This is what happens when the founder of Off-White helps pen a G-Wagen race truck

As automotive writers, we come across weird and outlandish vehicle concepts almost every other day. But just when we thought nothing will surprise us anymore, Mercedes-Benz went ahead and pulled a G-Wagen race truck out of the bag, designed by two of the most influential luxury designers of our age.
Dubbed Project Gelandewagen, the G-Wagen race truck is actually conceived as an art project, made in collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Chief Creative Director Gorden Wagener and fashion designer Virgil Abloh, whom some of you may know is the founder of Off-White and Men’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton.

But… Just
why
? The duo says that the G-Wagen race truck was made to “explore ways of disrupting future perceptions of luxury”, “question the status quo”, and “showcase future interpretations of luxury and the desire for beauty and the extraordinary”. We aren’t sure how a stripped out interior and a spotty paint job is supposed to convey luxury, but again as we’ve made clear yesterday, design is not our strong suit by any means.
Anyway, to that end, the duo stripped the exterior of the

Mercedes-Benz G-Class
 down to just its clean silhouette without any side mirrors, indicators, bumper bars, or even door handles. It’s then lowered and widened with over-the-top flared wheel arches and body kit, and equipped with ‘exaggerated’ wheels and tyres, which the team says “exudes the G’s inimitable charisma”.
A coat of white paint is selected to emphasise the monolithic character of the car, but partially sanded by hand to “create a sense of timeless simplicity”… Whatever that means. Mercedes-Benz says that the final design celebrates the handcrafted imperfections that make it unique.
Inside, the interior has also been stripped of any tech or regular luxury features, with the roll cage – painted baby blue – taking centrestage. The dashboard and instrument cluster has been replaced by analog dials and toggle switches inspired by old-school race cars, while a proper race car steering wheel and elaborate bucket seats complete the look inside.
To prove that it’s a proper race car, the Gelandewagen is also fitted with a proper racing harness, fire extinguisher, as well as a jerry can for fuel strapped down in the cargo area.
Mercedes-Benz did not reveal the powertrain of the Gelandewagen (probably because it’s not a real race car), though given that it’s
meant
 to be a race car, and it also comes with side pipes finished in baby blue, we imagine that underneath the hood lurks the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 from the
AMG G 63
.
The race car G-Wagen will not be made into an actual car you can buy, though one very lucky and very rich person will be able to win the bid for a replica piece as part of Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction, with all proceeds going to a charity that supports international creative communities.
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Gallery: 2021 Mazda CX-9 “Ignite Edition”, from RM319,847

Bermaz Motor recently introduced the
updated 2021 Mazda CX-9
 7-seater so we popped by their showroom earlier to get a closer look at it now that they’ve resumed operations, with strict SOP in place.
Getting right into it, the exterior remains largely unchanged save for some minor tweaks; it’s an update not a facelift after all. For starters, the seven-seater now comes with the Ignite Edition exterior package as standard.
The kit includes the front grille which has been redesigned, 20-inch wheels, and side mirror caps all finished in black, lending the car more sinister look.
There are two variants to the 2021 CX-9, either in front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. Both are powered by the same 2.5-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with 228 hp and 420 Nm.
New 2022 Mazda CX-5 unveiled, facelifted with new lights and coloured claddings. Read about it here!
Fuel consumption for the 2WD model is rated at 8.8L/100 km, while the all-wheel drive at 9.2L/100 km (on paper).
Inside, new additions to the cabin include wireless charging, wireless Apple Car Play and paddle shifters for the 6-speed automatic. By far the biggest change are the Burgundy seats which thankfully appear to be in just the right shade for a reall classy look.
A quick check with Mazda revealed that the Burgundy upholstery will be the only option available. The CX-9 had black leather upholstery previously.
Other standard equipment onboard includes the head-up display, ventilated and heated seats, a sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a 3-zone air conditioning system.
For safety, there are six airbags and Mazda’s i-ActivSense driver assistance system with adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and auto braking (front and back) with pedestrian detection. The all-wheel drive model even comes with Off-road Traction Assist.
The CX-9 is fully imported and is subject to 50% sales tax exemption for CBU cars till 31st of December 2021. The front-wheel drive model is priced at RM319,847 and the all-wheel drive at RM336,215.
Next-gen Mazda CX-5 to get straight-six engines, new RWD platform. Read about it here!
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New York Auto Show postponed for the first time since WW2 due to coronavirus

The coronavirus has claimed yet another victim, and this time it’s the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), originally scheduled to begin early next month.
Due to the evolving situation of the COVID-19 virus, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) – organisers of the NYIAS – has announced that the 12-day motor show has been postponed until August,
according to a statement
.
The move comes just a few weeks after the
cancellation of the 90th Geneva Motor Show
, originally scheduled for last week.
GNYADA president, Mark Schienberg said in the statement, “We are taking this extraordinary step to help protect our attendees, exhibitors and all participants from the coronavirus.”
The NYIAS was
only ever cancelled for two years
 during the World War 2, in its 120-year history. Two weeks ago,
NYIAS announced
 that the show will go on as scheduled.
However, the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo
declared a state of emergency
 just one week later, therefore taking the control out of GYNADA’s hands.
The 2020 Chinese GP in Shanghai has also been
postponed indefinitely
.
The postponement of the NYIAS comes at a precarious time for the automotive industry, as the coronavirus continue to plague supply chain operations due to lockdowns and quarantine measures.
In the first 16 days of February, car sales in China plunged as much as 92%, forcing carmakers to
explore alternative methods of sales
.
Following the cancellation of the Geneva motor show, many carmakers turned to
online live streams
 for the debut of their new cars. It is expected that the larger car reveals originally scheduled for the NYIAS will also follow suit.


Geely names Feng Qingfeng as new Lotus CEO, to grow luxury appeal

Last year, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) acquired a
controlling stake in the British sportscar manufacturer
 from DRB-HICOM and ZGH Chairman Li Shufu has plans to
fully release the potential and brand appeal of Lotus
, setting
Ferrari and Porsche as their benchmark
.
Lotus’ new owner has just announced that Feng Qingfeng, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Geely Auto Group will succeed Jean-Marc Gales as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus effective immediately.
Feng Qingfeng and Jean-Marc Gales
Gales first joined Lotus Group in 2014 and has led the brand to turn its first-ever profit in 2017. He went on to push for new products for the Lotus brand namely a next-gen Elise and Lotus’ first ever SUV. But how can anyone forget that Gales is a hands-on man himself, personally testing new Lotus models himself, even landing himself in
trouble with the law
.
Gale has chosen to leave Lotus Group for personal reasons and will become Chief Strategic Advisor to Lotus Chairman, Daniel Donghui Li. Li commented: “Jean-Marc has stabilised and turned Lotus to profitability for the first time in the iconic brands history with new industry-leading products and unique business models since joining the company in 2014. Lotus is poised for the next phase of growth under Feng Qingfeng’s leadership, where its expertise in lightweight materials and sportscars-engineering will form part of the wider expansion of Geely ‘s automotive portfolio. At the same time, I will welcome Jean-Marc’s Council as Chief Strategic Advisor to myself and the Board of Directors.”
Feng said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to lead this iconic British sports car group. With Geely’s global synergies and total support, I am confident that Lotus has an exciting opportunity to achieve its full potential as a luxury sports brand, based around its engineering legacy and its future product pipeline.”


2017 Honda City Facelift unveiled, gets full LED headlamps! [+Video]

Right after
teasing us with some pictures
 last month, Honda finally took the wraps off the updated City in Thailand. The B-segment sedan has received a few notable nip-and-tuck updates, with the most prominent change being its fascia.
New to the
fourth-generation City
 is a redesigned front and rear bumper, new alloy wheels, as well as a segment-first full LED headlamps. Even the fog lamps are LEDs, just like the
Civic
! There’s also a mildly restyled chrome grille with LED DRLs offered as standard across all variants in Thailand. The cabin now gets gunmetal accents for the centre console and seats.
Mechanically, the City retains the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine that produces
117 hp
 and
 146 Nm
 of torque. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual or the seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 2017 Honda City is available in six variants, with pricing starting from
550,000 Baht
 (approximately RM69,360.00) to
751,000 Baht
 (approximately RM94,709.00). The Malaysian launch for the Honda City facelift is really just around the corner, so watch this space for future updates!
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UK NHS green-lights breathing aid co-developed by Mercedes F1

A breathing aid device co-developed by Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, University College London, and UCL Hospital, has now been approved for use by UK’s National Health Service in the battle against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The breathing aid is designed as a
‘Continuous Positive Airway Pressure’ (CPAP) device
, which helps coronavirus patients with serious lung infections to breathe without having to use other invasive mechanical ventilation methods – involving insertion of tubes through the skin or mouth.
CPAP devices are currently short on supply in UK hospitals due to the sudden surge in coronavirus patients. As of the 23rd of March, citizens of UK have been told to
remain at home
by prime minister Boris Johnson, much like
 what we have here locally.
In order to develop the breathing aid, the team has worked since March 18 at UCL’s engineering hub to
reverse-engineer an existing CPAP device
, currently used in Italian and Chinese hospitals, to be
mass-produced
.
According to UCL, the CPAP breathing aid took
fewer than 100 hours to develop
, from initial meeting to the production of the first device. UCL’s Mechanical Engineering department professor, Tim Baker said, “From being given the brief, we worked all hours of the day, disassembling and analysing an off-patent device. Using computer simulations, we improved the device further to create a state-of-the-art version suited to mass production.”
The breathing aid has now been recommended for use by UK’s regulatory board. Clinical trials have begun at UCL, and a roll-out will be coming soon.
This partnership comes from an initiative by UK-based Formula 1 teams to aid in the fight against the Coronavirus by producing ventilators. Dubbed ‘Project Pitlane’, the collective consists of six other teams, namely Red Bull, Racing Point, Haas, McLaren, Renault, and Williams.
Mercedes HPP’s Managing Director, Andy Cowell, said: “The Formula 1 community has shown an impressive response to the call for support, coming together in the ‘Project Pitlane’ collective to support the national need at this time across a number of different projects.”


