Hyundai i30 N Performance: The everyday sports car from Korea is finally in Malaysia!

After teasing it a little more than a year ago at the KL international Motor Show, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors have finally launched the i30 N in Malaysia, priced at
RM298,888
 (on the road without insurance) – but with a twist. There will only be
20 units
 in the country, and available
exclusively through Lazad
a – More on that later.
 First things first, Hyundai was quick to point out that the i30 N means business, highlighting the fact that the N in its name stands for Nurburgring – where the car is developed, aside from Namyang, the location of the N performance R&D centre.
The Hyundai i30 N will be available only in the
Performance variant
. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged T-GDi engine, capable of producing
275 hp
 and
353 Nm
 of torque. An overboost function increases the torque by eight percent, to
378 Nm
.
The engine is mated to a
 6-speed manual transmission
, with power sent to the front wheels. The power output translates to a century sprint time of
6.1 seconds
, onward to a top speed of
250 km/h
.
Hyundai has fitted the i30 N performance with a plethora of performance equipment, including the N Traction and Stability Control, Electric Controlled Suspension (ECS), and an electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), which Hyundai calls the “N Corner Carving Differential”.
By default, four preset driving modes are available – Eco, Normal, Sport, and N – selected by pressing on a chequered flag button on the steering wheel. But if you want even more fun on the track, a
N Grin Control System
 changes the driving mode, engine parameters, dampers, ESC and E-LSD settings automatically for maximum track performance. The Grin Control System also turns up the sound, while tuning the steering response and rev-matching system.
Yes, the Hyundai i30 N has a rev-matching function too, which might be especially useful when you just feel like driving calmly on the streets. A launch control system with variable RPM helps control engine torque output for the quickest launch off the line.
The Hyundai i30 N will be available exclusively in a
Performance Blue
 body colour – a nod to their Hyundai Motorsports roots in the WRC and TCR series. At the front, the hot hatch features full LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, the latter sitting on the two air inlets at the sides of the front bumper.
The air inlets are functional, too, directing airflow towards the brakes for enhanced cooling and aerodynamics. The Cascading Grille in front also features an air curtain, to direct air between cooling and aerodynamic purposes.
At the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler helps with the downforce of the i30 N. The third braking light, which sits underneath the spoiler, is also shaped in a racecar inspired triangular shape. The lights at the rear are all fully LED, including the rear combination taillights.
Further down at the rear apron, you will find dual muffler exhaust tips, separated by splitters which looks to be mostly aesthetical. The exhaust comes with a variable exhaust valve, which helps modulate the engine and exhaust sounds.
The i30 N sits on
19-inch alloy wheels
, wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tyres (235/35). Behind those wheels are the red brake calipers, complete with N badging at the front wheels.
Moving inside, you’ll realise that the Hyundai i30 N is capable of being civil too. The front seats are 10-way power adjustable, while the seats are upholstered in suede and leather, reinforcing the duality.
A 4.2 Supervision LCD digital instrument cluster separates the analog dials,  while a
8-inch floating infotainment touchscreen display
 sits in the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while also able to display performance information such as G-force meter when on track.
Further down the centre control stack, you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as a Qi wireless phone charger. To highlight its practicality even more, you still get
381 litres
 of cargo space at the back with the rear seats up!
Safety wise, the Hyundai i30 N comes standard with
7 airbags
. The usual ABS, ESC, and other three letter acronyms are all still here, but Hyundai has also armed the hot hatch with advanced driver assist systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System, as well as High Beam Assist. There is also a tyre pressure monitoring system to keep your tyres in check.
Now, remember when we said it is available only on Lazada? The Hyundai i30 N is made available on the platform in conjunction with the 12.12 Grand Year End Sale. The 20 units will be open for pre-booking from
2 to 11 December
, using the Chup Dulu function just as the
Ford Ranger Splash
 did.
During the pre-booking period, buyers will just have to pay 50% on the booking fee of RM2,000 (
RM1,000
) via the Lazada app. Simply check out and pay the remainder of the booking fee from 12 to 14 December to secure the booking. Do note that the deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not complete.
Once the RM2,000 booking fee is completed, the buyer will be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed with their purchase at their preferred Hyundai showroom. All 20 shoppers who successfully receive loan approval for their vehicle will also be treated to a trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience!
The Hyundai i30 N comes with a
five-year/300,000 km warranty
. Interested parties will be able to view the car at the Sime Darby Auto Hyundai showroom in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.
IMAGE GALLERY


