Your epic Lamborghini Urus wallpapers are here, from London to Sydney

Lamborghini recently concluded the world presentation of its new Super SUV, the
4.0-litre twin turbo V8 Urus
, as it visited over 114 major cities around the world – completing the Urus’ historical introduction within a span of just four months.
Part of the 650 hp Urus’ worldwide tour, which included stops in cities like Tokyo, Moscow and Sydney, also saw the world’s fastest SUV
arrive in Malaysia recently
 and boy was it just pure pornography.
Check out our brief
introduction video of the Lamborghini Urus
 here.
If there was a company that could build an SUV that looks as dramatic as the Urus, it could only be Lamborghini. Unless Ferrari’s new FUV beats them to it but I dare say, it’s unlikely.
Shortly after the unveiling of the Urus, it was reported that its reception had been way better than expected, particularly
in Russia and India with 2/3 of the buyers being new to the Lamborghini brand
. There’s also been a spike in
female buyers
.
Inside features an aeroplane cockpit-like gear lever; with a Tamburo drive selector offering six different driving modes.
Lamborghini’s overall production volume is expected to hit
close to five figures by the end of 2019
, where half of which will be the Urus. Without further ado, here’s the Lamborghini Urus; photographed alongside some of the
world’s most iconic locations/landmarks
.
IMAGE GALLERY

 Mount Fuji

 Mount Fuji

 Mount Fuji

 Mount Fuji

 Rome

 Rome

 Rome

 Moscow

 Moscow

 Moscow

 Shanghai

 Dubai

 It’s obvious

 Sydney

 Sydney

 London

 London

 London

 San Francisco

 San Francisco

 Paris

 Paris

 Tokyo

 Tokyo

 Los Angeles

 Santa Monica

 Beverley Hills


Gallery: Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, RM289k AWD EV

The last car to be launched in Malaysia this year is the
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric
, which is essentially a coupe version of the all-electric XC40. Offered in one ‘Ultimate’ variant only, the C40 Recharge Pure Electric fetches a price of
RM288,888
.
Malaysia straight away receives the 2023 facelift version of the C40 which no longer comes with a dual-tone colour scheme. Body colour options for the Volvo C40 in Malaysia include Black Stone, Thunder Grey, Crystal White, Sage Green, and Fjord Blue. The last colour option is what you see in the pictures here.
From the front, the C40 is identical to the
facelifted XC40
, sharing the same headlight design, front panel, and front bumper. As you shift to the side of the car, the difference between this and the XC40 becomes more obvious. The sloping roofline gives the C40 a sportier appearance and it flows well into the rear end of the car which looks rather wild with the dual spoiler set-up and uniquely designed lights with an alluring Welcome Light sequence.
The spoilers and sloping roofline aren’t all just for show though as the C40 has a lower drag coefficient of 0.319 compared to the XC40’s 0.329. Combined with the fact the C40 is also 3 kg lighter at 2,185 kg, the C40 is more energy efficient. Its WLTP (Combined) range is 451 km, 13 km more than the C40.
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
Drag Coefficient
0.319
0.329
Weight
2,185 kg
2,188 kg
Range (WLTP Combined)
451 km
438 km
Electric Consumption
19.8 kWh/100km (lowest)
21.6 kWh/100km (lowest)
RELATED:
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric launched in Malaysia, from RM289k
Although the Malaysian-spec C40 is the ‘Ultimate’ variant, it comes with a set of 19-inch five-double spoke wheels instead of the 20-inch five-spoke design. Like the XC40 Recharge P8 Pure Electric, the wheels are wrapped in a set of Pirelli P Zero ELECT tyres which are specially designed for electric cars. The tyres have a staggered setup with the rear tyres being 255 mm wide and the front tyres being 235 mm wide.
Performance-wise, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric gets a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup that makes
408 hp
 (metric) and
660 Nm
. The numbers translate into a
4.7-second
 0-100 km/h acceleration time, which makes overtaking a breeze with this little electric crossover coupe.
RELATED:
2023 Volvo XC40 B5, Recharge T5, P8 Ultimate – from RM269k
Storing energy in the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is a
78-kWh
 battery pack, that provides up to
451 km
 of range (WLTP). Charging can be done at a maximum rate of
11-kW
 with AC charging and
150-kW
 with DC Fast Charging (DCFC). 11-kW AC Charging charges the battery from 10% to 100% in
8 hours
 while 150-kW DCFC brings the state of charge (SOC) from 10% to 80% in
28 minutes
.
Inside, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric are identical with an exception for the large fixed panoramic sunroof. The C40’s interior is 100% leather-free and has interesting ‘topography’ trims on the dashboard and front door panels. These ‘topography’ trims are inspired by the topography of the Swedish mountains and are backlit to provide an interesting look in the dark.
RELATED:
Volvo XC40 EV powertrain update due – 502km range, 200kW charging, more power
The fully-electric coupe-crossover also gets the marque’s full suite of the Intellisafe advanced safety assistance systems, with features including front and rear autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, as well as pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic alert with auto brake, among others.
RELATED:
Volvo Car Malaysia launches new e-commerce platform – ‘Shop Online’ for your next car
Like the XC40 (B5 and Recharge Pure Electric), the Volvo C40 gets ‘Google Built In’ and Volvo’s ‘Digital Services Package’ that includes Google Assistant, Google Playstore, Google Maps, and data for said services. The C40 comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, an 8-year/160,000 km EV battery warranty, 5 years of Volvo On Call, and 5 years of Volvo Inclusive Service.
RELATED:
The fully-electric Volvo EX90 flagship SUV is a “computer on wheels”
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Proton delivers 8 units of the X70 to the Ministry of Health for use in Sabah

Following the
50 units of X70 delivered to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in March
, Proton has stepped up its efforts to help healthcare workers and frontliners with their onslaught against Covid-19.
This time they’ve added another eight units to the tally, for MOH’s use in Sabah. The SUVs, which can now be fitted with an
N95 cabin filter for just RM79
, will be used to assist the Ministry’s logistics and surveillance efforts in the East Malaysian state. The handover took place at Fook Loi Corporation’s Proton 4S outlet in Kota Kinabalu.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is probably one of the most challenging hurdles we have faced as a nation. As a Malaysian brand, it is our duty to step up, and we have been supporting the government’s efforts. Logistics in Sabah is far more challenging than in Peninsula Malaysia,” said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah.
This batch of eight X70s will serve to ferry doctors, nurses, and MOH officials as and when needed. We hope our contribution will help ease the logistical needs of frontliners in Sabah,” he added.
Aside from loaning out their SUVs, Proton has also
produced over 60,000 units of face shields
 at their Shah Alam factory. The face shields were delivered to 46 hospitals around Malaysia. A second batch was subsequently produced in a joint effort with DRB-Hicom, for use by armed forces and the police.
As a symbol of gratitude to the frontliners, Proton also introduced the
Proton Cares Programme
. It offers 5-years of free personal accident (PA) insurance coverage to the frontliners or their immediate families with the purchase of any Proton vehicle.


2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury in Malaysia – over 500 bookings received in one week

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury, which has only
just opened its order books for Malaysia last week
, has already received over 500 bookings thus far. This was revealed by UMW Toyota Motor and Lexus Malaysia President, Datuk Ravindran K., at the unveiling of the
new Lexus Klang showroom
 earlier today.
Its official launch is only due sometime in the coming weeks, but it’s obvious why the new 2023 Lexus RX has already received such warm reception here in Malaysia. Most of it probably boils down to its new looks, headlined by the unique ‘Spindle Body’ grille, tri-beam LED headlights, and the full-width tail lights at the back.
The striking design is further accentuated by the unique Sonic Copper exterior colour, giving the all-new 2023 Lexus RX a look that’s unlike any other SUV on the road today. Want a closer look? Check out our
detailed gallery here
.
Inside, the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury also boasts a completely reworked interior that finally ditches the
much-maligned Remote Touch interface
. Most of the frequently-used controls come with their own physical buttons and switches, although everything else is now wrapped into the new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard.
Other highlights in the all-new 2023 Lexus RX’s interior include the powered rear outboard seats with individual ventilation function, a massive customisable head-up display, the e-Latch electronic door lever, and an active noise cancellation system to help keep NVH to a minimum.
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, which is rated for
279 hp
 and
430 Nm
 of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an all-time electronically controlled all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox for a century sprint time of
 7.6 seconds
.
Now open for booking, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury is priced at
RM468,888
 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
READ MORE:
All-new Lexus RX debuts striking design and new ‘F Sport Performance’ variant


BMW Group Malaysia, Safe ‘n Sound unveils NEXTStep 100% subsidy programme for child car seats

BMW Group Malaysia, together with its long-term partner Safe ‘n Sound, today announced the new NEXTStep Subsidy Programme that aims to provide fully-subsidised
 child car seats
 to the B40 families. The programme is introduced on the back of a
successful subsidy programme
 back in 2019 that saw over 300 subsidised child car seats delivered to parents across Malaysia.
Introduced as part of the BMW Safety 360 initiative, the new NEXTStep Subsidy Programme will provide parents with child car seats for
children of up to 36 kg
, with
 donations previously made by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia
.
Clockwise from top-left: snskidz Ace, snskidz Sport, snsKidz Proto, snskidz Whizz, mifold booster seat
BMW Group Malaysia and Safe ‘n Sound will be
fully subsidising
 the seats, including shipping fees to recipients outside the Klang Valley. Eligible parents will be notified by Safe ‘n Sound via WhatsApp; selected parents from outside the Klang Valley will be notified on the delivery status, while parents within the Klang Valley will be informed of a date, time and place to pick up their new child car seat.
A suitable seat from the company’s range of products will be selected for the recipient according to their child’s respective weight and height, as well as vehicle requirements. These seats include:
snskidz Ace – From birth to 13 kg, worth RM199
snskidz Whizz ISOFIX seat – From birth to 18 kg, worth RM499
snskidz Sport seat – From birth to 18 kg, worth RM279
snskidz Proto seat (ISOFIX optional) Between 13 kg to 36 kg, worth RM399
mifold booster seat – Between 15 kg to 36 kg, worth RM199
“For over eight years, the BMW Safety 360° initiative has focused on raising awareness and encouraging action amongst families for more responsible road and car safety practices in Malaysia,” said BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans de Visser.
“Although we have placed a strong emphasis on child car seats in recent years with our
many programmes and partnerships
to advocate for the use of these seats, we recognise that the issue of low uptake must be tackled beyond verbal advocacy and partial subsidies, especially within communities that are in need in a time like this. With the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, we aim to continue making child safety seats even more accessible to parents who can use a helping hand.”
The programme is applicable for families nationwide expecting a newborn or with a child of up to 36 kg, and with a
 monthly household income below RM 3,500
. Registration for the subsidy programme is now open on Safe ‘n Sound’s website (linked
 here
), and will close on 22 May 2022.