2016 Honda Civic Type R continues to break FWD records in European circuits!

Setting a lap record on a race track for a production car is a serious deal to some car manufacturers. Just ask Honda, as they have just set four new front-wheel drive production car records in Europe with the
Honda Civic Type R
, but the Nurburgring is not one of them.
As a refresher, the fourth-generation Honda Civic Type R (FK2) is the first Civic mega hatch that is powered by a turbocharged VTEC engine. Its K20C1 Direct Fuel Injection 2.0-litre four cylinder VTEC engine generates
 306 hp
 and
 400 Nm
 of torque, and it’s mated to the one and only
six-speed manual shifter
.
Known for its oversized rear wing and race car lookalike bodykit, it blitzes from 0 to 100km/h in
 5.7 seconds
 before maxing out at a top speed of
270 km/h
. Power is delivered to the front wheels only, and it rides on 19-inch wheels.
From April until June 2016, the bone-stock mega hatch travelled across Europe to shred tyres on five popular circuits: Silverstone (UK), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Estoril (Portugal) and lastly Hungaroring (Hungary). The pilots were official Honda racing drivers like Matt Neal, Rob Huff, Norbert Michelisz, and WTCC safety car driver Bruno Correia.
The lap times completed are as follow:  Silverstone (2:31.85), Spa-Francorchamps (2:56.91), Monza (2:15.16), Estoril (2:04.08), and Hungaroring (2:10.85).
In 2015, the prototype Civic Type R dethroned the Renault Megane R.S 275 Trophy-R’s to become the fastest ever FWD hatch around the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of
 7:50.63 seconds
. However, the current record holder is the
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S
 with a time of 7:49.21 seconds.
So after setting records on the five said tracks, one may wonder: Why didn’t Honda return to the Green Hell to prove a point? Are they contented with being second best at the Ring?
The late and great Formula One driver Ayrton Senna once said, “Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose”. The Civic Type R is widely marketed as “the ultimate race car for the road”, so someone seriously needs to take this car around Nurburgring again, like now!
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New Polo GTI goes head to head with the Golf GTI in a drag race

The new Polo GTI has been launched for almost a year now; ditching the old 1.8-litre turbo engine for a more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine that makes around 200 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
While its 0 to 100 km/h time remains similar to that of the previous 1.8-litre turbo model (at 6.7 seconds), it now makes nearly
10 hp
 and
70 Nm
 more torque than its predecessor.
Instead of wondering how much quicker the new Polo GTI is against its old self, why not pitch it against the Golf GTI Performance with 230 hp in a drag race?
The initial results in this video may surprise you but hang in there and watch the fourth and last run, the Golf GTI did not disappoint after all.


Football legend Eric Cantona joins Carsome as brand ambassador

Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform,
Carsome
, has appointed Manchester United legend Eric Cantona as its new brand ambassador. In a statement released yesterday, the company says that Cantona shares the common drive in their “relentless spirit to go above and beyond for their fans and consumers”.
As the ambassador, Cantona will be actively involved in Carsome’s upcoming promotional activities and grou-wide advertising campaigns in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, where Carsome is the market leader.
“We are excited to have Eric Cantona on-board as Carsome’s brand ambassador,” said co-founder and Group CEO, Eric Cheng. “I believe Eric’s personification of victory and fearlessness displayed throughout his life and career will bring us to even greater heights in the used car market as we continue to deliver trust, transparency and choice to our customers.”
Dubbed by fans as ‘King Eric’, Cantona’s commanding charisma has helped him remain an influential figure in the football world, even until today. Indeed, he has played a significant role in the launch of Manchester United’s latest home jersey, riffing on the iconic “collar flip” that he made famous back in the 90s.
Carsome added that he was instrumental in breaking the club’s championship dry spell after 26 years of trophy-less seasons. This, according to the company, is very much likened to Carsome “as a brand that set out seven years ago to redefine the used car industry, at a time when customers deeply lacked trust in the used car market”.
The company says that they’re now the industry standard today for customers to purchase quality assured pre-owned cars, promising a hassle-free car buying experience with quality refurbished cars that have all gone through a stringent 175-point inspection and vigorous refurbishment process.
RELATED: Carsome Certified Lab launched – own a thoroughly refurbished used car with warranty!
“The first in the market to offer a one-year extended warranty and five-day money-back guarantee, with up to 30 brands of cars to choose from, Carsome shares Cantona’s boldness to break the barrier of normalcy to stay on top of the game and be a leader,” the company said in the statement.
Cantona, meanwhile, said that he is pleased to see the progressive and innovative work done by a market-leading Southeast Asian brand like Carsome. “I am confident that our partnership will introduce more car buyers to high industry standards set by Carsome Certified, and subsequently welcome them to a world where the car ownership journey is a trusted and pleasant one,” Cantona added.
The Carsome x Cantona campaign has now officially kicked-off in Malaysia and Indonesia, and will be introduced to Thailand in the near future.
ALSO READ: Carsome PJ Automall now open – a ‘shopping mall’ for cars with over 200 examples under one roof!


2023 Lexus RX teased for Malaysia, official launch imminent!

Lexus Malaysia
has published a teaser on its social media channels for the
2023 Lexus RX
, signalling an impending launch for the revamped SUV here on our shores, nearly a year after its global debut.
Based on
previous rumours
, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX could be offered in two variants here in Malaysia – an entry-level RX 350 Luxury, as well as the range-topping RX 500h F Sport, representing the two extremes of the global variant line-up.
The RX 350 utilises a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath its bonnet, paired to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox to send
279 hp
 and
430 Nm
 to the front wheels.
On the RX 500h, meanwhile, the same 2.4-litre turbocharged engine is electrified with a parallel hybrid set-up, and paired to an additional electric motor on the rear axle (dubbed eAxle) that boosts its total outputs up to
373 hp
and
550 Nm
. Power is sent to all four wheels via a Direct4 all-wheel drive system, and – uniquely on a Hybrid – a six-speed automatic gearbox (instead of an e-CVT) for weight-saving considerations.
Globally, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX is also available in RX 350h and RX 450h+ variants. Both are powered by the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, though the former only gets a single electric motor (integrated series-parallel system) for a total of
249 hp
 and
316 Nm
, while the latter adds another motor on the rear axle for a combined system output of
309 hp
.
If the rumours are true, then the variant line-up for the 2023 Lexus RX in Malaysia stands out as one of the most unique, as we are the only region to offer the base non-electrified RX 350 variant; Thailand has the RX 450h+ exclusively, Indonesia the RX 350h and RX 450h+, while Singapore has the RX 350h and RX 500h (to be launched at a later date).
The Lexus RX 500h with F-Sport kit
In terms of looks, the all-new fifth-generation model represents a fresh take on the signature Lexus RX looks, with a revamped “Spindle Body” grille, sharper lighting, and cleaner body lines.
Aside from the new TNGA-K platform underneath, the all-new Lexus RX’s most notable change is found within the cabin, where a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display adorns the dashboard, replacing the
much-maligned Remote Touch system
.
READ MORE:
All-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new ‘F Sport Performance’ variant
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The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been Postponed

The organisers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed has announced that the event has been postponed, as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Goodwood says that the decision was made following recent developments in the UK, as well as advice from the Government.
Originally scheduled to take place on the 9-12th July, the organisers are now “exploring potential alternative dates for late summer or early autumn”, according to the announcement.
Owner of the Goodwood Estate, The Duke of Richmond said, “Due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus threat and not knowing whether the situation will have significantly improved by [the original scheduled date], we sadly need to postpone the Festival of Speed in July.
“These are dramatic and unbelievable times but they will pass and we are already trying to think about just how exciting it’s going to be to welcome you all back to Goodwood for what perhaps might be the ‘Greatest Event Ever’,” added the Duke of Richmond.
Goodwood Festival of Speed is the latest addition to the recent slew of postponements and cancellations of motor shows, including the last-minute cancellation of the
Geneva Motor Show
, and the postponement of the
New York Auto Show
 – the first since World War 2.
Goodwood Festival of Speed has recently grown in popularity, now being widely considered as the flagship automotive event in the UK. Recent highlights include the unveiling of the
Lexus LC Convertible
, as well as the
record-breaking run
 by the Volkswagen ID.R.


Video: Toyota RAV4 2.5L review

For the past decade or so, the mid-size SUV segment has been dominated by Honda and Mazda with their CR-V and CX-5. Then you have the Nissan X-Trail, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, the Subaru Forester, Peugeot 3008 and yet nothing from Toyota; until now.
While they’ve completely honoured and upheld their “All About the Drive” mantra, with a new engine, new gearbox and new TNGA chassis, Toyota might have taken it too literally. While it’s practical and functional, both inside and out, the 5th generation RAV4 just falls short on the “wow factor”.

The all-new
Toyota
 RAV4 is built on the same
TNGA
-K platform as the
Toyota Camry
 that promises better visibility, agility, and stability via a lower center of gravity, significantly more rigid chassis, and a rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability.
The sole variant of the RAV4 on sale now is powered by a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine with 207 hp and 243 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Noteworthy features include a hands-free powered tailgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 3D Panoramic view monitor, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance system, a blind-spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Take note that the 2.0-litre variant of the Toyota RAV4 is no longer on sale. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.


Ford has developed a trucker cap that goes beyond looking cool

Ford Brazil’s Heavy Truck division has developed the Safe Cap to help truck drivers avoid and overcome the most common danger in their line of work: travel fatigue.
It comes with sensors capable of interpreting the driver’s head movements to warn if the user is tired or sleepy when behind the wheel. Alerts will be sent via sound, light and even vibrations to notify the drive to stop for a break.
Tests for the Safe Cap were conducted over 8 months by a selected group of drivers, clocking more than 5,000 kilometres in real driving conditions. Its potential to help prevent road accidents was also acknowledged by traffic safety and sleep studies experts.
Ford is no stranger to ingenious, or some might say quirky innovations as recently, they reportedly filed a patent for
a retractable table
 that comes with an airbag for use in self-driving cars. They’ve also co-developed with stunt driver, Ken Block, to come up with the
Ford Performance Drift Stick
 – a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that mimics the functions of a conventional hydraulic e-brake.


Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo confirmed for M’sia, super high spec, open for booking!

