Gallery: All seven of Honda Malaysia’s 1 Million Edition models, up close and personal!

Celebrating its one millionth car sold here in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has launched a
“1 Million Dreams” campaign
 where the company will be giving away seven cars. Yes you read that right, Honda Malaysia will be giving away one “1 Million Edition” special edition model of every car in its current line-up to contest winners, all fit with unique touches to make them truly one in a million.
The exterior of the 1 Million Dreams special edition models are characterised by the dual-tone, blacked-out roof, body trims, and wheels. These are accented by red stripes on the front fascia, side mirrors and wheels – all properly painted in detail, and not just
yellow stickers
! A “1 Million Dreams special edition” emblem on the front fenders tie up the entire exterior look.
Moving inside, the special edition models get a “1 Million Dreams” logo embossed on the front seat headrests, along with red stitching and a centre marker on the leather steering wheel. There’s also a special edition sticker on the dashboard, but if we’re being honest, we’d rather do without that. Each “1 Million Dreams” model will also be accompanied by a special edition leather key pouch.
Looks nice, right? Well – the bad news is they are all one-off models, and you will not be able to purchase them, no matter how hard you try to convince Honda. Good thing that there are quite a few ways that you can actually win them.
One of these seven cars is reserved specifically for the frontliner workers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the entire Covid-19 pandemic. As for the other six, you’ll be able to gain entries to the giveaway via the following methods:
Downloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app – 2 entries
Playing the 1 Million Dreams Quiz Game at
Honda Malaysia’s official website
 – 1 entry
Test driving a Honda vehicle – 1 entry
Booking a new Honda vehicle – 3 entries
Servicing or repairing a Honda vehicle – 3 entries
Registering a new Honda car within the “
1 Million Dreams Campaign
” period – 4 entries
However, you’ll stand a better chance if you complete any of the tasks above via the
 HondaTouch application
, as all of your entries will be counted fivefold! Once you collected as many entries as possible, the completed entry form must then be submitted to any authorised Honda dealerships, or via Honda Malaysia’s website, linked
here
.
Beyond the methods listed above, Honda has also partnered with Cuckoo, Shopee, and Watsons to offer their customers to win one of the special edition models.
Customers who purchase selected products from Cuckoo’s Beyond Standard range or A-Series mattress will stand a chance to win the Honda City 1 Million Edition, while Shopee customers can also stand a chance to drive home the HR-V 1 Million Edition by playing the Shopee Lucky Prize game on the mobile app.
Additionally, Shopee will also be giving out one million Shopee coins to 150 lucky winners weekly, alongside other prizes worth 5 million Shoppee coins. Watsons members who spend a minimum of RM50 in a single receipt will also be entered to win the Honda BR-V 1 million Edition.
The Honda 1 Million Dreams campaign runs
from 25th of February to the 24th of March 2021
. Winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled in March 2021.
GALLERY
Honda City 1 Million Edition
Honda Jazz 1 Million Edition
Honda Accord 1 Million Edition
Honda Civic 1 Million Edition
Honda CR-V 1 Million Edition
Honda HR-V 1 Million Edition
Honda BR-V 1 Million Edition


Old vs New: What have they NOT CHANGED in the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo?

If there was an award for the most improved product, it definitely has to be the Nissan Almera Turbo. The new sedan is leaps and bounds better in every aspect than the outgoing model that was often criticised not only for looking unattractive but also lacking in updated features.
The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo comes in
three variants
 (VL, VLP and VLT) to cover a wider budget range and also user preference. Prices range from RM79,906 to RM91,310.

But being an automobile with so many parts, some items are still carried over from the 2012 Nissan Almera into this new generation. Let’s find out what they are.
POWERTRAIN
This is the first highlight of the new Nissan Almera Turbo. Out goes the simple naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and in comes a turbocharged unit. The Almera Turbo is also the first Japanese make to feature a turbocharged petrol engine in the B segment.
Rather than outright high outputs seen in the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost and Volkswagen Vento TSI engines, the Nissan unit, which is co-developed with Renault and comes with Nissan
GT-R technology
, emphasises on fuel economy and daily driveability.
All variants of the Almera Turbo are installed with the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with the transmission being only an Xtronic CVT automatic unit. Peak power output is better than the outgoing naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, with the new engine delivering
100 hp
 at 5,000 rpm versus 6,000 rpm with a higher and wider torque band of
152 Nm
 at 2,400 to 4,000 rpm versus just 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
What does all this mean? It means the Almera Turbo, together with its infinitely variable transmission can access the full torque and majority of the horsepower outputs at lower engine speeds to move the car, and as such, it accelerates more effortlessly and refined compared to its predecessor.
Fuel consumption has also improved tremendously, with a reading of
18.4 km/l
 or as much as 20% reduction seen in the standardised NEDC test cycle (ECE R101).
EXTERIOR
The next single biggest change for the all-new Almera is the exterior design. As always, looks and styling are a subjective matter, but consensus on the previous generation is the disproportionate design. It was tall, narrow and needed the
Black Series
 treatment to bring its look to be more acceptable.
The concept sedan
Styling influence for the new Almera actually dates back to 2014. Nissan introduced the
Sport Sedan Concept
 at the 2014 North American International Auto Show as their key design language and theme for future sedan models. The new Almera is the second most recent sedan to receive the design language that must have the signatures of V-Motion front aspect, “floating roof” and boomerang-shaped lamps.
As a result, the new Almera Turbo looks unmissable, distinctive and well, sporty, thanks to the core ideas and signatures from the Sport Sedan Concept.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Almera Turbo is 45 mm wider (1,740 mm) with the all-important roofline 50 mm lowered to a height of 1,460 mm, the lowest in the segment.  The wheelbase has been increased by 20 mm to measure 2,620 mm on the ruler.
The styling by Nissan is spot on, that no body kit is necessary for the Almera Turbo. A subtle boot lid spoiler is used as a variant differentiator for the top-spec VLT rather than as a serious styling enhancement.
Wheels are also designed to be larger in diameter at 632mm, the largest for a currently on sale B segment sedan with the VLT and VLP using 16-inch dual-tone machined rims and running on 205/55R16 tyres. The base VL rides with 15-inch single-coloured rims and 195/65R15 tyres, just a notch wider compared to the outgoing Almera.
The Almera Turbo VLT variant also sees a hefty price increase versus the predecessor, and as such, the exterior wears it proudly. You get LED lighting for the headlamps, boomerang DRL, front and rear fog lamps as well as the boomerang signature lighting at the rear.
The concept sedan
The VL and VLP variants have halogen headlamps, front foglamps and bulb-type DRLs at the front. LED-type indicators on the vertical-standing side mirrors are standard across the range.
There was no shark fin antenna seen in the Sport Sedan Concept, so the Almera Turbo does not have that and radio reception is accomplished by the antenna embedded in the rear windscreen.
INTERIOR
The degree of change in the cabin matched the outlook of the new Almera Turbo. Gone is the basic and functional all-black dashboard, replaced with a padded two-tone design containing two digital full-colour display screens embellished with high-quality looking switchgear.
Even the lower console feels sporty, thanks to its raised placement of the start-stop button and the short shift lever.
The seven-inch driver’s multi-information display certainly displays a lot more information than the simple LCD in the outgoing Almera. It also displays the operation status of the
Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)
 advanced driver assistance features which we will cover in the Safety section.
Nissan also promised even more comfort for the front occupants with the Zero Gravity Inspired seats, where the shape and cushioning of the seat alleviates fatigue. The added telescopic adjustment for the steering column further improves the driver’s comfort levels.
The rear seatback can now fold down in a 60:40 split, enable users to carry long and bulky items from their favourite furniture store. The old car actually had a “V-brace” in placed for structural stiffness, hence the rear seatback was fixed.
Occupants will also notice
a quieter cabin
 thanks to added insulation and sound cancelling materials. This is further enhanced by a stronger bodyshell and fitment of higher range Continental UC6 tyres. All these advancements also have a trickling effect which is better driving dynamics. We have covered this aspect more in detail
here
.
So, what have they
not changed
? The steering wheel is the common flat-bottom design that is currently used in the
 X-trail
,
Serena
 and part of the improvements in the final edition of the 2020 Black Series Almera.
The Nissan “Intelligent Key” key fob, first seen in the Nissan Latio model, is still the same item in the new Almera Turbo. Even the mighty Nissan GT-R and all-new
2021 Nissan Rogue
 still use this oblong-oval shaped key fob with no replacement in sight.
And of course, the famous astonishing legroom space is still here in the new Almera Turbo. A USB charging port is also available for rear occupants.
SAFETY
Safety has also taken a significant step up in features, but that is only because the previous sedan was lacking in many aspects. Nevertheless, the Nissan Almera Turbo remains to be the
lowest priced
 non-national sedan to have standard fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) or Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB) in Nissan lingo.
The full
NIM suite
 that includes the 360-degree Around View Monitor (IAVM) parking camera system and factory-fitted blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) are only available in the VLT variant. Critics also have a lot fewer bullets to attack the Nissan Almera Turbo, as it now comes standard electronic stability control and hill start assist with two airbags on the base VL variant.
Six airbags are available in the VLP and VLT variants and all these are matching current levels of safety features available in the Honda City petrol-only variants and Toyota Vios.
PRICING
The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is priced at
 RM79,906
 for the base VL,
RM85,715
 for the VLP and
RM91,310
 for the top-spec VLT. All are on the road prices, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
Compared to the previously listed pricing of the outgoing Almera with Black Series package, the new models are significantly more expensive, entering into the over-RM80,000 region which is dominated by the Toyota Vios and Honda City mid-range variants.
However, if we were to compare both generations of Almera VL variants, the new Turbo VL offers greater value thanks to fitment like the AEB, ESC, a better powertrain and more comfortable seats for the same under-RM80,000 price tag.
So there you have it, the Nissan Almera Turbo has changed so much from one generation to another with only two items that are carried over- the key fob and the flat-bottom steering wheel.