New Honda Civic facelift introduced in Malaysia, costs lesser from RM114k

It’s here now, the ‘new’
Honda Civic facelift
, after less than a week of teasing its arrival on their
website
. As per the previous model, the
Civic
 facelift also comes in
three trims
 – 1.8S, 2.0S and 2.0 Navi, and is made cheaper across the range.
Few key changes have been made to this model, but they’re mostly aesthetics. As a reminder, the Honda Civic is still being offered with two engines –
1.8-litre
 and
2.0-litre
 Single Over Head Camshaft (SOHC)
i-VTEC
 engines that produce
140 hp
 and
174 Nm
 of torque and
154 hp
 and
190 Nm
 of torque respectively. Both engines are paired to the
five-speed automatic
 transmission which drives the
front wheels
.
Now, the most notable change to this model is the front grille. It now spots a
new honeycomb grille
 design with the curved chrome bar running under it, while the lower air intake gets a
horizontal chrome accent
. Keyless smart entry and push-start ignition is now standard across all variants, while the top spec 2.0L Navi will benefit from the new 7-inch head unit with GPS navigation.
We mentioned cheaper, so here’s the revised price:
Civic 1.8 S
 – RM113,800 (previously RM115,980)
Civic 2.0 S
 – RM125,800 (previously RM131,980)
Civic 2.0 Navi
– RM132,800 (previously RM136,980)
Despite the cheaper price tag, the 1.8 S gains auto headlights, cruise control and its exterior door handles are finished in chrome. The 2.0 S on the other hand, gets
two additional curtain airbags
 on top of the side and front passenger airbags, making for a total of
six airbags
.
As our previous post read, the facelifted
Honda
 Civic comes with the new
Twilight Blue
 colour, on top of the other four – Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. The Civics come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and up to six labour-free services for every alternate visits till 100,000km.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


Mitsubishi brings the Ong this Chinese New Year with 0.88% interest rates

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is holding a promotion which runs from now until the end of January 2020. Special offers include low hire-purchase interest rates for selected models, cash rebates, and free maintenance vouchers.
Starting with the
Triton pick-up truck
, customers purchasing the top-of-the-range Triton VGT Adventure X (RM137,900) and the Triton VGT AT Premium (RM121,000) during the promotion will be entitled to a
 0.88% interest rate
 (exclusive with Maybank or Public Bank hire purchase), or
RM6,000
 in cash rebates.
The Triton VGT MT Premium (RM112,500) is also offered with
0.88%
 hire-purchase interest rate, although the cash rebate here is higher at
RM9,000
.
Buyers opting for the
limited-edition Triton Knight
 will be entitled to RM2,000 in cash rebates, while the Triton VGT AT (RM105,990) and VGT MT (RM100,200) are entitled to cash rebates of
RM8,000
 and
RM6,000
 respectively. The recently-released
low-rider Triton Quest 4×2
 (RM79,890) will be offered with
RM4,000
 in cash rebates.

All variants of the Mitsubishi Triton comes with a
 five-year/200,000 km warranty
, with the sole exception of the Triton Quest which comes with a
five-year/100,000 km warranty
.
Previous Mitsubishi owners and pick-up truck owners are also entitled to an additional
RM3,000
 and
RM2,000
 cash rebates respectively, when purchasing selected Triton variants, on top of ongoing promotions.
Next up, customers looking to purchase the
Mitsubishi Outlander
 2.0-litre (RM137,888) will enjoy cash rebates of
RM4,000
 plus a
two-year free maintenance package
, while customers opting for the 2.4-litre variant (RM152,888) will be offered with
RM2,000
 cash rebate along with a
two-year free maintenance package
.
Last but not least, the
Mitsubishi ASX
 is also included in the festive promotions. The ASX 4WD (RM133,336) comes with a
RM12,000
 cash rebate, while the ASX 2WD (RM118,866) is entitled to a
RM8,000
 cash rebate. Both the Outlander and ASX come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.


Kim Kardashian turns her Lambo into a lamb

Oh my god, isn’t this just the cutest thing ever? When these words come out of Kim Kardashian, it could either mean two things. It’s either really cute or really cringy.
In the case of her latest publicity stunt, it’s the latter.
Have you seen the life-sized replica of the Lamborghini Sian built by LEGO? Check it out here!
In conjunction with her collaboration with SKIMS on a new line up of summer wear, she’s decided to wrap her entire Lamborghini Urus SUV in the same material.
Find out more about the Lamborghini Urus in Malaysia here!
And when we say entire, we really mean it because even the Urus’ fighter jet-like interior was not spared from looking like Santa’s overgrown beard. It’s completely covered in the same material used for the undergarment lineup; leaving only the instrument cluster and centre console untouched.
Fans online have not reacted kindly either; saying “it’s the stupidest thing ever” and “a complete waste of money”.
Well, it’s Kim Kardashian after all.
Watch her walkaround video here!
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Driving cars should be a luxury instead of necessity, says Johor opposition leader

Opposition lawmaker, Liew Chin Tong, has urged the federal government to make driving private cars a luxury instead of a necessity.
This followed after Liew highlighted that driving is a necessity for most of Malaysia’s population as there are very few public transportations with end-to-end networks and services or ‘first and last-mile connections’ and this is true even for the city folks of Kuala Lumpur.
Inadequate public transportation…what’s new?
Liew also pointed out that research has shown that each time petrol prices go up in Malaysia, so does the road death toll. This is because most opt for cheaper modes of transportation, by switching to motorcycles.
It was noted that if petrol prices were raised, the government should ensure adequate public transportation for at least 40% to 50% of the population to prevent lower-income earners from switching to motorcycles.
The state opposition leader also said cutting down the number of private cars on the road will also reduce carbon emissions.


BMW Malaysia and Pentas Flora ink MoU to tackle automotive waste

Together with the launch of the facelifted BMW 3 Series,
BMW Malaysia
 and Pentas Flora together signed an MoU to advance circularity efforts in tackling automotive waste. The collaboration is a crucial first step for BMW Malaysia’s RE:GENERATE programme, which aims to achieve 100% participation in repurposing used oils and lubricants from all BMW dealers nationwide
Prior to the MoU signing, BMW Malaysia and Pentas Flora collected over 30,000 litres of waste oils from four participating BMW dealerships in Klang Valley. All 30,00 litres of waste oil were sent to Pentas Flora’s re-refinery plant in Banting to eventually be turned into re-refined eco-base oil (EBO) that will be channelled back into the automotive sector once again.
Re-refined oil is a complex but highly reliable product that goes through vacuum distillation, pre-treatment processes such as sieving, dewatering, vacuum dehydration, and short-path distillation. It undergoes a variety of treatment processes to obtain a quality end-product comparable to virgin base oil.
BMW Group Malaysia Managing Director, Hans De Visser said, “For us at BMW Group Malaysia, our vision for sustainability is clear. In all our efforts to mitigate climate change, we ensure our strategy is both Circular and Responsible – as we pursue a verifiable and consistent path towards climate neutrality by 2050. In doing so, we drive forward the Group’s global ambition here with a local context, while inspiring more Malaysian industry leaders to place ESG at the forefront of their decision-making in 2023.”
RELATED:
2023 BMW 320i M Sport facelift now available in Malaysia – RM283,800
Under BMW Malaysia’s RE:GENERATE Programme, BMW Malaysia has also collaborated with EV Connection and Precious Plastic Malaysia. The collaboration with EV Connection aims to give EV batteries a second life while the collaboration with Precious Plastics Malaysia aims to convert and upcycle plastic waste into useable everyday items.
Pentas Flora Group Executive Director, Oon Kin Seng said, “This partnership is a meaningful one for us at Pentas Flora as we recognise the shared commitment between our organisations in championing sustainability and responsibility in our business processes, preserving the environment and ensuring that elements that can be harmful to the earth can be disposed of in a responsible manner.”
RELATED:
2023 BMW 330i M Sport facelift debuts in Malaysia – RM317,800
“Ultimately, our work in managing scheduled waste for clients across industries by providing end-to-end solutions for hazardous waste management, is part of a larger vision to build a sustainable environment and a better future for all Malaysians and we are pleased to be able to drive its importance with a partner like BMW Group Malaysia.”
After the MoU signing, BM Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora held a roundtable discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with leaders from the public sector, alongside industry experts and innovators.
RELATED:
2023 BMW 330e M Sport facelift launched in Malaysia – RM298,800


Polestar 2 – the not-so-attractive sequel to a very handsome coupe

Remember the Polestar 1? When it was first unveiled last year, most went head over heels for it but Polestar’s sequel, the Polestar 2, is like Hangover 2 movie to the original release.
Does it not remind you of the forgettable BMW 3-series and 5-series GTs? What body style is that exactly? In my opinion, it simply has no place on this planet. Ship it off to Mars, let us not suffer visually from this travesty anymore.
As much as we’re not in favour of the hunchback design of the rear section, the tail lights on the Polestar 2 is quite something to behold.
Criticisms aside, it does pack more than a few gizmos to excite even the most tech-reclusive soul. The rear lights are
made up of 280 LEDs
that perform a rather unique welcome sequence when you’re approaching the car.
Getting closer, you don’t even need a key to unlock it. Instead, by using the Bluetooth function on your smartphone, the Polestar 2 can be unlocked from 1.5 metres away.
Once you’re inside, there are sensors embedded into the driver seat to detect that the driver is seated before it automatically fires the car up.
The Polestar 2 is powered by two electric motors, with each producing
204 hp
 and
330 Nm
 – effectively offering all-wheel drive capabilities. 0 to 100 km/h is expected to rival that of the Volkswagen Golf R, with a time of
under five seconds
.
IMAGE GALLERY


New Honda BR-V has fixed a ‘flaw’ in the previous gen’s exterior design

The new Honda BR-V was just launched in Indonesia yesterday after months of speculation and we’re happy to share that they’ve addressed the previous models’ exterior design flaw.
In our comparison video between the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Honda BR-V, we pointed that while the previous generation BR-V had a timeless and easy-to-like exterior design, the side profile looked disproportionate.
Video: Proton X50 vs Honda HR-V vs BMW X1 drag race on the KLIA runway. Watch it here!