Former Top Gear trio to run new motoring show while BBC hunts for new hosts

Much has happened since the breaking news of Chris Evans being put at the helm of BBC’s Top Gear as the lead presenter. The British broadcasting giant has also announced the worldwide search for new talents to replace Richard Hammond and James May as the duo’s contracts have not been renewed.
It was reported that earlier this week, there were rumours of BBC
attempting to sign Clarkson
 back onto the hit motoring show, and was repeated on a column printed by British daily
The Sun
. However, Clarkson has since commented that he will
not be returning
 to the BBC.
In another comment made, the former patriarch of
Top Gear
 has revealed that
all three of them will be returning for a new rival show
 that’s reportedly being picked up by frontrunners
 Netflix, Amazon and ITV
. Clarkson hasn’t revealed the specifics of the show, but may do so when the negotiations are finalised.
Now while all of this blows over, there is much for Top Gear fans to rejoice as the BBC just announced that the
final Top Gear episode of Clarkson
, Hammond and May will be aired on
28 June
 on BBC2. It will be made up of
two films
 shot before the ensuing fracas Clarkson had with producer Oisin Tymon over the dispute of a hot meal after a long day’s shoot.


Mercedes-Benz to build its first midsize luxury pickup truck

Yes, it read it right and it’s happening. Premium automaker
Mercedes-Benz
 will be introducing a midsize pickup truck by
year 2020
. Making it the first to spearhead the
luxury pickup truck
 segment in the world.
Mercedes-Benz wishes to enter the high-volume midsize pickup segment “before end of decade” (could be as early as
2017
) and believes it has got good sales potential.
“The Mercedes-Benz pickup will contribute nicely to our global growth targets,” says
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division. “We will enter this segment with our distinctive brand identity and all of the vehicle attributes that are typical of the brand with regard to
safety
,
comfort
,
powertrains
, and
value
.”
The German automaker’s first premium pickup truck will be a
one-tonne
 midsize double cab and will be developed under
Mercedes-Benz Vans
 division. The same department that rolls out V-Class MPVs and Vito vans.
Mercedes-Benz’s decision is based on the undergoing transformation of midsize pickup segment worldwide, as pickup trucks are popular among individuals for private use. Not limited to commercial usages only. Following the footstep of the
M-Class
, Mercedes-Benz will be the first to dive into
premium pickup segment
, which proves to be successful 20 years ago with its first SUV.
I know you guys (in Asia) are all excited and looking forward to own a rugged yet luxurious three-pointed star pickup truck. However, you can’t. At least not yet. Mercedes-Benz announced that as of now it will only be introduced in
Latin America
,
South Africa
,
Australia
 and
Europe
, which are posting sustained growth in this segment. I’m sure Asian market will follow soon.
Soon the cows will be able to travel in style


Proton just hit its highest sales month in eight years, 13,216 units sold in July