GALLERY


Urus now Lamborghini’s fastest-selling, most-produced model, 15,000 units made so far

It was just a year ago (almost exactly, down to the day!) that Lamborghini announced they’ve built their
10,000th Urus
 super-SUV, the fastest they’ve ever achieved that figure. But it seems like the momentum is nowhere close to slowing down, as the Italian supercar maker has just broken yet another production milestone with the Urus, with the figure now sitting at 15,000 units.
That figure means that the Urus is Lamborghini’s most produced model to date, in the shortest amount of time since its debut. Sorry, purists – Lamborghini is now mainly an SUV manufacturer.
If you’re like us, our chances of owning an actual Lamborghini Urus is pretty much non-existent. So how about a Urus-inspired body kit for the Toyota Harrier?
The milestone was achieved just days after the marque achieved its sales record for the best half-year ever, delivering 4,852 cars globally. As you would expect, the Lamborghini Urus contributed significantly to that figure.
In fact, Lamborghini says that the Urus has significantly contributed to the overall increase in the company’s sales since its presentation in December 2017. The super-SUV even helped Lamborghini double its total volume in 2019, the first full year the Urus is available on the market.
The Lamborghini Urus has been certified as the fastest production car on ice, thanks to its all-wheel traction! Check it out here.
The Urus has been so successful for Lamborghini that it had to expand its headquarters to fit a dedicated production line for the Super-SUV, replete with an AI-controlled dedicated paint shop.
Finished in a shade of Grigio Keres Matte, with Verde Scandal details, and a two-toned interior in Nero Ade/Verde Scandal (all part of the brand’s latest “Graphite Capsule” collection), the Lamborghini Urus with lucky number 15,000 will now head off to a customer in the UK.


This insane 1:1 scale LEGO McLaren Senna took more than 3 months to build

After 5,000 hours (approx. 208 days) and 467,854 pieces of LEGO bricks weighing over a tonne; behold, a 1:1 scale of the McLaren Senna.
Of the 5000 hours, 2,725 hours were needed by a team of 10 specialist assemblers to piece together the Ultimate Series McLaren, which weighs 500 kg more than the actual car at 1,700 kg.
In the same time it took to built this live-sized Senna, McLaren said they would’ve been able to hand-assemble nine real McLaren Sennas.
While you
may not be able to drive it like the LEGO-fied Bugatti Chiron
, viewers can still hop in and “start the car” with a push start button to hear a simulation of the engine coming to life – with fully functional lights and infotainment system.
The interior also comes with a lightweight carbon fibre driver seat, steering wheel and pedals from the actual car. Actual McLaren badges are fitted and the wheels and Pirelli tyres are exactly as specified on the real car.
This, however, is not the first collaboration between McLaren and LEGO. In 2017, the British supercar maker and Danish company unveiled a 1:1 scale of the McLaren 720S which required 200,000 less LEGO bricks to build.
IMAGE GALLERY


VW launches new engines and infotainment on the Sharan

Volkswagen AG has just announced that the facelifted
Sharan
 will be getting a new range of more efficient diesel and petrol engines, as well as new networking features that are iOS and Android compatible.
The premium seven-seater people carrier is now in its second generation and contends with the likes of
BMW 220i Gran Tourer
 and the
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
. It takes to the table a new set of tweaked engines and an infotainment system to keep the kids busy.
The oily bits are tweaked in order to make it more efficient and as a result, t
wo TSI and three TDI engines
 are afforded the change. Both updated
TSI
 mills produce
 147 hp and 216 hp
 respectively, up by almost 20 hp for the pair. The former engine achieves a fuel consumption rating of
6.4 litres per 100km
 when mated to a
six-speed manual
 transmission.
On the other hand, the
TDI
 trio pumps out
113 hp and 147 hp
 – up by
10 hp
 each while the
 181 hp
 oil burner gains
7 hp
 in total. Fuel efficiency, as goes without saying, is an impressive
5.0 litres per 100km
 achieved with a
six-speed manual
 transmission.

With the exception of the smallest diesel lump,
all engines
 can be mated to an
automatic six-speed dual clutch
 gearbox or
DSG
, which now comes with a
 ‘coasting’
 function that essentially reduces drag when your right foot is off the throttle pedal.
The Sharan is also more connected with systems such as
Android Auto
 for Google and
 Car Play
 from Apple Inc. Both systems allow the driver and passengers to use
App-Connect
 and feed the apps directly onto the
5 or 6.5-inch
 displays. The sat-nav can even be mirrored to a tablet via Wi-Fi.

The Sharan comes also with
9 airbags
,
Blind Spot Monitor
,
Adaptive Cruise Control
 and a first for this model –
City Emergency Braking
 system which is active up to
30 km/h
. The Sharan is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in July.
IMAGE GALLERY


Goodyear Malaysia is giving away three Ativas this Hari Raya season!

Hari Raya is just right around the corner. While this year – once again – will be quite a different experience for many people as interstate travels are still not permitted, Goodyear Malaysia is still committed to keeping the Raya spirit alive by spreading some joy and love with their customers, especially for those who might be looking for a new festive ride.
That’s because for this Hari Raya festive season, Goodyear Malaysia is giving away three units of the Ativa X – with
Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2
 tyres fitted right out of the factory – to three lucky customers.
The mid-year promo contest will run from
April 15 up to July 13
. To be eligible for the contest, all you have to do is to purchase at least two pieces of Goodyear tyres from any Goodyear Authorised Branded Retail Outlet or distributor, and register online via Goodyear Malaysia’s Worry Free Assurance web page during the contest period.
Additionally, customers will also need to complete the slogan, “I choose Goodyear tyres because…”, without exceeding an additional 25 words. Every two tyres will count as one entry, so you’ll be able to submit multiple entries if you purchase more tyres!

In addition to the three Perodua Ativa X grand prizes, Goodyear Malaysia is also giving away seven sets of four tyres as special prizes – the same ones that the winners registered for the contest, and can be redeemed within two years.
Winners of the contest will be announced on Goodyear Malaysia’s official website (www.goodyear.com.my) as well as their own Facebook page (@GoodyearMalaysia), and will be contacted directly for the prize collection.
Worry Free Assurance is Goodyear’s tyre warranty programme that covers road hazard damages that are beyond repair, such as punctures, cuts, bulges, or impact during the course of normal driving on a maintained road.
In order to receive a free tyre replacement under the programme, customers will need to present their Goodyear Worry Free Assurance card or online warranty registration, along with the original receipt of purchase, and the damaged tyre itself, within six months of the purchase at any Goodyear Autocare or Servitekar store in Malaysia.
Goodyear Malaysia Managing Director, Alex Ng said, “It has been more than a year since we have all been impacted by the pandemic, but hopefully things will start to get better within the next few months.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to remind Malaysians to stay safe while celebrating this Raya season, by driving safely once interstate travel is once again allowed, and to also always practise social distancing”, he added.
More details as well as the terms and conditions for the contest can be found on Goodyear Malaysia’s 2021 Mid-Year Promo Contest web page, linked
here
.


2023 Proton Saga launched in South Africa – Third model offering after X50, X70

Proton has just expanded its model offerings in South Africa, with the launch of the
new 2023 Saga
 facelift yesterday. The Proton Saga will join its SUV brethens, the
 X50
 and
X70
, that were launched in South Africa last September, and will also be fully imported (CBU) from Malaysia.
Three variants of the Proton Saga are being offered in South Africa, starting with the 1.3L Standard MT that is priced at ZAR199,900 (approx RM49k), followed by the 1.3L Standard AT at ZAR219,900 (approx. RM54k), and finally the 1.3L Premium AT at ZAR239,900 (approx. RM59k).
The equipment list for each of the three variants in South Africa closely mirrors those of our own. Starting with the Standard MT, these include the halogen headlamps, 14-inch steelies, analogue instrument cluster with an LCD multi-info display, fabric seats, and manual climate control with a N95 cabin air filter built-in.
A standard head unit with Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers are also included as standard, alongside the basic safety kit such as two airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as two rear parking sensors.
The Standard AT adds on a set of 14-inch alloy wheels, alongside two USB charging ports, and an upgraded safety kit that includes electronic stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.
Move up to the 1.3L Premium AT, and the equipment list further adds a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, alongside LED daytime-running lights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with media control buttons on the steering wheel plus two more speakers, reverse camera, and two additional front parking sensors.
RELATED:
Proton sends 1000th car to South Africa – 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022
Buyers in South Africa will unfortunately miss out on the
Premium S variant
 that tops our variant offering here in Malaysia, which includes creature comfort niceties like keyless entry and push-start button, semi-leatherette seat upholstery, external boot release button, and the automatic power window feature on the driver-side door.
Based on the photos provided, it seems that the Proton Saga in South Africa will also continue to utilise the older centre stack layout from the model’s previous facelift in Malaysia, thus losing out on the newly redesigned air-conditioning control knobs.
Just like our car here in Malaysia, all three variants of the Proton Saga in South Africa are also powered by the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine, offering
95 hp
 and
120 Nm
 to the front wheels. Depending on variant, the powerplant is paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Proton only
restarted its export activites to South Africa last year
, after a 10-year hiatus. Despite its recent addition to the company’s export roster, South Africa is already now in second place in terms of volume for Proton’s export business.


2016 Audi Q2 goes on sale in the UK, priced from RM117k

With the taste for SUV expanding exponentially around the world, manufacturers are offering SUVs of various sizes to capture a piece of the market share. What this means for consumers? SUVs will no longer have to be a “one size fits all” package.
Audi’s SUV range is extensive, ranging from large full-sized models like the
Q7
 to the more compact series such as the
Q5
and
Q3
. Now, enter the Q2 – the new compact SUV contender from Audi to go head-to-head with the
Mercedes GLA class
. Audi UK has just revealed the pricing and specification for the new Q2 that is set to hit UK showroom floors by 12 November 2016.
As we have previously covered in our
launch report
, while compact in size, the Q2 is packed with standard equipment. In the UK, the Q2 is offered in four different trims, beginning with the SE, Sport, S-line and the top of the mill Edition #1. Standard Q2 is available as a front-wheel drive layout while higher powered Q2 can be had with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
Standard equipment for the UK-spec Q2 includes progressive steering, Audi smartphone interface and Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition. Optional equipment includes Audi virtual cockpit, Audi Phone Box wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen sound system and a heads-up display.

Alloy wheels for the Q2 ranges from 16-inch for the SE variant, 17-inch for the Sport variant, 18-inch for the S-line variant and 19-inch for the Edition #1.
All variants of the Q2 except Edition #1 are available with a
1.4-litre TFSI
 petrol engine producing
148 hp
or a
114 hp

1.6-litre
 TDI turbodiesel mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. Drive option is limited to FWD.
For Q2 Sport and above, customers have an additional choice of a
2.0-litre TDI
 turbodiesel that develops
148 hp
 mated to a sole seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. With the 2.0-litre oil burner, the Q2 can be had in either front-wheel drive or
quattro all-wheel drive
.
For the Edition #1, only two engine choice are available which are the
1.4-litre petrol
 and the
2.0-litre turbodiesel
. Transmission choice for the petrol are a six-speed manual or the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. The diesel powered Edition #1 can only be had with the seven-speed S Tronic.
Driver assistance systems for the higher range models include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and Traffic Jam Assist, Audi Active Lane Assist, rear cross-traffic assist and emergency assist.
Prices for the all-new Audi Q2 begin from £22,380 (RM117k) for the base variant all the way up to  £35,730 (RM187k) for the fully decked-out Edition #1 2.0-litre TDI quattro. There will be an entry-level Q2 with a 1.0-litre TFSI petrol engine that is set to be introduced at at later date, with a base price tag of  £20,230 (RM106k).
Closer to home, word has it that Audi Malaysia has
plans
 to introduce the all-new Q2 in our shores in the very near future. If equipped and priced right, would you rather have this over the RM239k GLA 200?
IMAGE GALLERY


Tuned Jaguar F-Type Predator outputs a staggering 650 hp and 930 Nm!