Honda Malaysia has finally opened the order books for the highly anticipated
fifth-generation CR-V
, and we are pleased to report that it will in fact be getting the 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine.
It’s unclear at this point if it’s going to be a 5-seater or 7-seater, though. The engine is tuned to produce
191 hp
 and
243 Nm
 and it’s paired to a strengthened
CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission). The new CR-V is built to be larger than the model it replaces and it will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
High-spec variants will get LED headlamps with wing-shaped LED DRLs, LED-combination tail lamps, sporty tailgate spoiler, dual-tone alloy wheels, smart entry with push-start button and Honda SENSING. This is the first time Honda Malaysia is offering their latest-generation active safety features and driver assistive technologies.
Honda SENSING is comprised of seven class-leading features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Warning and Lane Departure Warning. Below is the breakdown:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – automatically applies acceleration and/or braking force when activated
Low-Speed Follow (LSF) – Basically an extension of ACC, but works in stop-and-go traffic conditions, even bringing the CR-V to a full stop
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Triggers visual and audible alerts when the system (a combination of monocular camera and radars) detects any risk of collision
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – When a potential collision is detected, CMBS will automatically apply braking force to reduce severity of the impact
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) – Uses the monocular camera to read lane markings. Computers will then make the necessary adjustments to your steering wheel to keep the car within the desired lane
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) – Operable between 72 km/h to 180 km/h, RDM will continuously monitor the road ahead, only intervening when the car is leaving a marked lane
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Alerts the driver through steering vibration and visual warning should a lane-changing manoeuvre be executed WITHOUT the use of signal indicators
All told, the CR-V is quite possibly the highest-tech Honda model to be launched in Malaysia to date. Other key features include six-airbags, reverse camera, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and up to eight parking sensors. The rear seats fold flat to free up to 1,084 litres of loading space.

Should you be interested in the CR-V, be sure to be among the first to place your orders at any one of the 91 authorised Honda dealerships across the country. You can also catch the CR-V in the flesh when it goes on tour (refer to schedule below).
Date
Location
Time
4 June 2017
Gurney Paragon, Penang
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
7 – 11 June 2017
Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
11 June 2017
Imago Mall, Kota Kinabalu
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
16 – 18 June 2017
AEON Tebrau City, Johor Bahru
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
18 June 2017
Plaza Merdeka, Kuching
10:00 am – 10:00 pm

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Riding shotgun in an Aston Martin Valkyrie looks terrifyingly awesome

You might have heard people call the
Aston Martin Valkyrie
 as the “F1 for the road”, and there’s a good reason for that. Designed by Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey, the Valkyrie features some of the most advanced F1-inspired aerodynamic treatment on its bodywork, plus a
F1-derived 6.5-litre NA V12 engine
 that revs all the way up to 11,000 rpm – so you can imagine how it drives.
With only 150 units to be made, chances are we’ll never get even close to seeing one of these beasts in real life. But fortunately, Top Gear was invited to join Aston Martin in their session at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, so we can live vicariously through the camera lens – and boy, is it properly manic.

As the Valkyrie that was brought to the hillclimb is still a prototype with a few more details still to be ironed out, Aston Martin didn’t want to tempt fate by pushing the car to its limits – especially through the corners. That doesn’t mean the car wasn’t trying to kill the driver at any chance it gets, though.
Check out the Aston Martin Valkyrie in more detail here.
From the video, you can see that Aston Martin’s test driver Darren Turner had to counter steer quite aggressively whenever he puts his foot down, and the engine revs jumps everytime the car hits an uneven patch on the surface – though the latter could be down to the fact that the test car didn’t have the active suspension system equipped.
Warp speed activated.
The Valkyrie, with its
1,014 hp
 and
740 Nm
 of torque, is still technically a road car, but the way the car violently shakes at every gearshift, and more importantly, the sound, wants you to believe otherwise – Top Gear’s Jack Rix’s facial expressions in the passenger seat already tells you everything you need to know.
The all-new Aston Martin Valhalla looks almost as insane as its elder brother. Check it out here!
Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss this. Put on some headphones (for the oh so glorious V12 sounds), and let the Aston Martin Valkyrie take you on an insane new spiritual journey – it’s your god now.
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Perodua warns of bogus “sales advisors”, stresses payments only to official company bank accounts

Buying a car is a big commitment and getting sufficient financing through authorised channels might be quite a challenge to many. Times are tough so the opportunists will continue to prey the vulnerable and easily convinced.
Perodua wishes to warn its existing and prospective buyers of scams involving bogus sales advisors asking customers to make payments to personal bank accounts.
“We have recently discovered at least two scammers, posing as Perodua sales advisors, asking customers to make booking fee or deposit payments to personal bank accounts,” Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, adding that the company is working with the police on the matter.
Be alert when taking e-hailing apps, as enforcement teams found drivers using the apps to be fleecing riders
“We take this opportunity to remind all our valued customers
to only make payments to official company accounts
 or over the counters at our outlets,” Dato’ Zainal added.
Perodua also advises prospective buyers when purchasing a new Perodua vehicle to:
Contact or visit Perodua’s authorised sales or service centres (if allowed in your respective area) to learn more about its products and services, or visit
www.perodua.com.my
 or its official
Facebook
 and
Instagram
 pages
Find the most up-to-date list of nationwide sales and service outlets and their contact details
here
Contact the Customer Experience Centre at
1-800-88-6600
 during office hours, or send an enquiry
here
, if anyone claiming to be a Perodua sales or service representative is asking you to make payments into a personal bank account
Booking of a new Perodua can also be made online
here
And be mindful and extra careful about suspicious individuals or agents claiming to deal with products and services from Perodua. The company advises the prospective buyers to:
Don’t react immediately to offers
, whether online or in print, without confirming its details with Perodua’s authorised sales or service advisors, or its official online platforms – Perodua website, official Facebook and Instagram pages
Don’t give away your personal details
 such as bank account numbers, home address and IC number without making sure that the person you are speaking with is an authorised Perodua personnel
Don’t make any payments
, including deposits and booking fees,
into personal bank accounts
. All payments must be made to company accounts only


Honda shows off production-ready Honda e; up to 152 hp and 315 Nm of torque

With less than a week to go before Frankfurt motor show 2019, Honda has released the final specifications and images for the production ready Honda e ahead of its official debut, where it was first unveiled as the
Urban EV Concept
 in 2017.
In its final production guise, the design of the Honda e is pretty much identical to the
prototype
 shown at the Geneva motor show in March this year. The only differences that we can see are the deletion of the illuminated badges and the “Honda Design” decal on the side skirts.
As the initial name suggests, the Honda e is designed around modern urban ‘lifestyles’ with a focus on simplicity and usability, with a nod to the early generations of Civic from 70’s. The Honda e does away with the wing mirrors, replacing it with a
wide-angled camera system
 to enable better visibility while reducing drag.

Powering the rear wheels (yes, it is a RWD) of the Honda e is an electric motor delivering either 134 hp or 152 hp (there are two state of tunes) along with an impressive 315 Nm of torque, which is
more than the turbocharged Honda CR-V
! The Honda e takes 8 seconds in the 0-100 km/h run.
The compact 35.5 kWh battery pack located on the floor provides up to 219 km of range from a single charge. Just like other EVs in the market now, the Honda e also supports fast charging and can be topped up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The optimal battery positioning in the Honda e gives the car a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Along with a torque vectoring system on its rear axle, the Honda e should feel pretty sporty and nimble on the road.
Inside, the Honda e is adorned with a massive digital dashboard across the width of the cabin, with the largest area occupied by dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens as the primary infotainment interface. Honda e owners can access the connected services and applications through them, or via voice commands to engage the Honda Personal Assistant powered by artificial intelligence.
 The Honda e is also always connected, allowing owners to access vital information of the car through the accompanying Honda+ smartphone app, while also enabling the smartphone to be used as a digital key to the car.
With the rear wheel drive and instantaneous torque delivery, we wonder could this be the new ultimate zero emission Kei drift car?


Proton sold 9,623 cars in June, second best sales month in 2020 thus far

Proton has just posted its sales data for June, which recorded a total of 9,623 vehicles sold in the month. The national carmaker said that this is the second best sales month so far this year, which represented a 69.5% growth over May, and a 26.3% increase over the same period last year – when the world was not affected by a pandemic.
Accounting for the June sales figures, Proton now claims a 21.2% Year-to-Date (YTD) market share figure. The company also says that its performance in the first half of 2020 shows a 6.5% improvement over the same period last year.
Driving the sales for the national carmaker in June was the
Proton Saga
, which saw 4,447 units of the A-segment sedan sold. According to Proton, the figure represents the best monthly sales figure for the Saga in 70 months, overtaking the previous best of 4,275 units in October 2019.
The
Proton X70
 continue to reign the C-segment SUV market with 1,909 units sold last month, which also made it the best-selling SUV overall in the country for the first half of the year, according to the company.
The national carmaker also claims that the
Proton Persona
 held on as the nation’s best-selling B-segment sedan for the second month in a row; the
Exora
 remained at the top of the C-segment MPV market, while the
Iriz
climbed up in ranking to take third in its segment.

Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s sales in the first full month of business since February have been encouraging. While we remain cautiously optimistic for the second half of 2020, the demand for Malaysian cars in general and Proton vehicles in particular points towards increased consumer confidence in our products.”
The company believes that the recently-announced
sales tax exemption period
 has helped spurred demand and interest in car purchases, and is looking to maintain its sales momentum for the rest of year with several activities including the 35th anniversary celebration for the Proton Saga.


