is taking their downsizing trend to the
three-cylinder category
 as part of their pursuit and commitment for greener engines. This small
180hp
,
Euro7 compliant
 engine is developed alongside the brand’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that will underpin the Swedish brand’s 60 Series cars in the future.
Volvo’s Senior Vice President of R&D, Dr Peter Mertens said, “The beauty of the new three-cylinder engine is that it can be built on the same production lines as our four-cylinder engine, offering flexible production potential which can be adapted to suit business needs as we grow. This marks an important step forward for Volvo Cars. In terms of our power and efficiency, Volvo’s engineering excellence will shine through with the Drive-E three-cylinder engine.”
So, fancy yourself a Volvo with a
T3 badge
?


All-new Hyundai Tucson is fastest selling Hyundai model in Europe

While the
all-new Hyundai Tucson
 remains a considerably fresh newcomer to the C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia, in Europe it’s a completely different story for the Korean giant.
Despite being introduced to the European continent in September (two months prior to its Malaysian arrival), Hyundai received over 85,000 orders – 10,000 of which are from the UK alone. This means Hyundai Motor’s manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic will continue producing the Tucson at its optimum capacity.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Elegance
Hyundai Tucson 2.0L Executive
Engine
1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC
1,999cc; inline-4 DOHC
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Max Power
153 hp @ 6,200 rpm
153 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR with insurace)
RM129,888.99
RM143,888.00
The most popular variant proves to be their
1.7-litre turbodiesel
 (114 hp, 260 Nm) variant, accounting for over 34 percent of the orders. Over here, we only get the older
2.0-litre Nu MPI engine
 that makes
153 hp
 at 6,200 rpm and
192 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Just two flavours of the Tucson is sold here – the Elegance and Executive variants. The former is priced at RM130k, while the Executive costs RM144k including GST and insurance. Each purchase will be packaged with Hyundai’s
5-year or 300,000km warranty programme
, whichever comes first. That equals to 164 km a day, everyday, for five years!
IMAGE GALLERY


Relax, BMW’s future cars won’t be all about the grille

Most of us at AutoBuzz.my are warming up to the huge grille on the
all-new BMW 4 Series
, but it’s understandable if you’re still repulsed by it. By all quantitative considerations, the new grille is still a huge departure from the usual BMW design, even if we saw it coming
nine months ago
.
If you fall into the latter category, here’s some good news to ease your worries a little bit – not all future BMWs will look like the 4 Series. Speaking at a media roundtable discussion, BMW’s design chief Domagoj Dukec confirmed that the grille was specifically created for the 4 Series, and there will probably be probably be more “conservatively” styled models in the future.
As reported by
Autoblog
, Dukec explained that the new grille is part of the brand’s broader action plan to give each model unique identities in an effort to differentiate them more from each other. That is why, he adds, that the new 4-er is not just a smaller
8 S
e
ries
, or a larger
2 Series
.
As for why the 4 Series particularly bold? Dukec says that it’s partly due to the fact that even-numbered BMW models have historically (albeit not exactly extensive) carried more expressive and distinct styling compared to their odd-numbered counterparts – see: the original 6 Series (
and the GT
), as well as the original X6.
The design chief further clarifies that the new 4 Series was designed as a global product, and not just to satisfy the Chinese buyers – despite their
affinity for these larger grilles
. Makes sense given that China only represents approximately 10% of the market for the Coupe.
As was explained during the reveal of the Concept 4, Dukec reiterates that the design of the new grille is to a certain extent an homage to the brand’s historical models, particularly the early ones with tall radiators. Though, with such a heavy emphasis on its past, we still can’t quite figure out why the Hoffmeister kink was basically removed on the new 4 Series.


2022 Proton Exora facelift to launch August 19 – new turbocharged engine teased?

In an attempt to steal a bit of the limelight from the recently-launched
all-new Perodua Alza
, it appears that Proton is planning to unveil an updated 2022 version of the
Exora
 this week, according to a
 teaser post
 on its Facebook page.
The teaser post is fairly unassuming as usual, with the only nugget of information being the launch date – August 19, or just two days away from now.

