Mercedes-Benz Malaysia provides technical training to Bomba, signs MoU with MAI

In support of our nation’s roadmap to become an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) hub, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has engaged the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel to conduct a High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training.
It’s the first of its kind training programme to provide authorities with the know-hows on dealing with emergencies involving cars with high-voltage features, primarily Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
A total of 40 Bomba personnel were involved in a full day’s training that covers theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience to safely deal with HEVs and PHEVs. They were hosted at
MBM’s Training Academy at Wisma MBM Puchong, Selangor
. Among the cars used for the training were the
S 400 h
,
E 350 e
 and
C 350 e
.
During an emergency/collision, all Mercedes-Benz HEVs and PHEVs will
automatically cut off all electrical supply from the high-voltage battery pack
. The training initiative is to impart knowledge of the unique structure and features of HEVS and PHEVs to ensure that the emergency responders are aware of the high-voltage battery and take extra precaution when carrying out rescue duties such as drilling and removal of parts.
In addition to the launch of the High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training, MBM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) to strengthen working ties in the area of talent development. Graduates of MAI’s Career Enhancement Programme will have accelerated application into MBM’s Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme (AMA) which will receive MAI accreditation in accordance to the MoU.


These Lamborghini face masks are the most stylish ones you can’t buy

But it’s hardly surprising, isn’t it? They’re Lamborghini; it’s expected of them to be different.
Automobili Lamborghini has converted some areas of its production plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese in order to produce
surgical masks and protective plexiglass shields
, which will be donated to a local hospital.
The esteemed seamstress of the factory whose tasks usually involves piecing together decadent pieces of leather, are now relied upon to produce
over 1,000 masks a day
 and as you can vaguely tell through the images, they’re probably the most stylish a medical personnel can put on. It’s even tagged with a Lamborghini label!
 As a sign of unity and support for the people of Italy, every evening Lamborghini lights up the historic headquarter buildings in Sant’Agata Bolognese, with the colors of the Italian flag.
As for the plexiglass shields,
200 units are expected to be made per day
, using 3D printers within the carbon fiber production plant and the Research and Development department.
Once completed, these equipment would be tested and validated by the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, prior to their delivery to hospital.
Automobili Lamborghini, Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali said, “During this emergency, we feel the need to make a concrete contribution. The S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital is an institution with which we have had a collaborative relationship for years, through both professional consultancy in promoting programs to protect our workers’ health, and in research projects. We will win this battle together by working in union, supporting those who are at the forefront of fighting this pandemic every day.”
IMAGE GALLERY


All-new Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled with 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6

Here it is, at long last – Ford has just officially unveiled the second-generation Ranger Raptor, and compared to its
 predecessor
, the Blue Oval has given the new the King of the Jungle performance pick-up truck a massive list of upgrades across the board.
First of all is, of course, the new beating heart of the Ranger Raptor.
Just as we’ve guessed
, the all-new Raptor is now powered by a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine, with
288 hp
 and
 491 Nm
 of torque on tap – although several outlets reported that the US version will actually come with
397 hp
 and
583 Nm
. Either way, it’s still a healthy increase over the outgoing turbodiesel mill’s 213 hp.
Ford will still offer the all-new Ranger Raptor with the existing 2.0-litre turbodiesel in certain markets, but did not mention if there’ll be any updates to its performance. Fingers crossed that we actually get the V6 Raptor here in Malaysia!
Power is sent to all four wheels via a new full-time AWD system and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. And just as before, there’s also the variant-exclusive Baja drive mode, which now even comes with an active exhaust system selector – Baja, of course, being the loudest and naughtiest (Ford says it’s almost like a straight pipe set-up) of them all.
New to the Baja drive mode is also an anti-lag system for the turbochargers, which keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners when the driver steps back on the accelerator.
Additionally, the engine is also programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the transmissions’ 10 gears, which further optimises performance across the entire speed range.
To handle the extra firepower and stress load while you jump through the sand dunes, Ford says it has also significantly toughened up the chassis with several structural reinforcements, including beefier shock towers and rear shock brackets.
The suspension on the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor has also been completely redesigned with lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms. Fox adaptive shocks are again standard here, and features the brand’s latest 2.5-inch Live Valve dampers filled with Teflon-infused oil.
Ford says that the suspension set-up here is the most sophisticated ever to be fitted onto a Ranger, with all of its characteristics specifically fine-tuned to provide the “perfect balance” between on-road and off-road performance.
And with that much performance, the truck of course has to look its part. To that end, Ford has given the Ranger Raptor here extra flared wheel arches, unique bumpers both front and back, cast aluminium side steps, and the signature F-O-R-D lettering on the grille to give it some more visual muscle.
As for standard features, the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor comes equipped from the factory with 17-inch alloys wrapped in “Raptor-exclusive performance all-terrain tyres”, actual functional aero vents, and matrix LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights.
Inside, upgrades specific to the Ranger Raptor include a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with Raptor-specific displays, cast-magnesium gearshift paddles, unique jet fighter-inspired sports seats, Code Orange accents (to match the new ‘hero’ external colour), the Raptor-specific drive mode selector, as well as a 10-speaker B&O sound system.
No pricing details have been announced just yet, but we’ll say it here first – it’s all going to be worth it. Give us one right now.
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All-new 2022 BMW X1 unveiled with wildly good looks, 272 hp fully-electric iX1 variant

What you’re looking at here is the all-new third-generation 2022
BMW X1
, the Bavarian carmaker’s latest entry point to its SUV (
or Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW-speak
) line-up. And while it’s still supposed to be a compact model, the all-new X1 has grown in every dimension to now look almost like a shrunk down
X5
.
In terms of appearance, we think that the all-new U11 2022 BMW X1 actually looks a lot more proportionate compared to the outgoing model. There’s a taller front face accented by a new square-ish kidney grille, while the bootlid is also more raked than before, with its roofline extended by a prominent spoiler hanging on top of the narrow rear window.
Speaking of the kidney grille, it is definitely quite a bit larger than before. But weirdly, it still looks proportionate here – maybe the
XM
 has skewed our perception somewhat. Flanking it are the new trapezoidal headlights with a twin inverted-L-shaped daytime-running light signature, while the taillights at the back get a three-dimensional soft lighting effect.
The rest of the car’s surfaces have been cleaned up with less brazen character lines, but the bumpers are almost the polar opposite, with sharp angular elements that look like they’ve been chiselled out with an X-Acto knife. To help with the stance, the rear haunches are also more prominent before, while the lower edges of the car – which taper upwards towards the rear – are clad in gloss black plastic.
Alongside the regular X1, the U11-generation model will also spawn a new fully-electric model dubbed the iX1, replacing the
 iX3
 as the new entry point to BMW’s electrified line-up. To distinguish between the two, the iX1 gets additional blue highlights all along its exterior, alongside a closed-off front grille to further help bring its drag coefficient down to just 0.26 Cd.
Inside, the dashboard of the all-new 2022 BMW X1 looks to be taken directly from the
2 Series Active Tourer
, with a minimal layout characterised by the litter of air vents all across the dashboard. The BMW Curved Display panel takes centrestage on the dashboard, with two screens measuring 10.25-inches for the instrument cluster and 10.7-inch for the infotainment display.
The Curved Display runs on BMW’s latest iDrive 8.0 system, which also means physical control buttons are a luxury in the all-new X1. The buttons are mostly located on the floating centre console ahead of the armrest, where you’ll find the toggle-style gear lever, and a large rotary wheel for volume control – no rotary iDrive controller here, sadly.
RELATED: BMW’s all-new iDrive system wants you to forget about physical controls
With the increased dimension, BMW says that the all-new X1 is now more accommodating for passengers, particulary in terms of shoulder and elbow room for both the front and back seat occupants. Boot space is rated at 540 litres (expandable to 1,600L with the seats folded down), although the iX1 does get a 50 litre reduction in cargo room, despite its batteries being located in the floor of the cabin.
Comfort is also said to be improved here, with noise reduction being a top priority in the all-new BMW X1 thanks to its improved door and tailgate sealing, alongside a new wing mirror design and quieter tyres. The fully-electric iX1 also gets specific mounting for its drivetrain for reduced noise, as well as a soundproofed and double-decoupled air-conditioning compressor.
At launch, the all-new 2022 BMW X1 will be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, starting with the sDrive18i which packs a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine for
 136 hp
 and
230 Nm
 of torque, while xDrive23i bookends the top-end of the petrol offerings with a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid system, making
204 hp
 and
320 Nm
.
The oil burners options meanwhile include the sDrive18d with
150 hp
 and
360 Nm
, as well as a xDrive23d with a 48V mild-hybrid-augmented 2.0-litre turbodiesel inline-four with
211 hp
 and
400 Nm
.
All of these engines are paired to a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission as standard, with drive sent to the front wheels on the sDrive models, and all four wheels on the xDrive.
Shortly after the launch, BMW will also be introducing a pair of plug-in hybrid models to the X1’s line-up, both utilising the same three-cylinder mill from the sDrive18i. With the addition of an electric drive motor, the xDrive25e gets a total system output of
245 hp
 and
477 Nm
, while the xDrive 30e boasts an output of
 326 hp
and
477 Nm
 of torque.
As for the fully-electric iX1, it will currently only be offered in the sole xDrive30 configuration, with two eDrive motors making a combined output of
200 kW (272 hp)
 and
494 Nm
 of torque on normal driving conditions, which can be boosted up to 230 kW (313 hp) temporarily under hard acceleration.
Performance wise, the all-new BMW iX1 sprints from 0-100 km/h in
5.7 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
180 km/h
. The electrons are fed from a 64.7 kWh battery pack located underneath the floor for a range of up to
438 km
 based on the WLTP test cycle.
Using the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger, filling up the battery takes roughly 6.5 hours. Although, an optional 22 kW charger drops the number down to just three hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, the car also accepts DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 29 minutes.
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New Honda Civic hatchback teased ahead of Geneva debut