2017 Toyota Yaris updated, new engines and autonomous braking!

Toyota has just unveiled the Yaris facelift, and the exercise this time goes beyond skin deep. Led by the company’s European team, this facelifted, third-generation Toyota Yaris remains a global product and the updates seen here will be adopted directly by its JDM sister model –
Toyota Vitz
.
This €90 million (RM425 million) project sees the introduction of over
900 new components
 to the Yaris and it’s said to dramatically enhance the car’s design, performance and safety. It gets a refreshed front and rear end, more refined interior and Toyota Safety Sense as standard across the model range.
Starting from the exterior, Toyota focused on giving the Yaris a more active and dynamic appearance while further enhancing Toyota’s Keen Look design attributes. Up front is a redesigned bumper with reshaped projector headlamps and LED DRLs. Higher end variants receive a Lexus-inspired honeycomb grille while lower grade models settle for “stepped” horizontal bars. Behind sees a new, reshaped tailgate and bumper while the tail lamps are LEDs. Depending on trim levels, the Yaris comes fitted with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, Toyota’s signature HMI (human-machine interface) philosophy is very much apparent. New features include the 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, blue illumination on the instrument cluster, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, propeller-style air vents, infotainment system as well as chrome and piano black trims. To go along with the chic and active appearance of this B-segment hatchback, a series of unique interior trim and colour options are available to complement each of the
10 striking exterior shades
.
Three engine choices are available for the Yaris, namely a 1.0-litre 1KR-FE three-cylinder petrol, 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE hybrid with VVT-i and the
all-new 1.5-litre 2NR-FKE four-cylinder petrol with VVT-iE
. Performance figures are rated at
68 hp/95 Nm
,
 111 hp/136 Nm
 and
99 hp
 (combined output) respectively. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels regardless of engine choice.
The new 1.5-litre 2NR-FKE meets Euro 6c emissions standard, as well as boasting 12 percent improved fuel economy over the old 1.3-litre engine. It accelerates to to 100 km/h from standstill in
11 seconds
 (about 0.8 seconds quicker). Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is rated at
4.6L/100 km
 on the manual and
4.2L/100 km
 for the CVT.
As for the hybrid, NVH levels have said to improve tremendously, thanks to new engine mounts, larger engine roll restrictor, front driveshaft, front subframe and modified intake system. Besides that, this model also gets improved ride comfort and handling thanks to revised dampers and retuned electric power steering.
Now, standard across the Yaris range is
Toyota Safety Sense
 – a suite of passive and active safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and rear seat belt force limiters and pre-tensioners. Only the entry level variant loses out on Road Sign Assist.
Unfortunately, the refreshed Yaris did not see the introduction of a
high performance variant
. Perhaps we will have to wait a little longer for that. If Toyota Malaysia decides to bring this in with the full breadth of safety features, it will no doubt do well, only to be properly challenged by the
fourth-generation Kia Rio
.
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Toyota Yaris

Toyota Vitz (JDM Yaris)


Less dramatic, better overall proportions: Honda releases more images of all-new Civic

It’s been a month now since the
all-new 11th generation Honda Civic
 was launched and we’re pretty sure you’ve already seen how it looks like.
There have been mixed reviews on how it looks. It’s got cleaner lines and a more mature appearance but some have opined that it doesn’t look as exciting as the 10th generation model. With this latest batch of pictures, one thing’s for sure – it looks much more proportionate from the previous model.
For starters, the car is longer than before, with a longer wheelbase. Extra legroom aside, it seems to have made the exterior look more proportionate than the previous generation model.
With the previous generation model, the rear 3/4 section never looked quite right from certain angles, in our opinion.
As for height and width, the dimensions remain unchanged from before. The all-new Civic now comes with a sportier roofline and Honda says the A-pillars have been pushed back by nearly two inches.
That according to them, elongates the front bonnet for a more attractive silhouette. It’s hard to disagree.
As for what’s under the hood, the 1.5-litre turbocharged and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine options remain. The latter makes
158 hp
 and
187 Nm
 while the
turbocharged unit makes an extra 6 hp and 20 Nm
 from before, at 180 hp and 240 Nm.
Among the new creature comforts offered in the cabin are the new 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, new Body Stabilising Seats, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker BOSE sound system.
Safety wise, there’s a maximum of 10 airbags in the all-new Civic, along with the
 latest

front airbag technology
 that cradles the head and holds it in place during an accident.
The Honda Sensing driver assistance now uses a new single-camera system, as opposed to the camera/radar combo than before. It provides a wider field of view, and along with new software, it’s able to identify pedestrians and cyclists, road signs and lines a lot quicker and more accurately.
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Toyota Malaysia recalls MY2013/14 Vios, Altis & Alphard over airbag issue

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has just extended its recall exercise, or Special Service Campaign (SSC) to 21,000 vehicles manufactured between January 2013 to December 2014 sold by UMWT. The recall exercise is to replace the faulty Takata airbag inflator modules for the front passenger side airbag.
Models involved in this SSC are Vios, Corolla Altis and Alphard, distributed through authorised Toyota dealer network nationwide. The faulty airbag module, when deployed, may send metal shards into the occupants and cause even more harm, in some cases, even
death
. We have detailed in full on
why you should get your faulty airbags replaced as soon as possible
.

UMWT is working on sourcing the necessary parts from the principal and once the parts are available, UMWT will notify owners to request them to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota service centre to make the necessary replacements which should take about 1 to 3 hours. All costs involved will be borne by UMW Toyota.
Toyota owners can visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage
here
, and key in their respective VIN Number to check whether their cars are involved in this or any other recall campaign. Alternatively, owners can contact any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone hotline at 1-800-88-69682.


Is there a new Toyota Celica on the way?

The name Celica, stirring up driving passion and motorsport heritage, has again been filed at the US Patent and Trademark office (USTPO). The first filing at the same registry was noticed over three years ago.
Speculation has been stirring in the media lately of a new Celica on the way – one that has ceased to exist since the mid-2000s – but we wouldn’t bet on it just yet.
This practice however is often just routine housekeeping, ensuring that Toyota continues to have rights over the Celica name and trademark. Curious to know what the Celica name means?
Find it out here
 plus other Toyota models.
We should also not be expecting a performance-tuned Celica anytime soon, as Toyota’s latest direction in performance vehicle line-up bear the ‘GR’ naming convention such as the
GR Supra
, the
GR Yaris
 and
proposed GR86
. The filing papers had no mention of the GR prefix.
The Celica moniker dates back to
half a century
, with the first Toyota bearing the Celica name back in 1970. The coupe was introduced in the US to compete with “pony cars” of the generation such as Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
Nissan joined the party a few years later with the Datsun 280Z. The third-generation Celica moved further upmarket and began using the
Supra
 nameplate, while the fourth to sixth generation Celica models were fondly remembered as rally rockets with its
all-wheel drive
 traction. They also frequently won rally championships.
Another speculation is the bodytype that will feature the Celica nameplate. Mitsubishi brought back the
Eclipse
 nameplate back in 2018, but the reincarnation is actually a crossover, a huge departure from its coupe origin.
That being said, Mitsubishi was careful to name the vehicle Eclipse Cross to keep things well defined and the fans happy.
Toyota retired the Celica coupe back in 2006, with the 7th generation sizzled down to a simple front-wheel drive coupe with a 190 hp 1.8-litre engine.
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2020 Toyota Corolla 1.8G now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

When we first
drove the all-new Toyota Corolla up and down Genting Highlands
, after
witnessing its launch at the Sky Avenue
, there was almost nothing about the car we could be too critical with.
With the exception of a slight lack in grunt, everything about the way it drives and rides was simply spot on. For something between RM128k to RM139k, the new Toyota Corolla (and I’m being objective here) sets a very high standard in driving refinement for a C segment sedan – if the segment still means something to anyone these days.

The big step up is largely due to the
Toyota New Global Architecture

(TNGA) platform
 that the new Corolla, like the
Camry we reviewed
, is built on. It has completely changed the way we see a Corolla and we’re convinced you’d agree as well after a test drive.
The only stark absence in the Corolla however, especially in the year 2019 (when it was launched), was the lack of modern forms connectivity – like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was almost there but not quite and the overall comments online have been unanimous as well.
Before
RM3k later…
UMW Toyota Motor must have been observing because they’re equipped the Corolla with a completely new head unit that’s not only more complete – with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – but also substantially larger than before. It now measures 9 inches, up from 6.8 inches while also losing the humpback behind the display.
There is a catch; it’s
only available in the 1.8G model
 that’s now priced at
RM139,888
,
an increase from RM136,888
. Price for the 1.8E remains unchanged at RM128,888. Can you justify paying an extra RM3k for a more well equipped head unit?


Special Edition Range Rover gets new straight-six Ingenium engine

The Special Edition HST model will pack 400 hp and 550 Nm of torque from an all-new 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium engine, replacing the previous V6 engine.
0 to 100 km/h will take around six seconds, thanks to an electric supercharger that essentially eliminates turbo lag to deliver immediate throttle response, onward to a top speed of 225 km/h.
These performance-boosting technologies are complemented by a new Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain that’s capable of a frugal fuel consumption of just 9.3L/100km.
The clever system is based around an all-new Start-Stop system that switches off when stationary and pairs the engine with an electric motor.
This allows the system to harvest energy through regenerative braking and store it in a 48V battery for later use, such as when pulling away from a standing start.
“In-line six-cylinder engines are inherently better balanced than V6 designs and our all-new Ingenium unit builds on that promise to optimise efficiency in all operating conditions,” said Jaguar Land Rover, Executive Director of Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover.
While the exterior prominently features carbon fibre trims on the bonnet, front grille, side vents and tail gate, notable features on the inside include 16-way Dynamic front seats, suede detailing on the steering wheel and gear lever.
There are five exterior colour choices for the Range Rover ranging from Santorini Black, Fuji White, Indus Silver, Firenze Red and Carpathian Grey. The latest Range Rover Sport HST is priced from £81,250 (approx RM426k) in the UK.
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53-year old VW Vento 1.2L TSI owner got lucky, wins RM66,888 ang pow!

A 53-year old man from Kuantan struck gold after he was announced as the lucky winner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia’s Chinese New Year Campaign.
The jubilant Syed Mohammed Sohaimi was one of many participants, all of whom qualified for the promotion after purchasing a brand new Volkswagen vehicle. Sohaimi’s choice of car was the
Volkswagen Vento 1.2L TSI
.
“I am very surprised and grateful for this win as I did not expect it all. When I test drove the car, I immediately felt the difference. I plan to use the money and take my family to perform
Umrah
, so thank you Volkswagen. I am now a fan,” said Sohaimi.
The campaign ran from 1 January to 15 February 2017. Besides the grand prize, other Volkswagen owners also received cash-back ang pows ranging from RM388 to RM1,288.
Find out what we think of the
Volkswagen Vento 1.2L TSI in our review
!