Registration of interest for the upcoming model is now open, and interested customers can head on over to the attached webpage (linked
here
) to do so.
Proton deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah has previously confirmed that an updated Exora is in the works, although he mentioned that it won’t be to the extent of what the Saga received back in May. Considering that it’s now already a 13-year-old model at the end of its lifecycle (plus with the
 Geely Jiaji-based MPV
 rumoured to be launched next year), we really shouldn’t be too surprised.
With that being said, though, the Facebook post does also include the tagline “the performance to run free”, alongside a marketing blurb highlighting the “performance of the Proton Exora’s turbocharged engine” in its caption. Could we be seeing a new powertrain in the upcoming 2022 Proton Exora?
RELATED:
Proton to launch three all-new models in the next two years – what might they be?
The current Proton Exora is already powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making 140 hp and 203 Nm of torque. However, we don’t see why they would specifically highlight that in the teaser post, unless there’s some significant changes made to the existing, frequently-criticised mill.
If the new 2022 Exora facelift does indeed come with a new engine, then there are two possibilities from Proton’s current stable. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit from the X50 is the more obvious choice, with the engine
recently fitted onto the larger X70
, and is also now
locally-assembled here in Malaysia
.
ALSO READ:
Proton opens new engine plant in Tg Malim, first outside of China to assemble 1.5 TGDi mill
In the TGDi form, currently the only variant assembled in the new Tanjung Malim engine plant, the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-banger makes 177 hp and 255 Nm, which will be a significant boost over the existing 1.6-litre mill on the Proton Exora. However, the X70’s larger 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine shouldn’t be ruled out either, with
184 hp
 and
300 Nm
 on offer.
Of course, these are all just speculations at this point. Will this be the last hurrah for the current-generation Proton Exora before we welcome its replacement model next year? We’ll have to wait until Friday to find out.


Review: Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L, a classic execution to executive motoring

The
Honda Accord
‘s decades-old grudge match with the
Toyota Camry
 is traditional automotive rivalry at its finest. Other weigh-ins spring to mind: Mitsubishi Evolution and
Subaru WRX
,
BMW 5 Series
 and
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
, and even the
Honda Civic
 and
Toyota Corolla
, now known here as the Altis.
But the executive sedan ring is looking less head to head and more Royal Rumble these days, especially in Malaysia. The Koreans present an attractive pair and Honda’s own domestic peers, Nissan and Mazda, are in attendance; not forgetting the Passat which is the freshest kid on the block. Or freshest executive with a pair of progeny, a demographic which might be more accurate with cars such as this.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L
Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L
Engine
1,997cc naturally aspirated four cylinder SOHC i-VTEC
2,356cc naturally aspirated four cylinder DOHC i-VTEC with Honda Earth Dreams Technology
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Max Power
153 hp @ 6,500 rpm
173 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque
190 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM153,800
RM172,800
Internal chaos and external threats abound, both from within the segment and from those pesky crossovers that cause headaches in every size. But wait, the fracas is even more convoluted than that. With EEV incentives and the introduction of tantalisingly accessible variants, a small stretch of the budget could net a shopper a set of Teutonic wheels from a higher rung of premium. How, then, can the Accord retain not only its faithful supporters but continue to net new ones in the face of such an onslaught?
EXTERIOR
We are denied Acuras in this part of the world, which is only mildly upsetting. They don’t make sense here, but seeing as the wing treatment of the front fascia seems to have trickled over you’ll hear no complaints from us. In keeping with this seemingly avian theme, the LED headlights of this 2.4 VTi-L — with its daytime-running strip — are executed in a manner reminiscent of the purposeful gaze of a falcon.