We have all seen the new
tenth generation Honda Civic sedan
 that was released for the North American market. But what about hatch-loving Europeans? Honda has just announced that the five-door hatchback is now ready, but decided not to reveal in full the way it looks until March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Known as the “
Civic Hatchback Prototype
“, the rear section as seen in the picture above shows more than just having a shorter boot. It suggests a sportier outlook compared to the already handsome sedan. A dual exhaust setup sitting underneath the car is sported, unlike the split configuration seen in the sedan. At the same time, the hatchback shares similar rear lights with the sedan.
The hatchback’s distinctive feature is that it gets an additional engine offered next to the
turbocharged 1.5-litre
(173 hp) unit, that is the smaller
1.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine
. The ultra low emissions engine is capable of producing
 127 hp with 200 Nm of torque,
replacing the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated mill that is powering outgoing Civics. The new engine is also good for the environment as it emits just 99 grams of carbon dioxide per km!
Just like the predecessor, the rear torsion beam is retained, while the sedan gets an independent rear suspension setup. Honda reported that the new Civic platform is 25 percent stiffer than the outgoing one.
The new European Civic will be assembled at Honda’s UK plant in Swindon, hoping to give established European hatches such as Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Peugeot 308 some competition.
Just like the sedan, the outgoing ninth-generation hatch did not perform as expected, falling behind competitors. That similar scenario is echoed over here in Malaysia, as the Civic FB lost its lustre compared to the successful eighth-generation Civic. Although it’s unlikely for Honda Malaysia to introduce the hatchback variant (seeing how Malaysians favour the model with a boot), but give it a few years and you’ll surely spot a unit or two at your trusty parallel importers.
中文版：
AutoRepublic.my


Video: Check out this incredible Lexus interior makeover by DK SCHWEIZER!

GC Mah couldn’t have said it better; your car seats are like mattresses. You spend more hours in a lifetime than you can imagine on it so it being comfortable, supportive and of course, pleasing to the eye is utmost important.
So after nine years of owning his Lexus RX 350 F Sport, it was time for a makeover and just because it was his beloved Lexus – a car that he spends a lot of time in – it had to be done right.
Enter
DK SCHWEIZER
, an OEM upholstery manufacturer and
custom leather seat provider
 who has now expanded its business to cater directly to walk-in customers (B2C).

From the get-go, the process was quite exciting, even just to film! Not only can you work closely with DK SCHWEIZER’s designer to design your seats, but you can also specify different types of custom work including embroidery for the seats.
As for the types of materials available, the options are bound by the depth of your wallet. In GC Mah’s case, he opted for a mix of Nappa leather and Alcantara. The latter was also used for the entire headlining.
In this video, we also shared how a single piece of cowhide is utilised to the max using precision equipment, how the leather is tested to the limits to ensure its durability and lastly, how the leather is prepped and applied before the big reveal.
This is one video you do not want to miss!


Honda introduces a new front airbag design that literally “cups your face”

The new airbag design which has been designed to offer better protection in a wide range of frontal collision scenarios will be implemented into new Honda vehicles in the United States by 2020.
Unlike most conventional airbags that rely on a single inflatable compartment, the new system inflates in three separate areas which when deployed operates like something of a baseball catcher’s mitt – in the words of Honda.

The centre “sail panel” is responsible of catching, cushioning and decelerating the occupant’s head by allowing them to “sink in”; cradling and protecting the head from potential injury.
In collisions that causes the occupants head to rotate severely or slide of the airbag, the new airbag design looks to reduce the chances of serious injury.


2017 Honda CR-V launched in Thailand, prices start at a hefty RM180k!

The new 2017 Honda CR-V has been fully uncovered by Honda Thailand at the Bangkok Motor Show and became the third country to receive the
fifth-generation CR-V
, after the United States and Canada.
It’s offered there in four trims, and is confirmed to be a seven seater (watch out,
Nissan X-Trail
!). Features such as hands-free powered tailgate and Honda LaneWatch are also thrown into the mix.
Headlining the Thai-spec CRV is the
i-DTEC turbodiesel
 variant. Offered for the first time for the South East Asian market, the
 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder turbodiesel
 engine makes
 160 hp
 at 4,000 rpm and
350 Nm
 of torque from 2,000 rpm. A
nine-speed automatic transmission
 is tasked to drive the wheels.
The petrol variant is represented by the
2.4-litre i-VTEC
 petrol engine, which is essentially a carryover unit from its predecessor. The engine produces
173 hp
 at 6,200 rpm and
224 Nm
 at 4,000 rpm. The
 Earth Dreams CVT
 is the sole option for the petrol variant. Both the diesel and petrol variants are available as front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
A total of five colours are offered for the Thai market –  White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and the brand new Dark Olive Metallic. The new CR-V begins at
1,399,000 baht
 (approximately
RM180k
) for the 2.4 E petrol and
1,549,000
 (approximately
RM199k
) for the 4WD variant. That same amount for a 2.4 E 4WD also buys the front-wheel drive variant of the diesel CR-V. The dearest of all, the diesel 4WD, has a sticker price of
1,399,000 baht
 (approximately
 RM218k
).
Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia hinted that they will launch
two more models
 this year. It’s been confirmed that the CR-V will be one of the duo, but it’s unclear as yet whether it will be a seven-seater or five. The turbo petrol seems to be most promising, though.
IMAGE GALLERY


All-electric BMW Concept iX3 shown in Beijing, 270 hp with 400 km EV range

BMW Group made history at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition with the unveiling of the brand’s first ever all-electric vehicle. As expected, the electric vehicle (EV) is indeed the BMW Concept iX3 which the company have
hinted previously
.
The all-electric SUV or Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) as BMW calls them, sits on a new flexible architecture platform that will underpin all future BMW models. The new platform can accommodate all types of drivetrain layout – front, rear and even all-wheel drive – and all forms of powertrains from pure combustion engine to all-electric and everything in between.
The premiere of the Concept iX3 marks the debut of BMW’s
fifth-generation eDrive system
 that boasts lower weight, larger scalability and more compact in size. This innovation allows the company to apply electrification to more models in the future.
On the iX3’s application, the fifth-gen eDrive electric motor is capable of generating a maximum output of over 200 kW (
270 hp
), although the company did not specify which axle(s) power will be deployed onto. Thanks to a 70 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery pack, the iX3 has a claimed pure electric range of more than
400 km
.

Another innovation the fifth-gen eDrive boasts is rapid charging technology that allows the battery pack to be fully charged in
just 30 minutes
 when hooked up to a fast-charging station (150 kW).
Visually, the iX3 spots the BMW i brand’s new kidney grille and brand emblem. The closed kidney grille with blue accents reduces wind resistance and give the car better aerodynamics. Elsewhere, the iX3 is similar to the G01 X3 from the headlamps, taillamps and overall profile. The only other tell-tale sign that this is an electrified SAV is the charging port cut out on the front fender.
The future production version of BMW Concept iX3 will be built in Shenyang, China managed by BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture although the company did not commit to a timeline.
IMAGE GALLERY


Video: Audi Q8 3.0 V6 TFSI, Things You Need To Know

With 1 in 3 Audis sold globally being a “Q” model, naturally, Audi Malaysia’s new flagship has got to be an SUV. Enter the all-new
Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro
, a BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe rival.

Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the Q8 packs
340 hp
and
500 Nm
at its disposal. An 8-speed automatic transmission channels that grunt to all four wheels via the brand’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Century sprint is done in
5.9 seconds
and top speed is limited to
250 km/h
.
It also gets significantly
more kit than the Q7 with items such as Progressive Steering, All-Wheel-Steering
and Audi Pre-Sense Front, that promises a safer and more dynamic driving experience.
The new Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Quattro is priced at RM727,900 (OTR without insurance)
and comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
IMAGE GALLERY
Audi Q8 3.0 V6 TFSI Quattro Launched in Malaysia


You can now have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your classic Porsche

Introducing the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) – your key to modern infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a classic Porsche – if for some reason, you prefer to listen to music over the raspy tunes of your air/water-cooled flat-sixes.
The infotainment systems are available in two dimensions – single and double DIN – and fits exactly to replace the existing original built-in units.
In the
single DIN
units meant for older 911s, it comes with a 3.5-inch touch-sensitive display with Bluetooth compatibility, SD card, USB, and AUX slots. More importantly, it also comes with
Apple Car Play
! There are also navigation functions in 2D or 3D view with simple arrow representations.
Compatible with the iPhone 5 and newer, the system fits perfectly into the dashboard of classic 911s with signature black finishing and the shape of the dual knobs. Upon start up, it projects a Porsche logo and is suitable for 911 models from as early as the 1960s up until the last air-cooled 911, the 993.
For newer water-cooled 911s, from the 996 generation onwards, there is a
 double DIN
 unit called the Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus). With this, you get a larger 7-inch touchscreen display with both
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
. Like the single DIN unit, it also features 2D or 3D road map views with Bluetooth compatibility, SD card, AUX and USB slots.

The single DIN PCCM system costs 1,439.89 Euros (
approx RM6,800
) while the double DIN PCCM Plus will set you back 1,606.51 Euros (
approx RM7,586
).
For a Porsche owner, that’s a rather small price to pay to give your classic Porsche a “factory-fitted” infotainment system with modern features, isn’t it?
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BMW M and M Performance owners get M-specific benefits

BMW Malaysia today introduced the BMW Elite M Card specifically for owners of BMW M and M Performance models. The benefits under the Elite M Card complements existing BMW Privileges Elite Card with M-specific privileges.
For starters, BMW Elite M cardholders will get to participate in local and regional M Track events at more attractive prices. Cardholders can also enjoy additional discounts for BMW Driver Training events and BMW lifestyle merchandise.
Additionally, cardholders receive priority service appointments and reception at the Car (RATC) at all BMW service outlets and BMW M dealerships, loyalty discounts for repeat customers, as well as a dedicated page within the
BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App
.
Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said, “M is the most powerful letter in the world. Combining our passion for high performance and our priority to our customers, it is only apt to provide BMW M owners with M-specific ownership privileges as exceptional as their cars.”

BMW Malaysia’s latest track weapon is the M2 Competition.
As mentioned above, the BMW Elite M Card works in tandem with the existing BMW Privileges Elite Card, thus BMW M owners will still have complete access to the benefits from their existing programme. To recap, BMW Privileges Card includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service, 24-month tyre warranty program for run flat tyres, BMW Roadside Assistance and accident hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, and BMW Service Online.