The Aston Martin DB12 marks 110 years of the brand – 680hp, RWD, 0-100km/h in 3.6 secs

Just last week,
Aston Mastin
 teased that it will be debuting its next-generation Aston Martin DB grand tourer with the tagline “Grand is not enough”. In conjunction with the British luxury sports carmaker’s 110th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of its DB grand tourer series, Aston Martin has just unveiled its brand new Aston Martin DB12, and has named it the world’s first ‘super tourer’.
The Aston Martin DB12 is an important one for the company, as it heralds a new era for Aston Martin as the first of its next generation of sportscars. On the outside, the Aston Martin DB12 features a more muscular physique and has gained an increase in track by 6 mm at the front and 22 mm at the rear.
The new ‘super tourer’ also features newly designed LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRL). Sporting the latest Aston Martin logo on its nose, the sports car is designed with new wings as well as new smaller, frameless wing mirrors to compliment the new design, while improving aerodynamics at the same time. The Aston Martin DB12 also comes with a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels as standard; 9.5 inches wide in the front and 10.5 inches wide in the rear.
Under the hood of the Aston Martin DB12 is a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine that is capable of outputting
680 hp
 (metric) and
800 Nm
 of torque. Claimed to be the best-in-class, the DB12’s power output figures have gained an increase of 34% over the outgoing
DB11
. This is possible thanks to modifications done by Aston Martin engineers, such as modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling.
With power sent to the rear wheels only, the Aston Martin DB12 features an 8-speed automatic transmission that features a shortened final drive ratio, as well as a unique transmission shift calibration. This, as a result, helps deliver punchier in-gear acceleration and reduces shift speeds, allowing the ‘super tourer’ to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
3.6 seconds
, and achieving a top speed of
325 km/h
.
RELATED:
Geely is now Aston Martin’s third-largest shareholder, ups stakes to 17%
To improve the DB12’s ride and handling, Aston Martin has fitted the sports car with Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. With a fitment of a non-isolated steering column, the steering provides an enhanced dynamic feel, which helps improve the driving experience.
The DB12 also comes with a new set of intelligent adaptive dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars. This works together with the Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), which, unlike a conventional Limited Slip Differential, can go from fully open to 100% locked in milliseconds, giving the driver maximum response for more precise and consistent handling.
Aston Martin has also said that E-diff is linked to its industry-leading Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip. The DB12 is also fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres as standard, as well as cast-iron 400 mm front discs and 360 mm rear discs. The disc brakes feature grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity as well.
Just in case an even better braking performance is needed, the Aston Martin DB12’s brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback. The new British sports car also comes with an optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB), which has increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800°C.
Aston Martin Group Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli said, “DB12 is a statement car. One that asserts Aston Martin’s position as a leader in performance, dynamics, engineering and technology. We have pushed every aspect of this car to be best-in-class. The result is more power and performance than its rivals. Combined with exceptional handling and an exciting soundtrack, it is a car with passion and a truly sporting character.”
“Crucially, thanks to its breadth of capability we have achieved this without compromising refinement, comfort and luxury. Together with our use of industry-leading dynamic control and infotainment systems, DB12 is the start of Aston Martin’s most exciting new era,” Fedeli added.
RELATED:
Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition now in Malaysia, RM978k before taxes
Inside, the DB12 features a cockpit that is driver-centric. According to Aston Martin, the interior is also integrated with the latest technologies and features luxury craftsmanship and materials.
At the centre is Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Measuring 10.25 inches, the touchscreen unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with an all-new navigation system as well.
For those of you who prefer buttons, don’t worry, as Aston Martin has also retained buttons for key mechanical operations. This includes gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation.
Deliveries for the world’s first ‘super tourer’ is scheduled to start in Q3 2023. What are your thoughts on the car? Let us know in the comments down below!
RELATED:
Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica
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Mitsubishi XRT Concept previews upcoming all-new Triton, debuts in Bangkok

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has ‘unveiled’ the Mitsubishi XRT concept at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show which is taking place from March 21 to April 2. The XRT concept essentially previews the upcoming
Mitsubishi Triton
 which is set to launch in 2023.

By the way, if you’re looking to renew your insurance, you can get a 10% rebate and cash back at the end of your policy if you renew with MotorTakaful by Etiqa. Just log on to
www.motortakaful.com
.
After almost nine years, the Triton will be given an all-new update with its debut set to happen in Thailand this year. Reportedly set to be built on the Nissan Navara platform, styling cues of the upcoming Triton can already be seen through the XRT concept.
The XRT concept seems to be a version of the Triton with an additional rugged kit, something similar to what the Ford Ranger Raptor is for the standard
Ford Ranger
. The concept car is fitted with front and rear over fenders, mud-terrain tyres, and a camouflage design inspired by lava rocks.
The front end shows some resemblance with the outgoing generation, albeit more futuristic and more butch. The images shared by Mitsubishi suggest an LED DRL strip at the top of the headlight cluster. The grille now features a three-hole design. The wheels adorning the XRT concept seem to take inspiration from Dakar Rally pickup trucks. The side profile of the XRT concept also suggests a shorter rear overhang for the upcoming triton, potentially providing better load-carrying capabilities.
RELATED:
Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus Edition launched in Malaysia – RM 139,700, only 1,000 units
Mitsubishi Motors President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Takao Kato said, “Fiscal 2023 is an important year for Mitsubishi Motors to accelerate our business in the ASEAN region, with the launch of a fully revamped Triton and an all-new compact SUV.”
“The all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities. With the new vehicle launches as the centerpiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth. Please look forward to the future of Mitsubishi Motors.”
The Triton is Mitsubishi Motors’ top-selling model manufactured at the Laemchabang Factory in Thailand and the company’s global strategic vehicle exported to about 150 countries around the world. In Malaysia, the Triton is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
ALSO WATCH:
Ralliart is back! Checking out the Mitsubishi Triton rally truck in Thailand
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Lotus cars could be made in China in Geely’s new factory

With the opening of a new assembly plant in Hubei, China, that’s capable of manufacturing 150,000 cars annually, Geely looks set to begin production of the British sports car in China for the first time, according to reports by
Reuters
.
The move would benefit both the Chinese and British brand with Geely aiming to produce more high-end vehicles while Lotus thrives from increased production of its sport cars and fast-tracked development of its first ever SUV.
Ever since taking over the British sports car maker, Geely has pledged to
unleash the full potential and appeal of the Lotus brand
 and to
compete with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari
 again.
With
plans to introduce an SUV by 2020
, the Chinese principal has been aggressive in its expansion of Lotus with a recent RM7 billion investment
to increase headcount and production volumes
.
Newly apppointed Lotus CEO, Feng Qingfeng.
Geely also recently named Feng Qingfeng, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Geely Auto Group, to succeed Jean-Marc Gales as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus.
According to the same report, the factory in Wuhan is also capable of manufacturing electric and hybrid vehicles. That should help elevate sales for the Lotus brand should they proceed to expand their line up beyond just sports car as sales only amounted to 1,630 units globally last year.


This is what all future Hyundai vehicles could look like in the future

Hyundai is set to reveal the new futuristic Le Fil Rouge concept car at the end of this week, where it will introduce Hyundai’s new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design theme. The new design approach will appear on all future Hyundai vehicles, ranging from sedans to SUVs.
The Le Fil Rouge is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s 1974 Coupe Concept and marks the beginning of the Sensuous Sportiness era for Hyundai design. The Sensuous Sportiness design language will bring instinctive beauty, emotional value and desirability to Hyundai vehicles.
In terms of the Le Fil Rouge’s unique proportion, they’ve been achieved using a long wheelbase, large wheels and short overhangs. Hyundai took a new approach called ‘Light Architecture’ which generates a dynamic look and a forward motion effect – explaining the car’s “charging stance” even at standstill.
The front and rear pillars, as well as the roof are seamlessly blended into the silhouette of the vehicle, as if it was drawn with a single line.
The interior design emphasises on the individual needs of the driver and passenger. The front passenger seat focuses on comfort especially for long-distance trips with more leg room, while the driver’s seating position is designed for optimised ergonomics.
On the styling front, the design team’s goal was to create “a face” that’s instantly recognisable as a Hyundai, even at a distance. Concave and convex forms have been carefully orchestrated to provide a more bodacious appearance.
Also profound is the concept’s wide, layered front hood, combined with a new Cascading Grille, Hyundai’s most distinctive design cue. The new grille comes with a three-dimensional appearance, featuring parametric jewels inside, giving the vehicle a commanding presence.
Inside, a two-way air ventilation system blows air over the curved surface of the lightweight tube architecture; one that’s been inspired by aircraft ventilation.
Revitalised wood and high tech fabrics have been deployed extensively and sculpted into exquisite, sensuous forms. This evokes a natural beauty with an emotional touch adding to the airy feeling to the car.


SST exemptions extended to the 31st of December 2021

The Ministry of Finance Malaysia through a late evening television broadcast has announced that the sales and service tax (SST) exemptions period that was set to expire on 30th of June 2021, will be
extended to the 31st December 2021
.
This is the second six-month extension given to spur the economy, as the return to the full quantum of taxation was scheduled to begin on Jan 1st 2021, but
an extension
 was notified only days before the end of 2020.
As such, all locally-assembled (CKD) passenger cars, including SUV and MPVs will continue to be completely exempted from the
10% sales tax
, while imported passenger cars will still enjoy a cut from 10% to
5% in SST
.
Commercial vehicles such as
pick-up trucks
 and panel vans remain
excluded
 from the SST exemption exercise.
The
sales tax exemption period
 is part of the government’s short-term economic recovery plan (from Penjana moniker in 2020 to Pemerkasaan in 2021), designed to spur the demand in the automotive market, which have been impacted by the Covid-19 health pandemic.
The late evening television broadcast by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was part of the government’s financial plan announcement for MCO 3.0, which will enter its
first phase with full lockdown
 in the first 14 days of June. Only
selected economic and services
 sectors deemed essential are allowed to operate at reduced capacities and hours.
Workshops for maintenance and repairs continue to open and operate, but car sales and distribution, as well as car wash centres, are not allowed.