Thanks to the
sales tax exemptions

in place until the end of the year, the local automotive industry is seeing a rebound in sales post-COVID-19 pandemic, with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) growing to a 13 month high in July. National carmaker Proton benefitted greatly from the tax incentives, managing to move a total of
13,216 units
 in the last month, marking its
best sales month since June 2012
.
The figure translates to an estimated 63.2% of the TIV market share in July. Compared to June, Proton sales grew by 37.3% (13,216 vs 9,623). Year-on-year sales growth was also impressive at 45.7% (13,216 vs 9,072) compared to the same period last year.
Taking into account of the July sales data, Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) market share figure now stands at
21.8%
 – a growth of 6.7% over the same period in 2019. With the recent growth in sales, the deficit in volume compared to last year has shrunk to 4.2% (50,294 vs 52,499) despite diminished sales due to the movement control order. For context, the industry forecasted gap for TIV is 33%.
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
.
The main contributor to Proton’s sales last month was once again the
Proton Saga
 which sold
5,421 units
in July, outselling the Perodua Bezza to take the lead in the A-segment sedan market. The figure is helped by the 1,100 units of the
Saga Anniversary Edition
 which was fully booked within five days of its launch. The July sales figure is also the
highest for the model since April 2014
.
The
Proton X70
 continues to hold its title as the best-selling SUV in the country with
3,087 units
 sold in July, marking its
best ever sales month
 since its introduction in Malaysia. The July sales figure also increased its market share to 25.6%, 4.3% higher than 2019.
Elsewhere, the
Proton Persona
 sold
3,043 units
 in the last month, cementing its position at the top of the B-segment sedan market. The
Exora
 meanwhile saw sales of 792 units in July – its best sales month since August 2016, extending its reign in the C-segment MPV market.
Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton’s performance in July 2020 was our best in over eight years. We are especially happy with how our models are faring within their segments.
Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong teased the introduction of a new model during the
 Chinese New Year media luncheon back in January
.
“We also note that there has been a positive effect on other areas of the business as a result of the encouraging sales. For instance
Proton Commerce
, our in-house vehicle financing provider, saw an increase of 100% in the number of loans it disbursed compared to the previous month.
“For August, Proton will look to continue to excite the market and stimulate sales in preparation for more model introductions later in the year. Our production, quality, sales and aftersales divisions are all working hard to ensure we are able to meet consumer demand as well as deliver a level of customer service befitting the brand promise that we have set out,” he added.
For the latest price list of Proton models in Malaysia, click
here
.


Hap Seng Star launches first standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre

Shopping for a Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz will never be the same again with the launch of the first standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara.
With a RM41.6 million investment into a 46,210 sq ft premise, the Certified Pre-Owned Centre will house and display more than 100 vehicles of different models, and will serve as a one-stop solution centre for sales and financial services exclusively for Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicles.
Indulge in the variety of attractive Mercedes-Benz merchandises, to go with that “new” car!
While you’re waiting for your new Mercedes-Benz to be ready, there’ll also be a cafe, children’s playground, lounge, and Mercedes-Benz merchandise to indulge in.
To date, this is Hap Seng Star’s second Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned centre, the first centre was established in Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus in 2016.
Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara is located at No. 18, Jalan BK 1/13, Bandar Kinrara Industrial Park, Puchong, Selangor, on the same street as Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Kinrara Autohaus.
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Hap Seng Star also officially introduced the Young Star Agility Financing – a programme that offers Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts a chance to own a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars in impeccable condition and at an attractive and market price.
Under Young Star Agility Financing, Mercedes-Benz customers enjoy flexible end of agreement options and end-to-end solutions such as flexible financing, insurance solutions, service maintenance and extended limited warranty tailored to the customers’ preference.
Further ensuring customers’ peace-of-mind, the future value of Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be guaranteed by Hap Seng Star.
Young Star Agility Financing is currently available at Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre at Hap Seng Star Kinrara and Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus. Customers can get more information
here
.

 In conjunction with the new Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Centre by Hap Seng Star Kinrara, an opening carnival will be held on the weekends of the
6th and 14th October 2018
. The carnival is open to public to explore the widest selection of Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz Certified vehicles. Customers who made a booking from now until 30th November could stand a chance at winning a premier massage chair and many other valuable prizes.
IMAGE GALLERY


Car workshops now required to list mechanics’ qualifications, spare part details

A new ruling by the Malaysia Government will now require all automotive workshops to display a list stating the names of mechanics and their qualifications, in a bid to provide customers with more transparency and confidence when choosing workshops.
As reported by
 Bernama
, the new ruling is one of the several improvements contained within the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 that took effect nationwide on July 1, 2023.
In a statement, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that the new ruling would encourage workshops owners to either hire qualified mechanics or help their mechanics to obtain proper qualifications.
In addition to listing its mechanics and their details, workshop operators are now also required to state clearly the category of spare parts being used in a repair (whether they are new, used, or reconditioned).
RELATED:
EV road tax to be cheaper than petrol car road tax, special “EV” plates proposed
The amendment was first gazetted in June 2022, but the enforcement of the ruling was postponed for a year to allow for those affected to prepare for the changes.
“The postponement period for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 ended on June 30, 2023 and it is in full effect nationwide as of July 1, 2023. Action can be taken for any breach of the regulations as stipulated under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599),” he added.
ALSO READ:
Malaysia government mulling vehicle end-of-life policy, again – implementation by 2025


