The limited-edition Lexus RC F and GS F looks as sinful as they’re evocative

Meet Lexus’ new limited-edition models – the RC F coupe and GS F sedan – introduced to mark  the 10th anniversary of the luxury brand’s iconic F Line.
The two V8 performance cars stand out with a matte grey paint finish, a “Competition Blue” interior with carbon-fibre highlights, 19-inch black polished alloy 20-spoke wheels with visible blue callipers beneath and front performance dampers.
Lexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the 10th anniversary limited-edition models captured the sporting spirit of the F performance marque – cars honed on the track but designed for accessible road-going performance.
“The letter F symbolises a series of Lexus cars that are designed and engineered to deliver a higher level of sporting style and driving reward,” Mr Thompson said.
The powerful lines and sculpted surfaces of the limited-edition models are accentuated by a matte paint finish known as
 Fuji Graphite
 that is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna.
Exclusive to the anniversary models, the new paint treatment provides a striking contrast with the polished black finish of the 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the highly supportive front sports seats are finished in vivid blue semi-aniline leather with white accents and a “F symbol” embossed in the integrated head restraints.
Matching blue leather can be found on the steering wheel, gear-shift knob, instrument panel, centre console and seatbelts.
Each model is fitted with a discreet metal plaque recording the car’s Limited status.
The surrounds for the window controls on the door armrests incorporate carbon-fibre weave finish in blue, black and silver. The rear seats are wrapped in black leather, also embossed with the F symbol to add to the sense of sportiness and focus.
The 10th anniversary RC F is based on the RC F Carbon Pack, equipping the car with a carbon fibre roof and active rear wing. It is priced from $151,929 (approx. RM450k).
The GS F limited-edition sedan, which features carbon-fibre lower grille surround and rear lip spoiler, is priced from $155,940 (approx RM462k).
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2021 Facelift MINI John Cooper Works 3-door launched in Malaysia, from RM303k

MINI has revealed yet another 2021 facelift variant of the John Cooper Works (JCW) 3-door. This follows after the recent launch of the
 facelift 3-door MINI Cooper S in Malaysia
. The last JCW MINI 3 Door facelift was in 2018.
With the 2-year warranty, the MINI JCW 3 door is priced at
RM303,289
 on-the-road without insurance. With the (now optional) unlimited mileage warranty and service package, the price increases to
RM311,259
. The new MINI JCW 3 door is also available for online booking via the
 MINI Online Shop
.
Find out more about the fully-electric MINI Cooper SE in Malaysia, from RM218k!
Before
After
The facelift MINI JCW features extensive exterior changes with a completely new grille design, with a single-piece trim surrounding the entire grille. If anything, it looks larger and more imposing now but in a good way. Unlike how BMW has done it. The side vents by the front bumper have been redesigned too.
Before
After
At the back, the upgrades appear to aim at more substance over style. The centre of the rear bumper is now occupied by a massive rear diffuser; a more effective design compared to the fake honey combe vents in the pre-facelift model. Adaptive headlamps lie ahead while the taillights continue to feature Union Jack graphics.
Compared to before, the new wheel design looks way more elaborate without straying too far from the original look. Tucked behind is an adaptive suspension system and Brembo brakes; 4-pot calipers in the front.
The New MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door comes in Rebel Green, Midnight Black and White Silver, along with a red roof.
Funnily enough, despite the drastic change in aesthetics, its performance figures remain exactly the same as before. You get
230 hp
 and
320 Nm
 from a 2.0-litre turbo engine paired to an 8-speed automatic. Similarly, it’s also expected to do 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 246 km/h, just like the pre-facelift model.
Inside, perhaps the most drastic change is the new 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster – a long-overdue upgrade for the MINI range as a whole. The digital display is also standard in the
facelift MINI Countryman launched in Malaysia
 recently.
Take a closer look and you’d notice plenty of little, subtle changes everywhere. The illuminated ring around the 8.8-inch infotainment display for example, now features more intricate details. The physical buttons before have been replaced with symbols, with haptic feedback, for a more flush look.
Also new is the air-con vents design and the surface ahead of the front passenger, finished with the MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface. A new Nappa leather steering wheel welcomes modern touches, especially with the controls and switches.
On request, the Colour Worlds feature displays synchronised colours in tandem with different driving modes – a standard feature on MINI John Cooper Works models. This allows for colour changes to occur in accordance with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics, damper movements and gearshift characteristics.
Other standard items include the head-up display, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof and Apple CarPlay. Driver aids consists of lane departure warning, high beam assist and autonomous braking.
GALLERY
After


MITI gives Proton ultimatum – adapt or go bust

On April Fools’, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) released a rather solemn
statement
 to Malaysia’s struggling car manufacturer, Proton, and told them that their business model is unsustainable.
MITI’s Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed went as far as to say that Proton, during their best years, used to do so well that seven out of 10 cars sold were Protons. Currently, the company’s market share dwindled to a mere 15 percent, and only 35 percent of their production plant (both plants combined) are utilised. To add salt to injury, the government admitted that
Perodua
 is in fact doing a better job.
MITI is also seriously deliberating whether to pull the plug on Proton, seeing how dependent the company is on government funds. It’s not that the government can’t provide assistance; they can, with conditions of course. Let us share with you our opinions on the conditions Proton has to meet.
i. Proton needs to immediately identify a strategic foreign partner
While Perodua’s plant has been sustainable and profitable thanks to Daihatsu and Toyota, it proves that unless you consolidate with larger manufacturers like Toyota, Volkswagen and GM, there chance of survival rests solely on quality of product (like Mazda and Subaru). Right now, the only brand under Proton’s fairly small umbrella is Group Lotus, and even those niche products can’t help much in making the grass greener.
This could be a future Proton model
Proton isn’t spared from such opportunities in forming a strategic partnership. Volkswagen for example, approached them, and was rejected. Twice. Proton’s most recent partnership is with
Suzuki
, and there could be a rebadged
Suzuki MPV
 somewhere in the pipeline. Hence, this vague condition does raise a question: is the government not convinced of this partnership with Suzuki? Do they want a more secure, larger foreign brand like Volkswagen instead?
ii. The company must be professionally managed
Proton has been under the stewardship of DRB-Hicom since 2012, but input came mostly from the conglomerate’s auto division. Apart from being professionally managed, Proton needs a true leader to inspire. For that, I personally can’t think of anyone better than
Datuk

Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir,
Proton’s CEO from 2006 to 2012.
The former Perodua head transformed Proton by producing profit-making models such as the Persona, Exora and Saga. Datuk Syed Zainal was well respected and loved by his staff, so that’s one reason why we think the company was at its best during his six-year tenure.
iii. There must not be any interferences in its business
There’s no doubt that former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad played a pivotal role in building Proton. Tun Mahathir’s
shocking resignation
 as Chairman of Proton means that the company will no longer be at the mercy of his political involvement, but just so you know, he has also relinquished his political position, as well as the Chairmanship of Group Lotus.
Tun Dr Mahathir was never open to the idea of selling Proton to a foreign brand, but with him officially out of Proton, they might just allocate some shares for bigger car manufacturers to step in.
iv. Some tough but necessary measures must be put in place for the long-term sustainability of Proton
When a company faces challenging economic times, drastic and unpopular measures must be exercised in order to ensure survival. Take for instance Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS). After decades of financial struggle and two catastrophic tragedies occurring in 2014, the company had to sack 6,000 employees, and all existing agreements had to be reviewed by its new foreign CEO.
But personally, I feel that it’s time for Proton to let go of the struggling Group Lotus. This is assuming that Proton’s engineers may have already benefited in full from Lotus’ expertise in handling dynamics. Whether they realise this or not, what Group Lotus needs is exactly what Proton needs – a strong foreign owner. Surely, Proton will able to reduce its expenditure by not having Group Lotus under its belt.
Proton turns 31 this year, and they’re caught right in the middle of a crossroad. Just how will Proton rebound from this? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author’s. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of AutoBuzz.my and its members.


UMW Toyota sold 70,872 cars in 2022 so far, 54% up from last year

For the month of September 2022,
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd
 sold
9,233 cars
 with 9,098 units being Toyota cars and 135 units being Lexus cars. Compared to 8,033 units in September 2021, UMW Toyota saw a
15% increase
 this year.
As for the year-to-date figures, the company sold
70,872 cars
 from January to September 2022, a
54% increase
 from 46,118 units from January to September 2021.
Toyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition
For October 2022, UMW Toyota is offering fans of the
Toyota Harrier
 an improved look and feel to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury that was introduced in February 2021. UMW Toyota has also added a new variant to the Harrier lineup – the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Special Edition. It comes in a special Red Metallic colour with a new brown interior.
The 2022 Toyota Harrier’s key improvements include a Panoramic View Monitor and updated Toyota Safety Sense features such as Pre-Collision Brake detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Colour options include Slate Grey Metallic, Precious Black, Steel Blonde Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl.
UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K, said, “At UMW Toyota Motor, we are humbled by the positive support received from our customers and are even more committed to going the ‘Extra Mile’ to intensify production and ensure timely delivery to new car owners.”
“We are also delighted to showcase the new improvements made to the Toyota Harrier 2.0L Luxury 2022 Improvement (IMP) and hope this update gives drivers an exceptional experience every time they get behind the wheel because we understand that it’s all about the drive.”
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How does the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid save you fuel?


2018 Nissan Leaf ProPilot demonstrated, to take on Honda Sensing [+Video]

The global introduction of the 2018 Nissan Leaf is fast approaching, with the all-electric hatchback now confirmed to be fitted with Nissan’s semi-autonomous
ProPilot
 system.
The new video from Nissan demonstrates the functionalities of the ProPilot system which allows self-driving on single-lane highways. The system manages acceleration, braking and steering of the car, ensuring that the vehicle constantly stays in its lane. ProPilot can be activated via a push of a button on the steering wheel. This remains as the first phase of the technology, with future updates include intersectional navigation.
Also previewed here is the interior image of the new Leaf. It gains an all-new full-coloured digital instrument cluster, and on display are features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
As
previously reported
, the second-generation Nissan Leaf will be powered by an upgraded powertrain and drivetrain, allowing a travelling distance of 400km per charge. The new Leaf will be unveiled later this year. Sales of the car will commence sometime next year.