The Jaguar F-Type R made its
introduction in Malaysia
 some two years ago. With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under its hood, the 550 hp and 680 Nm British beast will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. That is not slow even by today’s standards, but tuning company
Viezu Technologies
 begs to differ.
The ECU-tuning specialist based in UK extracted a full 100 hp and 250 Nm out of the engine, taking the supercharged V8’s final output to a staggering
650 hp
 and
 930 Nm
 of torque. Fortunately, the car comes with all-wheel drive to keep the power levels in check (sort of). It also comes with a menacing name – Jaguar F-Type Predator.
Viezu technical director Simon White explains that their primary focus was to unleash the engine’s full potential while maintaining reliability and everyday drivability. Therefore, the only mechanical changes were an upgraded intercooler and a Predator semi-free-flow exhaust.
Power gains were mainly from optimising the supercharger to release its full potential. White expressed that there is more power to the engine than it suggests. This modification can also be applied to similar Jaguar Land Rover cars fitted with this engine.

Viezu also provides a series of cosmetic upgrades such as 20-inch gold-finished alloys, carbon fibre visual parts, lowered ride height (20mm lower) and stiffer suspension bushings. The power upgrade will set you back at £8,108 (approximately RM42k). Drag race, anyone?
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: All-new Porsche 911 GT3 now in Malaysia; PDK, 6MT or Touring available, from RM1.77 mil

Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole distributor for Porsche here in Malaysia, is closing the year 2021 with the launch of another new model – the all-new 992-generation
Porsche 911 GT3
. The launch is a few days ahead of the Porsche World Roadshow Malaysia 2021 that is being held at Sepang International Circuit.
The icon of arguably the best track day machine has its price in Malaysia starting from
RM1,766,244
 (with SST exemption) and SDAP has opened the pre-ordering process.
PERFORMANCE
Headlining the seventh-generation Porsche 911 GT3 is naturally the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine that actively serves in motorsports. Renowned for its acoustics, response and high-revving nature, the compact engine features individual throttle bodies for each of its six cylinders and is utilised practically unchanged in the new 911 GT3 Cup racing cars.
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, naturally aspirated
Transmission: 7-speed PDK
or
 6-speed GT sports manual
Drivetrain: Rear engine, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:
510 hp
 @ 8,400 rpm
Torque:
470 Nm
 @ 6,100 rpm
Maximum engine rpm: 9,000 rpm
0-100 km/h: PDK-
3.4 seconds
; 6MT- 3.9 seconds
Top speed: PDK- 320 km/h
Porsche has made the 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch transmission) a standard item, but customers can choose to select a 6-speed manual GT sports transmission at no additional cost.
The chassis of the 911 GT3 is bespoke to the model, with the front axle featuring a double-wishbone arrangement that is taken from the Le-Mans-winning 911 RSR race car. On the exterior, a huge swan-neck rear wing mounting and deep underbody diffuser work in tandem to generate up to 150% more downforce than before in its more aggressive setting.
EXTERIOR
While some consumers love the motorsports image projected by the 911 GT3 and its highly efficient aerokit, other customers just want to discreetly blend with the crowd.
As such, clients can choose a simpler
GT3 Touring package
. SDAP, CEO, Christopher Hunter said,” While the 911 GT3 makes for an ideal Sepang companion for the active community of track-going Porsche owners here in Malaysia, those who prefer to experience the dynamic qualities of the GT3 in a more understated fashion across longer journeys can go for the Touring Package which transforms the GT3 into a more road-oriented grand tourer,”
Replacing the large rear wing is an electronically deployed spoiler that adds back some of the lost downforce points of the fixed unit. A new engine cover with mesh grille has the ‘GT3 Touring’ emblem and third brake light completes the look at the rear.
Key features on the new Porsche 911 GT3 include:
Bonnet and rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
Windows from lightweight glass
Sports exhaust system
Forged lightweight centre-locking rims
Mixed tyre sizes: 20-inch front (255/35), 21-inch rear (315/30)
The optional features such as colour combinations, carbon fibre roof panel, LED headlights with Dynamic Light System, Porsche Ceramic Brakes (PCCB), front axle lift system and darkened LED matrix headlight with matching the smoked taillamps. Up to 105 classic shades from Porsche’s past catalogue can be accessed via the special ‘Paint to Sample’ programme.
INTERIOR

The interior of the is designed in line with the current
992-generation
, with standard features include:
Dual 7-inch high-resolution driver’s information display with GT3-specific content
Virtual shift assistant coloured bars for gear changes
Central 10,000-rpm rev counter
10.9-inch central PCM touchscreen infotainment display
The options list include seat variations, advanced driver assistance systems, audio systems and the Sport Chrono Package. The Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur personalisation programme also allows clients to further add their own touches to the 911 GT3, such as coloured rev counter, seat belts, dashboard trim materials, wrapping and more.
PRICING
The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 here in Malaysia is priced from
RM1,766,244
 on the road, without insurance, before options, and inclusive of the SST exemptions which will be valid until the 30th of June 2022.
GALLERY


Mercedes-Benz begins production of plug-in hybrid batteries in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz together with local partners Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant and Thonburi Energy Storage Systems have begun production of plug-in hybrid batteries in Bangkok.
“We have been successfully producing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the local market at our Thai plant for more than 40 years beginning with the W123 model. With the start of production of our battery factory in Bangkok, we are taking another important step in the expansion of our global battery production network at Mercedes-Benz Cars with nine factories worldwide,” Mercedes-Benz said.
The Thai production plant currently assembles 10 different models such as the GLA, C-Class Sedan, C-Class Coupé, E-Class Sedan, CLS, S-Class Sedan, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE and A-Class Sedan. In 2018 alone, TAAP produced more than 15,000 cars for Mercedes-Benz.
The battery production and plant expansion is part of a 100 million euros investment by both Mercedes-Benz and their Thai partners in response to the high demand for electric mobility, particularly plug-in hybrid vehicles in Thailand.
The battery systems manufactured in the new battery factory, are used among others for the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, S-Class as well as for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupé. It’s said that plug-in hybrid models for the C- and E-Class are high in demand in Thailand.
The move is in line with Mercedes-Benz’s long term goal of producing a carbon neutral fleet by 2039. By 2030, every second vehicle sold should have an electric drive; whether they’re fully electric or plug-in hybrids.
The battery factory in Bangkok will meet this requirement by using large solar systems on the roofs of the plants. Excess solar power, for example, is temporarily stored in “2nd-life battery storage systems” from recycled electric vehicle batteries.
In total, the battery production network consists of nine factories at seven locations on three continents. The first factory in Kamenz is in series operation. The second factory in Kamenz (Germany), the battery factory at the Beijing site (China) and in Bangkok (Thailand) started series production in 2019. The battery factories in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (Germany), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Jawor (Poland) will start at the beginning of the next decade.


First ever Porsche Macan T revealed – inspired by 1968 Porsche 911 T

Porsche has revealed first-ever Porsche Macan T – where T stands for ‘Touring’ – which will sit between the standard Macan and the Macan S. The ‘T’ moniker was previously reserved only for the 911 and 718 models.
The letter T has represented a unique form of dynamic driving at Porsche since the 1960s. Its designation is reserved for models that offer an “especially authentic driving experience” thanks to precise tuning, exclusive equipment and efficient engines.
RELATED:
Facelift Porsche Macan launched in Malaysia – 3 variants from RM433k
Just like the 911 T from 1968, the new Macan T features a dynamic set-up and a lightweight, two-litre turbo engine which produces 265 hp and 400 Nm, paired to a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport Chrono Package, the Macan T accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 232 km/h.
Compared to the 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 engine in the Macan S and GTS models, the powertrain in the Macan T is 58.8 kg lighter on the front axle. According to Porsche, this gives the vehicle good off-the-line performance and high cornering ability.
The Macan T is the only Porsche at the moment to feature passive suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management, with a 15 mm lowered ride height. The optional air suspension lowers the car’s ride height by an additional 10 mm. For even more precise steering and stability, the anti-roll bars on the front axle are more rigid.
The Porsche Traction Management on the Macan T on the other hand has been tuned to be rear-biased; meaning that more power is sent to the rear wheels.
The Macan T differentiates itself from the standard Macan with Agate Grey Metallic trims on the front side and rear including the roof spoiler, side mirror caps, and doors. Sports tailpipes and black window trims are standard in the Macan T. Under the wheel arches are 20-inch items from the Macan S, finished in Dark Titanium.
Inside, the cabin is finished with Porsche’s Black Leather package, while front and rear seats feature Sport-Tex Stripe patterns. The front headrests come with an embossed Porsche crest.
The Macan T also inherited new additions from the
updated 2021 Macan
such as the new centre console with a glass-look and touch-sensitive surface, as well as the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen and online navigation as standard.
RELATED:
 Petrol-powered Porsche Macan models likely to cease production in 2024
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This pair of ultra-rare Aston Martins will set you back RM30 million

Aston Martin has revealed pretty much the final renderings of the upcoming DBS GT Zagato model that’s based on the
 DBS Superleggera
 we got to check out a couple months ago at Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur’s HQ.
The DBS GT Zagato will be paired with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to make up the
DBZ Centenary Collection
 – where only 19 will be made and priced at
six million pounds (approx. RM30 million)
 for each pair.
Check out
our video of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
!
Aston Martin has spared all but
two vital details about the car
, and they simply baffle the mind! The DBS GT Zagato is fitted with a
new active grille that’s made up of 108 individual diamond-shaped carbon fibre pieces
 – capable of projecting two totally different looks when it’s on the move and when it’s parked.
When stationary, the “flaps” remain flush but upon start-up, each of the 108 pieces open up like the gills on a fish – making the DBS GT Zagato seem as if it was coming to life.
Aston Martin Lagonda, CEO, Marek Reichman said, “This is a car that’s not only focused around beauty, but drama too. Our dynamic grille gives us an opportunity to provide the car with two very different identities.
He added, “When parked, DBS GT Zagato will almost look like it’s resting, but with the rear of the car still appearing muscular and primed for action. Only on start-up will the car truly become alert and ready to perform, delivering both an aural and visual treat for onlookers”.
The second most intriguing part of the DBS GT Zagato is the
single-piece carbon fibre covering the entire rear windscreen
. As such the cabin of the Zagato has been fitted with a camera-operated rear view mirror.
Pretty cool, but if you ask me, it’s somewhat a solution to a problem that shouldn’t exist. Funnily enough, Aston Martin actually said that the Zagato is treated to a pure and simple roofline “without any compromises to practicality”.
How is removing the entire rear windscreen, for the sake of aesthetic appeal, NOT compromising practicality though?
The DBS GT Zagato is set for production in 2020, joining each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato cars set to be created at Aston Martin Works this year.