Around the rear, the light clusters have been updated with a triplet of horizontal LED bars making for pretty viewing especially at night. Safe too, as the Accord is visible from a much further distance. If you’re wondering why we’re prattling on about lights for so long, this minor aesthetic change has made a world of difference from the pre-facelift Accord. It was a good looking car to begin with, but now the perceived luxury factor has increased along with freshness of design.
And when viewed side-on, the two-tone 18-inch star-and-flower petal rims are pretty damn striking — in a way that you’ll be left puzzled as to why on earth you were staring at the factory wheels of a Japanese family car for so long.
INTERIOR
There is almost a double binnacle swoop over the top of the dash ala BMW E60 5-Series. Combine this with the satin metallic trim surrounding the 7.0-inch infotainment display and the glossy black trim on the center console; the Accord is more luxurious than it has ever been before. One feature sorely missed from the eight-generation that would have made the presentation perfect were the jewel-effect markers on the instrument panel. But we’re nitpicking now.

It may not have the soft leather feel and finesse of the Mazda 6 or the wipe-down simplicity of the Camry, but there’s a dark class to the execution. Front and centre however, is where the tech party is really at — the aforementioned 7.0-inch interface. Apple CarPlay enabled and Android Auto-ready, the layout and usage is commendably intuitive. Above this is Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display which displays drive and vehicle information independently, thus providing as much utility as possible without interfering with operation.
THE DRIVE
Addressing some of the NVH complaints of yore, not only has the overall damping been improved and the highway-speed wind noise all but eliminated, there are now active noise controlling systems in the Accord. Thankfully, these reduce the volume but do not affect the note coming from the Earth Dreams mill. Nothing in the affordable D-segment sounds this good, period.
You have now put up with circa-600 words before arriving at the main event. An Accord has a reputation to uphold in its class — that it should be a frontrunner, perhaps even the best, when chucked into a corner. Turn-in is precise and predictable through the chunky steering wheel, the Accord rolling through a bend in an entertaining manner while looking precisely as good as you would expect it to.
There is slightly less feedback here than in the Accord it replaces, but as the brief is executive first and silly grin second, we can accept this concession. A word on the power delivery for those now spoiled by the early onset of torque from downsized turbo engines, you have to really beat it to get anything out. Peak torque of 225 Nm is only fully deployed at a fairly high 4,000 rpm, so knock the gear lever into S and tickle the paddle shifters to enjoy executive in relative excitement once in a while.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
Let’s start with the practical considerations. Size, reliability and relatively low running costs at the top of your list? Then yes. The Accord has been at the top of its game, or close enough, for countless generations, gradually perfecting the formula. Before you argue, consider that the Accord has been featured in Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars in America not once, not twice, but 30 times in the 32-year history of the award. That’s probably no coincidence.
And there are classy European touches too. Corner lamps that illuminate when you turn the wheel, the aforementioned satin finishes on the interior trim. This is far from an appliance, not that there is anything wrong with an automobile that steadfastly accompanies your daily grind without complaint, but now there is some panache to go along with the predictability. And why shouldn’t you demand as such, motoring at this class should not just tick all the necessary boxes, it should tick those on the wish list as well.
WOULD I BUY THIS CAR?
In a heartbeat. Yes, my bias is showing but it’s only because the Accord’s various elements speak to me in a way that nothing else in the segment can. Satisfying rev-happy top end pull with the dynamics to match, a premium cabin experience and an attractive exterior are the trifecta. Consider me completely sold. Combine this with the cherry that is the two-tone rims and this Honda fanboy can barely contain himself – what more with the bodykit package.
The chords this Accord strikes are both figurative and literal.
When this gets replaced
, it’s not likely that the range-topping variant will continue to carry a large-capacity naturally aspirated mill. And this makes sense, after all of what use does an executive have for a car that sounds the business and whose neck you have to wring to get properly going? Bugger sensibility, and long live the Accord.
[
Words by V.B
]
IMAGE GALLERY