Gallery: Mitsubishi Triton Athlete – Orange ‘and’ the new black

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has just unveiled its new flagship pick-up truck here on our shores, the
 Triton Athlete
, replacing the outgoing Adventure X variant for the 2021 model year. Changes are all on its aesthetics, with no mechanical differences between the two – so it’s a good thing this new one looks this good.
On the front, the new Triton Athlete gets a new blacked out Dynamic Shield fascia, characterised by the new front under garnish for a more rugged, bash plate-esque look. The black accents extend into the bi-LED projector headlights, which looks especially sharp when contrasted by the white daytime-running lights.
By now, you probably would’ve realised that the blacked-out items are all part of the whole “rugged” Triton Athlete image – the same colour theme is also found on the door handles, wing mirror housing, side steps, aero door visors, rear bumpers, and most obviously on this orange unit, the Triton Athlete decals at the rear section of the side.
The Triton Athlete decals are actually in a different colour on each of the three exterior colour options – Sun Flare Orange, White Diamond, and Jet Black Mica. As for the wheels, while still sized at 18-inch and featuring the same multi-spoke design, also gets the same blacked-out treatment.
Moving inside, the differences on the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete are a lot more “tame” compared to the new exterior styling, with only some additional orange cross-stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift lever, and handbrake lever, alongside a light-up ‘Triton’ sill plate.
Otherwise, the rest of the interior is pretty much a carbon copy from the outgoing Adventure X variant, with all of the variant-specific goodies such as the forward-facing dashcam, 360-degree surround view monitor, and the solar/security tint being included as standard.
As mentioned, the mechanical bits are also all unchanged on the new model. The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo engine, pushing out
181 hp
 and
430 Nm
 to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox (with gearshift pedals).
With this being the new range-topping variant, the Triton Athlete also comes equipped with the Super Select II all-wheel drive system with hill-descent control and individual driving modes for various loose surfaces. Having spent a whole day off-roading (as a newbie) as part of the media drive, I’ve got to say that the technology smarts definitely saved me quite a few times in the jungle.
On the safety front, the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is equipped with several advanced driver assistance features, including Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) that works
 up to 60 km/h
, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and automatic high-beam.
The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is now available in Malaysia, priced at
RM141,500
, making it a RM3,600 premium over the outgoing Adventure X. Included in the price is also a five-year/200,000 km warranty coverage. So what do you say? Let us know in the comments down below!
GALLERY


Video: BMW X7 xDrive40i SUPER-size SUV review

Whether you’re running a restaurant or a car manufacturing company, profit is everything. Just like how fast food chains introduce seasonal menus and innovate new set meals, car companies are also doing everything they can to cater to the needs and requirements of every single customer.
That’s why cars like the GLC Coupe, the GLE Coupe, the X4 and X6 exist – regardless of what some of us might think of them. With the X Series, BMW now pretty much has an SUV for every segment and size category, for every discerning customer and their specific needs and it was, not too long ago, completely by the ultra gigantic
BMW X7
.

From afar, you’d probably mistake it for a BMW X5 but there’s more to the X7, which
GC Mah test drove in Portugal
, that separates it from the now second-largest SUV in the BMW range; and it’s not just the enormous grille upfront.
Under the hood is a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six cylinder engine paired to an 8 speed automatic gearbox to drive all four wheels. 0 to 100 km/h, despite its behemoth proportions, takes just 6.1 seconds – a Golf GTI-rivaling time.
But really, you wouldn’t wanna read about the most exclusive BMW SUV would you? It’s something you’d need to watch to truly appreciate. On that note, allow GC Mah to enlightened you, as to why this car costs a whopping RM888,888!


Starbucks launches 26 EV chargers in Malaysia – FOC until 31 October!