This was due to the large rear side windows and a beltline that dips slightly after the B-pillar. The beltline is the line that divides the side windows and the door panel, so to speak. Refer to the image attached.
This may have improved visibility and offered more natural light to the cabin but from the outside, you just get the feeling that it’s not as good looking as it can be.
Honda Malaysia boosts customer confidence at showrooms with “I’m Vaccinated” campaign. Read about it here!
Now, with a straighter beltline and no less rear visibility, the new BR-V has fulfilled its aesthetic potential. Overall it looks more proportionate, with a face that’s hard to dislike.
It’s even better equipped too; with the compact 7-seater SUV getting the Honda Sensing driver assistance system. It also gets convenience features like walk-away auto lock and remote engine start.
The compact seven-seater also rides 20 mm higher now, with a ground clearance of 220 mm. Under the hood is an updated 1.5-litre engine with 121 hp and 145 Nm, which means a mere 1 hp increase from the previous model. One. The engine will be paired to a CVT (in Malaysia) while in Indonesia, you can even get one with a 6-speed manual.
2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid facelift pricing confirmed for Malaysia – RM114k. Read about it here!
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Bentley Continental Supersports is the maddest Bentley ever made

In mankind’s pursuit of speed, it boggles one’s mind to where exactly is the limit. Bentley has just unveiled their fastest and most powerful production model to date, the Bentley Continental Supersports. It is unquestionably the fastest four-seater coupe AND convertible in the world.
Thanks to a revised 6.0-litre bi-turbo W12 that pushes
700 hp
 (up 79 hp) and a mind blowing
1,017 Nm
 of torque (up 217 Nm), the Continental Supersports gets to 100 km/h in
3.5 seconds
 and accelerates to a top speed of
336 km/h
. On the other hand, the convertible completes the century sprint in
3.9 seconds
 while top speed is registered at a
lowly
330 km/h
.
Among the revisions done onto the W12 engine include
higher-capacity turbochargers
, revised charge-air cooling system and upgraded cranktrain. A new ZF sourced
eight-speed torque converter
 is tasked to transfer all its grunt to all four wheels. By default, the Supersports sends 60 percent of power to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. However, should the need arise, the all-wheel-drive system will adjust the power split for optimum traction.
Managing the enormous power is an exclusively calibrated torque vectoring system that was first introduced on the Continental GT3-R. This works by applying brake force to the inner wheel, curbing understeer for maximum traction.

As standard, the Supersports come fitted with
carbon ceramic brakes
 measuring 420mm at the front and 356mm at the rear. Both Supersports ride on 21-inch forged alloy wheels that shave 20kg off the unsprung mass. For additional weight savings, customers can opt for the
 titanium exhaust system
 that weighs 5kg less than the standard exhaust. Also, it makes “rifle-fire crackle” on the downshifts.
Visually, the Supersports gets a revised front end with carbon-fibre splitter, bonnet vents and gloss-black front wing vents. At the rear, a new bumper with carbon fibre diffuser as well as rifled exhaust tailpipe are seen here. Exclusive to the Coupe variant of the Supersport are the optional rear spoiler, front splitter, Supersports badging and carbon-fibre engine cover.
As for the Supersports Convertible, Bentley claims that the multi-layer hood has been tested in
extreme conditions
 ranging from -30°C to +50°C to ensure highest levels of refinement and acoustic insulation that’s synonymous with the brand.
Inside, the Supersports gets a significantly sportier theme with a tri-tone interior, diamond-quilted leather seats and door panels, bespoke Supersports steering wheel and an exclusive gear lever. As with all Bentleys, individual customisation is limitless through their bespoke coachbuilding department
Mulliner
.
IMAGE GALLERY


The Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special is quicker than a Nissan GT-R Nismo!

Remember that
souped-up Subaru
 that was supposed to conquer the Nurburgring? Well, it turns out the more hardcore Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special did just that, making it the fastest four-door production sedan around the Green Hell.
It clocked a blistering laptime of
6 minutes 57.5 seconds
, which means it’s faster than the Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce and Nissan GT-R Nismo (cilck
here to see the top 100 lap times
). To top it off, it’s just 0.5 seconds slower than the
Porsche 918 Spyder
!
The record breaking WRX STI isn’t the special edition variant that just went on sale in the US. Instead, it’s the same car that broke the
track record at the Isle of Man
 last year. This time, professional tuners Prodrive tweaked the
2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four
 to produce over
600 hp
 at 8,500 rpm. Rally-spec sequential transmission is thrown in, with obscenely quick gearshifts (in the region of 20 to 25 milliseconds).
It also receives an improved aerodynamic kit that’s capable of generating about
300 kg of downforce
. Also included is Drag Reduction System, similar to that on an F1 car. At the push of a button, the rear wing angle is changed, reducing drag at higher speeds. A set of 9-inch wide slick tyres provided the much-needed grip while attacking this 24.4 km track.


Toyota GR86 gets GR Yaris engine, but it’s not what you think it is

The
Toyota GR86
 and its predecessors have always been powered by naturally aspirated engines. Now,
Toyota
 has somewhat granted the wishes of Toyota GR86 fans for a turbocharged engine, but not by simply slapping a turbocharger onto the Subaru-sourced FA24 engine. Toyota Gazoo Racing has fitted the 1.6-litre turbo GR Yaris engine (G16E-GTS) into a small batch of Toyota GR86 coupes.
Before you get too excited, Toyota’s motorsport division is currently experimenting with this small batch of cars for the development of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. And these GR Yaris-powered GR86 coupes will be competing in the Super Taikyu Race Series held in Japan. Interestingly, the
Subaru BRZ
 will also compete in the same race series with a modified version of the FA24D boxer engine.
CarSales Australia

reports that there are high hopes that the turbocharged Toyota GR86 will eventually find its way to production. With the turbo GR86 currently in its ‘testing phase’, Toyota Gazoo Racing Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto believes that motorsport is the best proving ground to test experimental technology for robustness and durability.
Currently, the FA24-powered Toyota GR86 produces
235 hp
 and
250 Nm
. The GR Yaris engine produces
272 hp
 and
370 Nm
. Toyota also used the Super Taikyu race series to develop the juiced-up version of the G16E-GTS engine for the
GR Corolla
 which makes
304 hp
 and
370 Nm
. The performance figures of the synthetic-fuel-powered G16E engine have not been revealed.
RELATED:
Toyota GR86 Special Edition celebrates the pure fun of sports car driving
When asked whether the Toyota GR86 could get the 304 hp version of the G16E-GTS engine (from the GR Corolla), Naoyuki Sakamoto said, “Yes, we are thinking for the future about the possibility of using it, but there are no concrete plans at the moment. For now, we’re just using it to develop carbon-neutral fuels.”
RELATED:
Already a limited-edition in Europe, Toyota GR86 to be discontinued by 2025


Cycle & Carriage’s Virtual Showroom brings the new Mercedes brand presence online

Cycle & Carriage has unveiled the first Mercedes-Benz Virtual Showroom in Malaysia today, bringing the new Mercedes-Benz brand presence onto the interwebs. Modelled after its
revamped Mutiara Damansara showroom
, the new virtual showroom brings the physical retail experience into an interactive space with simulated touchpoints.
At launch, the Cycle & Carriage Virtual Showroom showcases nine Mercedes-Benz models, including the recently-updated
Mercedes-Benz C 200 AMG Line
. Customers can take a closer look at these models via the 360-degree views for both the exterior and interior of the car, while a full specifications breakdown is also available at just a click away.
More popular models will also be accompanied with an in-depth Cycle & Carriage “Expert Review” video which outlines their unique selling points. Customers looking to take the plunge can configure their cars using the built-in car configurator, and place a test-drive appointment at their preferred
Cycle & Carriage Autohaus
 directly from the virtual showroom.
Cycle & Carriage Bintang CEO, Wilfrid Foo said, “The low-touch economy spurred by e-commerce marketplaces has propelled a need for us to re-engineer our strategy in the luxury car segment. While our physical retail experience will certainly be here to stay, complementing it with an immersive online experience and seamlessly incorporating both channels would make the purchasing journey better for our customers.
“We believe that to be a trusted dealer partner, we need to deliver on that promise of meeting our customers’ evolving needs. Our new virtual showroom is one of the many investments we are making to nurture the overall customer experience and together with our physical showrooms, our customers can begin their ownership journey with confidence,” added Foo.
The Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz virtual showroom is available now at
http://showroom.cyclecarriage.com.my
. For the updated price list of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia models following the announcement of the
sales tax exemptions
, click
here
.
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Kimi Raikkonen: The Iceman to become an Alfa male

Ferrari confirming one of this season’s worst kept secrets in Formula 1 didn’t come as a surprise; Charles Leclerc – Ferrari academy member, 2017 F2 champion and current Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 driver – will partner Sebastian Vettel in the 2019 season. What’s really surprising is that Kimi Raikkonen, despite his apparent disinterest in all things F1 except when he’s behind the wheel will still be racing in Formula 1 next year.
At 38, Raikkonen is the oldest driver on the grid, but with the departure of Fernando Alonso (at 37) by the end of this season, Raikkonen will be unchallenged as the elder statesman of the sport come 2019. Not that his legion of fans will mind at all, the ultra-popular Finn with the lone 2007 drivers’ title to his name will go about his non-conformist ways at Alfa Romeo Sauber next year, and Sauber happens to be the team which gave Kimi his F1 debut in 2001, so this has all the markings of a fitting farewell lasting for at least two seasons, the duration which he has signed on.
A 20-year-old for a 38-year-old; hot prospect Charles Leclerc swaps places with Kimi Raikkonen.
As legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker used to say, ‘Anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does.”, so don’t count Kimi out just yet at Sauber, especially when he’s behind a car powered by a grunty Ferrari powertrain underneath the Alfa Romeo engine cover. Only one question remains; will Kimi now play the wingman role for Vettel in the remainder of this season? Let’s just say we won’t be betting our house on that.