Chris Evans signs three-year contract to host Top Gear

Fans of the plucky British motoring show have been met with mixed reviews as the BBC has signed on BBC Radio 2 breakfast host and car fanatic Chris Evans (no, not Captain America) in place of the seat that’s been made vacant since Jeremy Clarkson was booted off the immensely popular show following a fracas with one of the producers of Top Gear.
It was reported that Chris has signed a
three-year contract
 to host the most watched motoring show on the planet, and even hinted at the possibility of a
female co-presenter
. Richard Hammond and James May have just recently confirmed that they will
NOT
 be returning to the show
without Clarkson.
 BBC has
 not renewed
 the contracts of the trio since the show was called off.
Picture courtesy of
autoevolution.com
Speculations are stirring on who the other two hosts will be, as is the time frame of when production resumes. Apparently, we could be looking at a new format of Top Gear. Word has it that the show may happen as close as Christmas time this year. BBC has since reported that the
final episodes of Season 22
 will air in
a few weeks’ time,
 but would require some special editing as there
isn’t enough footage
 to make a three-hour special due to the fact that Top Gear crew
weren’t allowed to film
 portions of the show such as the live audience bit after the fracas.
Amongst the rumours that are going around, it has been said that
Clarkson, May and Hammond would do a break-away motoring show
 that would mirror the current Top Gear format.


Ford stuns the world with new Ford GT, a 600hp EcoBoost V6 [+Video]

Ford GT
 is back after close to a decade since the predecessor left the production line. Using the
most powerful EcoBoost engine
 to date, the new Ford GT is also brimming with cutting-edge technology inside a lightweight carbonfibre construction.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Ford GT
Engine
3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch
Max Power
600+ hp

Unveiled at the
2015 North American International Auto Show
 (NAIAS) in Detroit, the new Ford GT stays true to the
mid-engine
,
rear-wheel drive
 layout even though it looks different from the previous GT launched in 2005.
EXTERIOR
The styling is unique on the new GT, featuring a tear-drop shaped canopy and prominent floating C-pillar aerobridge. There’s a lot of surfacing work done to achieve optimum aerodynamic, starting from the nose with multiple cooling vents and the sharp front splitter, to the rising character line on the side that connects to the mentioned aerobridge. The wheels measure
20 inches
 and they are wrapped in
Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2
 tyres.
The back is pretty compact and the teardrop canopy tapers off towards the end with a couple of
circular tailpipes
, topped off by an
 active pop-up rear spoiler
. The round taillights jut out of the bodywork on each side instead of sitting flush like on the previous GT, and there’s a mean diffuser lower down the bumper.
INTERIOR
In a true supercar style, the doors open upwards to reveal a snug cabin tailored for two. Each seats are mounted directly to the carbonfibre passenger cell, so the pedals and steering column are adjustable to suit the driver’s preferred position.
The compact steering with flat sections on top and bottom incorporates all the controls not only for the
SYNC® 3 system
 but also the controls usually located on the stalks like wiper and indicators, freeing up the steering column just for a pair of shift paddles.
PERFORMANCE
The new GT utilises lightweight materials such as
carbonfibre for the passenger cell
, and
aluminium
 for the front and rear subframes. It uses an active racing-style torsion bar and
pushrod suspension
 with
adjustable ride height
 while the brakes are taken care by all-round
carbon-ceramic discs
.
Under that see-through canopy you won’t find a V8 engine. Instead, there’s a smaller
3.5-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6
 that’s derived from Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype racer. Unlike the racecar with 6-speed sequential transmission, the engine is mated to a
7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
 in the new GT. There are no official power figures yet, but it’s expected to produce
more than 600 hp
.
WHAT ELSE?
The new Ford GT is set to go into production in 2016 to celebrate the
 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
. Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer was quoted, “As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,”.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


History will tell you that this is the most beautiful Porsche 911 Targa of all time

Porsche has just globally unveiled the new 911 Targa and if you look back at past models, which is exactly what we’ll do in this story, you’d realise that Porsche’s Targa lineage is peaking as it has evolved into its most beautiful form in this
992-generation 911
.
First of all,
what is a Targa
? A Targa is a semi-convertible with a detachable roof and roll bar (or roll hoop as some call it) just behind the seats. The term was first trademarked by Porsche when they introduced the 911 Targa in the 1960s.
The earliest example of a 911 Targa.
The 1965 911 Targa 2.0 was the beginning of new type of car that was marketed as a “safer cabriolet with an anti-roll bar”. Given birth to satisfy regulations and eliminate concerns of the hazards of a convertible in the event of a rollover, the Porsche 911 Targa has undergone substantial changes over the years.
First, the roof mechanism. The first edition featured a manually-detachable roof which Porsche stuck with until the 964 generation but then came the 993 generation 911s which brings us to the second point. The new approach completely revised the Targa look and is still (somewhat) the catalyst of today’s design. It allowed Porsche to continue designing the Targa without hindering the smooth lines that’s been signature to a 911’s side profile.
The 964 generation Targa.
In the 993, Porsche introduced something completely different – a retractable glass roof – and it drew the attention of many. The design was similarly adopted in the 996, 997 and in the 991 generation, Porsche reinvented the Targa roof once again.
The mechanised roof can now be stowed away automatically under the wraparound rear window, which itself is lifted to allow the roof to slide underneath it – there hardly another roof folding mechanism as satisfying to watch as that.
The 991 generation Targa.
Best part of all, Porsche injected some nostalgia into it by bringing back the pronounced roll bar or rather Targa bar as it is called and this, as you’d see in the pictures of the new 992 generation Targa, is something Porsche decided not to change, thankfully.
As for the new model, the 911 Targa’s roof will open and close within
19 seconds
. It’s a little slow by today’s standard when you consider that the
F8 Spider which was recently launched in Malaysia
 could do it in just 14 seconds. The
McLaren 720S launched last year
 will do the same in just 11 seconds.
The latest 992 generation Targa.
The Targa is only available in Targa 4 and Targa 4S variants. Both are all-wheel drive and powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine, with both 7-speed manual and 8-speed PDK transmissions available. The Targa 4 makes
385 hp
 and
450 Nm
 while the Targa 4S makes
450 hp
 and
530 Nm
.
With the Sport Chrono Package, the Targa 4 will get from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.2 seconds
 while the Targa 4S will do the same in
3.6 seconds
, similar to the
911 Carrera 4S we drove in New Zealand
. Top speed for the Targa 4 is rated at 289 km/h, 304 km/h in the Targa 4S.
GALLERY
992 generation 911 Targa
Past generations of the 911 Targa


2023 BMW M340i xDrive in Malaysia from RM391,800 – costs RM28k more, new M Sport Pro variant

Following the launch of the
 facelift BMW 3 Series in Malaysia
, BMW Malaysia has launched the new M340i xDrive with two variants available – the standard variant starts from
RM391,800
while the M340i xDrive M Sport Pro starts from
RM396,800
.
The prefacelift M340i xDrive started from RM363,680 (inclusive of SST) so that’s
RM28,120 more than before
, while the M Sport Pro variant is new. The new M340i xDrive M Sport Pro variant will be available exclusively online with a pre-booking fee of RM3,000. Deliveries are expected to take place in August 2023.
M340i xDrive M Sport Pro
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with 392 hp (288 kW) and 500 Nm of torque to drive all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The M340i xDrive also comes with adaptive M suspension and M Sport differential. Its 0-100 km/h is 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.
On the outside, the M340i comes with the same front bumper as the facelift 3 Series recently launched in Malaysia albeit with minor differences. The air inlet surrounds at the centre of the front bumper, although the same design, gets an additional dash of silver paint while the more obvious difference in the front is the grille. While both the standard 320i and 330i come with vertical slats on the grille, the M340i comes with horizontal chrome pins.
The headlamps are adaptive LED units with high beam assistant while the side mirror comes with M mirror caps and as for the rest of the exterior, the M340i xDrive gets 19-inch style 791 M Light alloy wheels in M Bicolour, M Sport brakes with blue calipers and an M exhaust tips.
As standard, the M340i xDrive comes with an M Aerodynamics package and M High-gloss Shadowline for gloss black finishing. With the M Sport Pro variant, the M340i gets style 19-inch style 792M Light Alloy wheels in M Bicolour, M lights Shadowline, M Sport brake with red calipers, and an M rear spoiler.
Exterior colour options for the M340i xDrive include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey and Skyscraper Grey while interior leather upholstery is available in either Black or Mocha.
As for the M Sport Pro, the exterior colour options are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey and M Portimao Blue while interior leather upholstery comes in either Black or Tacora Red.
Inside, the M340i xDrive gets sports seats with memory function for the driver, M leather steering with Walknappa leather, M headliner, aluminium trims, 12.3 digital instrument cluster, 14.9-inch curved touchscreen display with BMW Operating System 8 and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. The M Sport Pro gets additional M-coloured seat belts.
Driver aids include the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant while the Driving Assistant package includes lane departure warning with steering assist, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear cross-traffic alert with brake intervention and adaptive cruise control.
GALLERY
M340i xDrive
M340i xDrive M Sport Pro


The “new” Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 is a masterpiece reimagined