The Porsche Taycan looks stunning in these historic racing liveries

Porsche has a long and illustrious history in motorsports that dates all the way back to the 1960s. Of course, that means that the more successful cars have their liveries forever ingrained in Porschephiles’ minds.
For this year’s
Amelia Island Concours event
, Porsche decided to wrap three
all-electric Taycan
 in historic Porsche motorsport colours, and boy oh boy do these evergreen liveries look good on the Porsche Taycan.
First up is the red and white livery, with racing number 23 – the iconic livery of the Porsche 917 Kurzheck (which means short-tail) that gave Porsche its first Le Mans victory in 1970.
The white car with red and blue stripes, carrying the number 59 is based on the Brumos Racing Team livery that was present on the four-time 24-hour of Daytona-winning Porsche Carrera RSR.
But none of those can beat the livery of the 1971 Le Mans contender, the “Pink Pig”, which quickly rose to fame due to its quirkiness – I mean, it’s a pink car with the different cuts of meat labelled in German.
What other liveries would you like to see brought back onto modern Porsches? For us, it would have to be the Gulf Oil and Martini Racing colours.


These leaked images of the new Toyota Harrier kinda reminds us of a few cars

With the prevalence of the Internet, it’s no secret that car companies are finding it increasingly difficult to contain their secrets.
Today’s hottest news is a case in point; with images and a short clip of the all-new Toyota Harrier floating around the Internet. It’s just human behaviour I suppose – the more you forbid them to do something, the more they want to do it. How most Malaysians have behaved, especially in the earlier stages of the MCO is one such example.
For now, there’s really no point speculating when it would arrive in Malaysia and what it would be equipped with, because we’re not even certain if humanity can exist beyond this year so let’s talk about what we can see at the moment.
Don’t know about you, but the front end of the Harrier does look a fair bit like the
Toyota Crown
, although it’s grille isn’t as large and doesn’t drop as low as the Crown. As for the headlights, now this is going to trigger a lot of Toyota fanboys as personally, even I think it’s offensive but don’t you think it looks like the sleeker version of the
 Geely Binyue’s (a.k.a Proton X50)
 head lights?
Sorry if you can’t unsee it.
And then you a rear three quarter angle that immediately made me think of the
Jaguar F-Pace
, while the tail lights which stretches across the entire tailgate, whispers “
992 Porsche 911
” and the “
Lexus UX
” to me.
There’s more. Notice how the edges of the tail lights protrude out of the body
much like the Lexus UX we tested recently
? In the UX, not only are the tail lights look like sculptured, they also serve as spoilers/rear wing – to increase the crossover’s downforce.
We can only hope it serves the same purpose for the Harrier. For now, we’ll leave you with the review of the previous generation that has for so long been coveted by so many that UMW Toyota finally decided to bring some in themselves.

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BMW previews the CKD X7 xDrive40i, estimated pricing of RM708k

Launched alongside the
all-new BMW 430i M Sport
 is the
locally-assembled (CKD)
 BMW X7, the full-sized seven-seater Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) positioned above the X5.
Priced over
RM153k lesser
 at an estimated
RM708,000
 with the sales tax exemption, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i now joins other CKD BMW models that comprised 87% of the group’s total
2020 sales
. The addition of the X7 means all SAV models in the X family are now locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah.
As for the main specifications and features, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i does not differ from the
CBU
 variant launched in 2019. The colour palette sees a reduction from seven to five- Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Mineral White and the new Manhattan Metallic.
EXTERIOR
The Design Pure Excellence line continues in the CKD model. The window surrounds, air breather and ‘hockey stick’ door mouldings are in bright chrome, with front and rear bumper underbody protection in stainless steel styling. Key features in the BMW X7 xDrive40i includes:
BMW Laserlight headlamps
Aluminium roof rails
Aluminium running boards
21″ wheels in Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour with run-flats
Soft-close doors
Powered split tailgate
Welcome light carpet
INTERIOR
Inside, the features continue to remain as similarly nicely equipped as the fully imported model. There are three interior schemes with Vernasca leather paired with their respective exterior colours.
The display unit in Phytonic Blue is paired with all-black interior
All three rows get to control their own air-conditioning preference with the automatic five-zone control system. High-gloss brown wood trim continues to decorate the interior with other key features below:
“CraftedClarity” glass application on the gear selector, iDrive controller, volume knob and start/stop button
BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and similarly sized infotainment system
Front active seat ventilation
Power-adjusting second-row seats in 40:20:40 split, with one-touch easy-access
Power-folding third-row seats in 50:50 split
Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge
Harman Kardon surround sound with 16 speakers
Rear seat entertainment with two 10.2-inch touch screen monitors
The X7 in the xDrive40i guise is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine pushing out
340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque. Century sprint takes
6.1

seconds
 while the top speed is capped at 245 km/h.
A new addition into the CKD model is the fitment of the
Integral Active Steering
 that marginally turns the rear wheels in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels for either better low-speed agility or high-speed comfort and stability.

Check out GC’s experience with the BMW X7 xDrive40i
An 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, xDrive all-wheel drive and air suspension with active roll stabilisation are standard items. Like the imported variant, ride comfort is further enhanced by the Dynamic Damper Control system, which can process data from the navigation system and front camera.
Also carried over are the Driving Assistance Professional features like the Active cruise control with Stop & Go, steering and lane control assistant, a head-up display, and Reversing Assist.
As mentioned earlier, the CKD BMW X7 xDrive40i is priced at an estimated
RM708,000
 and accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme. With the BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s Balloon Financing Plan, the X7 xDrive40i can be had with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM7,848 (based on an 80% loan estimate on a five-year tenure).
Customers can register their interest in the BMW X7 xDrive40i CKD starting today on
BMW Shop Online
.
Following the new pricing structure announcement in January 2021, for the latest price list of BMW vehicles in Malaysia, click
here
.
GALLERY


EV Land Rover Defender in the works with at least 482km of range

Land Rover
 will soon debut an all-electric (EV) version of the
Land Rover Defender
.
Auto Express
 reports that the refreshed Defender line-up that is due for 2025 will see fully electric versions of the Defender 90, 1110, and 130. The brand’s first EVs are expected to reach customers in 2026.
The all-electric Land Rover Defender will not be alone in the EV off-roader league as Mercedes-Benz is also working on an
all-electric version of the G-Wagon
. Images of the G-Wagon in camouflage have surfaced on the internet and it has even been seen showing off its new ‘
tank turn
’ trick which rotates the car 360° in the same position.
Reportedly, the refreshed Land Rover Defender will sit on a new platform, most likely Land Rover’s MLA Flex platform. The platform can support both fully electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, so a fossil fuel-powered Defender is still in the picture.
Although it will be on a new platform, the looks of the Defender will not deviate too far from its current aesthetics. The UK publication reports that the look and dimensions of the Defender are likely to remain the same. It would be interesting to see how Land Rover differentiates its fully electric models from the ICE models in terms of styling.
RELATED:
Watch the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG do a stationary tank turn
Like the exterior, the interior is also not expected to change too much as “the [current] cabin design has been so well received by customers”. However, do expect to see an increase in the use of sustainable materials as the brand looks to a more sustainable future.
Land Rover’s engineers believe the electric drivetrain will boost the off-road performance of its iconic 4×4 model. They believe that greater control can be achieved through software management of electric power delivery along with advanced torque vectoring.
ALSO WATCH:
RM1mil Land Rover Defender 110 P400 MHEV full review
No technical details have been officially revealed but a Land Rover Insider has told
Auto Express
 that a
100-kWh
 battery would easily fit the MLA platform of the upcoming Defender. With such a capacity, the company aims for a minimum 300-mile (
482 km
) range for the EV Defender.
Alongside the Defender, the
Land Rover Discovery
 is also set to go fully electric. In Malaysia, Land Rover models available include the Defender, Discovery, and models from the
Range Rover
 family.
ALSO WATCH:
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 P300 & P400 MHEV, 5 Things


Malaysian Mitsubishi ASX gets minor refreshment and a new variant, priced from RM105k

Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia (MMM) has officially announced a new variant to join its crossover, the ASX’s lineup. Prior to this, the ASX was only available in two trims, one being the 2WD and the other range topping 4WD variant. As of today, the ASX 2WD GL will mark its entry as the base and third variant of the model, and it will carry a sticker price of RM105k, making it the cheapest variant of the lot.
Besides the additional variant, the ASX also gets enhancements across the range. Features new to the crossover’s exterior include
 LED daytime running lights
 built right into the fog lamp housing, shark fin antenna and a new set of
dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels
. The new colour you see in the picture above is called
Sporty Blue
, and is available across the range.
Inside, the 2WD (GL not included) and 4WD ASX gets a
 new touchscreen head unit
 that supports USB, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS Navigation and reverse camera. The centre console gets a new design, whereas the door switch panel is finished in piano black. Finishing off the interior kit is Mitsubishi’s Virtual Acoustic Positioning System for better audio reproduction. However, the 4WD is the only variant to get
 seven airbags
, whereas both 2WD variants will come with dual airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.
To recap, the ASX is powered by a naturally aspirated
2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC engine
 that produces
148 hp
 at 6,000 rpm and
 197 Nm
 of torque at 4,200 rpm. Nothing is changed here, and the same can be said for its
 INVECS-III CVT gearbox
. Pricing for the ASX starts from RM104,791.87 for the 2WD GL; RM112,571.39 for the 2WD and RM125,040.67 for the 4WD variant. Prices stated here are inclusive of GST but excludes insurance. Bundled together with the crossover is a
 5-year factory warranty
, and it can be had in
 four colours
 including the new Sporty Blue shade.
In conjunction with MMM’s 10th year anniversary, the company is rewarding its customers with an additional
cash rebate of up to RM12,000
 when purchasing selected models. Customers can also stand a chance to
enjoy additional cash deals
 when booking any Mitsubishi models
from now till 31 March 2016
. To find out how we liked the ASX, be sure to
read our review
 of the locally assembled crossover!