Chevrolet Malaysia kicks off CNY promotions: Buy a car and get RM8,888 ‘Ang Pow’

It’s that time of the year again, and one we excited car buyers will always look forward to because well, cars are cheaper and we love flaunting our brand new cars during the perennial get together. NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia, is the first to get this ball rolling.
Chevrolet’s
Surprisingly Rewarding
 sales promo is giving four of their models –
Colorado
,
Malibu
,
Cruze
and Orlando – an attractive package, of which are as follow:
1. For those purchasing the Malibu, Orlando and Colorado, you get RM8,888.00 Ang Pow
 2. For new Cruze owners, you get to choose between a complimentary sporty body kit with rims or RM8,888.00 Ang Pow
 3. The new Malibu, Orlando and Cruze owners will benefit from a five-year or 200,000km warranty programme, whichever occurs first
 4. New Chevrolet Colorado customers will get three-years or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first
All promotional offers stand while stocks last. For more information on the Chevrolet Chinese New Year Sales Campaign, call 1-800-22-4389 or visit
www.chevrolet.com.my
.
[divider]
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We are really digging the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class…

Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the all-new third-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
 competitor gets the brand’s new design language as well as the latest advanced driver assistance systems.
The Sports Tourer (as MB calls it) has its wheelbase stretched by 30 mm to 2,729 mm while the width is now 1,456 mm (+33 mm), giving occupants a roomier cabin. The designers have tried their best to mask the car’s bulk by giving it a lower roofline and a fascia taken from the
A-Class
. This collectively reduces the drag coefficient to 0.24 (0.25 on its predecessor) for better aerodynamics and lower wind noise.

Additionally, customers can also dress the B-Class with the AMG-Line exterior pack which dresses the B-Class with a sportier body kit, diamond front grille and larger alloy wheels (up to 19-inch). Forward illumination ranges from halogen units to Multibeam LED items for the higher spec models.
Like all new-generation Mercedes-Benz models, the interior is in a class of its own. Three display options are available: two 7-inch displays; one 7- and one 10.25-inch display; two 10.25-inch displays that makes up the Widescreen Cockpit. The cabin is further highlighted by the turbine style air vents inspired by jet turbines.

The cabin is not merely a carbon copy of the compact A-Class, besides seated 90 mm higher in the B-Class, the designers have improved the seat geometry and lower beltline to give off a more spacious feeling. The rear seats can be adjusted up to 14 cm fore-and-aft and reclined to allow the boot space to span between 455 to 705 litres.
Other equipment you’ll find in the B-Class include MBUX multimedia system with natural sound control, MBUX Augmented Reality, powered tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting with 10 colour themes, heads-up display, powered front seats with massage function as well as Energizing seat kinetics that support orthopaedically beneficial changes of posture by regularly making minute adjustments to the angle of the seat cushion and backrest.

Powertrain options for the B-Class consist of two petrol engines and three diesel mills. The petrol-powered B-Class gets an M282 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine available in two states of tunes:
136 hp
/
200 Nm
 for the
B 180
 and
163 hp
/
250 Nm
 on the
B 200
. Both are paired to a seven-speed 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission to drive the front wheels.
The B 180 d is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with
 116 hp
 and
260 Nm
 paired to the same 7G-DCT while the B 200 d and B 220 d spots the OM654q 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit with
 150 hp
/
320 Nm
 and
190 hp
/
400 Nm
 respectively. The larger diesel units are equipped with a new eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch.
The B-Class comes with some of the best-in-class advanced driving assistance systems found on the
S-Class
 such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Active Brake Assist to allow the B-Class to drive semi-autonomously when conditions allow.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz B-Class AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz B-Class


UMW Toyota’s sim racing series returns for 2023 with new GR GT Cup name – RM90,500 prize pool

With the second running of the GR Vios Sprint Cup now concluded, UMW Toyota Motors has announced the launch of its new sim racing championship, now rebranded as the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) GT Cup Malaysia.
Now in its sixth consecutive year running, the 2023 Toyota GR GT Cup will offer up to RM90,500 in cash prizes – the highest ever in the series’ history, making it one of the most lucrative sim racing events in the country. Additionally, the winner of the tournament will also represent Malaysia in the GT Cup Asia Pacific Regional Qualifier and race against some of Asia’s best to secure a spot at the Global Finals.
First held in 2018, the GR GT Cup Malaysia sim racing tournament (previously the GR Velocity Esports Chamipionship) has attracted more than 900 participants annually.
New for the 2023 instalment, UMW Toyota will be introducing simulator racing experiences at universities across Malaysia to encourage a greater participation of youths, as part of the company’s mission to contribute to the growth of motorsports in Malaysia.
Multiple stopovers have been planned leading up to the start of the qualifiers, including UNITAR, UiTM Pasir Gudang, UiTM Shah Alam, INTI Subang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Sunway University, and INTI Penang.
RELATED:
Muhammad Iqbal Suji crowned 2022 Toyota GR Velocity champion, top 3 to attend regional finals!
“The momentum and the level of interest for virtual racing have grown tremendously and is a boost for both e-sports and motorsports here in Malaysia. We are proud to be able to support this platform of motor racing,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Datuk Ravindran K.
The qualifying stage for the Toyota GR GT Cup 2023 will begin on July 15, 2023, where the top 20 fastest drivers will qualify for the semi-finals and subsequently the top 10 drivers will move on to the finale. A grand finale event will be held at Sunway Pyramid from 18-20 August, starting with the Quarterfinals round, for drivers to battle it out in person in front of a cheering crowd.
Registrations for the qualifiers are now open at
www.toyota.com.my/gtcupmalaysia/
.


An icon has returned, behold the all-new 5th generation Toyota Supra

After what seems like forever, the Supra moniker has returned to Toyota’s inventory list after a 17-year hiatus and while most may have mixed reviews/feelings about it, the fifth generation A90 Toyota Supra offers much to be excited about – the driving part at least.
Conversations will ensue, especially on how the Supra seems to have received the less attractive end of the deal with an interior that looks similar but different (and less premium) from it’s cousin, the BMW Z4.
But first, powertrain options and there’s plenty to choose from. There’s a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six (RZ variant) making
340 hp
 and
 500 Nm
 while the 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four offers two different outputs –
258 hp
/
400 Nm
 (SZ-R) and
197 hp
/
320Nm
(SZ).
The Americans will only be offered the 3.0-litre engine option while the Japanese will get the

2.0-litre powertrains on top of that. Egos will trip and debates will be sparked on who has the more powerful and more importantly, the real Supra.
It seems like Toyota has not only shared BMW’s engine and transmission rule book but also their sales guide – offering something for everyone, as seen with the BMW 1-7 series and X1 to X7 line up.
At least they’ve preserved the drive layout – thank goodness – a front-engined, rear wheel drive setup with an 8-speed “automatic only” ZF transmission. The RZ will do 0 to 100 km/h in around
4.3 seconds
, the
SZ-R in 5.2 seconds
 and the
SZ in 6.5 seconds
.
Imagine having a Supra that will struggle to pull away from a Golf GTI. I wouldn’t want that, would you?
With a mix of aluminium and steel in its skeletal structure, Toyota says the Supra’s rigidity is up to 2.5 times higher than the 86 and even more so compared to the V10 Lexus LFA. In comparison with the modern day “Hachiroku”, its wheelbase is also 100 mm shorter. Couple that with a 50/50 weight distribution, it’s fair to expect a nimble and composed drive.
Styling wise, aside from inheriting the proportions of the FT-1 concept car, the new Supra also draws inspiration from the legendary Toyota 2000GT from the late 1960s with its “double bubble” roof design.
Three different wheel sizes are offered to occupy the wheel arches –
19-inch
 with 255/35 (F) and 275/35 (R) for the RZ,
18-inch
 with 255/40 (F) and 275/40 (R) for the SZ-R and
17-inch
 with 225/50 (F) and 255/45 (R) for the SZ.
Brembo 4-pot calipers are offered in the front with single pot calipers at the back, although expect this to be available only in the higher end models. Also offered in the top end of the Supra food chain is the adaptive suspension and an active limited slip differential.
It’s hard to not shout “OMG BMW!” when looking at this interior. While it may inherit a similar switchgear, rotary dial, radio controls and even a familiar interface on the 8.8-inch infotainment display, the instrument cluster does stand out as Toyota’s very own.
You wouldn’t be completely inaccurate to likened the air con vents to those in a Mazda as well.
Prices for the Austrian-built Toyota Supra begins at USD 49,990, with deliveries expected to take place beginning from mid this year.
IMAGE GALLERY


Porsche Cayenne & Macan Adventure Drive in Siem Reap, Cambodia [+Video]

The mission was classified. All we knew was, we had to fly to Siem Riep, Cambodia, to complete it. You don’t say no to Porsche, Angkor Wat, Cayenne, Macan, offroading, and possibly Lara Croft, do you? Challenge accepted!
“Mission, classified. Set around the ruins of the legendary temples in Siem Reap, you will accomplish various challenges and explore the mystical city in the comfort of a Cayenne and Macan. For your mission, we will supply you and your team with Porsche cars, where you can experience the off-road driving capabilities and functionalities designed to ensure a fun and thrilling drive.”
Thrilling indeed as we got to test the
Cayenne
 and
Macan
 around the sacred land of
Angkor
 with missions to be completed. We had to search for treasures in one of the temples, just like Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Well, minus the sexy part.
This unique regional media event was hosted by
Porsche Cambodia
 to showcase the offroad capabilities of its SUVs. The German automaker set foot in the Kingdom of Cambodia in 2014, joining other premium brands on the roads in the up and coming South East Asian market.

The latest generation Porsche Cayenne was launched in Malaysia last year with an extensive line-up. Ranging from the standard 300 hp Cayenne, all the way up to the 440 hp ferocious sounding Cayenne GTS.
The
updated Porsche Macan
 was launched recently with a slight upgrade of 20 hp and 15 Nm in the standard 2.0-litre variant. It now produces
252hp
 and
370Nm
 of torque. The top of the range 3.6-litre V6 Macan Turbo produces
400hp
 and
550Nm
 of torque.
It was truly an amazing drive in the Cayenne and Macan in Siem Reap. These premium SUVs with racing car DNA are more than capable in tackling dirt, rock and sand terrains. Also, they are really comfortable and fast on the road for a long distance drive. If you are looking for an adventure in one of the best all-rounder premium SUVs, go for one of these, and set yourself a mission.
Watch our video below and find out what our missions were.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen T-Cross to rival the CX-3 and HR-V, coming in 2018

As we already know, the subcompact crossover segment is a growing segment in the automotive industry. With Mazda, Honda and Renault enjoying their slice in the market, Volkswagen is keener than ever to have their slice with their new T-Cross compact crossover.
Based on the
Volkswagen Polo
 hatchback, the T-Cross will be Volkswagen’s second crossover model after the T-Roc (picture above) which was based on the Golf hatchback. Both the T-Roc and T-Cross models will be positioned below the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs.
The T-Cross may share similar cues with the
4th-gen Polo
The T-Roc first debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, one that sported a rather unconventional design of a convertible top and two-door setup. The T-Cross will share similar design attributes, ranging from the full-width grille, side window graphic and distinctive wheel arches. Volkswagen’s wide range of engines and powertrain means that the T-Cross can be powered either by a TSI, TDI or even electrically powered.
The whole idea of a Polo with higher ground clearance and bigger wheels brings to mind the Cross Polo model, but a quick check on several Volkswagen websites revealed that the Cross Polo is now no longer being offered. This is where the T-Cross comes into the picture; it succeeds the long-serving and sadly unpopular Cross Polo model.
The T-Cross concept is set to be unveiled by Volkswagen at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and production is planned for 2018.