Facelift Volkswagen Arteon R-Line to arrive in Malaysia soon!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has started teasing us with the arrival of the new Arteon R-Line on their social media pages.
The facelifted model is also set to be equipped with the intelligent 4Motion all-wheel drive system, as highlighted here in its website and
register-for-interest link
.
To recap, the
facelifted Volkswagen Arteon
 unveiled in Europe a year ago include a redesigned front fascia, featuring a new light bar across the front grille, making the daytime running lights forming an almost-continuous light bar from end to end. At the back, the taillights also have a new lighting signature.
Inside, the dashboard has been heavily restyled for a more modern appearance. The air-conditioning vents have been made slimmer accompanied by an updated trim pattern, while the new steering wheel and air-conditioning panel features touch-sensitive switches, similar to the items used in the
facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan
 unveiled last month.
Apart from a mid-cycle cosmetic facelift, Volkswagen also launched a Shooting Brake version of the Arteon as well as the Arteon R. The gorgeous Shooting Brake features a visually striking rear fender that arches out to a sculpted tailgate bringing out memories of the Scirocco three-door hatchback.
VPCM formally introduced the Arteon R-Line last year, featuring the same
190 hp/320 Nm
 turbocharged 2.0-litre engine from the
new Passat sedan
 driving the front wheels.
Review: The facelifted Volkswagen Passat 2.0 – True class doesn’t shout
However, being
targeted at more keen drivers
, the Arteon R-Line features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard, offering up to 15 selectable increments in five different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual as well as 19-inch wheels.
We are hoping VPCM introduce the Arteon Shooting Brake model soon too! Fingers crossed!


Proton sold 126,682 cars so far in 2022, 10.4% growth from 2021

For the month of November 2022,
Proton
 sold 11,316 cars, 13.1% down from the previous month. Already exceeding last year’s sales in terms of year-to-date numbers, 126,682 cars have been sold by Proton from January to November (domestic and exports), showing a 10.4% growth from 2021.
In November, the
Proton Saga
 led the sales chart with
4,100 cars
sold. Following the Saga is the
Proton X50
 with
3,724 units
, the
Proton Persona
 with
1,551 units
, the
Proton X70
 with
1,210 units
, the
Proton Iriz
 with
402 units
, and the
Proton Exora
 with
329 units
.
With 3,724 units sold the Proton Exora was the “Highest Volume B-segment SUV” and the “Overall best-selling SUV” in November. Despite topping Proton’s charts, the Proton Saga was the “Second-Highest Volume A-Segment Sedan” for the month.
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “November was an eventful sales month for Proton as we experienced some temporary supply issues that prevented us from achieving our full potential. We are confident of being able to rectify them in December and remain positive about closing out the year strongly.”
RELATED:
Proton exceeds 2021 sales with 2 months to spare – 115,336 cars sold in 2022
In terms of year-to-date sales figures, the chart is led once again by the Proton Saga with 49,965 units sold. In second place is the Proton X50 with 36,917 units sold, and in third place is the Proton X70 with 16,746 units sold. The rest of the line-up follows behind with 14,035 units of the Persona, 5,182 units of the Iriz, and 3,837 units of the Exora. Proton says that the company is “on-track to have its best sales year since 2013”.
Roslan Abdullah adds, “Proton will end 2022 with a fourth consecutive year of sales growth. Aside from benefitting the company, the increase in sales has also increased the volume of parts purchased from local vendors, increased our number of dealers, and created jobs for the automotive ecosystem. With new model introductions in the pipeline for 2023, we hope to be able to increase our contribution to the Malaysian economy by making more local investments, selling more vehicles, and further growing our export markets.”
RELATED:
New Proton regional parts centre in Kuching to cater to growing demands in East Malaysia


Gallery: Lamborghini Urus 4.0L V8, the family bull

Lamborghini makes one of the most drama-filled supercars on the planet. And when the Italian carmaker announced that they will be building a
sensible
 four-door, practical SUV, surely it has to incorporate some of that Lambo flair that every young boy lusted for.
The
Urus
 rides on the MLBevo platform shared with other SUVs under the Volkswagen Group such as the
Audi Q8
,
Bentley Bentayga
 and
Porsche Cayenne
. Stare at the Urus straight on and you’ll find familiar styling cues like any other Lamborghini on the headlamps, strong bonnet lines and elaborate intakes. The front splitter and large Y-shaped air intakes were inspired by Lambo’s first SUV, the
LM002
.