Audi Sport gives more brute and style for your Audi R8 and Audi TT

Audi Sport has introduced a range of retrofittable performance parts for the
Audi R8
 and
Audi TT
, but the items are currently limited to suspension, exhaust, exterior and interior upgrades.
For the R8, customers can now opt for the sport brake linings, offering greater resistance to fading than standard brake linings. The carrying plates are made of featherweight titanium and are painted red. This alone shave off 1 kg of unsprung mass. A set of 20-inch fully milled alloys can be had for both the R8 and TT, reducing weight by 8 kg and 7.2 kg respectively.

A two or three-way coilover suspension is available, as well as a cross-member reinforcement bar for the rear axle. Everyone’s favourite exhaust specialist, Akrapovic designed an exclusive titanium muffler and trims just for the TTS and TT RS.
In the aero department, all components were developed in the wind tunnel, comprised of front air inlet, side sills and rear diffuser. Each are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together, they give 250 kg of downforce to the R8 – approximately 100 kg more than before. Other optional CFRP parts include paddle shifters and strut cross brace, saving up t0 20 kg with the rear seats omitted.
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar I-Pace Concept unveiled, 500km cruising range, 2 hour charge time

Modern day Jaguars are definitely good lookers, from the hunky
F-Pace
, the athletic
F-Type
 to the sophisticated and classy
XJ
; every Jag is characteristically unique. There is however, a new cat on the block called Jaguar I-Pace, albeit in concept form.
At one glance the Jaguar I-Pace Concept looks like a slightly larger C-segment hatchback, but it isn’t. According to Jaguar, it’s a sporty SUV that seats five comfortably, has plenty of space (with
530 litres
of boot space) and get a digital cockpit design. It’s also an electric vehicle, so it rides on an entirely new and bespoke aluminium architecture.

Exterior wise, the futuristic cab-forward design is the main theme of the I-Pace. The front wears the same grille and slim lights design as the F-Pace, followed by the coupe-inspired side profile which ends with a slab rear end that is aerodynamically optimised. It also boasts a class leading drag coefficient of
0.29
, something quite unheard of from an SUV.
Powering this SUV are two
compact electric motors
, with each motor slotted in the front and back axles for better weight distribution. Total output from the all-electric I-Pace is rated at
400 hp
 and
750 Nm
 of torque. Being an EV also translates to a blistering century sprint of
4.0 seconds
, which is impressive for an SUV that weighs around 2,000kg! Both motors deliver power to all four wheels. In terms of dynamics, the I-Pace is equipped with independent double wishbones for the front and Integral Link suspension for the rear.
It has a
90kWh lithium-ion
 battery pack (liquid cooled) which takes just 90 minutes to reach 80 percent capacity when charged from zero! The charger has an input rating of 50 kW. A full charge is achieved in two hours flat. Once charged, the I-Pace boasts a cruising distance of
500km mileage
.
Overall, the I-Pace Concept looks just as stunning as any other Jaguar concept cars. That’s good news because many of these concept Jags remain hardly changed when they make it to production, and we have legendary designer Ian Callum to thank for that. Speaking of which, the I-Pace should be hitting showroom floors by mid-2018.
The Jaguar I-Pace Concept will be on display at the Los Angeles Motor Show this month. While no pricing has been announced, UK sources reportedly say it will cost about 10 to 15 percent more than the standard F-Pace.
IMAGE SOURCE


Winning doesn’t come any easier with the Ford Ranger XLT Plus

There are pick-up trucks, and then there’s the Ford Ranger – the pick-up that constantly redefines what trucks are capable of, both in the wild and within the confines of the urban jungle.
In the new and updated Ranger XLT Plus, Ford is once again leading from the front with class-leading features that no other pick-ups can lay claim to.
2.0-litre EcoBlue Si-Turbo diesel engine
With an exceptional output of
180 hp and 420 Nm
 from justa
 2.0-litre engine
, the all-new single-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit in the Ford Ranger XLT Plus not only trumps other 2.5-litre diesel engines in performance, fuel efficiency, emissions and refinement, but its lower cubic capacity means significant savings on annual road tax.
10-speed automatic transmission
The all-important supporting act of the all-new powertrain of Ford Ranger XLT Plus is its
10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift
 – a first for pick-ups in this segment. Due to its 10-speed configuration, this newly-developed gearbox has a suitable gear for every occasion, whether it’s crawling on a river bed or cruising on the highway, in 4WD or 2WD mode.
The wider spread of gear ratios also brings about greater fuel efficiency through reduce engine revs at higher speeds, not to mention drivetrain refinement as well.
8-inch display with SYNC3 infotainment system
In-car connectivity matters in the digital age, and it is no different for pick-up owners. The Ranger XLT Plus is equipped with
Ford’s cutting-edge SYNC 3 infotainment system
.
Apart from functions such as voice command, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, the
 8-inch touchscreen
 also shows the reverse camera and status of the dual-zone climate control. If that’s not enough,
Apple CarPlay
 and
Android Auto
 are standard
First-in-class Easy Lift Tailgate
Even though the Ranger is built Ford tough to take on the most challenging terrains, Ford prefers to do the heavy lifting for its owners. Take for example the ingenious
Easy Lift Tailgate
 which requires only the strength of a finger to operate what used to be a task that required both arms.
By incorporating a torsion rod to support the weight of the tailgate, Ford has managed to make pick-up trucks that much easier to live with.
Best-in-class water wading and payload
While the new Ford Ranger XLT Plus comes loaded with functionalities that can only be found on premium vehicles, owning a Ranger is also knowing that you have a pick-up truck with proven 4×4 off-road performance, built on a robust chassis with
best-in-class water wading capability
 as well as a
cargo payload
 that shades other trucks.
It is all about winning
Whether you appreciate the Ranger XLT Plus for its luxurious leather seating or admire its ability to go-anywhere while looking smart and stylish, it is undoubtedly the most complete and best value-for-money pick-up that stands out in a crowded segment.
 In short, winning doesn’t come any easier with the Ford Ranger XLT Plus.


Hyundai Elantra N facelift revealed, another robocop-ed Hyundai

Hyundai
 has unveiled the Hyundai Elantra N facelift at
Auto Shanghai 2023
, sporting a new look that is more in line with the brand’s current design trend. The debut of the
Elantra
 at Auto Shanghai also marks the “N” brand’s entry into China.
Joining the facelifted Sonata, Staria, Stargazer, all-new Kona, and Grandeur, the Elantra N now gets the same LED lightbar treatment at the front. It is based on the new Elantra standard model which was launched in Korea in March of this year (which does not sport the LED lightbar front end).
Hyundai N brand & Motorsports Vice President, Till Wartenberg said, “The new Elantra N, one of the most beloved N brand models around the world, will be a game changer in the Chinese market.”
The front of the new Elantra N has a lower stance with enlarged black trim and exterior color garnish compared to the base model. It also has bolder bumper design details. Perched at the front and the back of the car are black anodized Hyundai emblems, which will be the new design identity of the N brand, piloted by the new Elantra.
RELATED:
Hyundai Sonata facelift unveiled – Staria lights, BMW-like curved display
On the sides, N-specific red strips across the front and rear bumpers, including the side sill moldings, differentiate the N model from the standard. At the rear, the black bumper has been enlarged and a boat tail detail has been added to emphasize the car’s sporty image while improving aerodynamics.
Powering the new Hyundai Elantra N facelift is the same 2.0-litre turbocharges inline-4 engine that outputs
276 hp
 (
286 hp
with N Grin Shift) and
392 Nm
. Paired with the engine is an 8-speed ‘N’ wet dual-clutch transmission. All power is sent to the front wheels only.
RELATED:
Hyundai Creta open for booking in Malaysia – Proton X50, Honda HRV, Toyota Corolla Cross competitor
The new Hyundai Elantra N and the Hyundai Mufasa at Auto Shanghai 2023
Hyundai Motor revealed that it plans to launch the new Elantra N in China in the second half of 2023. Following that, Hyundai will introduce the
Hyundai Ioniq 5
N
 in July this year. Wartenberg said, “With all three of N brand’s core driving characteristics, Ioniq 5 N marks the beginning of a new era of high-performance electrification, and we are confident that it will set a new benchmark for sustainable high performance.”
In Malaysia, the Hyundai Elantra is available in a single variant only – the Elantra SmartStream G 1.6L Premium. The single variant costs
RM168,888
 and is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that outputs
123 hp
 (metric) and
154 Nm
. The engine is paired with Hyundai’s iVT transmission, which is a CVT.
RELATED:
The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ‘hot’ EV will help you drift better


Glow in the dark with Rolls-Royce’s new Neon Lights Black Badge collection

It’s a common misconception that Rolls-Royce Black Badge models only come in the darkest of the dark paint jobs – As we’ve mentioned in our
Wraith Black Badge review
, RR is happy to paint your car in any colour you like from their 44,000-strong colour palette, as long as you pay them enough money.
But if for some reason none of the 44,000 colours available are not quite your taste, perhaps the new Neon Lights collection for the
Rolls-Royce Black Badge models
 will suit your fancy. Initially developed for clients in the United States, the bright bespoke “nature-inspired” colourways are now available for three further commissions worldwide for the Black Badge cars, making it a limited run of just four of each colour – if you find it a little too ostentatious, don’t worry as you’ll probably never see one on the road.
The first of the trio is Lime Rock Green, which is applied onto the Wraith Black Badge here. The near-luminous hue was inspired by the Australian green tree frog, which RR Bespoke Paint Specialist Sami Coultas’ encountered during his trip to Tamworth, just north of Sydney.
To match the eye-popping exterior paintjob, the interior of the Wraith Black Badge is swathed in Scivaro Grey leather, with Lime Rock Green accents in the form of stitching and piping all around the cabin space.
The Dawn Black Badge seen here meanwhile is draped in a striking Eagle Rock Red hue, which supposedly mimics the flowers of
‘Ōhi‘a lehua
 evergreen tree that is native to Hawaii. Inside, the Dawn Black Badge gets Selby Grey leather, finished with Koi Red stitching and piping details.
Lastly, there’s the Cullinan Black Badge in Mirabeau Blue. The powder blue colour is inspired by wings of the
Rhetus Periander
 butterfly, also known as the Periander metalmark that is found across Central and South America. Unlike the other Neon Lights models though, the Arctic White leather in the Cullinan is contrasted by Lime Rock Green instead of a similar blue hue.
The dashboard on all three cars also get a dash of the exotic Neon Lights colours – Rolls-Royce calls these the Technical Fibre fascia. According to the British bespoke luxury carmaker, the line-art pattern is supposed to depict the “distortion of artificial light with speed”, but we can’t help but see them as those
80s Jazz design painted on paper cups
.
This isn’t the first time that Rolls-Royce is creating bespoke colours specifically for their customers. Just last year, the company unveiled three
limited-edition pastel-coloured Black Badge
 models at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event. In a surprise to no one, the ultra-rich like to spend their wealth on things that make them stand out even more.
That’s by no means a criticism though; in fact we think it’s pretty awesome that Rolls-Royce is also catering to the more left field requests – how many carmakers in the world would let you do that?
GALLERY