Bugatti to launch a limited edition model called Divo – only 40 units

According to news releases, Bugatti is working on a new “strictly limited-edition model” called the Bugatti Divo; inspired by Albert Divo, the French racing driver who won the famous Targa Florio in Sicily twice with Bugatti in the late 1920s.
The Divo, which will revive Bugatti’s coach-building tradition, will be
light and nimble
 with “enormous downforce” and high G-forces. It will also feature a newer and stronger design language.
Albert Divo, in the Bugatti Type 35.
“Happiness is not around the corner. It is the corner. The Divo is made for corners,” says President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Stephan Winkelmann.
“With the Divo, we want to thrill people throughout the world,” the Bugatti President continues. “With this project, the Bugatti team has an opportunity to interpret the brand DNA in terms of agile, nimble handling in a significantly more performance-oriented way”, he added.
The Bugatti Type 35 that won the Targa Florio in Sicily twice.
Only
40 units of the Bugatti Divo
 will ever be made and will retail for a net price of 5 million Euros (approx. RM 23 million before tax). The Divo will be unveiled this August in California, USA.


Lotus Elise Cup 250 Bathurst Edition pays tribute to Australia’s greatest circuit

In celebrating the Australia’s greatest race circuit – Mount Panorama – and Lotus’ success in its 6th largest market, there will be a limited-run of just six units of the AUD110k sportscar.
The Australia-only model is based on the
standard Elise 250 Cup
with
243 hp
 and
 250 Nm
 from a 1.8-litre supercharged 4-cylinder engine. With a kerb weight of just over 880kg,
 lighter than a Perodua Bezza
, the 250 Cup will slingshot to 100 km/h from standstill in just 4.3 seconds.
Made up of independent double wishbone suspension on all four corners, with adjustable front anti-roll bars, the 250 Cup also rides on stiffer Bilstein dampers as compared to the 220 Cup.
Aesthetically, it sports a Monaco White paintjob with forged alloy wheels in black while a pair of carbon fibre race seats and alcantara adorns the interior with special edition plates to highlight the Bathurst Edition’s exclusivity.
Purchasing the Elise 250 Cup Bathurst Edition will also entitle owners to a free entry to the next Lotus trackday on the infamous circuit.
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Nissan Leaf gets NISMO treatment, handling upgrades & sportier looks

Nissan has just unveiled their first ever electric vehicle (EV) to join NISMO’s road car line up. The Nissan Leaf NISMO which will go on sale in Japan on 31 July 2018, gets extensive chassis upgrades, bolder look and a sportier interior.
Nissan’s motorsports and in-house tuning arm have given the
standard Leaf
 a makeover with a new front bumper, front grille, side sills, rear bumper with diffuser inserts and 18-inch aerodynamic aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in Continental ContiSportContact 5 rubbers.

The new look gives the Leaf NISMO improved downforce without compromising on drag coefficient. A total of nine exterior colours are available with the sporty EV with selected colour palette receive a black dual tone finish.
NISMO’s sporty intentions are extended to the cabin with new seat design with red accents, three-spoke steering wheel with a red centre mark, custom electronic shifter as well as NISMO specific instrument cluster gauges. A carbon-like finish is also applied generously on the interior trims.

Like the
Serena NISMO
 that came before it, the Leaf’s powertrain was untouched, packing
147 hp
 and
320 Nm
 of twist from its electric motor. Its theoretical driving range of
378 km
 is expected to take a slight hit due to the larger wheels and stickier rubbers.
However, NISMO has given the Leaf a comprehensive chassis upgrade, recalibrating the cars electric power steering, shock absorbers, Electric Driven Intelligent Brakes, Vehicle Computer Management, Intelligent Trace Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control (traction and stability control) as well as ABS to allow the hatchback corner harder and faster.
Local Nissan distributor, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has confirmed that the
all-new Nissan Leaf will be making its Malaysian debut
 sometime in 2018.
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Nissan Leaf NISMO


KLIMS18: We will know how much the Proton X70 will cost on December 12

While Proton did not disclose the pricing strategy of the
Proton X70 at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS)
, the national did confirm that their first SUV is set for an official launch on 12 December 2018.
On display at the Proton Booth at KLIMS 18 are the Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD variants. The only variant that is missing from the motor show is the entry-level Standard 2WD. All units of the X70 will be
fully imported from China
 until Proton begins local assembly operations sometime in late 2019.
Although patrons will not be able to touch and feel the X70 Standard 2WD, the only items that can distinguish the base model are the halogen reflector headlamps, smaller 17-inch alloys, fabric seats and reverse camera.
Items such as keyless entry/start, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, full LCD instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser, electronic parking brake,
8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with “Hi Proton” Voice Command
, six USB charging ports and rear air vents are
standard across the range
.

The Executive variants add LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered drivers’ seat and a 360-degree surround view camera while the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with tyre temperature and tyre pressure units display is only available on the Executive 4WD and above.
Stepping up to the most expensive X70 Premium 2WD, the cabin gets furnished with Brown Nappa leather seats, powered front seats, panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Kenwood premium surround sound system.

All variants of the X70 is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI engine pushing out
183 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission while 4WD is optionally available on the Executive variant only.
Proton claims that the 2WD variants can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in
10.5 seconds
 and has a claimed fuel consumption figures of
7.8L/100 km
. The X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that changes the engine and transmission characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. It also changes the LCD instrument cluster hue between Green, Blue or Red as you cycle through the different Drive Modes.
All variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points. While the Premium 2WD gets the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. This earns the X70 the full
5-Star ASEAN ANCAP Crash Safety Rating
.
The Proton X70 is available in
five exterior shades
 – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red with the availability depending on variant selected. Proton has been collecting bookings for their first SUV and even set up an
online booking system
 to cater to the overwhelming demand. Now, we wait for the arrival of 12 December 2018 for its official price.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018

Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018

Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018


Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept, V6 powered MQB-based pickup, US only

Volkswagen is looking to expand its pickup truck footprint with the new Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept that was unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It will also be the first pickup truck to be based on the groups Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform.
The concept car measures at 5,438 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width and 1,844 mm in height while its dual-cab cargo box takes up 1,627 mm in length, 1,450 in width and 530 mm in height. The cargo box has been designed to transport bikes, boards and smaller boats to cater to the adventurous lifestyle of its target audience.

Like most of Volkswagen’s concept cars, the Atlas Tanoak features a sophisticated lighting signature. Other design cues include plastic moulding familiar to pickup trucks, narrow rear doors with hidden door handles and a sporty bumper to boot. However, the production version of the Atlas Tanoak will most likely share its design cues as the Atlas SUV, the car it is derived from.
Inside, the Atlas Tanoak appears to feature a cabin design similar to modern Volkswagen models – Active Info Display LCD instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system are all familiar items. We can count on Volkswagen to introduce a few purposeful design touches for the pickup truck to cater to the customers’ intended use of the car.
The company also revealed the potential engine choice, a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 FSI engine pushing out
276 hp
 and
350 Nm
 of twisting force paired o an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drive is deployed to all four corners courtesy of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
At the moment, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak will be developed exclusively for the US market and will not be a direct replacement for the
Amarok pickup truck
. Although we can look forward to the Amarok’s replacement have its design and technology inspired by the Atlas Tanoak.
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2016 Lotus Evora Sport 410 unveiled, down 70kg, up 10hp!

Just barely a month from the
Malaysian launch of the Lotus Evora 400
, the British sports carmaker went on to reveal the lighter and more powerful Evora Sport 410. As the numbers suggest, it’s 10 hp more powerful than the Evora 400, making for a total of 410 horsepower.
The Evora 410 gets a strict diet by shedding
 70kg
 from the original 400. This is made possible thanks to more extensive use of carbon fibre components for the front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser. If that’s not enough, forged alloy wheels are used and some of the interior’s items such as the centre armrest, speakers and even the door bins have been ditched.

In the power department, it retains the same
3.5-litre supercharged V6
, but it’s tweaked to make 410 hp and 410 Nm of torque. The 10 extra ponies and lighter body results in a quicker 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds; 0.3 seconds quicker than the 400! It’s also quicker by 3 seconds around the Hethel test track, lapping it in 1 minute 28 seconds.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual as standard, but can be upgraded to a six-speed automatic for a little extra
moolah
. The Evora 410 also sits lower thanks to new springs and dampers, and like the
Elise 250 Club
, it gets
Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management
 which grants Sports and Race drive modes.
Only 150 units of the Evora 410 will be made, with deliveries commencing in June this year. It’s priced at £79,900 (approx RM470,000), an additional £8,000 (RM47,000+) over the 400. That said, expect the Evora 410 to cost close to RM700k should it arrive on our shores. Who knows, we might just get 10 tailor-made units!
IMAGE GALLERY


We’ll be getting AMG-tuned Mercedes EQ electric models after all

When Mercedes-Benz
announced its EQ model line-up
 in October last year, the company tipped that its AMG performance models will also be “going electric” in the future, without expanding further on what that might entail. Well, if anything, Mercedes-Benz COO and R&D boss Markus Schäfer might have just pointed us at the right direction, while speaking to the journalists at the launch of the
EQA
.
According to a report by
Autocar
, Schäfer confirmed to a group of media during the launch that “an electrical platform in the direction of AMG is coming”. Although no specific details were given about the new platform, he followed up the statement by saying: “There will be performance variants of the EQA, B, S, E.”
No further details were given, but we’re inclined to think that the all-new EQA will be the first to receive said AMG treatment, given that it was listed first in Schäfer’s list, aside from the fact that it’s a model that already exists.
Other models in the list also include the GLB-based EQB, as well as the EQS and EQE, which will both be available in sedan and SUV form. Schäfer’s list seemingly omitted the C-segment EQC, though we think that it is most likely an accidental exclusion, as the German luxury carmaker will need a model to go up against the likes of the
Tesla Model 3 Performance
.
As for performance, we can expect to see figures around the 600 hp mark for the larger AMG-tuned EQ models, if Mercedes-Benz wants to seriously compete against the other performance-oriented EVs out there. All-wheel drive is also a given for these models, equipped some fancy torque vectoring function, similar to what Mercedes-Benz already shown-off with their
 upcoming EQS sedan
.
Branding aside, performance-oriented EVs always seemed like the natural progression for Mercedes-Benz’s EQ sub-brand. The introduction of these models will be exceptionally crucial, seeing that the brand’s traditional rivals are all offering performance-variants of their EVs.
BMW will soon unveil its
 M-tuned i4
, and Audi is also offering an RS variant for the
all-new e-tron GT
at launch – not to mention the hugely popular Tesla Performance line-up, which recently added an even-quicker “Plaid” tri-motor powertrain to its
Model S
.