It’s not often a designer gets to refine and revamp a car after it has already been launched, but that is exactly the case with famed British automotive designer Ian Callum and the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 – reworked nearly two decades after the original V12 Vanquish made its debut.
The reimagined Vanquish is a joint project by Ian Callum and R-Reforged, the same bunch that is building the
38-unit limited-edition V12 Vantage Zagato
 and the
Valhalla
, conjured up after the designer left Jaguar last June. The changes aren’t just aesthetical either; showing off the final production-specification car, the firm says that more than 350 engineering, material and design changes have been made to the luxury grand tourer.
For starters, there’s the new Bilstein dampers that drops ride height by 10 mm, along with upgraded bushings, stiffer anti roll bars, “specific” Michelin Pilot Sport tyre, and a 60 mm wider track, all of which should result in “noticeably more agility and control”.
The 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine has been tuned to produce
 588 hp
, partly thanks to a new bespoke carbon intake system tuned equal length stainless steel primary collectors. Buyers can opt between a six-speed manual, semi-automatic, or even a normal torque converter if you prefer.
R-Reforged says that the Callum Vanquish 25 is tested on over 20,000 miles of UK roads, as well as multiple sessions at Michelin’s Ladoux proving ground. As a result, the company argues that the reborn Vanquish can be capable of both a comfortable 300-mile road trip or a “20-minute run to meet friends at an informal cars and coffee meet”.
On the styling changes, the Callum Vanquish 25 introduces a revised front bumper featuring a bigger lower grille and new side air inlets, while the rear bumper gets a mild tweak for a wider stance. The lights – both front and rear – also get LED illumination for a more modern overall appearance.
Handbuilt in Warwick, customers of the new Callum Vanquish 25 will get a choice between three bespoke 20-inch wheels, along with an “infinite” number of exterior body colour and eight exterior trim colours.
Inside, R-Reforged fitted the revamped Vanquish with a slimmer steering wheel to improve steering feel, while the lower seating position is meant to provide a more engaging driving experience. The posh “Abstract Tartan” leather upholstery is now sourced from one Bridge of Weir Leather Company, while the metallic trim pieces have been replaced with brushed or polished dark chrome details.
As a further option, customers can opt for a walnut veneer option for the main interior surface material, aside from the standard carbon-fibre look. A bespoke removable pocket watch from Bremont sits proud and centre on the dashboard, and there’s even a specifically-designed Mulberry luggage set that will fit snugly in the cargo space at the rear.
Only 25 units
 (naturally) of the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged will ever be made. Of course, something so special will never be cheap – with some suggesting that the it’ll cost USD655,000 just for the base car. But then again, how often will you get the chance to own a car that’s been perfected by the original designer, two decades after penning the first design draft?
The Callum Vanquish 25 will go into production in September, fully endorsed by
Aston Martin
, with the first batch of vehicles destined for Europe and Latin America.
IMAGE GALLERY


Geely is now Aston Martin’s third-largest shareholder, ups stakes to 17%

Geely Holding Group
 has announced that it has increased its stakes in Aston Martin Lagonda Holdings (
Aston Martin
) to 17%. That increase in holding makes the Chinese company the third-largest shareholder of the ultra-luxury British performance car brand.
The increased shareholding in Aston Martin will form part of Geely Holding’s strategic investment portfolio, which includes long-term equity stakes in global automotive brands. As part of the equity increase, Geely Holding will also be given the opportunity to appoint a Non-Executive Director to the Aston Martin Board of Directors as a shareholder representative, as well as to appoint a second person as an observer.
Back in September 2022, the Chinese company acquired 7.6% of Aston Martin Lagonda. Now its stakes have more than doubled to 17%, which also makes it the number 3 shareholder of the ultra-luxury brand.
Geely Holding Group Chairman, Eric Li said, “Our decision to increase our shareholding in Aston Martin reflects our confidence in the company’s growth prospects, its technologies and its management team. Since first acquiring our minority holding last September, we have worked collaboratively with executive chairman Lawrence Stroll and his colleagues and now look forward to exploring joint technology synergies and new growth opportunities to help this iconic automotive brand to achieve its full potential.”
RELATED:
Next-gen Aston Martin DB grand tourer to debut on May 24 – “Grand is not enough”
Aston Martin Executive Chairman of the Board, Lawrence Stroll said, “This announcement is a further significant step towards delivering our ambition for Aston Martin. Geely Holding, who initially became a shareholder last year, sees tremendous potential for Aston Martin’s long-term growth and success.”
“Geely can offer us a deep understanding of the key strategic growth market of China as well as the opportunity to access their range of technologies. Geely share our vision for Aston Martin and want to be a more significant shareholder. This transaction enables the creation of a long-term partnership with Geely – a relationship that I believe will bring very significant value for all of our shareholders over time.”
RELATED:
Aston Martin DBX 707 AMR23 Edition debuts – F1 medical car replica


Behold, the all-new BMW X5 – it’s longer, wider and with an even bigger grille

BMW has introduced the all-new fourth generation BMW X5 and it may be hard for you to refrain from commenting on it, specifically on its bee-stung “nostrils”.
It will be available with
a new V8 engine and three in-line 6-cylinder engines
 along with an M Performance model from launch. They will all be paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
The new V8 engine exclusively in the BMW X5 xDrive50i, which will not be available in Europe, delivers an output of
462 hp
 and
650 Nm
 while the X5 xDrive40i is powered by a 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine making
 340 hp
 and
450 Nm
 of torque.
The X5 M50d is possibly the most interesting model with a 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engine that has
four turbochargers strapped to it
, producing
400 hp
 and
760 Nm
. As for the X5 xDrive30d, it’s also got a 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making
265 hp
 and
 620 Nm
.
The latest generation of BMW xDrive is now able to split the torque between the front and rear wheels even more efficiently. When the situation requires, it can even
offer a rear-biased set-up
.

Everything about the new X5 is larger than its predecessor, it’s got a longer wheelbase (+42mm), wider (+66mm), taller (+19mm) and longer (+36mm).
The most “in-negligible” feature has to be the large BMW kidney grille with a single-piece surround – that looks like it got bee-stung. Standard are LED head and taillights (with a three-dimensional design), while the BMW LaserLight with Adaptive LED Headlights are optional. The X5 is the first BMW to be offered with 22-inch light-alloy wheels as an option.
The X5 xDrive50i is littered with new tech, among them includes a two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering, an Off-Road Package, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant.
The optional two-axle air suspension allows the rear to be
lowered by up to 80mm
 at the touch of a button or by using the BMW Display Key, for easy loading and the boot cover can now be lowered electronically into the load compartment floor.
The Dynamic Damper Control comes as standard, while Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (in the X models) enable extremely agile and dynamic driving characteristics.
The Off-Road Package offers four driving modes that adjusts the car’s ride height, xDrive system, throttle and transmission response for terrains like sand, rock, gravel and snow.

Inside, passengers will notice the raised seating position, along with a new design for the instrument cluster and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system (fitted as standard).
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the new BMW Operating System 7.0 makes its debut in the new X5. With its clear presentation and structuring, plus customisable and personalised displays, it looks to provide drivers with the right information at the right time. An upgraded BMW Head-Up Display offers a larger display as well as new display content and optimised graphics.
Other new features include multifunction seats, cooled/heated cupholders, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Dynamic Interior Light, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and 10.2-inch touchscreen displays in the second row.
The new X5 comes with a
two-section tailgate
 where if the Comfort Access package is opted, both sections can be opened and closed hands-free. Bootspace can be increased from 645 litres to 1,860 litres with the second row folded. Third row seats for two additional passengers can be specified as an option.
The Driver assistance system is enhanced with a Parking Assistant system that now takes over acceleration and braking duties on top of steering the car. Another new addition is the Emergency Stop Assistant, which brings the car safely to a standstill if a medical emergency occurs.
The new BMW X5 is the brand’s first model that can be unlocked by the BMW Digital Key via a smartphone.
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Toyota will now sell the C+pod battery electric vehicle to the Japanese public

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that they will start selling the C+pod ultra-compact battery electric vehicle to corporate customers and to the general public as well. Previously, it was sold exclusively to selected corporate customers only.
The Toyota C+pod electric vehicle measures just 2.4 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall. It only sits two passengers with batteries mounted just below to drive the rear wheels, with an electric range of 150 km.
The C
+
pod can be plugged directly into standard power outlets for charging. It even comes with an external power supply system of up to 1,500 watts as standard for use during power outages and natural disasters.
Related: Toyota & Lexus to launch 30 new battery EVs by 2030!
Despite looking bare, you still get LED lighting at the front and back. To save weight, the exterior panels are made of recycled plastic. More impressively, it comes with a Pre-collision Safety System that warns the driver when it detects vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians during the day and night. It even comes with autonomous braking but only for low-speed operations.
Related: Toyota receives awards for most cars with 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating
“It has been well received by customers who have used it, especially for its ease of handling, environmental friendliness, and full range of safety and security features despite its ultra-compact body. We are now ready to deliver the C+pod to a wider range of customers, so we have decided to expand the sales target to all customers nationwide,” Toyota said in a press release.
The C+pod will be available through leasing with prices starting from 1.6 million to 1.7 million Yen (approx. RM58k to RM62k).
Related: Toyota’s driver assistance system is now called T-Mate
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All-new Hyundai Tucson makes its global debut at Geneva with five engines [+Video]

Hyundai has staged quite a show at Geneva this year, bringing forth some of the brand’s youngest products in its lineup, of which includes the new ix20 compact MPV, i20 Coupe, i30 and i40 models. The limelight however, goes to the all-new Tucson.
Billed as a highly important vehicle in the European SUV segment, the Tucson makes up for over 22 percent of the company’s sales last year in Europe alone. Europe’s strict emissions parameters have also led Hyundai to introduce a
48V Hybrid Tucson
 and a
Plug-in Hybrid
 version.
At the launch, Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer for Hyundai Motor Group said the new Tucson is a big step for the brand globally. It dons a bold and athletic design achieved through refined, flowing surfaces, sharp lines and Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille. Simply put, it looks nothing like the outgoing Tucson, and that’s a good thing.
The headlamps here are distinctively connected to the grille, a design cue also seen on some recent Kia models like the
Cerato
, new
Carnival
 and the
Sportspace Concept
. Look slightly towards the lower side of the front bumper you’ll find a horizontal wing-shaped bar that’s accentuated with the LED daytime running lights.
Over to the back, the prominently-cut ‘Z’ character line above the rear wheel arches create a visually sculpted profile. It sits on
19-inch wheels
 wrapped with 245/45 series Continental ContiSportContact tyres, something we don’t expect Hyundai Sime Darby Motors to offer should it arrive here.
Now, the Tucson’s rear end isn’t as angular as its side profile, although we really like the slender tail lights and squared dual exhaust tips. This C-Segment SUV is new from the ground up, and as such it sits on a brand new platform that seeks to optimise cabin space for passengers. It boasts a cavernous
513 litres
 of boot space, while the interior gets a generous amount of soft-touch and high quality materials. Ergonomics have also improved, apparently, allowing its driver and passengers to ‘fully enjoy the refined cabin ambience’.
Some of the convenient features to come with the Tucson includes a power tailgate (debuted on the
Sonata
), keyless entry with push-start ignition, electric parking brake and Smart Parking Assist with parallel and bay parking functions.
Hyundai says that the Tucson will be available with one of the widest engine offerings in its class. This offering is comprised of
two gasoline engines
 and
three diesel engines
. First off, the Tucson is offered with a
turbocharged 1.6-litre
 T-GDI (172 hp and 265 Nm) paired to either a
six-speed manual
 or
seven-speed dual clutch
 transmission. Also available is the
1.6-litre GDI
 (130 hp) motor and three other diesels –
1.7-litre
 (113 hp and 280 Nm),
2.0-litre
 (134 hp and 373 Nm) and another
higher tuned