I remember stepping into the cabin of an
Aventador S
 and that feeling is best described as overwhelming, but the Urus, however, is quite the opposite. Everything is where you expect them to be and the buttons have a familiar VAG click to them. Convenient features include a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with vibration dampers, Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS),  fully-digital TFT display, heads-up display and more.
Focusing on the centre console and you’ll find three levers laid out like an aircraft. On the left, you have what Lamborghini calls the Tamburo drive mode selector, gear selector on the centre and the EGO Drive Mode configurator on the right. Lamborghini has also incorporated the fighter jet style cover on the start/stop switch just like an
Aventador and Huracan
.

You might have noticed that the
Tamburo

switch
 on the demonstrator only comes with Strada, Sport, Corsa and Neve (snow) modes as Sabbia and Terra off-road modes have to be ordered as an option. Moving onto the large gear selector and its operations are not as straightforward as you may think. To engage reverse, simply pull the lever downwards but to engage drive, you’ll have to manually flick the paddle shifters to enter first gear. Park and full-manual on the paddle shifters can be done by pressing the P and M buttons respectively.
The EGO function allows the driver to configure the Urus’ throttle response, steering and suspension damping independently to their preferred liking. Once the car is set up accordingly, simply pull the lever downwards and the car will adapt to your preferred settings.
Pictured here is a five-seater Urus but customers have the option to a four-seater layout where the middle seat is swapped for a centre armrest with cupholders and storage space. One observation is that despite the sloping roofline, the Urus was surprisingly accommodating for 180 cm tall adults with a decent amount of legroom. Note that a Urus optioned with a panoramic sunroof will have tighter headroom. Besides a cabin that can comfortably accommodate four or five, the Urus will also happily swallow
616 litres
 of cargo behind its boot or up to 1,596 litres with the rear seats folded.
However, nothing impressed us more than the fact that the Urus features
Bahasa Melayu
option as one of the default system language, something even our national cars do not even offer! The Malay language integration is properly done too, not some shabby Google translate.

Powering the Urus is a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 pushing out
650 hp
 and
850 Nm
 of torque that is transferred to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive has a 40:60 front to rear torque split by default but will send 70 per cent of its grunt to the front or 87 per cent to the rear when needed.
The result is a 2,200 kg Super SUV that can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.6 seconds
, 0 to 200 km/h in
12.8 seconds
 and commands a top speed of
305 km/h
. Besides the staggering straight-line performance, Lamborghini has introduced adaptive air suspension, rear wheel steering and Carbon Ceramic Brakes to ensure that the Urus can carry its weight around the tight corners.
Besides its dynamic performance, Lamborghini did not forget to engineer the
drama

factor
 into the Urus. The exhaust note gets more ferocious as you step up the driving modes, so it’s ever gear change. The pops and bangs during upshift and overruns can be clearly heard from the otherwise muted cabin. Just listen to it:

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy)
The next time you catch this raging bull roaming on our streets, don’t need to rub your eyes because customer deliveries of the Lamborghini Urus have already begun in Malaysia just in time for the holiday season with more deliveries scheduled for 2019.
IMAGE GALLERY
Lamborghini Urus 4.0L V8 in Malaysia


Honda City, Jazz and CR-V ranked highest in respective segments for new vehicle quality

The J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Initial Quality StudySM announced that the best-selling models for Honda Malaysia, the City and Jazz, topped the city compact segment and entry midsize segment while the CR-V ranked highest again for the second consecutive year.
The survey was conducted with respects to the areas of exterior, engine and transmission, audio entertainment connectivity and others.
Read about our
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P review
 here!
Honda Malaysia, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “We would like to express our gratitude to all Malaysians for their continuous support and trust in the Honda brand. We will continue to serve our customers better to meet their needs and provide excellent customer satisfaction.”
The City, Honda Malaysia’s best-selling model, contributed 36% to the company’s total sales last year while the Jazz contributed 13%.