LEGO just built a life-sized Lamborghini Sian that weighs as much as the real car!

Automobili Lamborghini in collaboration with LEGO has built a life-size replica of the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, using over 400,000 LEGO pieces!
Following
1:8 scale LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37
 that was launched last year, this life-size model replicates the limited-edition Italian super sportscar on a much grander scale.
Using 154 different types of LEGO elements, including
20 moulded specifically for this project
, the life-size replica weights a whopping 2,200 kg. The model features the unmistakable design of the Lamborghini Sian down to the finest details – perfectly reflecting every millimetre of the car.
The Sián is Lamborghini’s first hybrid supercar with over 800 hp. Read about it here!
The life-size model took a team of 15 people and 8,660 hours (or roughly a year) to develop and construct. Of the 8,660 hours, 5,370 hours were development time, with another 3,290 hours needed to build the replica.
Check out this life-size Porsche 911 Turbo, also built by LEGO but with huge pieces!
Not only the details but the dimensions of the replica is also identical to the real Sian super car. It’s 4,980 mm long, 2,101 mm wide and 1,133 mm high.
The body panels are assembled with pieces of custom interconnecting hexagonal LEGO pieces, paying tribute to the six-sided shape that is integral to Lamborghini’s design language. The functioning head and tail lights are also built entirely from LEGO Technic pieces.
Life-size replicas are nothing new, but what’s noteworthy is the first large-scale model from the LEGO Group to have a paintbrush-effect UV colour coating. The colour, which is a perfect match to the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic model, was painted on by Automobili Lamborghini’s paint shop.
Have you seen the life-size FK8 Honda Civic Type R? Check it out here!
GALLERY


The new Audi R8 Performance RWD is finally as powerful as its Quattro brothers

The
rear-wheel driven R8
 always
 felt
 like Audi’s unwanted child – as if
Audi
 only made it because fans demanded one, and because it doesn’t have the marque’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi is punishing it by giving it less power.
Well, not any more, because the German carmaker has finally updated the RWD
Audi R8
 with more power on par with its other Quattro-equipped brothers, and with that, also christened it with a new name more in line with its siblings. Welcome to the family, Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD.
The 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 (that’s also shared with the Lamborghini Huracán) remains from before, but is uprated to now produce 570 hp and 550 Nm of torque – 30 hp and 10 Nm more than its predecessor. As before, the engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
With the newfound performance, the RWD Audi R8 can now do the century sprint in
3.7 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
329 km/h
 (3.8 seconds and 327 km/h on the Spyder).
Check out this stunning red-on-black RWD R8 that Audi unveiled last year, called the “Panther” edition!
On top of the upgraded engine, the new Audi R8 Performance RWD gains a reworked ESC software that allows “controlled drifts” in the ESC Sport drive mode, while the double-wishbone suspensions also receives specific tuning to suit the driving characteristics of the rear-wheel driven R8.
The R8 Performance RWD Coupé weighs 1,590 kg with a 40:60 weight distribution between the axles, which is 65 kg lighter than the AWD variant. The Spyder meanwhile is a bit heavier at 1,695 kg (55 kg lighter than the AWD variant).
As usual on an Audi, options here are aplenty – there’s an optional dynamic steering system that supposedly “provides even more precise reaction and feedback” in corners while making low-speed manoeuvres easier, better ceramic brakes, bigger wheels, and a whole swath of aesthetic options.
On a standard car, you’ll get items such as 19-inch twin-spoke forged wheels, Nappa leather sports seats, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital display for the digital instrument cluster, and body-coloured side blades – the latter is largely how you differentiate the RWD from the AWD models, but you’ll be better off looking for the RWD badge on the dashboard to tell them apart.
The all-new Audi RS3 is now the quickest compact car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Check it out here!
The new Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD will be mostly hand-built at the “Böllinger Höfe” plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, where Audi also builds its LMS GT4 race car (which supposedly shares up to 60% of its parts with the production-model R8).
Pricing in Germany starts at €149,000 (approx. RM721k) for the Coupé, and €162,000 (approx. RM784k) for the Spyder.
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Your prayers have been answered; the new Volkswagen Arteon is coming to Malaysia, but….

….prepare to pay a handsome figure because it won’t be cheap with estimated prices to be in the ballpark of between RM290,000 and RM310,000 for the fully-imported Arteon,
previewed at last year’s Singapore Motor Show
, when it arrives in the coming months.
As for specifications, Volkswagen Malaysia did not reveal much except that it will be powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (the wet kind) to power all four wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
With
 280 hp
 and
350 Nm
, the Arteon is capable of a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.6 seconds – essentially Golf R capabilities, masked under a pin-stripe suit and slick back hair.
Key features that can be expected in the new fastback includes a new Active Info Display (instrument cluster), 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with Gesture Control, Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To help you better maneuver the rather large Arteon, it will also be fitted with a 360-degree camera for a better view around the car through four separate cameras.
Dealer
State
Date
Volkswagen Juru
Penang
24 – 25 July
Volkswagen Ipoh
Perak
27 – 28 July
Volkswagen Kuantan
Kuantan
2- 3 August
Volkswagen Skudai
Johor
8 – 9 August
Volkswagen Tebrau
Johor
11 – 12 August
Volkswagen Batu Pahat
Johor
16 – 17 August
Volkswagen Melaka
Melaka
24 – 25 August
Volkswagen Semenyih
Selangor
6 – 7 September
Volkswagen Balakong
Selangor
13 – 14 September
Volkswagen Klang
Selangor
21 – 22 September
Volkswagen Sg Besi
Kuala Lumpur
28 – 29 September
Volkswagen TTDI
Kuala Lumpur
5 – 6 October
Volkswagen Glenmarie
Selangor
12 – 13 October
Volkswagen Gombak
Kuala Lumpur
18 – 19 October
Volkswagen Puchong
Selangor
26 – 27 October
Aesthetically, the Arteon’s charm gets a little boost with the R-Line styling package and will be available in a few striking colours like Turmeric Yellow, Romance Red and a bunch silvers, greys and black.
Those keen on having a closer look at the car before parting with your depreciating Ringgits should take note of the table above.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bentley Kuala Lumpur launches flagship showroom at Etiqa Twins

Bentley Kuala Lumpur has found a new home right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located within the “Golden Triangle”, the lavish showroom sits adjacent to the
Aston Martin showroom
 that was also recently launched.
The boutique showroom spans 6,400 square feet and is meticulously designed to reflect Bentley’s rich 97-year heritage of signature craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is furnished with carefully selected high-quality furniture to give Bentley customers the best vehicle purchasing experience.
Officiating the ceremony was Managing Director of Wearnes Quest, Mr Jerry Lee who said, “When we took on the franchise in 2008, our vision was to strengthen the brand presence with the establishment of Bentley Kuala Lumpur as a city centre landmark. We did that with the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Gallery eight years ago, and today marks another milestone for us.”


New lightweight BMW M4 CSL storms to life to celebrate 50 years of M

When BMW claims that this is the fastest series-production BMW to ever lap the Nurburgring Circuit, it’s time to strap in and pay attention. What you’re looking at is the new BMW M4 CSL, with genes from the competition-ready BMW M4 GT3 race car, that has managed to lap the Nurburgring circuit in seven minutes and 20.207 seconds.
Only
 1,000 units
 of the M4 CSL will be built, beginning in July this year at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
“CSL” stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight”, referencing the critical role of weight-minimised design so let’s see where the new coupe stands in those aspects.
Under the hood is 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbocharged engine based on the same power unit as the BMW M4 GT3 race car, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. The combo develops
550 hp
 and
650 Nm
; capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. 0 to 200 km/h takes just 10.7 seconds.
Compared to the
M4 Competition
, the M4 CSL comes with model-specific adaptive M suspension that drops the car’s ride height by a further 8 mm. The M Traction Control function allows the driver to determine how much the car is allowed to slide. On dry surfaces, stages 1 to 5 of M Traction Control can help the driver execute controlled drifts. Stages 6 to 10 are based on the application developed for touring car racers and make allowance for both surface conditions and tyre temperature to maximise traction and directional stability.
In terms of weight, the M4 CSL weighs 1,625 kilograms. For perspective, the BMW M4 Competition weighs around 1,800 kg. All that weight saving has come from the use of M full carbon bucket seats, removal of rear seats and seat belts, and the use of lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Extra weight were shed using light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and lighter springs and dampers.
All that has shaved over 75 kg off the car. Also in the name of weight-saving, BMW has opted for ultra-lightweight sound insulation, saving around 15 kilograms. More weight loss is contributed by the boot lid, bonnet and roof which are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, along with a titanium muffler. Even smaller items such as the rear lights, floor mats and kidney grille have been made to be lightweight.
The body of the BMW M4 CSL is painted in the exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic as standard. Alternatively, customers can specify the M4 CSL in Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic.
The optional BMW Laserlight available for the M4 CSL now comes with headlights that illuminate in yellow, mimicking the look of BMW’s successful GT race cars. The M4 CSL also debuts new taillamps with intricate light threads woven into them and are illuminated using laser technology.
Moving inside, interestingly, the seat height of the M bucket seats can only be adjusted at the service centre/workshop using a 3-stage screw linkage. The seats can also accommodate a 6-point harness. You also get an Alcantara steering, carbon fibre trims, and storage for two helmets. The M Drive Professional system through the centre display comes with features like M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. The M Mode switch activates either the Road, Sport, or Track settings.
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Volvo Car Malaysia launches Certified Damage Repair Centres at Ara Damansara and Glenmarie