2.0-litre
 oil burner making
183 horsepower
 and a staggering
402 Nm
 of torque.
As for the Hybrid variants, the
48V Hybrid Concept
 is slated to benefit from the 134 hp 2.0-litre engine paired to a
48 volt lithium-ion battery
 that weighs 20 kg. Combined output for this hybrid variant is
148 hp
 and
413 Nm
 of torque, an increase of 14 hp and 40 Nm from the diesel engine it’s based on. Next, the
Plug-in Hybrid Concept
 comes with an even smaller 1.7-litre diesel engine paired to a
10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery
. It’s capable of covering a good 50 km in pure electric mode, and power is bumped to
180 hp
 and
474 Nm
 of torque.
Safety wise, the Tucson features a raft of active electronic driving aids like Autonomous Emergency Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Rear Traffic Cross Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Speed Limit Information Function and Active Hood System.
The Tucson will be available in 11 different colours when it hits European showrooms – one solid colour, three pearl colours and seven metallic colours. So, what do you think of the new Hyundai Tucson? Will its completely new look entice buyers to lean more towards the Korean wave of good looking cars? Do share your opinions with us in the comments section below!
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Naza Italia brings the Universo Ferrari experience to PJ using unique VR tech

Although Covid-19 might have put a damper on travelling overseas, the raging passion for bright red
Ferrari
 supercars never stops. In light of that, Naza Italia has brought the
Maranello experience
 down to the Ferrari Malaysia showroom in PJ over the weekend for its clients and prospective customers, thanks to the use of innovative VR and AR technology.
The “little Maranello” tour is split into six different zones as the guests were led along on a journey by a member of the Ferrari Malaysia team to explore every aspect of the Ferrari brand, starting from the marque’s racing DNA represented by a close-up view of the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo race car.
Guests were also given the chance to check out the Ferrari personalisation services at the Atelier, where they get to have a taste of what it feels like to customise their own Ferrari by browsing through the myriad of options available to see and feel.
However, the most interesting part of the tour is definitely the 360 Factory Experience, where guests were treated to an exclusive in-depth view of the inner workings at Ferrari’s Maranello factory, using dedicated VR headsets.
Following that, customers then head upstairs to explore the Ferrari pre-owned programme, called Ferrari Approved. The certification programme ensures all models for sale have completed a comprehensive 190-point check by the technician.
And with the waiting time of brand-new Ferraris stretching upwards of two years, we’ve been told that some customers even choose to get themselves a pre-owned model while they wait for their new steed to arrive!
Last but not least, is an in depth look at Ferrari’s after sales services and maintenance programmes offered to all Ferrari models. Even classic models, such as the F355 Berlinetta on display at the showroom, are also eligible for several maintenance programmes – provided that they pass Ferrari’s inspections.
The three-day private event is now unfortunately over, but we’re sure that it left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be invited – we know it did for us! Well, until we are invited to Maranello for an Universo Ferrari tour again, hopefully soon.
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New BMW 3-Series: How long does it take to camouflage the darn thing?

Before a new BMW model ever reaches the hands of consumers, it has to be subjected to punishment and aging worth many lifetimes as part of a vehicle’s pre-production development, but over a very condensed period as the seventh generation 3-Series nears production.
Apparently it takes a full day to mask a pre-production test unit at Munich.
To ensure that the design and details remain ‘cloaked’ from the prying lens of career spy photographers…and just about anyone with a smartphone, manufacturers spare no expense in camouflaging and disguising their test mules whether it’s in the icy regions of Sweden or the west of the USA.
According to Google translation, you are looking at some camo cladding for the bumpers.
In the basement of BMW’s Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, pre-production vehicles are kitted out with a made-to-measure and confusingly patterned cloak of camouflage. Applying the black-and-white wrap requires an expert hand and takes a whole working day to complete. Then comes the plastic cladding which distorts the lines and surfaces of the car. The light units, sections of the window surfaces and the brand emblems also get a layer of sticky camouflage.
Likewise, the interior needs to be hidden from plain sight as well. To this end, the cockpit is curtained off with black matting, which the test engineers partially remove at the start of testing and then painstakingly replace at every pause in proceedings, so that no prying eyes can spot or even get a photograph of the displays and controls.
Just a few more weeks before the G20-generation 3-Series breaks cover.
The G20-generation 3-Series is expected to lose its camouflage this coming Paris Motor Show starting 4th October. Let’s hope all the effort to keep BMW’s most important model from public eyes have been worth the while.


Mercedes-Benz goes big on electric with new seven-seater EQS SUV

Mercedes-Benz’s
 ever-expanding EQ electric vehicles (EV) line-up
 has just received yet another addition, this time a large seven-seater SUV, called – quite uninspiringly – the EQS SUV. Just like the
“regular” EQS
, the new SUV model is also built on the marque’s new dedicated EV platform EVA (for Electric Vehicle Architecture), and is set to go on sale in the second half of this year.
Since the two models share the same platform, they also have the same elongated wheelbase of 3,210 mm. With that being said, though, the SUV measures a tad shorter (-91 mm) than the EQS sedan in overall length, due to the lack of a boot compartment at the back.
In terms of looks, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV appears to have taken the general design of the sedan model, and stretched it upwards into an SUV silhouette. The unique “One-Bow” shape is still present here as seen from the A-pillars, but it appears less obvious (
and less odd
) thanks to its taller stature.
Other design elements are fairly coherent with the rest of the EQ line-up, including the covered-up gloss black front grille flanked by sleek LED headlights (optionally the Digital Light matrix system), the smooth pebble-like side profile with retracting door handles, as well as the 3D helix taillights as seen on the EQS sedan.
The standard EQS comes with a set of more civilian-looking bumpers, with faux skid plate elements finished in chrome, and a simpler front fog light enclosure design. Step up to the AMG Line however, and you’ll get the signature bone-shaped wide air intakes up front, larger two-tone aerodynamic wheels, more gloss black elements, and faux exhaust tips at the back for some reason.
RELATED: We’ll be getting AMG-tuned Mercedes EQ electric models after all
On the inside, the dashboard of the EQS SUV is essentially a carry-over from the sedan, which means it’s also a complete tech-fest in the cabin, highlighted by the massive MBUX Hyperscreen consisting of three individual displays housed inside a single pane of glass that spans 141 cm across the entire dashboard from door to door.
The Hyperscreen set-up is standard on the range-topping variant (and optional on others), but lower variants are not short-changed either, with a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central display doing most of the heavy lifting, while a separate 12.3-inch display serves as the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
The screens are all powered by the second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which now comes with a wider range of connected service, including a digital voice assistant that uses artificial intelligence to provide context-aware suggestions relative to the occupants’ behaviours and patterns.
For even more screens, buyers can also opt for the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment Plus package, which adds two 11.6-inch touchscreens for the second-row passengers, plus a dedicated removable tablet in the centre armrest to control almost every little function within the cabin, all without getting out of their seats.
Speaking of seats, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV can be specified in either a five- (2-3 layout) or seven-seater (2-3-2 layout) configuration. The second-row seats are electrically-adjustable by up to 130 mm fore-and-aft, and up to 18 degrees incline.
Going with the five-seater layout, with the second row seats moved to the most forward position, Mercedes-Benz says that the boot space is large enough to fit four golf bags – they certainly know their market well. In terms of numbers, that’s 880 litres of space, and 2,100 litres with the second-row brought down as well.
For those who want to carry more passengers sometimes, you’ll get 195 litres of boot space with the third-row seats up, or 800 litres when they’re folded flat into the load floor.
ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to locally assemble fully-electric EQ models
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will be offered in three powertrain options at launch, all of which sound very familiar if you’ve peered through the EQS sedan’s spec sheet before – although, power output is higher across the board on the SUV.
Kicking off the variant line-up is the EQS 450+, which gets a single electric motor on the rear axle that make
360 hp (265 kW)
and
568 Nm
 of torque. An all-wheel drive EQS 450 4Matic option is also available, which adds another electric drivetrain (eATS in Mercedes-speak) on the front axle, bringing the torque figure up to
800 Nm
 (horsepower unchanged).
At the top of the gradewalk is the EQS 580 4Matic, which similarly gets a dual-motor set-up, but with a much higher power output of
544 hp (400 kW)
 and
858 Nm
.
All three variants are powered by the same floor-mounted
107.8 kWh
 lithium-ion battery pack, which offers up to
 660 km
 of range (WLTP cyce) on the EQS 450+, and
613 km
 on the other two all-wheel drive models. The battery takes approximately 10 hours to charge with the on-board 11 kW AC charger, but an optional 22 kW charger halves the charging time to five hours.
On the go, all three variants of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV also support DC fast charging of up to 200 kW, which translates to a 10-80% SoC charge in approximately 31 minutes.
Unique to the all-wheel drive models is a new Torque Shift function, which according to Mercedes, “ensures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors and thus the use of the most efficient eATS in each case.”
As standard, the EQS SUV comes with a four-link axle at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers are standard, too, which enables the ride height to be adjusted from -15 mm to +25 mm to reduce drag or increase ground clearance, depending on drive modes and surrounding conditions.
As usual, you can also expect the most up-to-date list of advanced driver assist features on the EQS SUV, with functions including adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping and Steering Assist, autonomous emergency braking with cross-traffic function, and Intelligent Park Pilot, depending on the boxes you tick at check-out.
No official pricing information has been provided just yet, but the EQS SUV is scheduled to go on sale later this year to rival the likes of the BMW IX and Tesla Model X. The EQS SUV will also be joined by a Maybach version in the future, which was already previewed by the
Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS last year.
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Here’s what’s new with the limited-production GT86 TRD Special Edition