More savings on a Mitsubishi Triton this coming Merdeka

The award-winning Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck is now more attractively priced than ever, for a limited time till 31
st
 August. If you decide to take the plunge within this period, there are savings of up to RM15,100 for the top-of-the-range Triton VGT Athlete and the Triton VGT Adventure X; both of which are powered by the 181hp and 430Nm 2.5-litre MIVEC four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
The savings of RM15,100 are made up of a RM8,000 Merdeka bonus and RM7,100 from the zero-rated GST retail price, which means the on-the-road prices of the Triton VGT Athlete and VGT Adventure X are reduced by RM8,000 from RM119,866 to RM111,866, not inclusive of insurance. In fact, all Triton 4×4 variants receive the RM8,000 Merdeka bonus while the Triton Quest 4×2 gets a reduction of RM4,000. Other Mitsubishi models which fall under the
Merdeka promotion
 includes the Outlander and ASX as well.
Additionally, Mitsubishi owners who are servicing their vehicles from 18
th
 August to 22
nd
 September at authorised service centres will also receive an exclusive Thermos merchandise with a minimum spend of RM400 over the period.


The Bussink GT Speedlegend is a bespoke, limited-run GT R Speedster

It’s not uncommon to see trends form within the automotive industry; see: SUVs, Coupe crossovers, and performance pick-up trucks – if someone wants one, a carmaker will build one. In recent years, speedsters seem to have latched on – McLaren made the
 Elva
, and Aston Martin the
V12 Speedster
, among many others. But for some reason Mercedes-Benz, or rather Mercedes-AMG never seemed at all interested in making one.
So say you’re a multi-billionaire Mercedes-AMG collector, and really want a made-in-Affalterbach topless Speedster-style roadster, what can you do? You build one yourself, of course – and that’s exactly what Ronald Bussink did. Say hello to the Bussink GT Speedlegend.
Don’t think for a moment that its another backyard hack job, either, because the GT Speedlegend is actually built by the guys at HWA, who ran currently runs Mercedes’ DTM team, and Formula E team two years ago. Besides, HWA boss Hans-Werner Aufrecht was also the founder of AMG, so this is pretty much as authentic as you can get without actually being AMG.
Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss and Mercedes F1 cars, the Bussink GT Speedlegend took a standard Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster donor car, and replaced its convertible roof mechanism with what’s called a Speedbow, a F1 halo-inspired pillar that runs from just in front of the tiny windscreen, all the way across to the roll hoops just behind the seats.
The carbon fibre beam helps increases rigidity, while also stripping off nearly 100 kg in weight, lowering the centre of gravity which aids handling and stability. Other bespoke items on the Bussink GT Speedlegend also include the carbon fibre louvre on the front wheel arches for enhanced aerodynamics.
Underneath the bonnet, the speedster comes as standard with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which in standard form on the
AMG GT R Roadster
, churns out
585 hp
 and
700 Nm
of torque. On the Bussink GT Speedlegend however, power output has been tuned up to 850 hp, which we presume will make it significantly faster than the 3.6 seconds century sprint time of the GT R.
Only five units of the Bussink GT Speedlegend will ever be built, but if you think that you’ll have a chance to own one, tough luck – all five units have already been spoken for, presumably by Bussink’s own millionaire friends. Although, Bussink did say that there’ll be more projects coming in the future between him and HWA, so perhaps you can look out for that.
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Check out this modified Honda City hatchback with tastefully-added carbon fibre bits!

Malaysians love accessorising/modifying their cars; and while this may not be new, we’re constantly reminded by it and this modified Honda City hatchback is one such example. It hasn’t even been a full quarter (four months) since
Honda Malaysia launched the City hatchback
 but a certain Honda fanboy, as seen in this video by
Galeri Kereta
, completely transformed it.
In fact, the owner of the car and workshop responsible for the transformation (
Street Garage
), Shah Affendi, did not even wait a week! As he openly claimed, the car’s original condition only last an hour before the tinkering began.

For starters, the front hood has been replaced with a carbon fibre unit made in Street Garage, while the chrome front grille has been replaced with the one from the City RS hatchback. Even the front bumper mimics the one on the RS model; with the front bumper inserts imported from Thailand. The carbon fibre lip is also from Thailand but sold at Street Garage.
Towards the side, the side mirror caps have been swapped to carbon fibre units, along with the addition of carbon fibre side diffusers. Filling up the wheel arches are 15-inch wheels ala “Desmond Regamaster Evo”, with Yokohama AD08R tyres and Endless brake calipers. According to Shah, modifications had to be made to accommodate the significantly larger brake calipers – or else it wouldn’t fit into the wheels.
Highlighting the lack of disc brakes at the rear, disc brakes taken from the Honda Civic FD have been modified to fit.
The rear spoiler (which looks really good on the City hatchback), is also from Thailand but will soon be available locally via Street Garage. Shah also noted that the specific spoiler was opted to project a more proportionate rear end. As a fan of AMG vehicles, carbon trims were added to both corners of the spoiler. As for the rear diffuser, (with a titanium muffler sticking out of it), it should be the item of envy for the younger City hatchback owners.
The carbon fibre theme continues on the inside, with a carbon fibre steering wheel, replica bucket seats, and additional meters on the dashboard to monitor the car’s water temperature and voltage etc.
The items added may all be plug-and-play add-ons but there are some creative modifications too; like the illuminated door handles, for example, modified from the Honda Jazz. Footwell lighting has also been added.
According to Shah, the total cost of modifications are in the ballpark of RM50,000, and moving forward, the City hatchback will be used as a physical catalogue for all of Street Garage’s newest items. Street Garage is located in Shah Alam, Selangor and in Ipoh, Perak. Services included vehicle detailing, wraps and more.
Credit:
Galeri Kereta YouTube
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Renault Talisman Estate revealed, stylish D-segment gets more cargo space [+Video]

Remember that stylish
Renault Talisman Sedan
 revealed last month? Well, wagon fans this is your time to rejoice, as Renault has officially announced that the Talisman will also be available in an Estate body.
However, while we might have a chance to see the
Talisman Sedan
 on sale in Malaysia, don’t count your hopes too high on the
Talisman Estate
 to make its way here. Unlike in Europe, Malaysians still prefer the three-box shape over a wagon.
Mirroring the Sedan in almost every way bar the more alluring wagon silhouette and the increased boot space, the Talisman Estate is scheduled to go on sale in Europe within the first half of 2016. So you’ll get a wagon measuring 4,860 mm long, 1,879 mm wide, and 1,460 mm high, sharing all those pretty trinkets from the Sedan.
The front is decorated with
C-shaped LED DRLs
 flanking the bold front grille. The roof gains a pair of
roof rails
, while the side features the same
strong shoulder line
 as the Sedan that rises towards the back. In this case, the back now gets a
powered tailgate
, which can be opened by waving your foot under the bumper.
The tailgate opens to reveal
572 litres
 worth of cargo space, or
1,700 litre
s if you fold down the rear seats. Up front, the front seats are developed with
Cover Carving Technology
 rear shells. They’re strong yet lightweight, and they are claimed to free up to 30 mm knee room for the rear passengers. The front seats are
ventilated
 and
power-operated
 in the higher-specced models, and there’s even a
massage function
 too.
Like the Sedan, the interior gets the
R-Link 2
 connected multimedia tablet in the middle of the dashboard,
full-colour Head-Up display
, and
BOSE surround sound system
.
The powerplants are also shared with the Sedan, featuring
two petrol
 and
three diesel
 engine options. You can have either the
Energy TCe150
 or the
Energy TCe 200
 for the petrol variant, but both are paired with a
seven-speed dual-clutch EDC
 transmission. For the diesel, there’s the
Energy dCi 110
,
Energy dCi 130
, and the twin-turbo
Energy dCi 160
. They can be had with a
six-speed dual-clutch EDC
 ‘box, but the dCi 110 and the dCi 130 can also be specified with a
six-speed manual
 transmission.
Before entering the European market next year, the Talisman Estate will make its debut at the upcoming
2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Lotus Evija makes public appearance at the Monterey Car Week

You’ve seen all
the studio shots
, even watched the video, but nothing is more revealing than the actual images of a car captured under natural conditions. Well, the 2,000 hp Lotus Evija made its first public appearance at the Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach over the weekend, do these images alter your initial impression?
The Evija hosted a string of celebrities and rich people who love cars, including former late-night talk show king-cum-car collector Jay Leno, who will probably add the Lotus hypercar to his collection when the Evija enters production next year, of which Lotus will only make 130 units of the fully-electric hypercar.
With a target output of 2,000 hp and 1,700 Nm, the Evija is the world’s most powerful series production road car. It has been designed and engineered in the UK, and will be handmade at Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966. Geely acquired a majority stake in Lotus in 2017 and has since embarked on a US$1.9 billion revival plan to put Lotus right again.
Exclusive walk-round by Supercar Blondie.


Gallery: Geely Boyue SUV previewed for the first time, and it looks promising!

It’s been a long but fruitful day for a lot of us, but it seems that everyone can’t get enough of Proton’s future model, the Boyue SUV. So, without further ado.
The unit on display here is of the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (TGDI badge) producing
163 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque paired to a
 six-speed dual clutch automatic
 transmission. However, it is in no way an accurate representation of what we will be getting.
This particular unit is fully decked out in the highest trim. There’s features like keyless entry and push-start button, full LCD instrument cluster, brown leather wrapped seats, adaptive cruise control, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Eco and Sport drive modes, hill descent control, dual-zone automatic climate control, electronic handbrake and even panoramic sunroof.
In China alone, Geely sold a grand total of 109,000 units of the Boyue in the whole of 2016, but the numbers have surged to 103,000 units this year alone, between January and May. Of course, when the Boyue is launched on our shores, the steering wheel will be on the
right
side. For now, do enjoy the pictorial gallery of the Geely Boyue.
IMAGE GALLERY


Watch Nissan completely tear down and rebuild a R32 Nissan GT-R in a factory restoration

If you’re like us, you’d have probably looked through the classifieds at least once in search of a used R32 Nissan GT-R, after watching Initial-D for the thousandth time. Which means you’ll also know how difficult it is to even find one – more so for a mint condition, unmodified example. And let’s not talk about the prices that these things fetch – hoo, boy.
So if you are really set on getting yourself one of these legendary Godzilla in proper, original condition, what’s your best bet? Well, Nissan’s Nismo division has started a new Nismo Restoration Car programme back in Japan, and they’ll be able to source and fully restore one for you – but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it.