You can now recharge your electric vehicle (EV) as you get a refreshing drink at Starbucks. Today, Starbucks Malaysia together with Yinson GreenTech (YGT) has launched a total of 26 EV chargers in Malaysia at 17 Starbucks outlets nationwide, comprising both AC and DC fast chargers.
It is the first EV charger installation for a retail coffee chain in Malaysia, and the officiation of the chargers took place at Starbucks Eco Grandeur where a 60-kW DC fast charger was installed. Activation and payment for the EV charging facilities are done via the “chargEV” app. Upon launch, all the EV chargers at Starbucks will be free for use until
October 31, 2022
 (via activation on chargEV).
60-kW DC Fast Charger at Starbucks Eco Grandeur
The full list of Starbucks outlets with EV chargers is as such:
● Starbucks Kota Kemuning Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Reserve™ Setia Alam
● Starbucks Ukay Perdana Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Conezion Putrajaya Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Eco Grandeur Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Rimbayu Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Jade Hill Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Reserve™ Eco Majestic Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Eco Horizon Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Icon City Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Hillside Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Juru (R&R) Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Tanjong Tokong Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Malim Jaya Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Bandar Seri Alam Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Seri Austin Drive-Thru
● Starbucks Skudai (R&R) Drive-Thru
The Starbucks chargers on the chargEV app are part of a 400-point charging network provided by chargeEV. Previously requiring a membership, the chargEV chargers can now be accessed via a pay-per-use feature.
Beginning 1 November 2022, Starbucks customers who are active chargEV members charging their EVs at one of the 17 Starbucks stores can enjoy up to 50% off their first Grande Handcrafted Beverage purchased in a single receipt. Customers simply need to flash their chargEV membership ID on the mobile app at the counter to redeem. The promotion is valid for 12 months and subject to the terms and conditions of the promotion, which are made available at the participating Starbucks stores and on the chargEV Facebook page.
RELATED:
Geely’s new 600 kW EV charger offers 300 km of range in just five minutes!
60-kW DC Fast Charger at Starbucks Eco Grandeur
Berjaya Food Berhad CEO, Dato’ Sydney Quays said, “Charging your car should be as seamless as ordering a cup of coffee, and now it can be. As a company, we have always been passionate about protecting our planet and driving innovation to enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers. With the inclusion of EV chargers in our stores, it represents a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts as a company, and we hope will lead the retail industry towards a decarbonized future for Malaysia.”
YGT Senior Vice President of Electromobility Ruslin Tamsir said, “We are delighted to support Starbuck’s ambition of innovating with more responsible stores by providing chargEV solutions to their outlets, and we are jointly committed to rolling out even more charge points over the next few years. The chargEV team warmly welcomes other likeminded businesses to engage with us to find out about our integrated EV solutions and how they, too, can participate in Malaysia’s EV transition.”
RELATED:
Shell and Porsche launches first 180 kW EV charger in Johor


Tesla is planning to design “Chinese-style” cars for the global market

In a
post
 shared on the WeChat social network, Tesla has revealed that it will be opening a design and research and development centre in China to make “Chinese-style” cars.
“In order to shift from ‘made in China’ to ‘designed in China’, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk proposed a very cool idea – to set up a design and research and development centre in China,” the post read.
The forthcoming
Tesla Model Y
In the talent recruitment post, Tesla also shared a new design sketch, resembling a compact hatchback with
Model Y
-inspired styling. The image is accompanied by the caption “integrate the beautiful Chinese arts into the future-facing Teslas”.
The post further notes that the Chinese-designed car will be destined for the global market.
The post comes after
Elon Musk’s comments
 at the launch of the third Gigafactory in Shanghai, China. During the launch event, Musk said, “I think something that would be super cool would be to — and so we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna try to do it — would be to create a China design and engineering center to actually design an original car in China for worldwide consumption.
“I think this will be very exciting. I think China has some of the best art in the world, and I think it’s something that would be appreciated on a worldwide basis. I think it should be done, and we’re gonna do it,” he added.
Last year, Tesla delivered
367,500 cars worldwide
 –
over 50% more than 2018’s total of 245,240
.