Toyota has unveiled the latest GT86 for the “US of A” market with a sharper, more optimised and balanced limited-production 86 TRD Special Edition.
New equipment includes SACHS dampers, four-pot Brembo calipers in the front, twin-pot Brembo calipers at the back and it’s finished exclusively in Raven black, classic TRD tricolor graphics and a TRD body kit.
The TRD body kit consists of a redesigned front bumper, side sills, rear bumper, diffuser and spoiler. Complementing the new look is a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin  Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
Not sure if those four-pot brakes are necessary though – the 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine only makes
205 hp
 with
212 Nm
 of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The boxer engine exhales through a TRD exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is paired with a short-throw shifter while the 6-speed automatic gearbox is equipped with a
Dynamic Rev Management System
 that “blips” the throttle on downshifts. A Torsen limited-slip differential is fitted as standard.
For track driving, the TRD Special Edition’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) can be set in Track mode or shut off completely.
Inside is a new red and black-trimmed, smaller diameter steering wheel with red contrast stitching,“TRD” logo embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel and a Granlux suede-like upholstery above the instrument cluster with an “86” logo.
For the performance purists, the TRD Special Editions gets a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display that projects a G-Force meter, stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures. An “86” logo also appears on the MID upon start-up.
Production of the 86 TRD Special Edition will be
 limited to only 1,418 units
 and is priced at approx. RM 131k.


Italdesign goes “back to the future” with DeLorean DMC comeback!

One of automotive history’s most popular icon, the DeLorean DMC-12, could be making a comeback. The designer of the stainless-steel bodied coupe recently posted a
tweet
 to celebrate the icon’s 40th anniversary.
Italdesign, the studio that designed the DeLorean DMC-12, celebrated the first photo of production DMC-12 with an insertion of their
own design
 idea.
The shadow of the vehicle showed both doors opened upwards in the signature
gull-wing
 position. The DeLorean “DMC” emblem is also boldly displayed at the centre of the silhouette, signifying that the project could be a collaboration between the design studio and Texas-based DeLorean Motor Company.
One of the weakest elements in the original DMC-12 was the powertrain. It is only fitting that the revival DeLorean going “back to the future” will feature a fully electric propulsion system.
Image: Instagram/
Gotgraham
Petrol-to-electric conversions on the DeLorean is nothing new, with examples of the electric drive systems taken from Nissan Leaf as well as Tesla vehicles. Stanford University even went two steps forward by modifying a DMC-12 into a
powerful drifting coupe
 that can perform the high-speed slides on its own.
With more visibility being shown on the “
Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
” category of automobile manufacturing in the US, both Italdesign and DeLorean Motor Company can redesign the DMC-12 comeback with a 21st century flavour on the icon.
Italdesign’s most recent automotive creation is the
Nissan GT-R50
. Nissan joint forces with Italdesign to create the model, based on the latest Nissan GT-R NISMO, in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.
Only 50 units of the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will be built with prices starting from €990,000.


Vehicle loans the second largest cause of bankruptcy in 2022 – Malaysian Department of Insolvency

The Malaysian Department of Insolvency has revealed that car loans are the second largest contributor to bankruptcy rates in 2022.
The report revealed that 14.24% of bankruptcy cases were caused by car loans while personal loans are the highest contributor of bankruptcy cases 42.24%.
Between 2018 to 2022, the department recorded a total of 7,072 bankruptcy cases caused by car loans where in 2022 alone, there were 441 cases.
Source:
Malaysian Department of Insolvency
That said, even though car loans have been the second biggest cause of bankruptcy since 2018, the number of cases have decreased steadily from 3,392 cases in 2018 to 441 cases in 2022.
On the same matter, the
Malay Mail
 also reported that 73% of 1,077 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt where 30% of loans taken were for vehicles, according to a survey conducted by local university USCI.


Hyundai Palisade confirmed for Malaysia, launch this year

Following a string of new car launches by
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors
 (HSDM) here in Malaysia last year, the company announced today that it will be continuing the momentum in 2021 with the launch of the Palisade SUV.
First unveiled in 2018
, the Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship seven-seater SUV model. Measuring over 200 mm longer and 80 mm wider than the
 Santa Fe
, the Palisade is also the Korean carmaker’s largest vehicle in its stable.
Hyundai even calls the Palisade the “ultimate family vehicle”, boasting its class-leading interior room for second- and third-row passengers and cargo space (510 litres), but we’ll be the judge of that when it reaches Malaysia!
Underneath the bonnet of the seven-seater SUV is a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, good for an “estimated”
 291 hp
 and
355 Nm
 of torque – plenty to move the massive SUV around. HSDM did not provide any further information, but the Palisade is offered in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations in other markets, the latter featuring the HTRAC four-wheel drive system.
In terms of features, HSDM only mentioned two: a full-colour head-up display, as well as an “industry-first” roof vent diffuser system for the air conditioning system that can provide focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. More information will have to wait until when we’re closer to the launch.
Globally, the Hyundai Palisade gets a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and an eight-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity – the latter upgradeable to 10.25-inch in certain markets. Other interior features include an electronic gear selector, quilted leather seats, and a 630-watt 12-speakers surround sound system.
The Hyundai SafetySense advanced driver assistance system is also standard on the global Palisade, with features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.
It remains to be seen if any or all of these features will make their way into the Malaysia-market Hyundai Palisade. Either way, it’ll be an exciting year ahead for Hyundai in Malaysia, and we can’t wait to bring you the latest coverage as we get them – so keep your eyes peeled!
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Hyundai Palisade


Rocket scientist explains why the new McLaren 720S is so quick

Contrary to what most of us believe, power is not everything. You may have 1,000 hp but if your car has the aerodynamic attributes of a bus, the millennia of horsepower will never be utilised efficiently.
That brings us to the
McLaren 720s
 – a car so influenced by aerodynamics in its design that’s even more “airflow-friendly ” than a Pagoda singlet.
It’s all very geeky, but honestly if you can spare seven minutes of your limited attention, you’d be amazed at the lengths McLaren has gone with the construction of the 720S and the effects of all the aerodynamic features on the car.


The Hyundai Kona N is a 280 hp crossover with Nürburgring-tuned suspension

We know that everyone wants an SUV. But with everyone and their aunts releasing a performance-oriented SUV, it seems like the demand for fast SUVs are equally as high. The latest company to join the bandwagon is Hyundai with the all-new Kona N, and it makes zero sense no matter how you look at it – which is a good thing, probably.
Powering Hyundai’s “first true hot SUV” (their words, not ours) is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, plucked out of the
Veloster N
, that sends
 280 hp
 and
392 Nm
 of torque to the front wheels, translating to a 0-100km/h time of
5.5 seconds
(with launch control) and a top speed of
240 km/h
.
While yes, the massive numbers are definitely the main headlines here, the Kona N is so much more than just brute force. For example, the eight-speed DCT gearbox itself – no manual option here unfortunately – which was tested around the Nordschleife for as much as 1,350 laps, already comes with three separate higher performance modes.
These include the “N Grin Shift”, which instantly shifts down to the “most appropriate gear” alongside a 20-second 6 hp boost; “N Power Shift” which automatically engages when the accelerator pedal is pushed over 90%, mitigating torque loss during gearshifts and more importantly makes the customary loud bang sounds; and a “N Track Sense Shift” which optimises the transmission for – as the name suggests – track driving.
And it’s not just the gearbox that was honed in on the ‘Ring – the Hyundai Kona N also comes with a reinforced chassis and a model-specific suspension set-up that was tuned on the Green Hell.
Other performance goodies include the 19-inch lightweight forged alloys wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tyres, beefier brakes, the N Corner Carving electronic limited-slip differential, and an active exhaust system.
That’s all sounds mightily impressive – and even more so on a tall-riding crossover (which Hyundai insists that it feels like a hot hatch underneath). But what’s the point of going fast if it doesn’t look at least just as fast, right?
For that, the new “hot SUV” builds on top of the
N Line
 (
that we’re getting here soon!
) in terms of looks with a unique grille mesh pattern, and new front lip and side skirts – the latter two with striking red accents.
Bigger changes are at the back, as the Kona N adds on a racecar-inspired triangular third brake light, a functional double-decker roof-mounted spoiler, enormous dual exhaust outlets, and the customary N badging.
The new hot
hatch
 SUV debuts with a new N-exclusive “Sonic Blue” exterior colour, which Hyundai says is a new spin on the iconic Performance Blue colour. While it’s the only model with the new hue right now, Hyundai says that it “previews a possible SUV line-up expansion”, hinting at a new N performance SUV in the future – Tucson N, maybe?
Inside, the Hyundai Kona N gets an N-specific sport steering wheel with steering-mounted N buttons to go with its new sporty credentials, alongside alloy pedals, and N-branded microfibre suede sports seats. As is standard on all N performance models, designers also added a liberal splash of Performance Blue accents throughout.
But more importantly (according to Hyundai, anyway) is the new dual 10-inch infotainment + digital cluster system and an exclusive “racing head-up display”, which comes with an ‘N mode design’ displaying lap times and your on-track location on the pre-installed track maps to deliver a “game-like” driving experience.
While it’s clearly designed for the track, Hyundai wants you to believe that the Kona N can still handle day-to-day driving sufficiently. The SafetySense ADAS suite is retained on the performance SUV, with features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Smart Cruise Control coming as standard.
All of the conveniences you get from a crossover – including the taller (-ish) right height and extra boot space – are all also still present here. But really, with a Nürburgring-tuned suspension, you’re really going to be better off just keeping it on the racetracks.
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Over 60% of Lambos sold are the Lamborghini Urus – 1,599 units sold in Q1 2023