Here’s your first look at the PDRM’s new Proton X70

Shortly after the unveil of the
Honda Civic police car
, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) now have another new addition to their fleet, and it’s the Proton X70. As reported earlier,
197 units
 of the best-selling SUV is slated to join the force, and now these images of the new patrol car have made its way onto the internet, courtesy of Proton salesman
Amirul Anwar Rosli
.
Similar to the Civic, the
Proton X70
 police car is also based on the base trim model, the Standard 2WD. On the outside, several police-specific modifications have been fitted to the SUV, that includes the dashing new police livery, first seen on the Civic patrol car, with the ‘Polis’ script in italics and the PDRM emblem branded on the front doors, bonnet, and across the rear bumper, as well as the blue flashing lights.
The photos did not provide a closer look at the interior of the new X70 police vehicle, but it should also be fitted with the standard PDRM gears, including the Integrated Light Sound System, Fleet Management System, as well as a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio set.
Underneath the hood, the

Proton X70
 is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine, capable of pushing out
181 hp
 and
300 Nm
 to the front wheels. The mill is paired to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which was introduced when the locally-assembled models were launched earlier this year.
The new Proton X70, along with the
Honda Civic
 patrol cars, are procured for the purpose of replacing the current aging fleet of Proton Wajas and Wiras. In total, 1,275 new patrol vehicles will be added to the PDRM fleet in stages.


Video: Mercedes-AMG GT R & GT C, 5 Things

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just unleashed the updated
Mercedes-AMG GT R
 and
GT C
 on our streets and if you do come across one, be sure to stop and stare; not like it wouldn’t have that effect on you.
On one side, you have the GT R priced at RM1.7 million with
585 hp
 and
700 Nm
 from a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 3.6 seconds onwards to a top speed of 318 km/h.

On the other side of the ring, there’s the “slower” GT C model that sits between the GT S and GT R, priced at RM1.5 million with
557 hp
and
680 Nm
. 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 317 km/h.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GT R
Mercedes-AMG GT C


New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe exudes style and performance

The world just can’t seem to get enough of SUVs these days, so it’s no longer sufficient just to offer one body style for each SUV model. German manufacturers in particular has taken to peddling low-roofed, tall-riding coupes, and the latest one is the new-generation GLE Coupe.
In the just unveiled GLE coupe (based on the new generation GLE), Mercedes-Benz now has a total of eight SUV models. Apart from the evergreen G-Wagon, this stylish GLE 53 four-door crossover may be the next most desirable model in Mercedes’ growing portfolio of SUVs, especially if the V8-powered 63 variants prove too rowdy.
As its 53 moniker suggests, the GLE 53 is powered by a
twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six
 assisted by a
48V mild hybrid system
 featuring an
EQ Boost starter-generator capable of 22 hp and 250 Nm
 (maximum bursts when available); the total system output is pegged at
435 hp and 520 Nm
.
4MATIC all-wheel drive
 is standard and the power is transferred to the wheels via a
9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic
. All of this translates into a
0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds
 along with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz claims sharper handling in the GLE 53 coupe as it rides on a
60 mm shorter wheelbase
 compared to regular GLE. Being an AMG model, the GLE 53 also sits
15 mm lower
 with sportier tuning to its air suspension and roll stabilisation programme, not to mention beefier brakes and quicker steering.
Of course, both the exterior and interior of the GLE 53 are adorned with lots of AMG goodies, you can easily tell from its angry
Panamericana grille
 upfront and four exhaust ports at the back, if the aggressive AMG body kit doesn’t give the game away in the first place. The press shots of the GLE 53 cabin also shows off a red-accented cabin with a generous helping of carbon fibre panels and a chunking AMG steering wheel. Tasty.


Audi’s next-gen infotainment system will be Android-based, to debut on new Q8?

We first heard of Audi’s new Android-based infotainment system when they presented the concept at a Google I/O developer conference, and the particular unit was seen featured on the
Audi Q8 sport concept
.
The new Android operating system (OS) will integrate new apps such as Spotify, Google Play Music, Google Maps and Google Assistant. Other Audi specific infotainment apps include Audi navigation, messaging and call functions, all of which are present on the show car.
With the seamless integration between the Android OS and Audi MMI system, Audi believes that through the broad Android Open Source Community, new applications can quickly find their way into the cars and offer greater functionality as well as connected services for the drivers. Of course, these applications are required to fulfil Google and Audi’s requirements.
Android is the world’s most popular mobile platform with more than 1.4 billion active users worldwide, which Audi believes can offer a significantly diverse range of services and connectivity to its customers. Volvo has also
recently announced a partnership with Google
 to develop their next-generation infotainment system which will also be running on an
Android platform
.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi Q8 Sport Concept


Over 2,000 Honda City facelift booked in 10 days, V grade most popular!