The new MINI gets more doors, here’s the new MINI 5 door [+Video]

MINI have taken the wraps off their five-door
MINI
 variant unimaginatively called, the
 MINI 5 door
. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this variant did not get christened with ‘-man’ suffix but at least it’s easier for us to identify which MINI that has five doors.
On a separate note, this is not the replacement to the quirky Clubman, as the MINI Clubman is getting its own successor with six (yes, six) doors. Stretching at
 161mm
 over the standard three-door third generation MINI,
 72mm
 of it contributes to the
 wheelbase
 expansion, so the MINI 5 door should better accommodate the three passengers sitting abreast in the back seat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Tp-CHAP64
Everything else is increased inside the cabin apart from the wheelbase, there’s
15mm

more headroom
 and
 61mm more interior width
, but magically the car’s exterior width is still the same as the three-door MINI at 1727mm. The
trunk
 is still tiny at
 278 litres
 but that’s actually 67 litres more than the three-door.
Codenamed the
F55
, the looks are typical MINI, so everyone won’t be mistaken it as a car other than the MINI. From the round headlights, the hexagonal grille, the floating roof, to the rear lights, the MINI design features are still present on the MINI 5 door. Additional pair of rear doors have shortened the front doors slightly while the rear hatch now appears to have a more sloping glass than the three-door MINI.
Four different turbocharged engines with
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology
 are offered on the MINI 5 door, a pair of petrol and a pair of diesel. The
1499cc 3-cylinder petrol
 in the
 Cooper
 5 door generates
136hp
 and
220Nm
 of torque while the
 1998cc 4-cylinder petrol
 in the
Cooper S
 5 door produces
192hp
 and
280Nm
 of torque. With overboost, the Cooper and Cooper S gets additional 10Nm and 20Nm of torque respectively.
On the dark side of the fuel pump, the two diesel engines offer more torque than the petrol engines. You get
270Nm
 of torque and
116hp
 from the
1496cc 3-cylinder diesel
 in the
 Cooper D
, and if that’s not enough the
 Cooper SD
 will deliver a heady
360Nm
 of torque and
 170hp
 from its
 1995cc 4-cylinder
 powerplant.
Sprint time from
0-100 km/h
 for the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D, and Cooper SD are
8.1
 seconds,
6.9
 seconds,
 9.4
 seconds, and
7.4
 seconds for cars equipped with the
6-speed manual
 transmission while the
6-speed Steptronic automatic
 shaves 0.1 second off those time except in the Cooper D, which adds 0.1 second to 100 km/h. They sip fuel between
5.9 litres to 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres
 so they’re efficient as well especially when combined with the so-called extensive
 MINIMALISM
 technology that includes the now-ubiquitous
 auto start/stop
 function and optional
GREEN
 mode.
Apart from GREEN mode, the driver will be able to choose from the standard
MID
 mode and
SPORT
 mode via the optional
MINI Driving Modes
, controlled by a rotary switch at the base of the gear lever. With single-joint spring strut front axle and multilink rear axle suspension setup combined with stiff weight-optimised contruction, MINI promises the same go-kart feeling on the MINI 5 door.
There’s also electric power steering with
 Servotronic
 function along with
Dynamic Stability Control
 (DSC) including
Dynamic Traction Control
 (DTC), additional
Electronic Differential Lock Control
 (EDLC) in the Cooper S and Cooper SD with optional
Dynamic Damper Control
.
The interior have been carried over from the three-door MINI, along with the fancy LED ring that surrounds the circular central instrument. A screen of up to 8.8 inches is available where the navigation, entertainment, telephone, and vehicle functions can be displayed and controlled by the
MINI Controller
 that resides in the center console.
Driving Assistant included in the MINI 5 door is not a human assistant, instead there’s camera-based active cruise control, rear view camera, Parking Assistant, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant, and road sign detection.
MINI Connected
 in-car infotainment program will ensure online connectivity ranging from online radio, RSS feeds, and not forgetting social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. LED lights are available as option for almost all the lamps throughout the car. The extensive option list include automatic lamps, rain sensors, powered glass roof, automatic dimming mirrors, 2-zone climate control, navigation system, and Harman/Kardon hi-fi speaker system to name a few.
Safety is not compromised in the MINI 5 door, each of the five seats come with
three-point safety belts
, and there are
front
 and
side airbags
 along with side
 curtain bags
.
ISOFIX
 mounts are available as standard on the rear seats and optional on the front passenger seat. There’s also
 active engine compartment lid
 to protect the pedestrian in an event of a collision.
No launch date has been set for the Malaysian market yet but most likely the diesel models might not make it to our shores. Pricing-wise the MINI 5 door should command a slight premium over the three-door MINI. While a five door hatchback format is considered normal for any other car, for MINI this is somewhat a new niche (not counting the not-so-MINI Countryman). To those who always wanted a MINI with a little bit more practicality, get your chequebooks ready.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Jaguar Land Rover develops car seat that mentally simulates the act of walking

Those who are working in nine-to-five office jobs know it all too well. We go from sitting in our cars during our commute, to sitting at our desks during work.
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) research, a quarter of people worldwide (1.4 billion) are living increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Besides increasing the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, a sedentary lifestyle could also shorten and weaken muscles in the lower body – increasing the risks of injury from falls or strains.

Of course, there are ways to reduce time spent sitting down – such as using a standing desk at work. However, you don’t have such luxury while driving. That is why
Jaguar Land Rover
 is developing a new shape-shifting seat to tackle this very issue.
The ‘morphable’ seat, as it’s called, uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that “make your brain think you’re walking”.
The seats simulate the natural walking rhythm, a movement called ‘pelvic oscillation’, and can even be individually tailored to each driver and passenger.
Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division is currently trialling the shape-shifting seats, but the company did not disclose if the seats will ever make it into production.
Jaguar Land Rover, Chief Medical Officer Dr Steve Iley said, “The wellbeing of our customers and employees is at the heart of all our technological research projects.
“We are using our engineering expertise to develop the seat of the future using innovative technologies not seen before in the automotive industry to help tackle an issue that affects people across the globe,” he added.


All-new Perodua Myvi launched, with Advance Safety Assist, from RM44k to RM55k

After making its
first public appearance
 at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 not too long ago, Perodua has finally unveiled in full the all-new fourth-generation Myvi. As
reported earlier
, Malaysia’s favourite hatchback is available with two engine options across five variants.
Despite a slight increase in price across the board, the all-new Myvi is still competitively priced against its closest rival, the Proton Iriz with the range-topping 1.5 Advance (AT) undercutting the
Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT
 by some RM5,500.

QUICK FACTS
Name
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (MT)
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Premium X (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.5 High (AT)
Perodua Myvi 1.5 Advance (AT)
Engine
1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
1.5-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
Transmission
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Max Power
94 hp @ 6,000 rpm
101 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
121 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
136 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM44,300
RM46,300
RM48,300
RM51,800
RM55,300
EXTERIOR
The Myvi now sits on a heavily reworked platform, now measuring at 3,895 mm in length 1,735 mm in width, 1,515 mm in height and 2,500 mm in wheelbase. That’s 205 mm longer, 70 mm wider, 30 mm lower and 60 mm longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. For the first time, the Myvi no longer shares its design with its Daihatsu twin. Instead, the whole outer body was designed completely in-house with Daihatsu, Perodua’s strategic partner providing technical assistance in the areas of product planning and others.

Across the board, LED headlamps and taillights are standard. The front headlamps come with auto-off and follow me home functions while the wipers now come with a speed-sensing function. The new Myvi comes with front air spats across the range, while the rear air spats and a spoiler is provided for the 1.5-litre models.
Aerodynamic enhancements in the new Myvi have contributed to a drag coefficient of
0.296
, an improvement from the out-going Myvi’s 0.306. The 1.3-litre variants get 14-inch wheels with 175/65 section tyres while the more powerful 1.5-litre H and AV variants come with 15-inch wheels with 185/55 section tyres.
INTERIOR
As shown in the teaser video, the new Myvi gets an all-new interior architecture. As standard, all variants of the Myvi comes equipped with smart entry and a push start button while the built-in toll reader, a new addition, is only available for the 1.5-litre models. All models come with 4 speakers, adjustable steering and height-adjustable driver’s seat.
A multimedia system with navigation & Smart Link (for Android) is provided in the range-topping 1.5-litre AV while the other models come with a standard audio system with USB compatibility. Upwards from the 1.3-litre X variants, a leather steering with call function and a USB port on the driver seat are standard equipment. Leather upholstery is only available in the range-topping 1.5-litre AV variant while the rest are draped in the fabric upholstery.

With the rear seats up, boot space is rated at
277-litres
, 69-litres more than the outgoing Myvi. With the rear seats folded flat, the Myvi can ferry up to
823-litres
 of cargo.
PERFORMANCE
The 1.3-litre 1NR-VE Dual VVT-i engines come with
94 hp
 and
121 Nm
 of torque while the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i engines come with
101 hp
 and
136 Nm
 of torque. The Eco Idle system is available upwards from the 1.3-litre X variant to the 1.5-litre models. With the Eco Idle system in the 1.3-litre X variant, fuel consumption is rated at
 21.1 km/L
 while the 1.5-litre models are able to return
20.1 km/L
.
All the engines are built at the Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing plant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. The aluminium block engines are lights, more efficient and meet the Euro 4 emission standards.
SAFETY
The 1.3-litre variant comes with 4 airbags while the 1.5-litre offerings are provided with 6 (front, side & curtain). ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal, reverse sensors, anti-snatch hook, seat belt reminders (front and rear passengers) and ISOFIX are standard equipment in all models. Elsewhere Hill Start Assist and four corner sensor are only available upwards from the 1.3 X variant.
Exclusively for the 1.5-litre AV variant, the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA), reverse camera and security tinting are provided. The ASA utilises a stereo camera mounted on the windscreen to reduce low-speed accidents with 4 main features:
Pre-Collision Warning
 – alerts the driver when a collision is imminent
Pre-Collision Braking Assist
 – assist drivers in applying the brakes if they are still unaware of an impending collision
Front Departure Alert
 – warns the driver that the vehicle ahead has moved
Pedal Misoperation Control
 – if the driver accidentally selects “Drive” instead of “Reverse”, the feature suppresses the engine if there is an obstacle ahead.
Six colours are available for the new Myvi – Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple, Lava Red, Peppermint Green (for 1.3-variants only) and Granite Grey (for 1.5-litre variants). A 5-year/150,000 km warranty is offered as standard throughout the range.
IMAGE GALLERY


This Jaguar XF Sportbrake pulled a skier to 189km/h, a new Guinness Record!