How much exactly, you ask? According to the Nismo Restoration Car website, it varies depending on model, grade, model year, condition, and replacement parts needed, but the reference price for a “standard” restoration will cost about 45 million yen (~RM1.7 million).
Sounds crazy, especially when you consider that a
brand new GT-R R35
 goes just for about 12 million yen (~RM450k) in Japan. But once you’ve seen the amount of care and attention to detail that the Nismo team puts to restoring the car, you’ll understand why you’re spending top dollar for the car – it’s almost as if they’re building a new car all-together.
The Nismo Restoration Car process has no less than 13 individual sections, and starts off with a complete disassembly of the car. Body panels and all chassis parts are then inspected and repaired, followed by fresh new layer of protection coating and paint.
The torsional rigidity of the chassis is also tested in Nismo’s workshop using specialised equipment, to ensure that the finished car will be well balanced, and safe – all according to Nismo’s high standards.
After the main chassis is finished, the team then turns to the engine, transmission, and the entire driveline, overhauling them with a complete disassembly/reassembly process if needed, bringing them back to their former glory. If requested, the team can even help tune it up to your requirements.
Testing is done at every stage at the process. For the engine, the Nismo engineers will put the straight-six mill through a series of stress test and dyno runs. And when the restoration is fully completed, Nismo even takes the car out on track for some shakedown runs, driven by their own professional test drivers.
With all of the work that Nismo puts in to restore these cars, the maddening 45 million yen sum does somewhat start to seem a little reasonable. So if you have two million Ringgit just lying around, and truly want to live like Takeshi, you know where to look.
More images of the complete restoration process can be found
here
.


Ferrari releases first sketches of the new 296 GT3

Doesn’t it make you secretly wish the actual 296 GT3 race car would turn out as per the drawings? Wouldn’t that be something?
The new 296 GT3 takes over from the 488 GT3 that racked up over 100 titles throughout its race career, with 429 wins out of 770 race starts. These extraordinary figures make it the most successful car in Prancing Horse history.
The design of the 296 GT3, was inspired by past race cars such as the 1963 250 LM. The 250 LM achieved major success at the 24 hours of Le Man, winning the 1965 edition. It also contributed to Ferrari’s last overall victory in the 24-hour race.
Unlike the road-going version, the 296 GT3 will not feature a hybrid system, in compliance with race regulations. The
road-going 296 GTB
 is home to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, paired to an electric motor on the rear axle, producing a total of 830 hp and 740 Nm.
With that amount of power (110 hp more than the F8 Tributo’s 3.9-litre V8), the 296 GTB rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in
2.9 seconds
; 0 to 200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, onward to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (135 km/h in pure electric mode).
Development work on the new 296 GT3 will begin on track in the coming months leading to its race debut, scheduled for 2023. Locally, the 296 GTB will be launched in Malaysia on the 28th of March 2022.


The charming all-new Mazda BT-50 now in Thailand, ADAS missing

After making headlines for looking so attractive, the all-new Mazda BT-50 has been officially launched in Thailand, where almost 50% of the new vehicle sales are pick-up trucks.
As such, is it a tremendously important product for Mazda Thailand. For this new generation, Mazda has
abandoned Ford
 as its OEM provider, instead turning to Isuzu and its all-new D-Max.
The designers at Mazda have impeccably embodied the Kodo design language to the all-new BT-50, given its limitations originally being an Isuzu as well as a pick-up truck. With the overall styling and form that looks
more SUV
 than pick-up, the all-new Mazda BT-50 will stand out from the crowded pick-up segment.
Customers will have two choices of engines. However, only two variants (out of 14) are offered with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (
195 hp/450 Nm
). The rest are fitted with the 1.9-litre turbodiesel (
150 hp/350 Nm
). Both engines from Isuzu are also B20 biodiesel compliant.
The engines are paired to either a manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward ratios. The four-wheel drive with electronic shift-on-the-fly, however, is only made available to the 3.0-litre turbodiesel variant.
For the interior, Mazda revised the interior as much as possible to match the brand’s identity. Similar to the exterior design, the all-new Mazda BT-50 conveys a more premium and more SUV-feel. There is even soft-touch material lined with double-stitching on the top edge of the dashboard.
The electrical systems are common with the Isuzu pick-up thus the Mazda BT-50 uses a similar 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Sound is channelled to 8 speakers including a pair mounted on the headlining.
Features that are available in the all-new Mazda BT-50 include 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, USB charging port for the rear occupants and electronic-locking rear differential.
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) looks to be
limited
 to just blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) systems. A reverse camera and 4-cell parking sensors fitted at the front and rear bumpers support parking manoeuvrers. There are a total of six airbags in the all-new Mazda BT-50 unlike the 8 airbags found in the
Isuzu D-Max for the European market
.
Prices begin from 553,000 Baht for the most basic single-cab workhorse variant. The all-new Mazda BT-50 that is most representative to the taste of consumers in Malaysia is the 1.9 Hi-Racer 6AT, priced from
936,000 Baht
, and the top grade 3.0 SP 4×4 6AT priced at
1,153,000 Baht
.


Mitsubishi extends the model life of the ASX with a third makeover!

It is not uncommon to for a vehicle model to undergo multiple updates to keep it fresh and ‘competitive’, as the industry would like to term it. But as the Mitsubishi ASX enters its tenth year of service, one would imagine that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s attention would’ve been focused on the similarly sized Eclipse Cross instead of something of this vintage.
Graphics on the tail-lamps seem to be inspired by Thor’s Hammer.
Well, MMC went on and did it anyway and gave the ASX the full ‘dynamic shield’ treatment with a front end that looks dramatically different, not unlike what transpired with the newly updated Mitsubishi Triton, and more so to the eye since the locally assembled version sold in Malaysia never adopted the second facelift styling.
ASX gets some ‘dynamic shield’ loving and looking all fresh for 2019.
The rear three-quarter is however more recognisable, even then the new bumper and tail-lamps (with Thor hammer-like illumination bars) do a convincing job aesthetically speaking. Mitsubishi is seemingly on a good streak with this new styling language, as CVP of Design Tsunehiro Kunimoto expounds on the ‘Impact and Impulse’ design concept of the revised ASX in the behind-the-scene interview below.

And while some may lament the age of the underpinnings and mechanicals of the ASX – the MIVEC 2.0-litre 4-cylinder-cum-CVT powertrain will likely remain unchanged, this restyling job does look sharp and eye-catching. Sadly, the makeover on the inside isn’t as extensive as the outside; the more noticeable items being the infotainment system which now has a tablet-style 8-inch touchscreen and new trim on some touch points.
Interior is largely unchanged but gets a huge 8-inch infotainment display.
So, what do you think? Should Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia introduce this? Would you have this over a Honda HR-V and Subaru XV?


2015 McLaren 675LT Longtail unleashed, most track-focused road-legal Mac to date

Uh-oh, looks like there’s going to be a clash of titans at the
 Geneva Motor Show
. Ferrari announced earlier about their latest
488 GTB
 with 660 hp, and now McLaren responded with their
675LT
 with 666 hp.
The
 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
 has been thoroughly revamped that it gains a new engine code –
M838TL
. More than 50 percent of the engine is new, and it includes a
redesigned cylinder heads
 and exhaust manifolds,
new camshaft
 and lightweight connecting rods, and a couple of new,
more efficient turbos
.

With
666 hp
 and
700 Nm
 of torque, the 675LT rockets from
0 to 100 km/h
 in
 2.9 seconds
, and another 5 seconds to reach 200 km/h, with a
 top speed
 of
330 km/h
. For comparison, the 488 GTB cracks 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and 200 km/h in 8.3 seconds, but the top speed is quoted at “more than 330 km/h”.
Being the
most track-focused road-legal
 machine McLaren has ever produced, the 675LT has been given a strict diet that enables it to shed more than 100 kg over its siblings. Carbon fiber is used almost everywhere, the body panels, the front splitter, the side sills, the rear wings, et cetera you name it.
It may look similar to the 650S from the front, but most significant changes are done to the tail. While it’s not exactly a “Longtail” as per
McLaren F1 GTR
 with extended rear overhang, the “Longtail” 675LT refers to the
active Airbrake
 that’s now 50 percent larger than before.
The interior has been stripped out and features a pair of
ultra lightweight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats
 from the P1. The 675LT is
only available as a Coupe
, and it will be offered in five
 ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications
 in McLaren Orange, Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey.
The battle between Woking and Maranello is getting more and more intense. Which side are you on?
IMAGE GALLERY


Perodua sold 151,600 cars YTD, maintains 202k sales target for 2017

Our nation’s largest car manufacturer, Perodua, set themselves a
sales target of 202,000 cars for 2017
 and the company has just released their sales figures for the first nine months of 2017 with 151,600 units sold – a marginal increase of 0.5 percent increase from the same period last year. Yet, Perodua quotes that it’s “
cautiously optimistic
” for the final quarter of the year and maintains its 202k unit sales target.
The marginal growth sees Perodua models maintaining its best-seller position in their respective category. Year-to-date, the most popular model remains the Axia with 48,700 units sold followed closely by the Myvi. Let’s take a look at the breakdown:
Perodua Axia
 – 48,700 units
Perodua Myvi
 – 42,000 units
Perodua Bezza
 – 39,800 units
Perodua Alza
 – 21,400 units
President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said, “The fourth quarter is expected to be challenging but we believe that we can sustain our sales momentum and are cautiously optimistic in meeting our earlier set target of 202,000 vehicles by the end of 2017”
Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, President and CEO of Perodua
He added that the main challenges include stricter approvals for hire-purchase loans and intense competition from other auto brands.
Perodua has serviced 1.58 million for the first 9 months, an increase of 4.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Production volume saw a reduction of 3.8 percent to 147,900 vehicles, attributed to the increased planned production in Q4 of 2016 in response to the expected higher exchange rate in Q1 of 2017.