Marking a strong start to the year which celebrates the company’s 60th year anniversary,
Automobili Lamborghini
 has recorded its best quarterly performance in Q1 2023. In the first quarter alone, the company sold a total of
2,623 cars
, up 84 units from 2022. Its best-selling model is undoubtedly the
Lamborghini Urus
 which makes up for 61% of its Q1 sales figures with
1,599

units
 sold.
After the Lamborghini Urus, the next best-selling Lamborghini would be the
Huracan
, which has been sold out till the end of production. Following behind the Huracan is the
Lamborghini Aventador
 which has ceased production in 2022. The company has also recorded positive response for the
Revuelto
, which is its first plug-in hybrid car.
Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann said, “2023 will go down in Lamborghini as a landmark period in our history, and starting off our anniversary year with these figures can only make us proud. These results will allow us to tackle the upcoming challenges with increased enthusiasm. These include the start of the second stage of the “Direzione Cor Tauri” program, the most important investment plan in the company’s history, which will help Lamborghini to grow and develop even further.”
The first quarter of 2023 closed with the best performance ever in terms of revenue and profitability. Turnover reached €728 million, up 22.8% compared with the same period of 2022. Operating income also showed a record result, going from €178 to 260 million in the first three months of the year and a corresponding profitability of 35.7%. Very strong numbers that add up to an order bank that, almost entirely, covers the production of 2024.
RELATED:
Lamborghini’s first EV, due in 2030, won’t be an SUV
Automobili Lamborghini Managing Director and CFO, Paolo Poma said, “The first quarter of 2023 closed with record results. The figures are a confirmation of the path taken in recent years, which has led Lamborghini to become a benchmark in the luxury market. The strength of our order portfolio, together with excellent market feedback following the presentation of the Revuelto, provide a solid foundation on which we continue to build our growth.”
RELATED:
Lamborghini Revuelto unveiled – Hybrid V12 Aventador successor, 0-100km/h in 2.5 secs


Perodua Alza facelift debuts, 4 variants from RM51,490 to RM62,690

Malaysia’s most popular and most affordable seven-seater MPV was just given a refresher for MY2018. The latest Perodua Alza facelift now gets a revised look, new equipment and better air-condition flow to the third-row seats.
Plenty of value-added items in the form of front fog lamps, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, solar and security window film and 15-inch alloys wrapped in 185/55 profile tyres (silver finish on S variant, titanium on SE and AV) that are standard across all variants make the Alza an even more compelling package.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Perodua Alza Standard (MT)
Perodua Alza Standard (AT)
Perodua Alza SE (AT)
Perodua Alza Advance (AT)
Engine
1,495cc; naturally aspirated 4-cylinderwith DVVT
Transmission
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Max Power
104 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
136 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM51,490
RM54,290
RM56,890
RM62,690
Visually, the base S variant (S for standard) wears the same look as before but the more expensive SE and Advance variants, they get a new front bumper with larger lower intake, twin-bar front grille, new side skirts, reshaped rear bumper and additional tailgate garnish.

Inside is where the changes become more apparent. As standard, all variants now benefit from redesigned instrument panel graphics as well as a new centre console layout. Also new is a two-motion remote control key that unlocks the driver’s door with one press and double press to unlock all doors for added security.
The S and SE variants get a new audio system that first debut on the
third-generation Myvi
 that comes with USB and Bluetooth functionality. The range-topping AV variant, on the other hand, gets an Android-based touch-screen infotainment system with Smart Link, navigation and reverse camera functions as well a roof-mounted monitor for rear passengers.

If you prefer to have leather seats and front parking sensors equipped on your Alza, you will have to opt for the SE and AV variants as the Alza S is the only variant that comes with fabric seats. Perodua has revised the air-conditioning flow to the third-row by introducing new fixed fins between the centre air vents, improved evaporator and enhanced heat-exchange piping.
Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said: “Recognising customers’ fondness for personalising their vehicles, Perodua is introducing a range of unique GearUp accessories for the Alza, for the first time. These include exterior cosmetic add-ons; quilted seat covers and sunshades.”
Like before, the refreshed Alza is powered by the same 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder DVVT engine that pumps out
104 hp
 and
136 Nm
 of torque. Drive is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
Safety kit reads dual front airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and ISOFIX child seat points in the middle row standard across the Alza range, netting all variants a 4-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.
Order books of the refreshed Perodua Alza are now open and the public can view the car in the metal from 6 September 2018 onwards. All Alzas comes with a 5-Years or 150,000 km warranty and is available in five exterior shades – Granite Grey (only for SE and AV), Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple and Electric Blue.
IMAGE GALLERY
Perodua Alza AV Facelift

Perodua Alza SE Facelift

Perodua Alza S Facelift

Perodua Alza GearUp


All-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class will make its world premiere in Detroit

Shortly after releasing the interior gallery of the
next-generation G-Class
, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the car in full on 15 January 2018 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
In a teaser video titled “Stronger Than Time | The Amber Cube”, it featured the first-generation G-Class fossilised in an amber cube hinting at the model’s timelessness. Earlier, Mercedes-Benz said the G-Class has “changed very little” but the DNA of the legendary off-road vehicle lives on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtkhrTeh1Sg
The company has
unveiled the interior of the G-Class in full
. Notable highlights include a new-generation dashboard layout, Widescreen Cockpit, new steering wheel with touchpads, turbine-styled air vents, front passenger grab handles and many more.
The new-gen G-Class also gets a significantly roomier interior with key measurements as below:
Description
Difference
Legroom – front
+ 38 mm
Legroom – rear
+ 150 mm
Shoulder width – front
+ 38 mm
Shoulder width – rear
+ 27 mm
Elbow room – front
+ 68 mm
Elbow room – rear
+ 56 mm
It won’t be long now till the new-gen “Godfather of SUVs” is presented to the world in full. Locally, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has the full-blown
G 63 AMG on sale for a cool RM1.18 million
.
IMAGE GALLERY
New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Interior


Next-generation Honda Civic to debut Nov 17 on Twitch – yes, the game streaming platform

The
Honda Civic
 is one of the most popular models in the younger car-buying crowd here in Malaysia. We guess it’s pretty similar across the globe too, so much so that Honda has decided to debut the next-generation Civic on Twitch, the game streaming platform, in between rounds of Fortnite – we’re not kidding.
The all-new Honda Civic will make its appearance on
November 17
 (Nov. 18 morning for us folks at this side the world) on Honda’s own
Head2Head
 Twitch Channel – the first and only automotive-branded Twitch gaming channel, apparently.

Though, come November 17, we still won’t be seeing the car in full production form, but only a prototype. Still, we figure it won’t stray too far from the actual car rolling off the assembly line, given our past experiences with Honda’s “prototypes”.
To go along with the announcement, Honda has treated us with a short 15-second teaser video, giving us a brief look at some of the new design elements of the all-new Civic. From what we can see, the radical new design will include a new Honda Solid Wing face, with less angular headlights more akin to the
all-new Honda City
.
The rear of the next-generation Honda Civic also looks to be a little sleeker, and might we add – a little more “European” in its design. Gone are the C shaped taillights assembly (also affectionally known as prawns or
ketam
 taillights), replaced with a wider, horizontal design with a light signature that mimics the daytime-running lights up front. Also, is it just us or does it look a little like that of the
Audi A4
?
Other details that we can see from the teaser video include a quite exaggerated integrated ducktail spoiler, twin oval exhaust exits on the rear bumper, new five twin-spoke alloy wheels, as well as a slight kink on the C-pillar area, like the one we see on the all-new
Honda Accord
.
Recent rumours suggest that the next-generation Honda Civic will come in two bodystyles like before, a sedan – which is the one we’re seeing here – as well as a hatchback, though we’ll only know for sure on November 17 or even later. Based on what has been revealed so far, what do you think of the upcoming all-new Honda Civic?
GALLERY


Upcoming Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid to be 100% electric motor-driven

Daihatsu in Japan has begun the marketing campaign for the upcoming
Rocky hybrid
 variant, called
E-Smart Hybrid
. While hybrids are common and dominated by Toyota in Japan, the technology being rolled out by Daihatsu seems to be something similar to Honda Malaysia and their “
torque matters
” campaign.
Based on the key points highlighted by Daihatsu Japan, the E-Smart Hybrid technology in the upcoming Rocky uses an electric motor as the main driving force of the vehicle. The accompanying press release even mentioned, “a series hybrid that runs with
100%
 electric motor power”.
As such, plenty of torque from the electric motor propels the little Rocky, which should prove to be quite fun to drive and see much fewer vibrations transmitted into the cabin.
We have reviewed the turbocharged Perodua Ativa Turbo. Find out GC’s main concerns about the little SUV here.
For the combustion engine portion, an optimized 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (WA-VEX) that is also offered in the
Indonesian market
 Daihatsu Rocky, is tasked to charge the battery pack which is located under the rear seats. In Malaysia, the
Perodua Ativa
, which is based on the Daihatsu Rocky, is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of
98 hp
 and
140 Nm
 of torque.
This petrol-electric hybrid technology, called series-hybrid, is the staple in Nissan’s
E-Power
 hybrid setup. In the
Nissan Note E-Power
, the fuel efficiency can be as high as 32.6 km/L. For comparison, the turbocharged Perodua Ativa is rated at 18.9 km/L
.
Daihatsu is only officially launching the new Rocky E-Smart Hybrid in
November
. Under the recently announced
12th Malaysia Plan
, incentives for manufacturing and sales of low emission vehicles such as hybrids are being reviewed and as such, the Perodua Ativa might just be offered with this fun-to-drive hybrid system too!