Sometimes, carmakers set their cars up for rather interesting challenges like how Land Rover recently pitted their
Discovery Sport against a team of Husky Sled dogs around a course
. Now Jaguar wants to challenge the
Guinness World Record for fastest towed speed on skis
 and with their
XF Sportbrake
, they did just that; bringing home with them the coveted title.
The record breaking attempt was held at Jaguar Land Rover’s Revi Test Centre in the Arctic Circle, with the XF Sportbrake S towing former British Olympic Skier Graham Bell by a rope. With the conditions all set, the XF Sportbrake S set off, pulling Bell to a top speed of
189.07 km/h
, smashing the previous world record by over
75 km/h
!
Watch how they did it here:
Powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, the XF Sportbrake S packs
375 hp
 and
 450 Nm
of torque. Drive is channelled to all-four corners via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.  Century sprint is clocked in
5.3 seconds
 while top speed is at a limited
250 km/h
.
Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks said: “The XF Sportbrake’s superb traction, handling and high-speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt. We’re extremely proud to have supported Graham in this incredible world-beating achievement – it’s this kind of trail-blazing activity that really tests our cars to their limits.
Link to Guinness World Record
here
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai introduces the world’s first CVVD engine technology

Hyundai has developed the world’s first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology and will be featured first in the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine.
The new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi is a V4 turbocharged engine making
180 hp
and
265 Nm
 and will be fitted first into the new Hyundai Sonata Turbo which will be introduced in the second half of 2019. It also marks the first in a series of new Hyundai and Kia vehicles to feature the engine.

The CVVD system offers a balance between performance and fuel efficiency – achieving a
 4%
 increase in performance,
5%
 improvement in fuel efficiency while cutting emissions by
12%
.
“The development of the CVVD technology is a good example of how Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its powertrain technology,” said Hyundai Motor Group, President and Head of R&D, Albert Biermann.
Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M division, was brought in to transform Hyundai and Kia’s fortunes and has since introduced formidable vehicles like the
Hyundai Elantra Sport
 and the
 Hyundai i30N
 which had garnered positive reviews from the media.
The
i30N
 – possibly the most exciting and lethal Hyundai hatchback ever built.
Up until today, an internal combustion engine’s performance and efficiency relied on the variable valve control technology that manages the timing of the valve’s opening and closing but they
do not regulate valve duration
 – as in how long a valve is open and that’s where CVVD comes in.
In short, when a vehicle is moving at a constant speed, CVVD helps improve fuel efficiency but during hard acceleration, the system works in a way to offer more torque.


Hyundai previews new Hydrogen powered SUV, 800 km EV range

Hyundai Motor Group has just showcased their next gen fuel-cell powered vehicle at a special preview event in Seoul. To nobody’s surprise, the “near-production-ready” model is an SUV. Hyundai has yet to give the hydrogen-powered SUV a name but it is expected to hit the market in early 2018.
With the new model, Hyundai has greatly improved the hydrogen-electric powertrain found on the
ix35 Fuel Cell
 (Tucson Fuel Cell in some markets) giving better hydrogen (fuel) consumption, greater performance and overall efficiency. The new enhanced powertrain is good for
161 hp
 and can cover
800 km
 on a single tank of hydrogen.
Also contributing to the extended driving range is the new hydrogen tank that is larger but lighter than its predecessor thanks to innovations on plastic liner and efficient layering pattern.
The new powertrain has also addressed the biggest issue with fuel-cell vehicles –
cold start capability
. To ensure that the hydrogen-powered powertrain starts up in temperatures below freezing, Hyundai have reworked the vehicles architecture as well as incorporating enhanced components such as MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and bipolar plates to allow it to start smoothly at -30 degrees Celsius. Rest assured that we won’t be having this problem here in Malaysia.
No point having a highly advanced powertrain if no one wants to drive one eh? Hyundai has also paid great attention to the SUVs design, drawing inspirations from mother nature – namely water, the car’s only emission. Emphasizing its non-polluting nature, the new vehicle takes on flowing and smooth lines, giving a claiming presence on the road. Its SUV characteristics are not lost too, with high ground clearance for off-road expeditions incorporated to its design.
Its curvaceous shape is not just for the Grammy Award’s Night; Hyundai has incorporated
low-drag and aerodynamic
 elements to complement not only the vehicles overall efficiency but also its soothing design.
The calm design theme is also reflected inside the cabin where the designers have adopted a minimalistic approach to emphasise a welcoming and uncluttered interior. Hyundai will also be using eco-friendly certified bio-materials on the interior, giving the new SUV a complete eco-friendly profile.
The new hydrogen powered SUV will be officially launched in Korea early next year followed by North American and European markets. Hyundai is also looking into expanding its new fuel cell model to markets with high growth potential for eco-friendly vehicles such as China.


This chef-designed Maserati Levante Trofeo looks like it just ran a rally stage on a cake

Artists, fashion designers, or even big gaming companies – these are perhaps some of the people you’d think of (or at least makes sense) when a car brand unveils a special one-off model. Never in a million years we’d think of a chef creating a special-edition car, but yet here we are, with the new Maserati Levante Trofeo ‘Fuoriserie Edition’.
What you’re looking at here is the fruit of a collaboration between Maserati and Massimo Botturo, a world-renowned three Michelin-starred chef hailing from Modena, Italy. And as you’d imagine growing up near the Motor Valley of Italy, he quickly grew an affinity towards cars and motorsports, owing to his frequent racetrack visits with his brothers in his adolescence.
The passion for cars was what eventually landed the cuisine connoisseur a partnership with Maserati (also from the Emilia-Romagna region) that dates all the way back to 2005. From the carmaker’s own website, Maserati CEO Reid Bigland said “Massimo has shown true genius in expressing a modern or even futuristic vision of this tradition in every flavour, without ever betraying its origins.
“All this is very close to the Maserati tradition of designing, developing and building cars here in Italy that can excite and delight their drivers all over the world,” which explains their partnership, I guess.
Anyway, enough of the man – time to talk about the car itself. Taking the
 range-topping Trofeo variant
of the Maserati Levante as a “blank canvas”, the chef Massimo’s Fuoriserie Edition is given a coat of Blu Stradale exterior paint, contrasted by huge splats of multi-coloured paint all around the car, something Maserati calls “explosion of creativity”.
Check out the Maserati Levante Trofeo Launch Edition – only three available in the whole of Malaysia!
Massimo was inspired by the splashes of mud plastered on the cars’ bodies every time he went racing through the Emilian countryside in vintage cars with his older brothers – “racing scars”, as he affectionately calls them.
“Life is very similar in that each one of us is the protagonist of an adventure: we are transformed by experiences lived, shaped by encounters, moulded by victories and defeats, and contaminated by the vibrant colours of culture.
“In the end, while still remaining ourselves, we have also become something different,” the press release reads. Apparently, the mud was such a huge influence in Massimo Bottura’s life that he habitually did not wash the mud off his cars for days after his off-road races.
The multi-coloured splashes can also be found on the trim elements on the interior, which is otherwise a pretty standard affair. Also standard – as is usual on a special one-off model – is the powertrain underneath the bonnet, a Ferrari-sourced 3.8-litre Twin Turbocharged V8 that makes
590 hp
 and
730 Nm
 of torque.
Here’s another special one-off from the Fuoriserie programme, created in conjunction with the “Godfather of Japanese street culture”
Bottura’s one-off creation is a part of Maserati’s Fuoriserie customisation programme, in which the company offers a wide selection of personalisation options to customers, through three basic collections as starting points: Corse, Unica, and Futura, plus an additional “Sartoria” level which offers even more bespoke treatments for even more tailor-made requirements.
GALLERY


2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport unmasked, a tiered down 911 GT3 RS ?

It’s amazing to behold the evolution of a car, like an ugly duckling turning into a swan. Back in 2006 when Porsche unveiled the Cayman to the world, they were absolutely adamant that there would never be a track-focused Cayman; something uniquely reserved for Porsche’s top dog – the 911.
Call it a range-filler if you like but the
Cayman
 really did fill a gap between the
Boxster
 and the
911
 models. Now almost 10 years to date, Porch took the sheets of the
RM840k GT4 model
 and shortly thereafter, the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport came along. It features all the hot bits you’d expect in a trackie. Did we mention that it was also
FIA compliant
 ?
We’ll circle round back to that in a bit. Powering this Clubsport – just like its stablemate – is a tried and tested
3.8-litre
 flat-sixer pushing out
385 hp
 mounted in the middle. Instead of the stick shifter in the GT4, Porch has elected to dump a slightly modified version of the
 six-speed dual-clutch
 PDK box that’s hooked up to a pair of
paddle shifters
 and a mechanical rear-axle
 locking differential
 specifically for the track.
Because the 911 GT3 Cup is more suited for this sort of
muckin’
 about, Porsche fitted the Clubsport with a lightweight
strut front axle
, so is the lightweight
strut suspension
 with
 transverse arms
. On the safety front, the brand threw on
15-inch
 vented
steel rotors
 on all corners, squeezed by
six-piston calipers
 up front and
four-piston
 units at the rear. The brakes are paired up to
18-inch
 forged alloy
wheels
 wearing fat, sticky
Michelin
 racing slicks. Even the
Electronic Stability Programme
 has been reconfigured to adapt to these – all of which are FIA sanctioned.
Porsche gutted the interior to make way for the
 welded-in roll cage
, a racing
bucket seat
 as well as a
six-point harness
. The result? It tips the scales at just
 1,300 kgs
. The basic version is equipped with a
90-litre
 standard fuel tank, with an optional
 70-litre
 or
 100-litre FT3
 safety tank available as a cost option.
The new Cayman GT4 Clubsport is available from 111,000 euros (
RM507k
) and can be ordered immediately from
Porsche Motorsport Centre
 in Weissach, Germany. The GT4 Clubsport homologation is planned for a number of race series’ in 2016.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota Hilux GR Sport lands in Japan, with just 150 hp & 400 Nm

Toyota Gazoo Racing in Japan has officially introduced the Hilux GR Sport to their range of ever-growing fun-to-drive vehicles.
Similar to the variant launched in
Thailand
 in late August, the Hilux GR Sport arrives in Japan almost unchanged. The exclusive front fascia of the Toyota Hilux GR Sport consists of a tastefully done black-and-body-coloured grille that has ‘TOYOTA’ spelt out like the
Land Cruiser GR Sport
, added with side steps, as well as body-coloured wheel arches, dual-tone 18-inch wheels and black-painted mirror caps and rear bumper.
The sporty red brake calipers are also maintained, but not the sports bar in the cargo deck area. As part of the genuine
Toyota GR Sport recipe
, the shock absorbers on the Hilux GR Sport have been upgraded to monotube unis for better steering response as well as flatter cornering. Only white and black colours are available for the Toyota Hilux GR Sport in Japan.
Here is the new Toyota GR86 with very aggressive GR parts. Can we just call it the Toyota GGRR86?