Check out Porsche’s electrifying takeover of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building!

There may be a couple of months left before we put an end to this miserable year but it’s probably safe to say none would top Porsche’s latest publicity stunt – a takeover of the Burj Khalifa – in conjunction with the regional launch of the all-electric Taycan which was
introduced here last month
.
Using 1 million LED lights to create the largest single display surface in the world, the display covered a total area of 33,000 square metres on the 828 metre tall building. It projected Porsche’s greatest milestones dating back to the early 1900s, all the way to the introduction of the Taycan.
Porsche Middle East
, CEO, Dr. Manfred Braeunl said, “Electricity has been running through Porsche’s veins from day one and the brand is a pioneer in shaping the mobility of tomorrow with innovative products setting the benchmark for the industry. The all-new Taycan is a culmination of over 70 years of experience building sports cars, merged with incredible new driving technologies. But first and foremost, it is a true Porsche offering pure emotion and extraordinary driving pleasure.”

Like the Taycan models launched here, Porsche Middle East will also be receiving the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and the Taycan Turbo S in the coming weeks.
Locally, prices for the Taycan
 starts from
 RM725k
 for the Taycan 4S,
RM 999k
 for the Taycan Turbo and
RM1.195 million
 for the Taycan Turbo S.
The
Nurburgring record holder
 is powered by two electric motors, essentially making it all-wheel drive, with up to 625 hp (761 hp with Overboost) with 1050 Nm in the Turbo S model. 0 to 100 km/h can be done as quickly as 2.8 seconds, and where electric driving range is concerned, the Taycan can return up to 463km.


Tesla officially enters Malaysia – to establish sales and service centres, Supercharger network

After rounds of speculation and rumours, we’ve now finally got confirmation that
Tesla
 will be making an official entry into Malaysia. The news comes from the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, through his
social media postings
earlier today.
According to Tengku Zafrul, Tesla will be establishing an office here in Malaysia, alongside its Tesla Experience (showrooms) and service centres, as well as a Supercharger DC fast charging network. Tesla is the first applicant under the ministry’s new BEV Global Leaders initiative, which was aimed at increasing BEV demand in the local market, he added.
The press release states that Tesla will be importing its vehicles into Malaysia. While there are no further details on MITI’s BEV Global Leaders initiative, we believe it includes a different regulatory process for these companies to obtain vehicle import approval permits (AP) – particularly as Tesla Sdn Bhd is wholly internationally owned by Tesla International BV.
Last month, SSM data revealed that the company has recently
changed its official business name
 from Tesla Services Sdn Bhd to Tesla Sdn Bhd, with a revised nature of business that includes retail of new vehicles, as well as vehicle maintenance and repairs.
RELATED:
Tesla Model Y launched in Thailand – from RM246k, up to 542 km range


Daigo Saito’s 2JZ addiction has now made its way to the Toyota GR Yaris

Daigo Saito has a problem, and that is his addiction with fitting the 2JZ engine into anything he can. The D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift champion previously transplanted the legendary turbocharged inline-six engine into a Toyota GR Supra, somewhat vindicating the vocal purists that have lamented the Supra’s BMW roots. This time, the drifter turned his attention to the Supra’s younger brother, the GR Yaris.
As one can probably imagine, fitting an engine with double the cylinder count is not a straightforward swap. Saito’s team had to cut the firewall well into the passenger cell in order to fit the engine longitudinally in order to send power to the rear wheels.
But was all the work worth it? Hell yes. Saito said that the 2JZ engine in the little hatchback has been tuned to make
1,000 hp
 – that is more than triple the stock output figure of the GR Yaris, which already made an impressive
272 hp and 370 Nm
 from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-pot mill.
While no further technical figures have been provided, we can’t imagine that the stripped-out drift machine weighs anything more than the stock GR Yaris, which comes in just under 1,300 kg. That’s almost like fitting a rocket into a Myvi – we imagine it’d probably be easier to drift this than driving it in a straight line.
Is this the perfect two-car garage?
To make way for the extra steering lock, the exterior has also been chopped up and fitted with a Rocket Bunny Pandem widebody kit. Same goes to the rear boot lid, which has two giant holes cut out to let more air pass through the giant intercoolers. There’s also a giant wing on the back of the hatchback, supported by two struts to withstand the extra forces.
We just hope that the 2JZ-swapped Toyota GR Yaris doesn’t
suffer the same fate
 as the similarly-powered Supra. But even if it does blow up, we know that Daigo Saito will come back with another equally mind-blowing project soon.
GALLERY


All-new Mazda CX-5 finally on sale in Malaysia, 5 variants, from RM134k

Shortly after the roll out ceremony of the second-generation Mazda CX-5 at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, Bermaz Motor has officiated the launch of the all-new CX-5 right here in Malaysia. With five variants to choose from and pricing starting from a competitive RM135k (OTR, without insurance), the mid-sized SUV from Hiroshima has its crosshair set on the Honda CR-V.
As before, the
locally-assembled CX-5
 will be exported to neighbouring countries, only this time the Inokom assembly plant is able to produce Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal that has 20 percent more saturation and 50 percent more depth than the previous-gen Soul Red Metallic. Petrol and diesel variants are available however all-wheel drive is now reserved exclusively for the top-spec diesel variants.

QUICK FACTS
Name
Mazda CX-5 2.0G GL 2WD
Mazda CX-5 2.0G GLS 2WD
Mazda CX-5 2.5G GLS 2WD
Mazda CX-5 2.2D GLS 2WD
Mazda CX-5 2.2D GLS AWD
Engine
1,998cc; 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G
2,488cc; 4-cyl SkyActiv-G
2,191cc; 4-cyl SkyActiv-D
Transmission
6-speed automatic with Sport Mode
Max Power
161 hp @ 6,000 rpm
192 hp @ 6,000 rpm
173 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Max Torque
210 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
257 Nm @ 3,250 rpm
420 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance)
RM134,605.50
RM148,605.50
RM160,996.70
RM164,579.10
RM175,179.10
EXTERIOR
Visually the all-new CX-5’s design is largely similar to the flagship CX-9 (and Japan’s CX-8). Standard equipment across the board reads LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillamps, LED fog lamps, dual-exhaust outlets, shark fin antenna, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors as well as piano black door pillar garnish. The entry level 2.0 GL however, gets a few items omitted in favour of bulb type daytime running lights, bulb-combination taillamps, manual key, rear parking sensors only and standard black door pillar garnish.
The 2.0 GL and GLS rides on 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/65 profile tyres while the rest of the line up gets upsized to 19-inch items (225/55 profile).
INTERIOR
Inside, the base 2.0 GL gets furnished in fabric upholstery, multi-functional steering wheel, 7.0-inch Mazda MZD connect infotainment system, manual front seats, reverse camera, gun metallic interior trim, 4.6-inch LCD Standard instrument cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, four USB charging ports and all-four auto powered windows.

Stepping up to the more expensive variants and you’ll get leather upholstery, GPS navigation system, 10-way powered front seats for the driver, 4.6-inch coloured LCD Multi Info Display as well as metal and wood interior trim. Boot space is rated at
442 litres
.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood you’ll find a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol, 2.5-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol or a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D diesel. On the petrol mills, Mazda has revised the compression ratio from 13:1 to 14:1 for reduced emissions and improved performance. The result is a slight power bump with the 2.0-litre now putting out
161 hp
 &
210 Nm
 (+7 hp & 10 Nm) while the larger 2.5-litre now produces
192 hp
 &
257 Nm
 (+7 hp & 7 Nm) of torque. The diesel mill retains its
173 hp
 and
420 Nm
 figures.
All engine choices are mated to a six-speed SkyActiv Drive automatic transmission driving the front wheels. If you prefer all-wheel drive traction, your only choice is the range topping 2.2-litre diesels.
Fuel economy is rated at
6.8L/100km
 for the 2.0-litre petrol while the larger 2.5-litre mill consumes
7.1L/100km
. The most efficient mill on offer is no doubt the 2.2-litre diesel which consumes
5.9 litres
 of diesel per 100 km.
SAFETY
All models come with Mazda’s i-Stop Idling Technology and
G-Vectoring Control Technology
. They will also be equipped with
six airbags
 alongside a host of safety systems which include ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Auto Hold, Hill-Start, Speed Sensing Lock, Emergency Brake Assist and ISOFIX. The all-new CX-5 has been given a
5-star EURO and Japan NCAP rating
.
Supporting the industry standard safety systems are Adaptive Front Lighting System, Adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Smart City Brake Support (front and back). However, these features are primarily available for the 2WD and AWD Diesel variants. As for the other three petrol variants, they will only be equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring System and front Smart City Brake Support.
IMAGE GALLERY


Volkswagen T-Roc R ready for Geneva debut, a practical Golf R?

Since its market debut in November 2017, the
Volkswagen T-Roc
 have found its way to more than 200,000 homes, a
roaring success
 for Volkswagen’s maiden entry to the compact crossover segment.
Volkswagen now plans to expand the car’s appeal with a performance-oriented variant for the T-Roc which will make its debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
T-Roc R-Line
, a glimpse of what’s in store with the T-Roc R?
The Volkswagen T-Roc R will be developed and tested by the brand’s R division featuring R-specific design bits as well as performance to match its sporty appearance, presumably the EA888 2.0-litre TSI unit from the
Golf R
 that packs
290 hp
 and
380 Nm
 paired to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.
The development of the vehicle took place at Nürburgring and was supported by WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter. Something tells us that the T-Roc R might have the firepower to take on the likes of the
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45
 and
Audi SQ2
.


BMW reveals more information on the new Z4 – who else is getting increasingly impatient?

Close but no cigar; if I had to pick a tagline for this article, that would be it. Testing is still on-going for the new BMW Z4 but BMW has revealed some details about it as it undergoes fine-tuning on drive and suspension systems at the Autodrome de Miramas, BMW’s test centre in France.
Not sure why they still have to keep the Z4 camouflaged since they’ve already revealed the car last year but it’s said that the flagship model of the new roadster will be embodied by the
Z4 M40i.