Toyota to unveil new Granace at the Tokyo Motor Show

At the 46th Tokyo Motor Show happening at the tail end of this month, Toyota will put to stage the new Granace – an MPV with the option for six or eight seats.
The model’s name is taken from the word “gran,” which means “big or great” in Spanish, and “ace,” which means “top or excellent person” in English.
Could this be the new darling of local parallel importers and “taukes”? It sure looks every bit a worth replacement of the Alphard/Vellfire duo with a commanding front end featuring twin projector LED headlamps that flow into the oversized chrome grille – a similar trait shared with the current generation of oversized toasters.
Speaking of the most favourite people-carrier in Malaysia, the black-infused instrument cluster does bear some resemblance with Alphards and Vellfires that litter our streets but unlike the go-to choice of business owners here, the Granace comes with two different seating configurations.
It’s available either as a three-row six-seater or a four-row eight-seater although it’s uncertain how the upper management of Malaysian corporations would feel being cramped up in such a luxurious setting.
Mechanical specifications are scarce but it’s said that the Granace would be powered by a 2.8-litre “clean diesel” engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Granace also sits on a newly-developed trailing-link rigid-axle suspension at the rear while the highly rigid body and the adoption of a ring-shaped frame helps achieve a comfortable ride with stable handling – the latter being an elusive traits of the Alphards and Vellfires until the current generation came about.
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All-new Mercedes-AMG C63 to ditch V8 engine for hybrid inline-four power

The all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63, based on the
W206 C-Class
, is due to be unveiled in the coming months. Ahead of its launch, the company has now unveiled a prototype model of the souped-up sedan, and was put on display at the 24-hours of Nürburgring race over the weekend.
As usual, the car is all wrapped up in camouflage in hopes of hiding the finer details until launch. However, hidden behind the red and grey decal is what might just be the biggest change the AMG C 63 has ever seen – and that’s the new powertrain underneath the bonnet, as hinted by the tag line, “Get ready for E Performance”.
Photo: evo magazine/Twitter
That’s right – the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 will indeed be powered by a new hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, and an electric drive unit on the rear axle, as
revealed in March last year
.
According to a report by
Autocar
, the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger in the upcoming C 63 will be tuned to an output of 477 hp, further aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system to provide temporary boosts of up to 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production.
The engine is then mated to a 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle, bringing the total system output up to
680 hp
 and
 750 Nm
 of torque. For comparison, that’s a whopping 170 hp and 50 Nm increase over the
current C 63 S
, and 170 hp and 100 Nm more than its closest rival, the
BMW M3 Competition
.
The halving of the cylinders and engine capacity will no doubt anger some fans, but the move to a smaller electrified powertrain could bring about actual tangible benefits – most importantly of all, is weight.
RELATED: Mercedes-AMG unveils two PHEV powertrains – flagship hybrid V8 to get 800+ hp!
The new M139 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit weighs nearly 50 kg less than the M177 V8 engine in today’s C63 4Matic, and even with all of the electrified bits tacked on, it’s still claimed to undercut the previous V8 powertrain.
On top of that, the new hybrid powertrain’s weight is concentrated lower in the chassis, which will help bring the centre of gravity lower in the new model, theoretically giving it an advantage in handling and body control.
The
Autocar
 report states that the new hybrid powertrain could also introduce an improved all-wheel drive system that can fully appropriate power to either the front or rear axle according to the driving conditions, enhancing the cornering abilities of the upcoming C 63 4Matic model.
Despite the removal of the V8, there are still a lot of things to be excited about on the upcoming all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63. So get over yourselves, because the future is coming.
[Header photo: evo magazine/Twitter]


Review: 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus, refining the Four Rings’ best yet

Believe it or not, it’s been 10 years since the first ever Audi R8 was introduced. For many of us, the second generation model didn’t quite reverberate the immediate jaw dropping allure its predecessor enjoyed (which went on to find over 50,000 new homes globally), much less leave us wondering if Audi has indeed ran out of tricks up its sleeves.
That doesn’t mean that the R8 lacks the credentials to be a true supercar though, because mechanically, the R8 improved tremendously. Back then, a V8 and V10 engine – both naturally aspirated – could be had, along with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed twin clutch automatic. The Four Rings have done away with the 4.2-litre eight cylinder mill, and they also will not be offering it with a stick and three pedals. Why? Because there was no demand for it, and less than 10 percent of the first-gen R8 sold were manuals. Actually, much less than that.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Audi R8 V10
Audi R8 V10 Plus
Engine
5,204cc; naturally aspirated V10, DOHC
Transmission
7-speed dual clutch auto with manual shifting mode
Max Power
540 hp @ 7,800 rpm
610 hp @ 8,250 rpm
Max Torque
540 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
560 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
3.5 seconds; 320 km/h
3.2 seconds; 330 km/h
Although it may not look the part, Audi’s top dog has gone through quite an overhaul to better its predecessor in all supercar aspects. It is now marginally wider, sits lower to the ground and is longer than before as well. At the core of this car is the same Audi Space Frame, a more rigid (40 percent better rigidity) but featherweight
200kg hybrid monocoque
 comprised of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
EXTERIOR
On the outside, the second-generation R8 gets more cut lines than soft curves, a physical trait shared with the new
TT
 and
A4
. Granted, it loses some of the original appeal penned by Walter de Silva, but there’s still no mistaking it for anything but an R8. Audi’s signature Singleframe grille and LED headlights come as standard – the latter can be upgraded to laser lights which doubles the high-beam range. The R8 V10 Plus we sampled came with it, as identified by the embossment by the side of the headlamps.

Exclusive to the R8 V10 Plus is the gloss carbon fibre exterior finishing. Components such as the side blades, side mirrors, rear diffuser and fixed rear wing are all made of solid carbon fibre, and together they make for a telling message that screams
catch me if you can
. The wheels fitted here measure in at 20-inches, wrapped by 245/30 series tyres up front and wider 305/30 profiles at the back. In the regular V10, the wheels are one inch down and carbon ceramic brakes aren’t available, which is standard on the Plus variant. Both however, can be optioned.
INTERIOR
If there’s one thing you can consistently count on Audi to get right is the interior. Just like the
award-winning Audi TT
, the R8 now comes with a
12.3-inch fully digital instrument

binnacle
 called the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The dashboard is now free of clickety clutter, and all controls have been shifted to the steering wheel, MMI controls in the centre tunnel and the trio of knobs below the air conditioning vents.

Our test unit had both the carbon fibre sports seats wrapped in
premium quilted leather
, and this can be personalised to your taste through Audi’s comprehensive list of Genuine Accessories. Whatever you do, just promise us you’ll have yours with quilted seats. The leather wrapped steering wheel houses a multitude of functionalities, including push-start button, Audi Drive Select, exhaust characteristic, performance mode (the button with the chequered flag) and all main controls for the Virtual Cockpit. If the amount of controls scare you, don’t worry, it gets easier after just an hour of fiddling.
PERFORMANCE
Resting snugly beneath the rear glass panel is a naturally aspirated
40-valve V10 engine
 displacing 5,204cc. In standard tune, the odd-firing dry sump engine makes
540 horsepower
 and
540 Nm
 of torque, numbers that are good for a
3.5-second
century sprint. The Plus variant on the other hand, gets massaged to put out an
additional 70 horses
, bringing it up to
610 hp
 and
560 Nm
 of torque. It’s quicker off the line too, taking just
3.2 seconds
 for the speedo needle to reach the magic 100km/h mark.
They both rev all the way up to a hair-splitting 8,700 rpm, and nothing else sounds quite like it. All R8s are four-wheel drive (quattro), and power is sent to the wheels through an all-new fast shifting
seven-speed dual clutch automatic
 gearbox. Designing this ‘box was a challenge because it had to be more compact. But all that effort proved worthwhile because Audi gave birth to a rapid firing transmission (120 milliseconds a shift, less in Performance Mode), also thanks to use of clever computers and fast processors.
Numbers aside, the R8 V10 rides on full aluminium double wishbone suspension, but on the Plus variant they’re tuned to be more sporty and damping is electromagnetically managed (Audi Magnetic Ride). Damping is facilitated by Audi Drive Select, comprising Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual drive modes. Opt for the V10 Plus and you’ll get three additional drive modes courtesy of the exclusive Performance Mode – Dry, Wet and Snow.
Of course, each drive mode alters engine, transmission and damping levels. As any adrenaline junkies will tell you, the secret formula to achieving maximum adrenaline rush is to flick the drive mode into Dynamic, activate Performance Mode, select Dry, then press on the exhaust button. And now we’re all set.
THE DRIVE
Putting the R8 through its paces around a private 2.2km track was all the convincing I needed to appropriately shower the R8 with unadulterated respect. The Neckarsulm assembled mid-engined monster slams you well into your seat as soon as you hit the throttle, and after just a couple of straights I began to realise the significance of its
raison d’être
.
If you’re all about the speed, then the 610 hp + quattro formula is more than the perfect equation for your average traffic light drag race, because those who buy the R8 for that purpose wouldn’t know just how reassuring Audi’s proprietary all-wheel drive system helps in taming the beast. The electrohydraulically activated multi-plate clutch is able to direct 100 percent of power to either axles, making cornering just as enthralling as it is quick. If you expect to drift an R8, don’t bother trying. Quattro’s all about the lap time.
In full Dynamic and Performance mode, the R8 V10 Plus is an ever-ready track muncher that drives like its on rails. But what about sending the wife to work, or a weekend getaway with the husband to his favourite countryside golf course? Well, the trunk is more than able to accommodate a few suitcases and a duffle backpack, but you’ve got to rent those clubs at the driving range, unless you plan to tow a caddy (or 10, because it can) the way through.
Speaking of golf course, the Neuburg track is situated right next to one, and the last thing golfers want is the howling V10 buzz interrupting their weekly swinging fiesta. To preserve peace, Audi had to install a special, quieter exhaust system without risking power loss, or so we’re told. The greater irony is the airspace above is constantly abuzz with jet planes on routined flight tests. But none of those mattered because even with the special exhausts, the V10 soundtrack proved to be worthy of a national anthem.
Supercars these days are hardly built for a singular purpose. Unlike the R32 Skyline and McLaren F1 of yesteryear, modern Ferraris and Lamborghinis are engineered to be more manageable and liveable on a day-to-day basis – the R8 included. So how does the R8 fare as an everyday supercar?
When you’re in Comfort Mode, all of the R8’s illustrious roar gets nullified, and the cabin feels just as quiet and well-insulated as other Audis, albeit with a hint of that exhaust note. The magnetically adjustable suspension softens to provide a decently supple ride, and the engine’s cylinder deactivation feature (Cylinder On Demand or COD) shuts off a row of cylinders, effectively making it a 2.6-litre inline-five engine. This works only at low engine loads and when you’re cruising from fourth gear and above, though.
IS THIS CAR FOR YOU?
There’s little to dislike about the Stark machine, really. Audi Malaysia has confirmed that the 540 horsepower V10 variant is on its way to Malaysia, but we’re still in the dark as to whether or not the V10 Plus will be introduced here. Early indications point towards a
RM1.3 million
 price tag, putting it squarely against its German rivals, the RM1.15 million
AMG GT
 and RM1.2 million
BMW i8
.
If you have an unshakeable conviction for the saying “No replacement for displacement”, then there’s no question that the R8 should be the supercar for you. It certainly won’t be as tail happy as the AMG GT or hug trees in ways only the three-cylinder hybrid i8 knows how. But among the three, the R8 is the easiest to live with, sounds the best and sprints quickest to the 100km/h mark.
WILL I BUY IT?
It’s baffling how today’s high performance cars can be both docile and absolutely daunting to drive. The R8’s abundant active safety systems constantly work in tandem to keep you in check, and it’s fairly reassuring to know that these systems exist to keep anyone away from the risk of being widowed. But all things considered, I’ll still sign a cheque for a hot hatch (the
Golf R
 or
Audi TTS
 equivalent) with half the power, but equally as fun and engaging to drive. Maybe if we had more race tracks to put all those horses to work, it’d make more sense.
IMAGE GALLERY