The revised Fiat Punto scores the first ever 0-star Euro NCAP rating

There’s nothing worse than scoring a zero in a crash test, in fact in any test. To be the first ever to score a zero in a test though, the shame would simply be unbearable.
The shame here lies on the revised Fiat Punto, reworked from the 2005 version. It scored the unprecedented rating due to low scores from its crash performance, culminated by a lack of key technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Support Systems.
It is essentially an old car but that should’ve been enough motivation to place more emphasis on fitting safety technologies to counteract its dated crash performance, said Thatcham Research.
Thatcham Research also stressed that such systems are now a priority as beginning of 2018, vehicles without standard-fit AEB systems won’t be able to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Credit:
YouTube


Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar makes 421 hp and 600 Nm without compromising fuel economy

Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance brand has just unveiled the Polestar Optimisation pack for the
second-generation XC60 T8
. They massaged 421 hp from the hybrid powertrain while maintaining the same fuel economy of 2.1L/100 km and a pure electric range of 45 km!
At stock, the 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged Drive-E four-cylinder engine together with the electric motor develops
407 hp
 and over
600 Nm
 of torque. It gets an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. After Polestar’s magic touch, the powertrain now makes
421 hp
. Now, the
14 hp
 power bump may seem insignificant, but Polestar claims that the optimisation provides greater everyday performance such as overtaking or exiting a corner.
Besides giving it some extra horses, Polestar remapped the engine to provide more
mid-range grunt
 and
sharper throttle response
. The optimised gearbox have been calibrated to deliver
quicker gearshifts
 and
holds the gears longer
when required. Of course, warranty is not affected and remains covered by Volvo.
Polestar Optimisation is available on all five engine choices of the XC60 – T8, T6, T5, D5 and D4. It won’t be long before the
second-generation XC60 makes its Malaysian debut
. Now, the real question is, how much horsepower would you like your XC60 to come with,
407 hp
 or
 421 hp
?
IMAGE GALLERY


Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition celebrates 50 years of supersonic air travel

Fifty years ago, the Concorde, perhaps the most iconic passenger jet ever, took flight for the first time. A technological marvel, the supersonic jet became the inspiration for Aston Martin’s latest member of the Wings series, the DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition.
The bespoke edition was commissioned by Aston Martin Bristol, located about a runway length away from Aerospace Bristol – where British Concorde planes were built. The launch, which happened yesterday, came just in time as it was exactly 16 years since the last Concorde flight, of the registration number G-BOAF, touched down.
Coincidentally, it is also the centenary of one of Concorde’s two operators – British Airlines. That is why the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde edition sports a livery with the carrier’s blue and red colours painted on the roof strake, rear spoiler, and diffusers.
A vague silhouette graphic of the supersonic jet is placed on top of the carbon fibre roof, but the iconic delta wing shape can be seen much more clearly on the front fender strakes, milled from solid aluminium.
The British Airlines ‘Speedmarque’ logo is placed as a chrome badge on the front fenders. Other unique touches include an Aston Martin wing badge in the airline’s colours, as well as the G-BOAF identifier painted on the sides.
Inside, the commemoration continues with the Concorde logo embossed on the seats, a ‘sonic boom’ graphic on the Alcantara headliner, and the supersonic jet’s maximum air speed and altitude embroidered on the driver-side sun visor – the yellow-orange colour mimics that of the display found in the Concorde cabin, which is a neat touch.
The special edition also gets pedal shifters made out of titanium from the Concorde’s compressor blades, seat belt buckle badges milled from solid aluminium, and a unique side sill plates again featuring the aircraft identification number.
Aside from aesthetic touches, the
DBS Superleggera
 remains unchanged. Under the hood is still the brand’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, pushing out
725 hp
 and
900 Nm
 of torque. The century sprint is done in just
3.4 seconds
, and zero to 161 km/h (100 mph) in
6.4 seconds
. Flat out, the DBS Superleggera can reach a top speed of
340 km/h
.
Only
 10 units
 of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition will ever be made, with each receiving a bespoke inspection plaque signed by Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Andy Palmer and British Airways Chairman Álex Cruz.
Part of the proceeds from each sale will also be donated to the Air League Trust, a non-profit organisation that teaches under privileged children how to fly, as well as offering support for them to work in the engineering field.


Audi opens up order book for the R8 GT3 LMS, each priced from RM1.93 million!