BMW claims that it will be packed with a new, “extremely powerful” in-line 6-cylinder engine (most likely a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo unit), lowered sports suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, a newly developed front axle, M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, an M sports brake system and an electronically-controlled rear differential.
The Head of Application Suspension, Jos van As, said, “The high level of body stiffness and the very rigid suspension attachment provide the perfect basis for a set-up that guarantees the performance qualities of a genuine sports car in terms of steering precision as well as longitudinal and transverse acceleration.”
The Miramas test centre has been at the centre of BMW’s development and testing of new models for more than 30 years. The test facility comprises a long asphalt oval and a motorway ring road for high-speed tests as well as slalom, serpentine and circular tracks and a number of handling courses and circuits featuring highly diverse types of surface.
IMAGE GALLERY


14-year-old Hayden Haikal wins his first race at the Toyota Vios Challenge

Hayden Haikal is no stranger in the competitive karting scene, holding two-time Malaysian Rotax Max Challenge karting championship title under his belt. The 14-year-old recently moved up to racing saloon cars and secured his first ever victory at the grand finale of the Toyota Vios Challenge Season 2.
Battling out in the
Sporting Class of the Toyota Vios Challenge on the North Track at the Sepang International
Circuit (SIC), Haikal of led the pack from start to finish after making a brilliant
start passing Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh into the first corner.
From there on, he maintained
his lead with a more than seven second gap ahead of his nearest competitor on
track at the end of the 20-lap race. Haikal who pilots car number 11 managed a
fastest lap of 1:27.789 around the 2.61 km track. Kenneth Koh held the fastest
lap of the day at 1:27.737.
Haikal who turns 15
this July said: “I got a good start, but honestly I was very nervous as the
race unfolded. I was very worried about making a mistake but in the end
everything worked out well. It’s an amazing feeling to win my first ever saloon
car race.”
Asked if he preferred
racing on a street circuit instead of a permanent circuit like Sepang, Haikal added:
“I definitely feel more at home racing on a permanent track because it is a lot
wider and you can carry more speed into the corners.”


All-new Mazda CX-5 teased, debuting at the 2016 LA Motor Show

The Mazda
CX-5
 is due for a replacement, and it’s coming sooner than you think. The all-new 2017 Mazda CX-5 is set to make its world premier at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November.
The teaser provides a glimpse of the side profile of the new CX-5. It will be an evolution of the KODO design language, bringing the “
Soul of Motion
” touch to the next level. It took cues from the
CX-3
 and the
CX-9
 with some subtle touches from the already brilliant looking CX-5. The front looks longer and sharper, while the roof curves downwards.
No technical information was released but it’s likely the current Mazda’s
SkyActiv
 petrol and diesel engines and the six-speed automatic gearbox will soldier on, albeit more refined. There’s a good possibility Mazda’s

G-Vectoring Control
 will be introduced in this new CX-5. As always, a choice of a front-wheel or all-wheel drive will be available.
The Mazda CX-5 kickstarted Hiroshima’s strong footing in the SUV market, so this new CX-5 has big shoes to fill. Stay tuned for more updates of the all-new CX-5!


Stop being a badge snob and take a good look at the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro

I write this with unshakable presumption that most car buyers looking to one-up their car game will gloss over the
all-new Audi A4 B9
. I say that because eight out of 10 conversations I’ve had end up with people saying they wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a car that “didn’t look too different from the model before”.
Okay. It’s not the bedazzling makeover every superficial shopper wished it to be. In fact, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed when I first saw pictures of the A4 B9 nearly two years ago. I expected much more, and quite honestly the
second-generation A5
 that came after was an even bigger setback if I were to judge solely by its looks.
But my self-assigned role today is not to force the bulk of you to buy the Audi A4 over the exceedingly tantalising bargain of the
BMW 330e
 or
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
. Instead, I want to intimately acquaint you with the nuances of the A4 and why I feel like it’s a high contender on your wish list. If anything, consider this piece a bearer of enlightenment.
QUICK FACTS
Variant
Audi A4 1.4 TFSI
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro
Engine
1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system
1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with Audi valvelift system
Transmission
7-speed S tronic (dual clutch automatic)
Max Power
150 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
190 hp @ 4,200 – 6,000 rpm
252 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm
320 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,200 rpm
370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed
8.5 seconds; 210 km/h
7.3 seconds; 240 km/h
5.8 seconds; 250 km/h
Price
RM218,900
RM248,900
RM314,900
It looks largely the same, but it’s actually 90 percent new

Every panel, part and component is reengineered with greater meticulousness and the results really speak for themselves. The gap between each piece of exposed metal is aligned with such surgical precision that it makes the current Audi A8 – a yardstick of impeccability – feel haphazardly put together. Fortunately for all, this frenzied sense of OCD trickles further into the cabin, which we’ll get to in a minute.
The fascia cuts an imposing sense of presence and the chiselled rump helps draw a fair bit of attention (thanks in part to dynamic indicators) – even more so than the front, I feel. However, the chromed horizontal slats in the Singleframe grille remains as the only jarring design element of the A4, becoming acceptably palatable only if it’s
finished in black
 (pictured below). If you hadn’t notice, the overall design of the grille hasn’t really changed much since the days of the A4 B7.
None of the standard wheels – from the 17-inch on the 1.4 TFSI to the 18-inch on the quattro – do the A4 any justice, because quite frankly it domesticates what would otherwise be a go-to sight for sore eyes. These are upgradable through Audi Genuine Accessories, albeit in very limited designs.
Nobody is better at interior design than Audi

It is, bar none, the most impressive cabin in its class. The C-Class is runner-up in my books, and even that pales in comparison to the A4’s obscene levels of regality and tactility. The entire cabin is brand new, injecting a welcoming dose of desirability to the rapidly ageing A4 B8. Just as the competitors caught up, Audi pulled a fast one to extend their lead.
The touchy feely bits will satisfy even the most astute of nitpickers thanks to generous use of high quality materials, more so for the 2.0 TFSI quattro. All A4s get a sporty three-spoke leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, but the quattro is the sole recipient of perforated hide. This extends to the gear shifter which altogether provide a more pleasant sensory experience.
You can fit all four doors with a 1.5-litre water bottle, with some space to spare for loose items
On the topic of gear shifters, Audi has done away with the traditional gated-type box and implemented an electronic rocker much like BMW’s. They’re both incredibly intuitive to operate, far more reasonable in practice than the C-Class’ stalk-type novelty or the rotary dial of the
Jaguar XE
.
Rear occupants now benefit from improved legroom and headroom than before, with a tad more knee room compared to the F30 3 Series. Approximately 10 speakers with 6-channel amplifier (180 watts output) are fitted across the range, and the same goes for the 3-zone electronic climate control.
The 2.0-litre engines are jam-packed with technology
I get it. Hybrid propulsion is all the craze today. However, for the hesitant adopters of such technological complexity, Audi has a non-compromising solution and it is highly sophisticated. The 2.0-litre four-banger EA888 unit cranks out two outputs: a lean
190 hp
 &
320 Nm
 of torque for the 2.0 TFSI and a hotter
252 hp
 &
370 Nm
 of torque for the 2.0 TFSI quattro.
Here’s what makes it special: the engine combines multipoint injection (MPI) and direct injection (FSI) technologies for optimum performance and fuel efficiency.
More commonly known as “Miller cycle”, Audi’s Valvelift technology enables the valves to close early under load, effectively giving it a displacement of 1,400cc, yielding a best-in-class non-hybrid fuel consumption of
5.0 litres per 100km
. That’s slightly better than the 1.4 TFSI’s combined 5.2L/100km figure.
Our brief drive to Janda Baik didn’t leave much room to corroborate the figures, but on a mildly spirited drive the 2.0-litre quattro returned a respectable 6.8 litres per 100 km. Both 2.0-litre variants come with a “coasting” feature which only works in ECO mode. Basically, the transmission will “detach” itself from the engine when your foot is off the gas. This significantly reduces drag on the engine (it drops to idling rev), improves fuel efficiency and is incredibly seamless in execution.
Things get turned up a good few notches in Dynamic mode: throttle response sharpens, the dampers stiffen and the engine revs with wild abandon. Peak torque (all 370 Nm of it) is instantly available from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm, slightly later and lengthier than the non-quattro’s 2.0-litre unit (1,450 rpm to 4,200 rpm). In fact, I’d go as far as to say the EA888 in this tune sounds a fair bit better than the N20/B48 four bangers in the F30, but most won’t care to bother.
So how is it like to drive?
Right off the bat, one thing stood out almost immediately – steering feel and response. The A4 turns with greater urgency and remains hardly perturbed up at speed. While ride height remains identical as the A4 B8 quattro, the newfound composure is largely attributed to the car’s added width (+16mm). Tyres are the same as before – 245/40 R18. Let’s not forget that it also weighs 60kg less than the B8 quattro!
The Daytona Grey Pearl is unique only to the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro
Steering is now electronically assisted instead of hydraulics like before, and although still lacking in feedback, there’s a better sense of feel and, in turn, is more engaging to drive spiritedly. As with any quattro models, traction is pervasive. At any given point, quattro predominantly sends power to the front axle, but the ratio split is infinitely variable depending on velocity, g-metering and road conditions. In the real world, it’s hard to tell when quattro is at work because it’s electronically actuated and is constant. But rest assured, it truly works.
Honestly, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro strikes a remarkable balance between sporty driving and daily usability. There’s a new five-link system for both the front and rear suspension (up from the four-links previously), with adaptive dampers fitted as standard on the quattro variant. This makes damping almost as good as pack leader F30 3 Series, except the Audi is much snappier in gearshifts and won’t slide out wide in the wet when driven hard.
Is this car for you?
The A4 is for the most part, the ideal car to have if comfort and the feel-good factor (relative to spending more time in the cabin) are of high importance to you. I found no faults with the type of materials used and adore the breadth of luxury permeating throughout the cabin. Even the rear air-con vents have their own charcoal filter to eliminate odour.
For all the superfluity this brand new A4 has going for itself, the struggle for firm footing in the Malaysian car-buying scene is contradictory and ironic. Because in one corner you have this clear standout performer that’s as good, if not better than its closest competitors. But in the other lies this inward reluctance among us to take the road less travelled.
Maybe it’s the lack of dealer representation, the absence of competitive financing plans or even an all-out preference for badges that are better likened to “prosperity”. Heck, maybe all of the above! But for those who are willing to take a chance and personally give the A4 a go, it will do all but disappoint. I’m sure of it.
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DS 5 officially on sale in M’sia, 1.6L turbo, 163 hp & 240 Nm, RM199k!