However, engine power in the Japan-market Toyota Hilux GR Sport will continue with the 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel mill that has outputs of
150 hp
 and
400 Nm
 of torque, unlike the
204 hp/500 Nm
 unit we have here in ASEAN. A six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is then paired with a part-time 4×4 transfer system with
Auto LSD
 as well as Active TRC for additional traction out of the tricky conditions.
Inside, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport maintains all the fine items from the Toyota GR catalogue such as the GR-specific instrument cluster (welcome logo and red needles), multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with red centre-marking, and perforated suede and leather seat upholstery with red stitching.
Meanwhile, the little Toyota Yaris Cross also wants to join in the off-road fun. These modifications surely make it look the part!
Smoke silver and metallic black are applied to the trim inserts as well as air vents and are well coordinated with the metallic brake and accelerator pedals.
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport takes over as the range-topping variant in Japan with a price starting from
JPY4.312 million
 (approx. RM158.8k), like the circa USD38k when converted from its Thai pricing of THB1.3million.
The other two variants in the range, X and Z, have also been upgraded with better comfort and safety features. All Toyota Hilux models of this generation in Japan are fully imported from Toyota Motor Thailand since 2017.
GALLERY


Book online and enjoy exclusive offers at the new Volkswagen Marketplace

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the new “
Volkswagen Marketplace
”, a permanent e-platform for customers to reserve a new Volkswagen vehicle and enjoy exclusive online offers.
The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia and in conjunction with the launch, VPCM introduced
20 units of the Passat 1.8 TSI Trendline Cyber
 with additional leather seats, for an exclusive online-only deal at RM 135,888.
The “online-only price” is accompanied with 5-years free maintenance and 1-year free insurance. Customers will also be able to enjoy a low interest rate of
0.88% per annum
 on the Passat 1.8TSI Trendline Cyber.
Once you’re on the
Volkswagen Marketplace website
, simply follow these few steps:
Step 1: Select Volkswagen model.
 Step 2: Select the preferred dealership.
 Step 3: Enter customer details to continue with the reservation.
 Step 4: Finalise reservation by submitting a fee of RM1,500 (credit card only) – to be deducted from total price
 Step 5: The selected dealer will guide and assist the customer throughout the purchase process, car registration up till the car delivery/collection.
The Polo hatchback can now be yours from RM 756 per month and is offered with Vienna leather seats as an option.
This effort is on the trail of a successful partnership with Lazada recently where VPCM sold 12 Volkswagen Beetles in just 20 minutes on the e-commerce website.
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback with optional Vienna leather seats


Is it worth getting windscreen coverage for your car?

If you’re one of the few extremely lucky car owners, you may have never experienced a cracked windscreen. And we hope it never happens to you. Unfortunately, windscreen cracks are a rather common occurrence, simply because high-speed driving makes even the smallest of airborne rocks a potential hazard. And thus why car windscreen coverage exists.
With
motortakaful.com
 by Etiqa, car windscreen coverage is additional coverage that will cost an extra contribution. What does it protect? Well, under the services provided by motortakaful.com, the coverage protects:
• Front, rear, and side window glasses
• Sunroof glass
• Tinting & security film on the glasses
Windshield coverage protects just about every window on your car.
If you’ve only experienced minor damage to your windscreen, the damage is usually repairable without costing too much. The damage will still be visible but your windscreen would still be structurally sound. However, some windscreen damages are just beyond repair, and depending on the car model, it can cost a fortune.
Some windscreens and windows are made with advanced technologies (double glaze, acoustic glass, etc.) and could cost in regions of RM10,000 per piece. Thus it would make a lot of sense to extend your car coverage to include the windscreen to avoid a hefty bill sometime in the future. Of course, different types of cars would have different contribution rates for windshield coverage.
RELATED:
Get 10% rebate and cashback with your car coverage – Introducing MotorTakaful by Etiqa
Some windscreens could cost a fortune to replace
Shouldn’t comprehensive coverage cover windscreen damage?
To recap, we’ve gone over the common types of car coverage in a
previous entry
 and if you have read them, you would already know what third-party-only and comprehensive coverage are. Clearly, with third-party-only coverage, your car windscreen is not covered. Thus, an additional contribution would be required to protect your windscreen.
As for comprehensive coverage, you could claim your car coverage under “Own Damage” (OD) to fix your cracked windscreen if you don’t contribute to windscreen protection. However, this would affect your No Claim Discount (NCD) during your next policy renewal. To avoid affecting your NCD, you could opt to extend your car coverage to include windscreen protection. Claims made under windscreen coverage will not affect your main comprehensive policy.
What types of windscreen coverage claims are there?
If you’ve extended your coverage to include windscreen protection, you could use it to claim either a “repair” or a “replacement”. In the event of a “repair”, the repair cost will be deducted from the sum covered for the period of the policy.
For example, should your windshield coverage cover up to RM1,000, a repair cost of RM200 would be deducted, from the sum insured after making a claim. The remaining RM800 will still be available to be utilised for the rest of the policy period.
However, in the case of a “replacement”, the remaining balance from the sum insured will no longer be available to use during the policy period. For instance, if your windscreen coverage covers RM1,000 but a replacement costs RM600, you will have RM400 remaining. However, this remaining RM400 can no longer be used. The sum insured for your windscreen can be reinstated with an additional contribution.
RELATED:
Third-party Only vs Comprehensive car coverage – What’s the difference?
Oh and just in case you were wondering, claims for windscreen coverage with motortakful.com by Etiqa will not require a police report. Windshield coverage is something you wouldn’t know how t appreciate until the one day comes when you are handed a hefty repair bill. Get your windscreen protected today by extending your car coverage to include windscreen coverage with
motortakaful.com
 by Etiqa.
*Terms and conditions apply


Ferrari 458 Speciale launched in Malaysia by Naza Italia [+Videos]

In conjunction with the first ever Ferrari Racing Days event in Malaysia, the
Ferrari 458 Speciale
 was launched on Friday by the official importer of Ferrari, Naza Italia in Sepang. Organized by Ferrari Far East, Ferrari Racing Days 2014 is a three-day event from February 21 to 23, which features the first round of the Ferrari APAC Challenge 2014. However, the highlight on Friday was the launching of Ferrari 458 Speciale.
Many of you may think this is just a Ferrari 458 Italia with some fancy bodykit and awesome-looking go faster stripe. Well, you are wrong. Firstly, there are 20 new styling features to begin with. This one as what the Italians call it, is ‘Speciale’. Much like if you are buying a ‘Ramlee Burger Special’, you expect it to be special. This burger is powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine ever made. Derived from the same engine as the Italia, Ferrari managed to churn out
 597 horsepower
 from this baby. That’s 35 horses more than the standard 458 Italia! Which translate to 133hp per liter, and that’s a world record for a road going naturally aspirated engine. Maximum torque figure maintains at 540Nm. It takes off from 0 to 100kph in
3 seconds
 flat!
The recipe behind this massive power from the naturally aspirated V8 engine is the
improved combustion efficiency
. Compression ratio in the Speciale has been increased to 14:1, from 12.5:1 in the standard 458 Italia. With this, Ferrari has achieved the highest compression ratio in a naturally aspirated V8 engine, hence the extra horses.
Before I go into the high-tech aerodynamics, let’s discuss the weight-loss programme. Ferrari shed a total of
90kg
 of weight from the Italia to create the fittest 458. By removing some carpets, steels, comfort and certain basic functionality. It has 20kg lighter chassis and bodyshell, has saved 8kg from engine weight, 20kg from interior, 13kg from exterior and etc. With the 90kg of the dead weight removed, it changes the performance drastically.
One of the features that makes this Ferrari 458 Speciale really unique is the Side Slip-angle Control or
SSC
. Fitted for the first time in a Ferrari, it allows the driver to go sideways when exiting a corner while the car calculates the car angle and maintaining traction control at the same time to ensure nothing goes wrong. License to go sideways in a Ferrari! How cool is that!
Now, to the state-of-the-art aerodynamic engineering. There are a few new functions and design changes on the 458 Speciale that allows it to achieve the highest aerodynamic efficiency ever, at 1.50. The front of the car has a pair of vertial flaps and a horizontal flap that open when the car is going at the speed of more than 170kph. This allows better air flow which then reduces drag and eventually increases downforce for better grip.
There is a pair of aero fins on both sides of the car to increase downforce. At the back where the rear diffusser is, there are a tripel-flap mechanism that will be lowered to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. It retracts and back to the origianl position to increase vehicle downforce.
When asked if the numbers on the production units will be limited and to how many, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East, Giuseppe Cattaneo said, the production units will not be limited. However, he added that, since the Speciale is a performance breed of the 458, orders will not be overwhelming as many will still opt for the standard 458 Italia.
Till the day of the launch, there have been 20 orders in Malaysia for the special one. According the Naza Italia, potential customers will be flown to Ferrari HQ in Maranello for test drive session. The price of the Ferrari 458 Speciale is
RM1,238,800
. And that is before the duties. Knowing how Malaysia’s automotive scene works, the final price for the Speciale to go on Malaysia roads will be ‘speciale’, a whopper! Watch the videos below to learn more on how Ferrari made an even better car than the already superb 458 Italia.
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