The Hyundai Elantra facelift is one way to make you stand out on the road

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just launched the facelifted Hyundai Elantra that packs a fresh exterior design and a refined cabin to give other C-Segment competitors a run for their money.
Offered in a sole
2.0L Executive variant
, the refreshed Elantra is competitively priced at RM109,888, on-the-road without insurance.
QUICK FACTS
 Name
 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L Executive
 Engine
 1,999cc; 4-cylinder
MPI
 Transmission
 6-speed automatic
 Max Power
 152 hp @ 6,200
rpm
 Max Torque
 192 Nm @ 4,000
rpm
 Price (OTR
without insurance)
 RM109,888
On the outside, the Elantra gains a new bold design but rest assured, it’s a facelift exercise. Overall length has grown by 70 mm thanks to restyled bumpers, triangular headlamps design with halogen projector units, LED daytime running lights and LED combination tail lamps.
The front grille also spots a new design that is decidedly more commanding compared to the previous version.
Over to the rear, the number plate holder has been repositioned to the lower rear bumper section and the empty space is now occupied by the ELANTRA badge positioned across the tailgate. It now rides on a new set of 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.
Compared to the pre-facelift version, the cabin of the new Elantra is a big step up furnished with new chequered design instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT mono LCD, black leather upholstery, newly-designed multifunctional steering wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear air vents as well as rear-view camera with dynamic parking lines.
The centre console features a slightly reworked layout, but our local-spec car does not come with automatic climate control which is available in the premium variants in foreign markets but instead we get a manual system.
Under the hood lies the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission packing
152 hp
 and
192 Nm
to drive the front wheels. There is a Drive mode selector which alters the powertrain between Eco, Normal, Sport and Smart.
Safety wise the facelift Elantra gets six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System is not available here.
There are five exterior shades to choose from – Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Teal Blue, Fluid Metal and Polar White. In addition to that, Stargazing Blue and Sparkling Metal are offered as
limited-edition colour choices
 in conjunction with the model launch.
Every purchase of the Hyundai Elantra facelift comes with a 5-Years or 300,000 km warranty and 24-hour road assist service.
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Elantra 2.0L Executive Facelift


The reality of an Aston Martin SUV, the DBX, is getting closer

They’ve teased us with a
concept in 2015
, whet our appetites with a
concept in 2018
and riled us up with a
video of it slippin’ and slidin’ on ice
earlier this year but it’s getting closer.
With the opening of Aston Martin Lagonda’s new (second) manufacturing plant in the UK, the brand has also released new pre-production pictures of the new DBX SUV.
Aston Martin’s first ever SUV is said to have undergone testing in various extremes – from the gut-wrenching Nurburgring to the freezing Artic Circle – and is on schedule for its unveiling at the
end of the year
.
Word is that the DBX will
feature a turbocharged engine
, for want of low-end torque and although specific details have been sparse, it won’t be far-fetched to expect Daimler-made engines fitted in, like in the
V8 Vantage
 and
V12 DB11
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Here’s your new wallpaper featuring the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport getting some air

Ahead of the commencement of production for the Chiron Pur Sport, Bugatti has taken the 60-unit-only limited-edition supercar to the Nardo Ring test track in Italy to carry out some final fine-tuning. Piloting the Chiron Pur Sport was none other than Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace, who was also behind the wheel of the
record-breaking 300 mph (482 km/h) Bugatti Chiron
.
Wallace put the the pre-production unit through its pace, providing feedback to enhance the tuning of the engine control system, running gear, brakes and gearbox. But most importantly, he also gave us this ridiculously awesome wallpaper-quality image of the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport being airborne over a crest on the track. Goodness gracious me does it look incredible.

“Even though I have already been doing this job for a few years, I am actually in Nardo for the first time. I like the proving ground very much, above all the handling track with its many varied corners,” Wallace explained after his development outing.
“The fast right-left-right combinations on the demanding 6.2-kilometre long track are great fun in the Chiron Pur Sport. The shorter-ratio gearbox results in even more brutal acceleration out of the bends. The lateral acceleration potential is incredible. The Chiron Pur Sport gives the driver super direct feedback, which makes driving easier,” he added.
Aside from being an awesome track machine – which
dominated the Nurburgring Nordschleife with ease
 – the Chiron Pur Sport is also still a luxurious sports car fit for the road, thus the engineering team will have to tune the car to suit the streets.
On that note, Wallace commented: “The Chiron Pur Sport is extremely agile for driving on public roads, but it still offers enough comfort. The engineers have set up the running gear perfectly. Firm and direct, but not too hard.”
Each of these 8.0-litre W16 powered monsters will run you three million Euros, at least. With only 60 units to be made, chances are you and I will never ever touch one of these in our lifetimes. At least we get to enjoy these beautiful photos…
Full-resolution images are available for download on the Bugatti media site,
here
.
GALLERY


Win a Mercedes-Benz EQA with Petronas ‘Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz’ Campaign!

Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB)
 has just launched the “Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz” campaign, offering prizes worth more than RM 500,000 to 1,200 lucky winners from
November 1, 2022
 to
January 31, 2023
. The Petronas campaign is in partnership with the global payments technology company, Visa.
The grand prize of the Petronas Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz campaign is an all-electric
Mercedes-Benz EQA
. Two second-prize winners will each win holiday vouchers worth RM 15,000. These will be rewarded at the end of the 3-month long campaign.
Besides that, Petronas will also be rewarding monthly prizes in the Mesra Bonanza campaign. Close to 400 monthly winners stand a chance of winning a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle, 6 iPhone 14 smartphones, 12 Garmin Venu SQ 2 watches, fuel, Setel and shopping vouchers, as well as Mesra points.
To be in the running for the monthly prizes, customers need to spend a minimum of
RM 40
 on fuel at any Petronas station, or a minimum of
RM 10
retail transaction at Kedai Mesra in a single receipt.
RELATED:
Need a battery replacement or vehicle towing? Setel now does them too
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250
To stand a chance at winning the Petronas Mesra Bonanza grand prize, customers need to spend a cumulative of
RM 700
 throughout the campaign period (November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023). Those who use their Setel app can gain 2X entries whilst those who transact with Visa debit/credit cards via
CardTerus
 on the Setel app are entitled to 4X entries.
Speaking at the campaign, PDB General Manager of Retail Fuel, Norazlan Subaha said, “PDB is focused on enhancing our customer experience and simplifying journeys across all touchpoints. We are constantly in search of the best ways to delight our loyal customers. Today we are excited to unveil Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz, a no-frills, inclusive loyalty rewards campaign which we are certain will excite our customers.”
RELATED:
Proton’s PRO-NET and Petronas’ Gentari to build 20 DC fast chargers in 2023
Visa Country Manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon said, “We are pleased to partner with Petronas once again on the Mesra Bonanza Visa Campaign. Our valued cardholders have the opportunity to walk away with a variety of prizes worth more than RM 500,000 whenever they pay for their fuel and other purchases at Petronas using their Visa cards. We continue to work with our valued partners to create rewarding campaigns and benefits for our cardholders and drive increased digital payments usage in Malaysia.”
For more information on the Petronas Mesra Bonanza Lagi Onz campaign, click
here
.


The all-new M5 CS is the fastest and most powerful production car BMW has ever made

Ladies and gents, feast your eyes upon the all-new BMW M5 CS, the newest and baddest 5 Series in (M)town. But it isn’t just another
M5
 variant, oh no. Because the M5 CS is now the most powerful and fastest-accelerating production BMW vehicle ever made.
Joining the
BMW M2 CS
 in the ranks of models carrying the coveted “Clubsport” title, the all-new M5 CS super-sedan turns its performance dial all the way up to 11, probably obliterating any sense of comfort and day-to-day liveability at the same time. We’re not complaining, though.
So how does BMW make the already-incredible
BMW M5 Competition
even faster? Well, the answer, as always, is more power and less weight, plus a little dusting of motorsports-inspired styling elements for good measure.
On the “more power” front, the BMW M5 CS gets treated to a reworked 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now generating
635 hp
 (+10 hp) and
750 Nm
 of torque, the latter unchanged from before.
Pair that to the eight-speed Steptronic M automatic gearbox and a reprogrammed M xDrive all-wheel drive system, and the M5 CS completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just
3.0 seconds
. Continue to keep your right foot pinned to the floor, and you’ll arrive at 200 km/h in
10.3 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
305 km/h
.
Alongside increased performance, the BMW M5 CS also gets a redesigned oil pan with an additional sump and indirect charge air cooling, as well as more rigid engine mounts, which helps achieve a smoother transmission of power to each wheel, according to BMW’s performance division.
The suspension has also been fitted with firmer dampers and 10% stiffer springs which reduces the ride height by 7 mm, working in conjunction with the stiffer tow-link ball-joint mounts, stiffer rear sway bar, standard 20-inch wheels and a no-cost option Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, as well as standard M carbon ceramic brakes to further slice away lap times. There’s no need to explain why the M5 CS has the
Nordschleife
 etched onto the seats.
Thanks to an intense weight-loss programme, the BMW M5 CS weighs
70 kg
 less than the Competition variant. BMW says that this was done by reducing the amount of sound-deadening material, alongside an ostentatious amount of carbon fibre parts all round. And we mean that quite literally – there’s carbon fibre almost everywhere.
The roof, bonnet, splitter, spoiler, diffuser, and mirror caps have all been replaced with carbon fibre parts, and even the M Sports seats have been jettisoned in favour of the lighter M carbon fibre bucket seats. Heck, even the gearshift paddles are made of carbon fibre. Other lightweighting measures include the deletion of the rear middle seats (replaced with two individual seats), and a reworked centre arm rest without a stowage compartment.
To distinguish the all-new BMW M5 CS from its “regular” counterparts, the super-sedan gets a special “Gold Bronze” finish on its kidney grilles, badging, gills surrounds, as well as the 20-inch staggered M forged wheels. The massive brake callipers can also be optioned with the same bronze finish, but comes as standard with a coat of red paint.
The carbon fibre bonnet gets two additional hood scoops dressed with exposed carbon fibre and a power bulge, while the light signature within the BMW Laserlight headlights gets a yellow tint as a nod to BMW’s GT race cars.
In addition to the normal selection of M5 colours, the CS will also be offered in three unique BMW Individual colours: Brands Hatch Grey metallic, Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic, the latter of which is can be seen in these photos.
The BMW M5 CS will go on sale in spring of 2021 for EUR180,400 (RM886k) in Germany and other large markets, with production slated to begin around March, limited to one year only.
GALLERY