Naza Euro Motors, the distributor of DS Automobiles in Malaysia has just officially launched the flagship DS 5. Previously known as the Citroen DS 5, the DS range is now a standalone brand, DS Automobile. Essentially a facelifted Citroen DS 5, it gets unique exterior styling and more upmarket equipment.
Powering the DS 5 is a 1.6-litre direct injection four-cylinder turbo that makes
163 hp
 and
240 Nm
 of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at
5.9 litre per 100 km
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
DS 5
Engine
1,598cc; direct injection 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Max Power
163 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
240 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Price (OTR with Insurance)
RM198,888
Visually the DS 5 wears the brand’s new identity with new hexagonal chrome grille with a large DS badge in the centre, further accentuating the “DS Wings” design language. Elsewhere it gets bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, dynamic turn indicators, LED combination tail lamps, twin tailpipes, tailgate spoiler, keyless entry and 18-inch ‘Adelaide’ Onyx black alloy wheels.
Inside, the DS 5 comes equipped with leather upholstery (Basalt Black or Sand Beige), dual-zone automatic climate control, multifunctional steering wheel, powered front seats with memory function, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, satellite navigation, six-speaker Denon HiFi sound system with boot-mounted subwoofer, electronic parking brake and colour Heads Up Display.
Safety kit reads six airbags, ABS, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Naza Euro Motors have five exterior colours on offer – Artense Grey, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Encre, Pearl White and Whisper Purple. All purchases of the DS 5 come with 5-Years or 120,000 km warranty, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and exclusive access to Sky Lounge by NAZA at Subang Airport.
IMAGE GALLERY


MyTukar launches RM1 million fundraiser in support of communities in need during MCO

Digital used car marketplace
MyTukar
 has launched a new fundraiser campaign called #MyTukarCares, where it aims to raise over RM1 million to provide support and assistance to over 10,000 families across the country facing economic hardships during the current movement control orders (MCO).
MyTukar is partnering with MyGroser, The Food Purveyor (TFP), along with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the fundraiser, which will run from
July through to the end of August
.
The NGOs involved are Free Makan, Making Orang Asli Mother’s Independent (MOAMI), Seri Jayanti Welfare Organisation, Pejabat Adun Kampung Tunku, The Hope Branch, Care & Share Circle (volunteer group), and the Dignity for Children Foundation.
The #MyTukarCare campaign will raise funds via three channels – donations from MyTukar and its employees, transactions made via the MyTukar platform, and through contributions from existing business partners and customers.
Almost the entire of Selangor, plus several localities in KL have been placed under EMCO until the 16th of July. Full list of locations, plus SOPs during the EMCO period is available here.
MyTukar CEO, Jeffrey Ong said, “We started this campaign to support Malaysians that are in dire need of food and essentials. In support of this cause,
 almost all the revenue generated via myTukar transactions will be donated
 to the NGOs that we are working with.
“We also
pledge RM50 for every car sold and RM100 for every car bought
 through our bidding platform. Internally, we have already managed to raise over RM100,000,” he added.
Online grocery store MyGroser meanwhile will be providing support by
contributing proceeds from purchases of its ‘Malaysia, Together’ vouchers
. On top of that, MyTukar will additionally
top-up an additional 20% for every RM1 spent
. Once the funds have been raised, myTukar will be working with the NGOs to identify families in need.
On the other hand, The Food Purveyor (TFP), who currently operates three supermarket brands: Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), and Pasaraya OTK, will be acting as a food supplier for the campaign, ensuring that essentials are delivered to the families.
MyTukar launches Retail Centres for used cars in shopping malls. Check it out here.
“Our purpose has always been to serve the needs of our communities and customers. Today, more so than ever, we need to come together as a nation,” said MyGroser CEO Stephen Francis. “With myTukar and like-minded partners, we will be able to provide and help as many communities as we can.”
TFP CEO Geoff King added, “With COVID-19 upending numerous lives globally, and with the government and frontliners fighting to combat the spread of the virus, it is up to businesses to step up to the plate, to lend a helping hand to the community and people at large.”


This limited-edition Bentley Mulsanne has been furnished with an unusual “deco”

Bentley Motors is demonstrating its bespoke prowess with a new, very special, and limited edition Mulsanne – the W.O. Edition by Mulliner – paying tribute to the company’s founder ,Walter Owen Bentley.
Inside each of the
100 limited edition Mulsannes
,
 a slice of the original crankshaft
 taken from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8-litre car – a genuine piece of Bentley history – will be displayed.
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition can be specified on any three models from the Mulsanne range. Key features include elegant Beluga black wheels and a stunning cocktail cabinet or a bottle cooler featuring a slice of crankshaft from W.O.’s own 8-litre engine
 set into the armrest
.
The interior also houses four different wood types and aluminium finishing that gives contrast and depth to the “artifact” displayed. Elsewhere, the cabin has also been furnished with lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, privacy curtains to the rear doors, and a rear seat entertainment system.
Launched in 1930, the original 8-litre car was described as W.O. Bentley’s finest grand tourer.
The original 8-litre straight-six was the largest and most luxurious Bentley of its time; with the most powerful engine in Britain.
Walter Owens said, “I have always wanted to produce a dead silent 100-mph car, and now I think we have done it.”
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota’s new SimpleFuel hydrogen station powers these forklifts

Toyota is still convinced that Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) will be a viable alternative of clean and renewable energy powered cars. More and more brands (
Mercedes-Benz included
) are buying into the whole FCV idea.
Recently, Toyota Motor
Corporation has just introduced a SimpleFuel hydrogen station that can produce,
store and refill hydrogen to FCVs. By making use of electricity generated from
solar power, the generator carries out electrolysis of water to produce low-carbon
hydrogen which is then compressed and pressurised.
The SimpleFuel station
is installed at the car makers Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
where fuel-cell powered forklifts are used for day-to-day operations. Each
station is able to produce up to 8.8 kg of hydrogen per day which is enough to fuel
seven or eight forklifts.
Toyota has another hydrogen
station at the premise but the SimpleFuels compact design means that it can be
installed in small spaces, making it more flexible to be deployed.
Since launch of the
Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 in 2015, Toyota has been developing and
implementing technologies by harnessing hydrogen energy, which is aimed at
utilizing hydrogen at its plants to realize its Plant Zero CO2 Emissions
Challenge.


Will Proton use Geely’s new B-Segment Modular Architecture platform in the future?

During the announcement of the
Geely Bin Rui sedan
 and
SX11 SUV
, Geely Auto also unveiled its new B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform. But what exactly is the BMA platform?
After co-developing the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with Volvo Cars, Geely has applied its learnings to develop the BMA platform. Like the CMA, the BMA platform maintains the high flexibility and scalability to allow Geely Auto Group to apply this platform to different body styles from Sedans to MPVs with a wheelbase ranging from 2,550 mm to 2,700 mm.
The BMA platform is compatible with a variety of powertrain options from turbocharged engines, plug-in hybrid, hybrid or mild hybrid. The soon to be launched SX11 will be equipped with the brand’s latest 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that is also found in the
Volvo XC40 T3
.
Taking their learnings from the development of CMA platform, Geely developed the BMA with passenger and pedestrian safety as its highest priority. It was designed to exceed Euro NCAP 5-Star safety standard with active safety features as well as the capability to immediately handle Level 2 autonomous drive and Level 3 autonomous drive in the future.
Using this new platform, the new vehicle development time has been shortened from over 36 months on average to
less than 24 months
, which allows Geely to respond quickly to market demands. Another benefit of adopting the BMA platform is strong economies of scale as all BMA based vehicles will have up to 70 per cent shared components, again reducing the time needed for component testing.
These also translates to significant savings when it comes to sourcing for vehicle parts as well as R&D costs which can be passed on to consumers. The common parts sharing also encourages suppliers to improve the performance and quality of their parts.
There is a high chance that Proton, which is also a member of Geely Auto Group, will be utilising the BMA platform in their future vehicles – namely the Preve, Exora and potentially B-segment models like the Persona and Iriz. If cost efficiency is what Geely is looking to achieve, it would be sensible to allow Proton to utilize the BMA platform in their future models.


Toyota has given us a hint of how the new Supra would sound like

Currently undergoing testing on Australian roads to put its suspension and vehicle dynamics through the paces, Toyota is whetting our appetites with a short teaser video of the all-new Toyota Supra’s soundtrack.
Sharing it’s underpinnings such as the engine and transmission with the
new BMW Z4
, the Toyota Supra will be tested on sweeping country roads, twisty mountain climbs and the Great Ocean Road, widely considered as on of the world’s great drives.
Chief engineer of the Supra, Tetsuya Tada, who sees Australia has the ideal proving ground for the new Supra was also on-site to oversee the development of the car.
They’re supported by Toyota Australia’s Vehicle Engineering and Development (VED) team, widely regarded to be among the best in the world for suspension tuning and dynamic evaluation.
“Australia offers surfaces that replicated 80% of the world’s roads, including some of the toughest that would be experienced by customers anywhere. I wanted to involve Australia right towards the end of our development program,” he said.
“Working on the aspects of handling and other details here in Australia allows us to make refinements that will result in a better car right up until production starts in the first part of next year,” he added.
The Supra will be tested in the aspects of driveability, ride, handling, stability, brakes, seat comfort and insulation from noise, vibration and harshness both on tarmac and gravel.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW trainees gets extremely imaginative with the new X7

Built as a one-off by a team of 12 BMW Group vocational trainees, the BMW X7 pick-up is a reflection of unhindered imagination – whether it would actually be a reality, like
Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class,
remains a hopeful thought.
With the 3rd row chopped off and an extended body that adds 10 cm to the standard X7’s length, BMW has managed to reduce the pick-up’s weight by 200 kg instead with the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) for core areas like the rear doors and the roof.
As it is an X7, ply wood will not cut it. To complement the stature of the premium SUV, the trainees opted for teak wood to line the cargo bed. The pick-up also gets a stroke of BMW Individual’s genius as it’s finished with a distinctive Tanzanite Blue metallic paint job.
You’d be impressed to know that the trainees accomplished this road-legal concept without any assistance from BMW’s trained experts who are usually at hand in the construction of concept cars.