Volvo Car Malaysia
 has introduced its first dedicated body repair and paint facilities in the country, which are now available at its Glenmarie (Federal Auto Cars) and Ara Damansara (Sime Darby Swedish Auto) dealerships. Known officially as the Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre (VCDR), the new facilities will offer customers “quick and efficient” body repair and paint services, while adhering to the global Volvo standards.
Malaysia is the second country in the region to introduce VCDR, which integrates the use of sustainable technologies in its repair services, such as a low-pressure ventilation system with automatic controls that reduce carbon dioxide and microscopic particle emissions.
The VCDR machinery also utilises batteries when heating the electric system, which helps reduce energy consumption, while the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in paints have also now been replaced with water-based solutions, reducing its employee’s exposure to harzadous chemicals.
With a built-up area of around 11,133 square feet, Volvo Car Malaysia says that each of these VCDR outlets are equipped to handle up to 1,260 vehicle repairs per year.
RELATED:
Volvo Car Malaysia to launch one EV per year from 2022 – XC40 Recharge, C40 this year
Volvo Car Malaysia Managing Director, Charles Frump commented, “We want our customers to walk away with a Volvo car in complete peace of mind knowing that we are ready to provide them with Volvo’s international standard of care for their vehicles. By introducing Volvo Certified Damage Repair centres within our dealer network, it enables our customers to enjoy vehicles that provides them a lifelong lifespan.”
ALSO READ:
Volvo Car Malaysia extends PHEV battery warranty to 8 years
Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail and Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan added, “We aim to continue delivering the best quality service and offerings to our customers. This includes ramping up the sustainability of our operations to minimise environmental impact, while maintaining service excellence.
“As such, we are pleased to adopt the VCDR standard for Volvo vehicles at our Sime Darby Motors Centralised Body and Paint facility, in line with our ESR initiatives to lower carbon transition, continuously invest in solutions and inspire meaningful change.”
“In today’s environment, we place as much if not more emphasis on climate sustainability in our business strategies and decisions. We, therefore, wholeheartedly embrace the entire VCDR concept for its environmentally friendly equipment, as well as efficient workflow and processes,” said Federal Auto Holdings Chairman, Wong Fay Lee.
For more information about the Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre, customers can contact Volvo Ara Damansara at
03-7623 3200
, or Volvo Glenmarie at
016-248 0878
.
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Lexus NX & RX recalled in Malaysia over faulty airbag sensors, 500 cars affected

Following the recall issued by Toyota Malaysia over defective airbag sensor, two Lexus models were also involved in the same recall. The
Lexus NX
 and
RX
 models manufactured from June 2015 to January 2016, distributed by Lexus Malaysia will require to have their airbag sensors replaced.
Around 500 units of the NX and RX models will be involved in the recall and like the Corolla Altis, the two Lexus models carried defective Integrated Circuit (IC) chips insulators in the Pressure sensors and G sensors. The insulators could peel off over time, creating an open circuit in the IC chip. This would cause the airbag warning light to illuminate and may potentially cause the front and/or side curtain airbags to become deactivated and not deploy when required to, significantly increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.
Affected owners will be notified by the company to bring their cars to an authorised Lexus service centre to make the necessary replacements. The replacement job is estimated to take about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the model. All costs will be borne by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).
Lexus owners can contact any Lexus authorised dealers nationwide or Lexus Freephone line at 1-800-88-53987 or visit lexus.com.my


BMW may soon cover the entire front section with the kidney grille

What started out as a joke has turned into reality. (Possibly) inspired by the memes online, BMW has turned the joke back on us starting with the new BMW i Vision Circular concept; a car envisioned for the year 2040.
For starters, the i Vision Circular revolves around four main principles – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It showcases BMW’s approach to car manufacturing in the future. It’s all about using less and recycling as much as possible.

With the i Vision Circular, BMW wants to show its focus on circular economy principle and the use of secondary materials such as recycled aluminium and steel. It’s far less harmful to recycle and reuse them than to extract the raw materials to manufacture primary materials.
Currently, BMW vehicles are manufactured using nearly 30% recycled and reused material on average, and will gradually increase to 50%. Even the batteries are made of recycled material.
For example, the kidney grille is not a chrome piece attached to the body. Instead, it’s projected via a digital surface. The BMW badge in the front is engraved while the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.
Even the body is not painted; it’s made from secondary aluminium with a light-gold anodised finish and that’s it.
The ‘striped panel’ by the side windows isn’t just a design element but is functional. In fact, it even isn’t a trim but also a digital surface much like the front grille. It can project vehicle status but more importantly, guide users to the door opening using light, as the door opens in opposite direction.
The BMW i Vision Circular does not have bonded connections with zero use of glue. It uses intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners, instead.
BMW also developed new joining techniques for components to avoid using glue. This allows the components to be dismantled and easily later on. All components and materials are manufactured to fit exactly using 3D printing.
Take the fasteners for the wheels, seats and instrument panel for example, they can be removed using a special wrench with a single rotation.
Inside, most of the interior bits including the steering wheel were made via 3D printing using bio-based material. The steering is then finished with wood powder for a more natural feel.
The audio speakers are located beneath the headrests and allow for each seat to have its own dedicated sound zone. With that, individual audio content can be enjoyed anywhere in the vehicle without acoustic interference.
On the C-pillar, a glass iDrive Controller from a BMW iX enjoys a second life with a new function as a lamp.
Besides offering mobility solutions, the i Vision Circular can also double up as a mobile energy storage device and feed power to its surroundings, like a house for example.
GALLERY


Maserati Levante “Ermenegildo Zegna Edition” arrives in Malaysia!

This latest Maserati model from Naza Italia might just have the longest name yet. Behold, the Maserati Levante S GranSport Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta.
There will only be
 five units
 available in Malaysia and is the second Levante launched here since the
Maserati Levante Trofeo arrived in June last year
.
Born from old-world Italian traditions and nurtured with innovative technology, Pellestessuta is a result of years of research. It’s developed from ingenious use of thin Nappa leather strips, replacing conventional fabric yarn, paired with the traditional weaving methods to create an ultra-luxurious “fabric” that is lightweight, soft and enduring.
Naza Italia says the exclusive Zegna Pelletessuta black interior with Radica wood trims is carefully paired with the Bronzo tri-coat exterior, but customers can also choose to have the Blue Nobile tri-coat colour instead.
The Maserati Levante S GranSport will also have sportier front and rear bumpers, full-LED Matrix adaptive headlamps, and 21-inch Helios rims.
“Like Maserati, the Pelletessuta by Ermenegildo Zegna combines new avantgarde technologies with century-old craftsmanship to create innovation. It comes to life in the Maserati Levante S GranSport to heighten the experience for both driver and passenger, while exquisitely complementing its luxurious, race-inspired performance,” said Naza Corporation, Group CEO, Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan.
The Zegna Pelletessuta leather has been applied to the sport seats and the door panels. Occupants inside will also enjoy a spectacular aural atmosphere thanks to the inclusion of the 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 1,280-watts.
A commemorative inscription that reads “Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta” adds even more exclusivity to the model that’s seeming perfect for those with a taste for Italian flair.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta edition is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol pushing out
430 hp
 and
580 Nm
 of torque.
Drive is channelled to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission and the rear-biased intelligent Q4 all-wheel drive system. The century sprint takes
5.2 seconds
 onwards to a top speed of 264 km/h.
The Levante S GranSport also features the brand’s comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) that bundles Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
The five units of Maserati Levante S GranSport Ermenegildo Zegna Pelletessuta that are exclusively allocated to Malaysia is priced from
RM838,800
, inclusive of local duties and taxes.
Every purchase of this Maserati Levant S GranSport comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and a premium service maintenance package over the same duration or up to 60,000 kilometres of travel.
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TOC-Aylezo Racing Academy opens doors to a unique racing experience

Within exactly 48 days at the new TOC-Aylezo Racing Academy, drivers of all levels, regardless of experience (or lack thereof), will be able to immerse themselves in the expansive realm of motorsports. Yes, just eight weeks spent within the confines of this impressive facility will give you an edge over your peers at the track.
To briefly introduce the duo, TOC Automotive College (TOC) is one of the country’s earliest automotive education institute, whereas Aylezo is a formidable homegrown race team that’s gained international recognition through their involvement in many motorsports series. Together, they formed the
TOC-Aylezo Racing Academy
 that sits on 8-acres of land in 3StonePark, Glenmarie.
The Racing Academy is equipped with a cafe, restaurant, gym, an elaborately designed go-kart track (just shy of 1km long), spa, recreational space with pool tables and foosball, as well as hobby stores that sell RC cars. The 8-week long course costs just
RM9,500
 (RM8,500 for TOC students) – which is rather affordable considering the breadth of knowledge you’ll be taking with you – and grants you full access to the aforementioned facilities, including several classrooms for theoretical learning and a full-fledge racing simulator. These
motion-enabled simulators
 cost
RM150,000
 a pop, and is fully imported from Australia. Yup, these guys do more than just take you for a spin in their
four-stroke 250cc go-kart
.
TOC-Aylezo Racing Academy has
 five intakes annually
, beginning in February, April, July, August and November. The only thing you need to sign up is a valid driving license and/or basic knowledge of cars and motorsports. Every single student will be coached and instructed by established professional drivers. Below is a brief rundown on the course:
Learning the fundamentals of proper seating positions and how to brake.
Learn how to properly modulate the accelerator and manage field of view
Improve fitness levels and race a full week on the go-kart track
Learn the performance aspects of a car setup and mods to personalise your ride
Get on the RM150k racing simulator and experience every single circuit around the world
Time Attack! Just how much have you improved in just 48 days?
So, if you’ve got a valid driver’s license and can think of no better way to spend RM9,500, we highly recommend signing up to learn driving from the pros themselves. If you also plan to turn your go-fast hobby into a money-generating career, perhaps this platform would lay down the stepping stones to your personal success down the road. Otherwise, simply drop by their facility to have a blast around their go-kart track, and more!

We at
AutoBuzz.my
would like to congratulate TOC Automotive College and Aylezo on the joint venture to promote motorsports at the grassroots level. Thanks for the insightful tour and amazing hospitality, guys!
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Mercedes-AMG GT63S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe, Things You Need to Know

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has expanded its Dream Cars line up with the new
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe in three distinct flavours
. Aimed squarely against the likes of the
Porsche Panamera
, let GC Mah take you on a quick look of the new GT 4-door Coupe.