First images of the new Maserati Ghibli GranLusso released – debut at Chengdu Motorshow

Maserati has released the first set of images of new Ghibli GranLusso that’s set to debut at the Chengdu Motorshow in China with significant upgrades in terms of its tech and design.
The new Ghibli GranLusso will sport a new front bumper with chrome inserts and a new front grille with chrome bars that’s testament to Maserati’s signature styling. At the back, the rear bumper together with the body-coloured rear extractor is designed to project a sharper look to the model it replaces.
The new Ghibli GranLusso isn’t just all style either; its restyling contributes to a substantial improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. Aside from the restyled aesthatics of the exterior, the Ghibli GranLusso also introduces the Adaptive full LED Headlights with glare-free Matrix High-Beam.
The new active Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is also available in the new GranLusso as a step into the world of autonomous driving.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lotus Evora GT410 Sport – another lightweight screamer to whet your appetite

Lotus recently unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport ahead of its 70th year anniversary celebrations, packing raw performance with Lotus’ latest aerodynamic developments.
Powered with 3.5-litre supercharged engine with water-to-air charge cooler, it packs
410 hp
 and
420 Nm
 of torque. As such, 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds in the automatic and 4.o seconds in the manual. Top speed is claimed to be 305 km/h!
The manual gearbox even comes with a Torsen-type limited-slip differential (LSD) while the automatic transmission utilises an optimised gearbox ECU for ultra-fast gear changes. The new Evora GT410 Sport features four ESP modes via a dashboard switch. – Drive, Sport, Race and Off.
Brakes are courtesy of AP Racing’s four-pot calipers, front and rear with cross drilled ventilated discs. They’re tucked beneath a set of ultra lightweight, fully machine, forged aluminium 19-inch wheels in the front and a 20-inch pair at the back.

The GT410 weighs only 1,297 kg (unladen) as it rides on a set of Lotus-tuned Ohlins TTX two-way adjustable aluminium dampers. It is 98 kgs lighter than the Evora 400 and 28 kgs lighter than the already featherweight Evora 410. This includes a titanium exhaust, cutting 10 kg from beyond the car’s rear axle.
Carbon fibre applications played a significant role in the GT410’s weight – they include the front access panel, roof panel and a one-piece louvered tailgate with integrated spoiler, as well as the elements within the front air blade system and rear wheel exit ports.
The GT410’s aerodynamic attributes increased downforce even more to 96 kgs at top speed – 50% more than the current Evora Sport 410. This palces the Evora GT410 Sport among the top ranks of Lotus’ most aerodynamically efficient road cars.
The Evora GT410’s interior houses a pair of carbon race seats and carbon door sill inserts. The steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel, centre console and instrument binnacle are all trimmed in black Alcantara.
IMAGE GALLERY


This is how the production version Nissan GT-R50 will look like

Nissan has just confirmed the final production design of the ultra-limited
Nissan GT-R50
. Only 50 units of the ultimate GT-R will be made, and prices start from €990,000 (RM4.7 million) before applicable taxes and options – more than what a
McLaren P1
 costs when new.
Conceptualised in partnership with Italian design house, Italdesign, the GT-R50 is based on the latest
GT-R NISMO
 but features a bespoke body and cabin to commemorate the 50
th
 anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.
Visually, the final GT-R50 stays true to its protype design that looks like nothing else. However, like any production car, the brash design is toned down for the road. The front intakes, unique headlamp arrangement, wheel design, pop up rear spoiler and rear three-quarter body panels are identical to the concept.
The concept’s side mirrors and rear diffuser inserts have been swapped for more conventional items on the road going vehicle while customers are assured that they can specify their preferred colour combinations for their car besides the grey with gold accent theme on the concept car (Phew).

The cabin also remains largely untouched except for the Y spoke touches on the seat and air vent design have been dropped. It appears that the generous carbon fibre and Alcantara trims will make its way to the production car.
The GT-R50 is motivated by a heavily reworked VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 by NISMO to squeeze out
 720 hp
 and
780 Nm
 paired to a six-speed dual clutch sequential transmission. Thanks to its four-wheel-drive layout, Nissan expects the GT-R50 to hit a sub-three-second century sprint time and a top speed of over
300 km/h
.
Customer deliveries will begin in 2019 and it appears that there are still
allocations available
 for interested parties. But who in the right mind would spend over 990k Euros on a Nissan…?
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan GT-R50 Production Version

Nissan GT-R50 Concept


Honda debuted the new HondaLens augmented reality to reveal its 2018 Accord

Recently at the LA Auto Show, Honda introduced the 2018 Honda Accord in a whole new way – utilising augmented reality with the HondaLens to walk users through the history of the Honda Accord and point out the car’s prominent features.
The digital world was”created” and viewed using Microsoft HoloLens where users could activate “hidden stories” as they walked around the vehicle. Also part of the virtual experience were arrows and voiceover instructions to guide users on where to walk and how to interact.
Honda debuted the HondaLens augmented reality at the 2017 LA Auto Show to showcase the all new 2018 Accord
As such, users were able to experience a storytelling process in a whole new way – the 21st century way. For example, when users were sitting in the driver’s seat, they experienced different traffic scenarios that are simulated through the windshield in front of them.
Through the stationary walkaround, users were able to view a hologram version of the new turbocharged engine as it floats out of the hood to show how the forced-induction system works.


Tesla somehow thinks that shooting laser beams into the windscreen is a good idea

Carmakers are always pushing the boundaries of ideas to think of the “Next Big Thing” in cars, be it autonomous driving tech or things like
rear-seat frontal airbags
. But in the imagination process of coming up with these big ideas, there are bound to be a few more left-field ones.
Thanks to
Rivervale Leasing
 who pored over some of the recent patent filings made by Tesla, we now get a chance to see some of these new ideas which may shape our future vehicles, or as you may discover, some pretty oddball ones.
Just to be clear, patent filings do not always end up on production cars – it’s just a mechanism to protect their ideas. Nevertheless, here’s a list of four patents recently filed by Tesla. Which of these do you think will be the first to be seen on an actual car?
1. Touchscreen steering wheel controls
Touchpads on steering wheels isn’t something new – we’ve seen them on
Mercedes-Benz
 vehicles for nearly five years now. But according to the patent filing, Tesla’s patent seem to suggest a fully interactive module, with visual feedbacks (i.e. screen) to react to the driver’s gesture inputs.
In addition to adjusting your infotainment system as one would expect, Tesla’s patent also suggests the ability to control almost everything else on the car, from the climate control system to the famous (
or infamous?
) Autopilot feature.
2. Seats that can detect your age
Many premium cars now already come with seat sensors to prevent the deployment of passenger airbags when the seat is not occupied, but Tesla’s patent here takes these seat sensors to a whole other level, adding height and weight detection to determine the age of the passenger.
Tesla’s reasoning is that incorrect use of airbags can cause more harm than good. For example, a standard airbag may cause serious injury when deployed on children. By using a combination of weight and height sensors, the car will be able to accurately estimate the age of the occupant on the front seats.
The difference age classifications will then affect the airbag’s release, which Tesla says can be either fully, partially, or not detonated at all. Additionally, the sensors will also be able to take into account a variety of conditions – such as posture, leg position, and clothing – in predicting the passenger’s age.
The patent was filed in April 2018, and has just been granted in June 2020.
3. Seatbelts that can detect improper usage
We’re sure you’ve come across someone who’s buckled up their seatbelts, but only proceed to sit on top of it – or even worse, using one of those fake buckles just to get rid of the beeping seat belt reminder? Well, with Tesla’s patent, these dangerous acts of defiance may soon become a thing of the past.
The patent, detailed as “improper seat belt usage detection”, envisions a suite of sensors placed within the seatbelt itself to detect incorrect seatbelt usage – as the name suggests so eloquently. For example, it will be able to detect if the seatbelt is worn underneath the passenger’s arms, which can cause serious injuries in a collision.
Unlike many of these patents, we can definitely see this system being used on future vehicles – given how important proper seatbelt usage is for general vehicle safety, and how simple it seems – on the surface at least, we’re no engineers – to implement such a system.
4. Using laser beams to clear debris on the windscreen
The last one on the list is definitely the most…
unusual
 entry to put it lightly. Tesla suggests in this patent filing for the use of actual laser beams, shot directly at the windscreen (
you know, where the driver’s eyes look outwards to see the roads
) to clear off accumulated debris.
Now as we’ve said before, we are no engineers. We’re sure that Tesla has thought this through and devised some way to prevent permanent eye damage on the passengers, but we just can’t shake off the image in our heads where the lasers inadvertently caused the drivers to be blinded while driving, resulting in a horrifying crash… We’re sure Tesla has thought this through, right?
Anyway, the patent describes a “debris detection circuitry” to accurately detect the dirty spots on your windscreen, and then using a controlled pulsating laser beam calibrated at a specific rate to remove debris without damaging the glass surface.
Laser cleaning
 isn’t a new technology, but we’re just not so sure that using them on windscreens is the best idea.