Find out what GC Mah thought of the new BMW X7 in the walkaround video.
The pick-up is based on the
X7 xDrive40i
 that’s powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with
340 hp
and
420 Nm
.
IMAGE GALLERY


AC Schnitzer Toyota Supra and BMW Z4: Who wore it best?

It’s common knowledge that
AC Schnitzer
, for as long as its existence, has served BMW as an aftermarket supplier for both visual and mechanical enhancements.
It’s also no secret that the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra are thriving on the same components. So when it was announced that AC Schnitzer had produced accessories, both aesthetic and mechanical, not just for the BMW Z4 but also for the very first time, a Toyota, we’ve all stood up and took notice.
It’s safe to say that the Supra’s rear end, possibly the most charming section of the car, should be left as it is – a GT wing doesn’t quite cut it.
The two-piece rear spoiler on the Z4 however has had a more positive effect – adding even more menace to an already seductive rear end.
Both get the same wheel design and are dressed with front splitters, side skirts, height adjustable suspension, and mufflers with either sport black or sport carbon tail pipes.
Inside, the aluminium paddle shifters are perhaps the most audacious accessory for the Z4 and Supra – looking as if they were plucked out of a race car and passed off as an OEM item.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW Z4
Toyota Supra


Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5 3-door on sale in Malaysia, 10 units only!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has just announced that the order books for the exclusive Volkswagen Golf R 3-door is now open. Only 10 units of the 3-door hot hatch will be officially offered by VPCM and they are priced at RM268,888, RM10k lesser than the standard
5-door hatch
.
The new Golf R variant comes decently equipped, unlike the MK7 Golf R 3-door that had a “poverty spec” trim level. Offered exclusively in Lapiz Blue, standard equipment includes LED headlamps and taillamps with dynamic indicators, 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system and R “Vienna” leather upholstery.

Only three items KESSY keyless entry, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat were omitted from the equipment list. Otherwise, you still get the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine and seven-speed wet clutch DSG combo with
290 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque. Drive is transferred to all four wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter said: “This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly.”


UMW Toyota sets new sales record in August 2022 with 9,091 units sold

UMW Toyota Motor
 has just published its sales performance figures for the month of August 2022, in which it recorded a total sales of 8,961 units for Toyota and 130 units for Lexus, putting its overall sales for the month at
9,091 units
.
The August sales figure is the highest the company has recorded this year, and also represents a substantial 37% jump over its sales performance in
 July 2022 (6,637 units combined)
. With the August data accounted for, total sales volume for the company now stands at 61,639 units (Toyota and Lexus) as of August 2022 – a 62% increase compared to the same period last year.
UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K said, “The team at UMW Toyota Motor is extremely grateful for the strong support and we are working around the clock to intensify production to ensure delivery to new car owners.
“The introduction of the
Toyota Veloz
 will be a significant moment for us, and we are confident it will be popular among Malaysians with its value for money premium offerings, advanced features and of course, the renowned Toyota quality and reliability”, he added.
The seven-seater MPV is set to be unveiled in Malaysia “very soon”.
ALSO READ:
UMW Toyota opens new 3S centre in Cyberjaya with body and paint facilities
In conjunction with the 2022 Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, UMW Toyota is currently offering value-added package to its customers with great deals worth up to RM4,000 on selected variants of the
Toyota Vios
and
Yaris
. Customers can take advantage of this promo from now until the end of September by visiting any Toyota dealerships nationwide.


The Polestar 1 will cost as much as an Audi R8…

Polestar has announced at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition a crucial information for anyone interested in purchasing the brand’s first ever car, the list price of a
Polestar 1
.
Polestar’s high-performance hybrid doesn’t come cheap – with a price tag of RMB 1.45 million (RM898k) in China, €155,000 (RM735k) in Europe and US$155 000 (RM608k) in the United States – that puts the Polestar 1 in the same (pricing) league as an
Audi R8
 or a
Porsche 911 Turbo
! Interestingly, the Polestar 1 is the most expensive in China (after conversion) despite being
built in Chengdu
.
At launch, the Polestar 1 will be
available in 18 countries
 including China, United States, Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Canada.
As of March 2018, the company has collected
over

7,000 deposits
 for the coupé across all markets where the car will be made available. CEO of Polestar, Thomas Ingenlath commented, “We have seen a strong initial response from our first customers. This gives us confidence that our brand has a bright future.”
“In 2019, we will launch our next car, the
Polestar 2
 – a mid-sized fully-electric car which is well developed in its engineering phase. We will follow that up with the Polestar 3, a stunning electric SUV with a beautiful aerodynamic silhouette that is already in an advance design phase”, Ingenlath added.
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GST: Toyota and Lexus cars get price reduction by up to RM4,000 or 2% [+Video]

With GST now effectively in place of SST, Toyota Malaysia has announced the news that many have been wanting to know for some time now – how will cars be priced from 1 April 2015? Well, as explained by UMW Toyota Malaysia’s President, Dato’ Ismet Suki, there will be a price reduction by up to
RM4,000
 or
2 percent
 for
both Toyota
 and
Lexus
 models.
Suki also went on to say that they will
pass 100 percent

of the cost savings to customers
 upon any purchase of Toyota and Lexus models during the implementation of the new tax structure. They have also released an infographic of how GST works, as seen in the image below. Under this new GST regime – which applies to all car manufacturers and distributors alike – there are different implications to businesses in many areas including tax computation, collection, refunds, reconciliation to costing, as compared to the previous SST system.
As of now, we have yet to receive the post-GST price list from Toyota, but do bear in mind that the selling price as per the infographic above is not inclusive of insurance, which is also subjected to the 6 percent GST. Watch this space for the latest developments on GST and car prices.


Think you can drive? This video will make you rethink that.

For us simple creatures, nothing puts us at the edge of our seats more than a thrilling drive and when it comes to delivering such immense sensations, there’s aren’t many that can top the experience of driving an old 911.
911s of old, especially the Turbo models, have been notorious for being a handful to control at the limit with multiple reports claiming that most enjoyed a very short lifespan because they ended up being wrapped around trees and lamp posts.

Turbo lag was hugely apparent; and when it spooled up, it opened a floodgate of power you might not be prepared to deal with. The non Turbo models may have been more tame but with an engine sitting behind the rear axle, the vehicle’s dynamics were beyond what most civilians could handle.
Enter the RUF CTR “Yellow Bird”. It had
469 hp
 and
553 Nm
 from a 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged engine that most, till today, believed was placed in the wrong end of a car. Power was fed only to the rear wheels, in something that weighed no more than your standard Myvi. Imagine that.

They sure don’t make them like they used to but understandably so. These days, it’s all about appealing to a much wider audience; making a sportscar that everyone, from your aunty to your 17-year old, can simply get in and drive without the imminent threat of….well, a crash.
Those who still enjoying manhandling a car are now minorities and car companies simply can’t survive on them. Without looking too far, the
new 992-generation Porsche 911
 is one such example.
The new
Porsche 911 now in Malaysia
, from RM1.1 million.
Sure, the engine may still be at the back but the wildly behaviour that was staple in the air-cooled 911s have been so significantly dialed down, without sacrificing the culture of a proper 911, that it’ll take a complete fool to mess up a drive.
They may be easier to go faster in, safer and more well-equipped but here’s a reminder, at least, of what the good old days were about.


2017 Audi RS3 Sportback unveiled, 395 hp & 480 Nm, betters AMG A45

The new king of hot hatches has arrived and this one hails from Audi. Scheduled to make its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is the new 395 hp Audi RS3 Sportback.
Based on the facelifted
 A3
, the revised RS3 sports a redesigned hexagonal “singleframe” grille with black honeycomb, new bumpers, LED headlights and a sportier roof spoiler. Other sporty allures come from the rear diffuser, quad exhaust, lower ride height and 19-inch RS alloys. Options include the Audi Virtual Cockpit.

Underneath the hood is a the same inline-five,
2.5-litre turbocharged
engine that weighs less and produces more output. It’s makes about 33 hp and 15 Nm more than its predecessor, bringing the final output up to
 395

hp
 and
480 Nm
. That makes it 14 hp more powerful than the dominant
Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic
. What’s more, the 0-100 km/h sprint is accomplished in 4.1 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the A45. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but with customer’s request (with an added fee, of course), it can reach up to
 280 km/h.
As always with Audi sport models, quattro is standard, which sends drive to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic (dual clutch) transmission. The quattro uses an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute the required amount of torque to each axle. Ride is improved as well, thanks to RS Sport suspension with adaptive damper control, but this is a cost option.
Well, now that the cat is out of the bag, it’s only a matter of time before Mercedes-AMG and BMW M responds. The question becomes, do we really need that much power in a car that’s relatively… small?
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All-new Subaru Forester with Eyesight to be available in Malaysia by mid next year

Speaking to the Managing Director of Tan Chong International, Glenn Tan, shortly after the regional launch of the all-new Subaru Forester, we were told that it will only be introduced in Q2 of 2019.
Three variants will be available, with EyeSight only available a few months after the initial introduction of the all-new AWD SUV. We’re also told that the Malaysian models will not be too different from the Taiwanese-spec Foresters in the video below – so the powered sunroof could be a possibility!
When EyeSight is available for the local Foresters, it will only be limited to the top variants. Subaru recently launched the fully-imported Subaru Outback, the first to feature EyeSight in Malaysia and with the Forester now following suit.
As for the Subaru XV, you’ll just need to be a little more patient as the EyeSight driver assistance system is expected to be available for the crossover, only in 2020.
The all-new Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer engine making
 156 hp
 and
196 Nm
 of torque, paired with a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.
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