Just 10 days after the
facelifted Honda City was officially introduced
, over 2,000 units of the country’s hottest selling B-segment sedan have been booked. This is one heck of an achievement for a single non-national model, which goes to say a lot about our appetite for cars, really.
Honda Malaysia initially planned to sell 2,000 units of the City a month, but they achieved just that in one third of the stipulated period. Of all that,
44 percent goes to the top of the line V variant
, 38 percent for the E and the remaining 18 percent goes to the entry-level S variant.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Honda City 1.5 S
Honda City 1.5 E
Honda City 1.5 V
Engine
1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC
Transmission
CVT
Max Power
118 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Max Torque
145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Price (OTR with insurance)
RM78,300
RM84,600
RM92,000
Despite the high demand, Honda Malaysia wishes to assure its customers that there won’t be any waiting period. Production of the facelifted Honda City is in full gear, so order away!
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda City 1.5L V

Honda City 1.5L E with Modulo Package

Honda City 1.5L S


TMS 2019: Stunning Ariya Concept to shape new styling trend at Nissan

While Nissan’s Ariya Concept didn’t capture as much attention as the all-new
Honda Fit/Jazz
 or even the
Mazda MX-30
 at the Tokyo Motor Show (which is ongoing till 4
th
 November), it is arguably the most intriguing exhibit at Tokyo Big Sight, the location of the biennial Japanese car show.
The significance of the Ariya is far-reaching as Nissan has termed it as ‘
a complete reinvention of the brand’s design
’, in short, this concept will set the design direction of future models. But more than that, the Ariya itself will make it to production ‘
in the near future
’ according to Nissan, which is entirely believable given that the vehicle show car already had working door handles and conventional side mirrors.
Some media outlets were quick to call the Ariya a
replacement for the Murano
, but this may not be the case as the Ariya sits on a
new EV-only platform
 and its dimensions (length of 4600 mm is actually slightly shorter than the X-Trail) are
more C-segment
 than large SUV. Besides, the relatively short front-quarter of the Ariya may not necessarily be conducive to housing a combustion engine.
Despite the modest proportions, Nissan managed to carve out a shape that’s attractive and forward thinking, based on a new ethos dubbed ‘
Timeless Japanese Futurism
’. The V-motion grille is still present, but in an electrified form, its silhouette subtly illuminated, with cameras and sensors housed behind the closed ‘shield’, since there isn’t an engine to cool.
 https://youtu.be/4352tmA09nA
Slim clusters of LEDs form the headlamps of the Ariya at the tips of the ‘V’, which is also where the shoulder line starts, running through the sides and joining a
full-width illuminated strip
 which also incorporates tail-lamps at each end. The roof line of the Ariya is almost a perfect arc, with a steeply raked portion over the C-pillar, truncated by a sharp-looking rear end.
If the exterior doesn’t impress (unlikely), the interior surely would. Fans will be willing Nissan on to introduce the minimalist and jaw-dropping architecture of the dash layout. If this was found in a BMW or Audi, you’d believe it. Interaction is through
haptic touch controls
, with only a single knob to operate the
12.3-inch central display
 and climate control. Wow.
The Ariya is powered by
two electric motors
 – one on each axle, so all-wheel drive is a given, but that’s the extent which Nissan revealed at TMS 2019 as far as technical specs are concerned. What we do know is that the Ariya will be armed to the teeth with the latest ‘hands off’ single lane and highway autonomous drive (under the
ProPilot
 suite), smartphone integration, remote parking and of course, a voice-controlled virtual assistant when the Ariya is launched, in 2020 maybe?