The GT 4-door Coupe range starts from the entry-level
GT 43
 variant powered by the M256 3.0-litre bi-turbo inline-six with EQ Boost integrated starter generator pushing out
367 hp
 and
500 Nm
 of torque while the
GT 53
 uses the same mill with a higher tune of
435 hp
 and
520 Nm
.
The top of the line
GT 63 S
 gets the full brute M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 from the
Mercedes-AMG GT R
 packing
639 hp
 and
900 Nm
 of torque. All variants of the GT 4-door feature the 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as standard.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Launched in Malaysia


Carsome PJ Automall now open – a ‘shopping mall’ for cars with over 200 examples under one roof!

Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, Carsome, has opened the doors to its new
Carsome PJ Automall
, its biggest experience center to date in Malaysia and the first to offer electric vehicle charging stations.
The Automall enables customers to experience prospective cars – from viewing to selecting, to on-the-spot test driving – before completing their purchase with on-site financial facilities that can process loan applications and approvals in
 one day
. The experience centre also offers detailing and tinting services. The Automall also plays host to banking partners such as Maybank and Public Bank; Ecotint and Glass Auto.
Carsome Group CEO, Eric Cheng.
“The launch of the Carsome PJ Automall will strengthen our online-to-offline hybrid offering and raise the bar on our customers’ car-buying experience. Our motivation is to make this experience center a lifestyle-centric one, where customers can walk in to enjoy the shopping process, and more importantly, leave the worry and hassle to our dedicated teams,” said Carsome co-founder and Group CEO, Eric Cheng.
In conjunction with the launch of the Carsome PJ Automall, Carsome will be organising a two-day Shop and Dine Carsome Carnival from the 11th to the 12th of June (Saturday and Sunday) between 12.00 noon to 8.30 pm.
Visitors will be served food and can enjoy music performances, activities, and games as they browse through Carsome’s listing of pre-owned cars. There will also be lucky draws with prizes worth up to RM12,000.
Located along the Federal Highway in the iconic Naza Automall showroom, the Carsome PJ Automall occupies a built-up space of over 100,000 sq ft. It can accommodate more than 200 cars – from Carsome’s growing online inventory of over 1,600 cars – ranging from SUVs, MPVs, 4x4s, sedans, and hatchbacks to the luxury cars.
RELATED: Carsome Certified Lab launched – own a thoroughly refurbished used car with warranty!


This Audi RS 5 Coupe Carbon Edition is a proper eye candy for Carbon Fibre lovers

If you think that the regular
Audi RS 5
 Coupe does not pack the aggression befitting of the RS badge, the Carbon Edition will convince you to sign your name on the dotted line for one. Available for order in the UK at a £12,500 (RM70k) premium over the standard RS 5 Coupe, the Carbon Edition adds motorsport-inspired Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) trims.
Panels that have been swapped out for
CFRP
 parts include the bonnet, roof, front and rear spoiler, side sills, diffuser insert and wing mirror caps. Wheels have also been upsized to 20-inch ‘5-arm peak’ design alloy wheels finished in anthracite matt black. Despite the larger wheel diameter, each individual wheel is 2 kg lighter than the standard 19-inch items, giving a total unsprung weight savings of
 8 kg
. The Red brake callipers are also a unique addition to the Carbon Edition.

Pop open the bonnet and you’ll be greeted by a CFRP engine cover that nestles the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that continues to churn out
444 hp
 and
600 Nm
 of twisting force. Drive is sent to all four corners via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in
3.9 seconds
 while top speed is limited to 250 km/h which can be extended to
280 km/h
 for a fee.
During the local launch of the
all-new Audi A4 B9
, Audi Malaysia has revealed their
plans of introducing new S and RS models
. Twelve months have since passed and we have not caught wind of the launch of the S or RS models. Fingers crossed that the good people at Audi Malaysia has not killed the hopes and dreams of owning one of these fire-breathing Audi Sport models.
IMAGE GALLERY


Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport: Faster in corners, slower on the straights

Just when you thought you’ve seen the last limited-edition Chiron to come out of Bugatti, another one pops up for a cool 3 million Euros (before tax) – the
handling-focused Pur Sport
. Yes, the
Divo
is already a track-special based on the Chiron, but that one costs
5 million Euros
 each and all 40 units have been spoken for, so it’s only natural that Bugatti starts a fresh batch.
 The wing is fixed on the Pur Sport.
Like the
Chiron Sport
, the premise of the Pur Sport isn’t to add more horsepower but to make it lighter while optimising other areas of the hypercar.

The Pur Sport shed a total of
50 kg
 through the use of
titanium
in the exhaust and brake systems, deletion of the hydraulic actuation for the rear wing,
magnesium alloy wheels
 (shod with bespoke Michelin Cup 2 R rubber), even a lighter Alcantara trim on the interior contributed to the weight savings.
More Alcantara doesn’t hurt.
A handling special wouldn’t be complete without work done on its aerodynamics and suspension, to that end, the Pur Sport gets a more aggressive
new rear diffuser
 to complement the
fixed rear wing
, along with a
new front splitter and air intakes
 to achieve higher downforce. The front and rear damping has been retuned with stiffness increased by
65% and 33%
 respectively, now with carbon-fibre anti-roll bars and revised wheel camber.
While the 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm 8.0-litre W16 engine is untouched, the ratios in the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission have been
recalibrated closer by 15%
, which enables ‘shorter gear jumps’ and far stronger in-gear acceleration but it also reduces the Chiron’s top speed from
420 km/h to 350 km/h
, partly hindered by the increased downforce as well. Well, you can’t have everything, even for 3 million Euros.
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport gallery


“R version” of the new Volkswagen ID.3 will be faster than Golf GTI

The R version is expeceted to arrive in just under five years, following the
introduction of the ID.3 electric vehicle
 just a couple weeks back at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
In a report by Autocar UK, the “hot version” of the ID.3 will be faster than a Golf GTI with all-wheel drive capabilities, according to Volkswagen. Just how quick remains to be seen but the outgoing
Mk 7.5 Golf GTI we reviewed
 does
0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds
 – that should offer some perspectives.
On the development of the project, Volkswagen said the R version of the ID.3 would strike a balance between performance and electric driving range as presently, EV range in high performance electric cars are still compromised. For now, Volkswagen isn’t even sure if it would be called the R.
The ID.3 is available in
three different battery sizes
 – 45 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh – offering 330 km, 420 km and 550 km of electric driving range respectively. All models are powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with
201 hp
 and
310 Nm
 sent to the rear wheels and can achieve a top speed of 160 km/h.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3w3fVS-SgQ&
Volkswagen has been making headlines recent with their exploits in electric driving with the ID.R race car breaking records at the
Pikes Peak
 and the
Nurburging
.


Volkswagen ID.R smashed the NIO EP9’s Nürburgring record by 40 seconds!

After taking Pipes Peak and
Goodwood Hillclimb
, the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R is ready for its ultimate challenge at the Green Hell. Behind the wheel of the ID.R is once again Romain Dumas, who is a four-time winner of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
The ID.R is now the fastest electric vehicle around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a record-breaking lap time of
6 minutes and 5.336 seconds
 beating the previous record holder, the
NIO EP9
 by a mind-boggling
40.564 seconds
.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iZY5IMn0wg
 Romain Dumas
While the EP9 is a road-legal hypercar, the ID.R is a stripped out track machine weighing just under 1,100 kg with two electric motors delivering
500 kW (680 hp)
 to all four wheels. The slim bodywork and massive rear wing also help it cut through the air more efficiently while keeping itself planted to the track at speeds.
Chairman of the Board
of Management of Volkswagen Group, Herbert Diess commented: “The Nordschleife
of the Nürburgring is not only the world’s most demanding racetrack, it is also
the ultimate test for production vehicles. The ID.R has mastered this challenge
with great distinction and has completed the fastest emission-free lap of all
time. As further proof of its impressive performance capabilities, Volkswagen’s
e-mobility can now proudly call itself ‘Nürburgring-approved’.”


Nico Rosberg outplays Hamilton to be 2016 Formula One World Champion

After two years of playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg is finally crowned as the latest Formula One World Champion. The German took second place in the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, five points ahead of teammate and title rival, Lewis Hamilton.
The journey to his first-ever F1 title was not an easy one for the German. To make things worse, Rosberg had to finish the race in at least fourth position, and this was when Hamilton was leading the race. Pressure also came from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull Racing duo (Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo).
This season, Rosberg’s performance was sensational at best. He won a total of nine races out of 21 and secured eight pole positions. He retired just once throughout the year in Spain, but that was because of a collision caused by Hamilton.
This is his first world title after joining the pinnacle of motorsports in 2006. He had spent years in Williams F1 before moving to the Mercedes F1 team. His father, Keke Rosberg, was the 1982 F1 world champion. With that, the Rosbergs are the second father and son pair to win an F1 title since Graham and Damon Hill.
Our heartiest congratulations go out to Nico Rosberg and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team for their triumph in 2016!
[Image Source: Daimler Global Media]


Ken Block’s Gymkhana Seven, terrorizes LA with his Hoonicorn [+Video]

Ken Block
 is back with his Gymkhana video in a Ford, but this time it’s not a Fiesta. In
Gymkhana
 SEVEN
, Ken Block unleashed a tricked-out
Ford Mustang
 aptly-called
The Hoonicorn
.
The Hoonicorn is based on a
1965 Mustang
 that has been extensively modified and packs
845 hp
 from a
410 cubic inch
 (that’s 6.7-litres)
Roush Yates V8
 driving
all four wheels
 via a
six-speed sequential transmission
.
The Hoonicorn was built in a span of two years at
ASD Motorsports
 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Needless to say Ken Block is very pleased with the result, as you can see from his latest Gymkhana SEVEN video where he took The Hoonicorn to the streets of Los Angeles.
“This is a project that I’ve been working on for two years, so to see it fully come to fruition and be able to drive it for Gymkhana SEVEN was absolutely amazing. I also knew that working with Vaughn [Gittin Jr.] and his RTR team was the right choice for this project since Mustang’s are their world, but they really went above and beyond on this car. The attention to detail with the fabrication and bodywork blows my mind. This is hands-down the best Gymkhana car I’ve had yet.” says Ken Block.
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IMAGE GALLERY