Facts & Figures: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today launched the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ on our shores in a digital premiere of the brand’s compact performance models, alongside the
A 45 S
 and A 35 hatchback. Priced at
 RM448,888
 (on the road without insurance), the CLA 45 S also marks the entry of the all-new CLA coupe in the country.
With MBM’s Agility Financing, the new CLA 45 S can be yours starting from
RM5,355
 a month. If you prefer more protection, the AMGPro Financing which includes insurance, unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, as well as tyre/rims replacement, starts at
RM5,588
 per month.
Similar to its hatchback cousin, powering the compact coupe is the “one man, one engine” M139
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine
, paired to an
eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission
. In terms of performance, you can expect:
Horsepower: 421 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 270 km/h
As expected from an AMG model, the CLA 45 S comes with all the performance wizardry to ensure optimum performance both on track and on the roads. These include:
fully-variable all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control, featuring Drift mode
AMG Dynamic Select
AMG Dynamics
AMG Ride Control Suspension
The CLA 45 S is styled fittingly to its performance – air inlets and vents, power domes, diffusers and widened wheel arches are all present on the four-door performance coupe. Unlike the A 45, the CLA 45 S does not come with the Edition 1 package, which means the omission of the AMG Aerodynamic pack. Although, the following AMG-specific exterior kit are still standard equipment:
AMG-specific Panamericana grille
Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels
Red painted brake callipers
Two twin-tailpipes
The aggressive appearance continues on the inside. AMG-specific goodies include:
AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre
AMG steering wheel buttons
AMG Performance seats
designo seat belts in red
AMG door sill panels with illuminated AMG lettering
AMG floor mats
Otherwise, the interior takes on a similar look to the latest-generation of the
A-Class
, featuring the twin 10.25-inch displays as the instrument cluster and infotainment display. Other standard interior features are:
MBUX infotainment system with
Mercedes me connect
AMG Track Pace virtual “race engineer”
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Burmester Surround Sound System
360 degrees camera
Wireless charging pad
As for safety, the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ comes equipped with the marque’s Driving Assistant Package, which includes the following features:
Blind spot assist
Active Brake Assist
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Parking Assist with Parktronic
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen Passat B8 to be the first MQB-based CKD car from Pekan

The all-new eight generation
Volkswagen Passat
 as we now know, is new from the ground up and sits on the brand’s modular MQB platform. Also sitting on the platform are the
Passat Alltrack and Variant
, the
Mk7 Golf
, new
Audi A3
,
Audi TT
 and the new
VW Touran
.
During our visit to Volkswagen’s Production Plant in Pekan, we were told that the facility can be upgraded to roll out MQB-based cars, and that it’s likelier for us to get the locally assembled Passat B8 instead of the Golf range.
Volkswagen is offering a total of
ten transversely mounted engines
 to go with the new Passat, all of which features fuel saving tech like
engine start-stop system
 and
regenerative braking
. There’s also the
1.4L TSI
 plug-in hybrid variant that sips 1.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.
When VW had a
private viewing
 of the Passat B8 late last year, the model donned a diesel engine which the carmaker claims to be their
most powerful four-cylinder diesel
 engine to date. It makes
236 horsepower
 and
500 Nm
 of torque, delivering its brute to all four wheels via the
4MOTION AWD
 system. A seven-speed DSG gearbox is standard here, and the Passat consumes a healthy 5.3 litres of fuel per 100 km.

In moving on, Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s Managing Director, Mr Armin Keller also pointed out that they are looking into locally assembling the
Tiguan
 model, which is currently on sale for
RM178,888
 for the 1.4L TSI and
RM239,888
 for the 2.0L.
Thoughts, guys?
IMAGE GALLERY


ONE’s experimental battery tech gives Tesla Model S 1,210 km of range on a single charge

An American company by the name of ONE – or Our Next Energy – has just unveiled a new prototype battery for electric vehicles that promises to “[double] the available energy on board in the same package space”.
For its proof-of-concept, ONE retrofitted an experimental 203.7 kWh battery pack into a
Tesla Model S
 and sent it on a road trip test back in December last year. The modified Model S achieved a mileage of
1,210 km on a single charge
in the real-world test, with an average speed of around 88.5 km/h.

The car was also validated by a third party using a dynamometer (dyno) running at the same speed of 88.5 km/h, and managed to achieve an even more impressive 1,419 km of range thanks to the more “ideal” conditions of a dyno run – no inclines, and no need for stopping.
For context, the standard Tesla Model S Long Range model comes with a 103.9 kWh battery from the factory, and promises a fully-electric range of approximately 650 km based on the EPA test cycle.
RELATED: kW, kWh, AC/DC? Common EV terms and jargons explained
Screenshot:
Our Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube
ONE claims that the battery – called ‘Gemini’ – is the “word’s first range-extended dual-chemistry battery”. It boasts a high energy density of 416 Wh/L, and uses artificial intelligence to help maximize range.
The company believes that its Gemini battery will provide the surplus energy required to overcome many real-world factors such as high-speed driving, weather, and mountainous roads, which can lead to a loss of more than 35% of rated range.
 Screenshot:
Our Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube
“We want to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating range anxiety, which holds back most consumers today,” said ONE founder and CEO Mujeeb Ijaz.
“We’re now focused on evolving this proof-of-concept battery into a new product called Gemini, which will enable long distance trips on a single charge while improving cost and safety using sustainable materials.”
The company also says that its high-range batteries can help reduce pressure on EV infrastructure, as it reduces the need for queueing at charging stations (due to the reduced charging needs).
 Screenshot:
Our Next Energy (ONE)/YouTube
ONE was founded in 2020, and according to its
 official website
, the company received backing from several well-established companies including BMW i Ventures, Volta, and Bill Gate’s Breakthrough Energy.
The company aims to produce its first product – called the Aries, a 79 kW battery – later this year, followed by a demonstration of the Gemini battery’s production prototype in 2023.


Naza Automotive appeals for automotive sector to be allowed to resume operations

Following
Honda
 and
Toyota’s
 plea to the government recently, Naza Automotive Group, the automotive arm of the Naza Corporation Holdings is now also appealing for the government to allow the automotive sector to resume operations.
This is as the entire supply chain in the automotive sector has been seriously affected, especially due to the complete and prolonged shutdown of operations in vital areas like Selangor and the Federal Territories.
“Many of the key automotive companies for both vehicle and parts production are located within these two states. Prolonged business and supply chain disruption will have dire consequences on the industry, especially due to the fact that the local automotive industry is highly dependent on the domestic market,” said Naza Automotive Group, CEO, Dato’ Nik Hamdan.
Naza Automotive Group’s CEO went on to emphasise that the continuous shutdown which affects all facets of the automotive sector would lead to eventual business closures, especially with the smaller players in the industry. It would then lead to layoffs and a deep and long-lasting impact on the job market.
The current situation could also pose safety risks to vehicle owners due to the continuous use of under-serviced vehicles and the inability to replace damaged parts when necessary.


2022 Honda HR-V launched in Indonesia with new 1.5L VTEC Turbo powertrain

The
2022 Honda HR-V
 has just been launched in Indonesia, which also saw the global debut of the marque’s VTEC Turbo engine in the compact crossover.
In stark contrast to the
Honda HR-V in Thailand
, which only comes in the e:HEV hybrid flavour, the compact crossover in Indonesia will be offered with two petrol-only powertrains.
The lower three variants (S, E, and SE) gets a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated VTEC engine making
121 hp
 and
145 Nm
 of torque, while the range-topping RS variant will feature a 1.5-litre inline-four VTEC Turbo engine making
 177 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque. Both engines are paired exclusively to a CVT gearbox on all variants.
If the VTEC Turbo powertrain sounds familiar, that’s because it’s also shared with the recently-unveiled
11th-generation Civic
 – although we in Malaysia get a slightly higher tune at 182 hp and 240 Nm.
In terms of standard equipment, all variants of the all-new HR-V in Indonesia will come equipped with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite as standard. The system includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control (with low speed follow), automatic high-beam, as well as the Lead Car Departure Notification.
Other standard equipment include the LED headlights and tail lights, 17-inch wheels, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display. As usual, moving up the trim levels will net you even more goodies and creature comforts including larger wheels, rear aircon vents, gearshift pedals, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a larger infotainment display.
RELATED: New tech, looks, and more space: Can the new Honda HR-V keep its crown?
But of course, the cream-of-the-crop items are all reserved for the range-topping RS Turbo, which comes with a variant-exclusive body kit, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a driving mode selector that includes a Sports mode, a handsfree powered tailgate, as well as fancier interior trimmings.
Pricing wise, the all-new Honda HR-V in Indonesia starts at 355.9 million rupiah (approx. RM105k) for the entry-level S variant, and tops out at 499.9 million rupiah (approx. RM148k), representing a slight price hike (3-61 million rupiah on the top end) across the board – which is to be expected due to the increase in standard equipment, not to mention a brand-new powertrain option on the RS.
The all-new Honda HR-V is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime this year, and based on
its statement earlier this year
, we can also expect the VTEC Turbo and e-HEV hybrid powertrains to be featured in the HR-V here on our shores, alongside the Honda Sensing driver assistance suite.
GALLERY


Honda Malaysia to launch 4 new models this year, CR-V Turbo included

Last year was a record-setting year for Honda Malaysia after they sold 91,830 units of cars, securing yet again the top spot as the most popular non-national carmaker, ahead of long-time favourites Toyota. This year, the company has bigger plans in store, with aims to shift 100,000 cars by the end of the year. How? By launching no less than four new cars!
2017 Honda CR-V Interior
Among the four new models are the
BR-V
,
facelifted City
 and the
all-new CR-V
. Seeing as how highly favoured the VTEC turbo is here, it’s safe to think that the Malaysian-bound CR-V will be turbocharged and locally assembled as well. Interestingly, one of the four cars will come with a hybrid powertrain, suggesting the possible introduction of the Honda Jazz Hybrid (1.5-litre with seven-speed dual clutch auto).
Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Katsuto Hayashi, “Despite most analysts predicting a cautious view, we believe 2017 will have a positive outlook for the automotive industry and market sentiment will gradually improve in this region. With this, we are forecasting the TIV for 2017 to be 600,000 units.”

Honda’s next and closest model launch will be none other than the facelifted City. The range topping V-Spec will get full LED headlamps and LED fog lamps, the latter a first for its class. It’s predicted to be a hard hitter, and we don’t for a second doubt that.
Meanwhile, check out our full preview of the City here
!