Honda WR-V now on sale in India and Brazil, basically a jacked up Honda Jazz

There seems to be a lot of Vs coming out of Honda lately, with the latest being the Honda WR-V. It’s known as the “Winsome Runabout Vehicle” and it is now on sale in India – the second country to receive the crossover after Brazil.
Marketed as a “tough and urban SUV” that appeals to young urbanites, the WR-V is essentially a jacked up version of the
Honda Jazz
. It is marginally bigger in every aspect compared to the Jazz, with an overall length of 3,999mm, 1,734mm wide, 1,601mm tall and has a ground clearance of 188mm.
The fascia is unmistakably Honda, and as with all Honda crossovers, this guy gets protective plastic claddings all around. There’s roof rails as well, including a powered sunroof in selected markets! It rides on 16-inch wheels wrapped with 195/60 profiled tyres.
Inside, it’s similar to the current
City
and Jazz models, benefitting from Honda’s Man Maximum Machine Minimum packaging philosophy. However, the Jazz’s Magic Seats are not offered in the WR-V, and it only has
363

litres
 of boot space.
Two engine options are offered in India, beginning with a
1.2-litre SOHC
 petrol engine that makes
89 hp
 and
 110 Nm
 of torque. There’s an oil burner variant as well – a
1.5-litre i-DTEC
 churning
98 hp
 and
200 Nm
 of torque. In India, the WR-V is only available with a manual transmission. Conversely in Brazil, the WR-V is sold with the 116 hp 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine with a seven-speed CVT, just like the Jazz.
Pricing begins from 7.75 lakh (approximately RM53k) for the petrol to 9.99 lakh (approximately RM68k) for the range-topping diesel. Now, the question everyone’s been waiting for: will it come to Malaysia? Well, do you really need another V?
IMAGE GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia celebrates its 5th Anniversary

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) recently celebrated its fifth anniversary in Malaysia since setting up shop in 2012. Within a short span of half a decade, the company has grown their portfolio to over RM2.2 billion from zero with four out of every 10 Mercedes-Benz cars in Malaysia financed by MBSM.
MBSM entered the Malaysian market at an opportune time to support its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), as MBM was charting record sales of over 6,000 vehicles sold. In the first two years of operations, MBSM focused on establishing the foundations and study the needs of the market to meet the aspiration of esteemed Mercedes-Benz customers.
As the company expands its presence in Malaysia, MBSM was able to launch innovative financing solutions like Agility Finance and Lease2Go that changed the way customers finance and own a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. We had the opportunity to sit down with Managing Director of MBSM, Mike Ponnaz to discuss
on financing your next Mercedes-Benz
, be sure to check it out if can’t quite wrap your head around Agility Financing and Lease2Go.
Commenting on the milestone, Ponnaz said: “We have 16,000 active customers, and we recorded contracts worth over RM1billion in 2017 alone. We are very proud of the collective achievement of the team and look forward to growing in line with the remarkable sales achievements of over 12,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold by MBM, and 2,469 Commercial Vehicles sold last year. Moving forward, 2018 will be a year of strengthening our portfolio and serving our customers better”
We at AutoBuzz.my would like to congratulate Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia on their 5
th
 anniversary.


Mazda announces warranty and free service extension for customers affected by MCO

Bermaz Motor, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that it will
continue to honour the extended Movement Control Order (MCO)
, scheduled to be lifted on the 12th of May. As such, the company will be
extending the validity of warranty
 and
Free Service Maintenance package
 for the vehicles affected by the MCO.
Customers will be able to check the eligibility and warranty status of their vehicles by visiting the Mazda Connect Customer Portal
here.
With the MCO still in effect,
Mazda service centres will remain closed
 until further notice.
Bermaz Auto Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh
 said in a statement, “At Bermaz, we will remain vigilant in complying with the guidelines set by Ministry of Health (MOH) to maintain the health and safety of our employees, customers and the nation at large.”
While the service centres will remain closed, several
selected Mazda Body and Paint Centres will return to operation in stages
. Mazda says that strict health and safety measures have been put in place to look after the wellbeing of its customers and staff.
These measures include temperature screening, physical social distancing, usage of surgical masks and gloves, as well as disinfection of all vehicles entering and exiting the working areas.
If you encounter any emergency or urgent matters with your Mazda vehicle, the Mazda 24-hour Roadside Assistance hotline is reachable at
1800-18-8011
. Mazda has also helpfully provided an information page on its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, available
here
.


Check out these first images of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier

Toyota has revealed the first images of the new 4th generation Toyota Harrier to replace the one
we reviewed two years ago
. It’s set to debut around June this year, and boy does it look stunning.
The biggest eye-popper in the new Harrier has to be in the “manhood department”, as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been axed. Instead, what you get now is a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force engine paired to the new Direct Shift CVT.
With only
171 hp
 and
207 Nm
 to move the 1.6-tonne SUV, the front-wheel drive variant would be the one to go for as performance should be quite uninspiring in the all-wheel drive model. From our prior experience,
 207 Nm has never felt adequate for an SUV of this size
.
The hybrid variant gets a larger 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine paired to an electric CVT, with
178 hp
 and
221 Nm
. The front-wheel drive hybrid model has a combined output of
218 hp
 although it has to contend with the
extra 100 kg
 (1,710 kg to 1,770 kg) of weight compared to the non-hybrid models.
On the other hand, the all-wheel drive hybrid model with E-Four technology gets a combined
222 hp
 with the aid of a rear-mounted electric motor.
Inside the new 4th generation Harrier that’s built on the TNGA (GA-K) platform – the
same platform used to build the new Camry
 that
we reviewed
 and
RAV4
to name a few – is a centre console with a wide and imposing impression of a horse’s saddle, according to Toyota.
Toyota also said they’ve improved the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) of the new Harrier with highly efficient sound-absorbing windows. Other modern necessities available include a JBL sound system with nine speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and something Toyota calls the “Digital Inner Mirror”.

It enables recording of images at the front and rear of the vehicle while on the move – a first in a Toyota. Speaking of firsts, the new Harrier also get a panoramic roof, with electric sunshades and electrochromatic glass. As for the hybrid models, Toyota has equipped them with a 100-volt/1,500 watt power outlet that allows owners to plug in various electrical appliances.
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Video: Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC, 5 Things

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts finally have an in to live that AMG life as with RM348,888, it will now open doors to an
AMG A 35 4MATIC
.
You may not think much of how it looks at the front, but boy oh boy does the rear end look like one you can spend full day spanking and still not get tired off.

With
306 hp
 and
400 Nm
, this makes the AMG A35 just half a second slower than the new A90 Toyota Supra!
By the way, did you know that there’s a
“long wheelbase version” of the AMG A 35 in China
? It’s manufactured by Beijing Benz Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler and BAIC Motor of China. The AMG A 35 L, is 60 mm longer in wheelbase but is only just 0.1 second slow from 0 to 100km/h.
IMAGE GALLERY


These 1 of 1 Fiat 500 “Giorgio Armani and Bvlgari Editions” are for the ultra brand-conscious

Fiat has launched the
all-new third generation Fiat 500
that’s now fully electric with 42kWh lithium-ion battery capable of returning 320 km pure electric driving range. With a 85kW fast-charging system, the little 500 requires just five minutes of charging for 48 km of pure electric driving. In 35 minutes, the batteries can be charged up to 80%.
With 118 hp, 0 to 100 km/h takes nine seconds before the friendly-face electric car reaches its electronically-limited top speed of 150 km/h but that’s not what this is all about as we have already covered previously. What we’re interested in are the three “one-off” 500 models created by Fiat in collaboration with the cream of the crop of Italian design houses – the 500 Giorgio Armani, the B.500 by Bvlgari and the 500 Kartell.
500 Giorgio Armani
Using laser technology, Armani shaped the metal trims that clad the 500’s body with exclusive micro-chevron engraving, for a fabric-like texture. These trims are then finished with Armani grey-green “silk effect” colour.
The seats are upholstered in certified full-grain natural leather, sourced from Poltrona Frau, an Italian furniture maker based in Turin which has been in operation for more than 100 years. The dashboard on the other hand is finished with open-pore wood, embellished with thin layers of aluminium.
B.500
Bvlgari’s version of the electric 500 features a golden pearlescent “saffron” paint, where its trims are finished with gold powder – left over from the brand’s jewellery production. The “B” badge on the rear windows are even encrusted with diamonds!
The recycling philosophy also continues in the interior, where the dashboard is lined with Bvlgari silk scarves from past collections. The centre piece of the cabin has to be the three semi-precious stones – amethyst, topaz and citrine – positioned in the centre of steering wheel by the master goldsmiths at Bvlgari.
500 Kartell
The Kartell blue paint job was derived from Yves Klein blue – an iconic colour of the brand. As Kartell has been increasingly involved in the development of sustainable plastics, exterior elements on the front grille, wheels and mirror caps are made of recycled polycarbonate from end-of-life parabolic projectors.
These components feature a design inspired by the pattern of Kartell’s Kabuki lamp. The Kabuki pattern can also be found throughout the interior, with a polycarbonate cover on the dashboard insert and on the seats. The tactile plastics used in the cabin are 100% recycled polypropylene while the fabrics are sourced from fully recycled polyester.
GALLERY
500 Giorgio Armani
B.500 by Bvlgari
500 Kartell