Just last week we saw our home-grown racing ace
Alex Yoong
 barrel down the Grandstand straight in a factory built, GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS Cup car as part of the one-make-race series by Audi. But Alex was piloting the late model first generation R8 and not the second-gen seen in these pictures here. However, that doesn’t stop former F1 driver and six-time 24 Hours Le Mans winner Jackie Ickx from saying that the R8 is “the best handling road car today”.
The R8 LMS car in question here is the
 second-gen
 version thats sports the
V10
 lent over from its sister, the
Lamborghini Huracan
. Although this iteration of the
R8
 was launched back in March at the
Geneva Motor Show
, production is slated to start in the mid of
September
, with the first few cars billed for delivery before the year end.
Powering these new generation of track munchers is a tried-and-tested,
 quad-cam

V10 40-valve
 mill that produces
 585 hp
 and
560 Nm
 of torque that’s built on
 Audi’s Space Frame
 design technology. Audi has been rather stingy with technical details on their latest GT3 spec racer. The only number they’ve revealed to date, is its price.
Not to be comparing the R8 with ordering a burger at the drive-thru, but an
ala-carte R8 LMS GT3
 would set you back €360,000 (
RM1,740,873
). Should you find yourself liking that burger with chips and soda, that’ll set you back a total of €398,000 (
RM1,924,631
) which gets you the car as well as a
starter
 and
parts package
 for the season.
Until the end of March 2016, Audi has scheduled production capacities for
 45 GT3
 race cars for the coming
2016 season
. With that, the four-ringed brand’s R8 LMS will set the pace as one of the first new models to correspond with the
new GT3 regulations
 that will come into effect from
2016
 until at least
2018
, and thus sets new standards in terms of
safety
.
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Special Edition Mazda3 Sport Black launched, but it’s not for us

The
Mazda3
 is undoubtedly one of Mazda’s core model, so to further boost its appeal and add value to their customers, Mazda went on to introduce a special edition variant called the Mazda3 Sport Black.
Available exclusively for the UK market only, the Sport Black variant can only be had in hatchback form. Features unique to it are
18-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels
 and the Brilliant Black Sports Styling Kit which comprise of blacked-out side mirrors, front splitter, rear bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler.

Inside, the special edition variant is almost identical to ours, except this gets
dual zone climate control
, half leather half suede upholstery, Smart City Brake Support and Mazda’s integrated navigation system with 3-years free European map updates. The MZD Connect System also supports internet app integration for your favourite social media accessibility as well as internet radio.
Under the hood is a familiar affair; it’s powered by a
2.0-litre Skyactiv-G
 engine making
120 hp
 at 6,000 rpm (tuned lower to meet strict European emissions standard) and
210 Nm
 of torque at 4,000 rpm. Earlier this year, Mazda UK introduced the diesel variant to the lineup, and it’s powered by a
turbocharged 1.5-litre
 four-cylinder lump packing
104 hp
 and
 250 Nm
 of torque. There’s a more powerful
2.2-litre turbodiesel
 available too, one that makes
148 hp
 and
380 Nm
 of torque!
The good news for UK customers is the Mazda3 Sport Black edition will not command a higher price, but the bad news is there will only be 800 examples made. It can only be had in
two exterior colours
 – Soul Red Metallic or Snowflake White Pearlescent. It’s priced at £20,995, or roughly
RM120k
 based on current foreign exchange rates.
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Formula 1 unveils plan to achieve net-zero carbon footprint by 2030

Formula 1 has announced that the sport will have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. This sustainability plan will encompass the entire the Formula 1 cars, on-track activity, and the rest of the operations as a sport.
With the current hybrid power unit, The Formula 1 cars are already one of the most efficient cars in the world, delivering more power using less fuel than any other car. The combination of sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems presents an opportunity to develop a
net-zero carbon hybrid power unit
.

As with all other aspects from the car development such as aerodynamics and brakes design, Formula 1 aims to bring the technological advancements from their hybrid power unit downstream to the mass automotive sector.
In addition, Formula 1 is also targeting a 2025 deadline to achieve net-zero carbon at every race on the calendar. All
single-use plastic will be eliminated
, replaced by recyclable or compostable materials.
The
2021 Formula 1 cars
 will still be utilising the 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engines.
The sport will also work with promoters and track management boards to set-up
lower/zero carbon transport methods for fans
 to reach the races.
However, by far the most carbon-heavy aspect of the sport is the logistics between races. In the estimated 256,551 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by F1 in 2019, 45% of that is a direct result from the transportation of various equipment by the teams and the sport itself.
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Formula 1 will be
 maximising logistics and travel efficiency
 through process and volume optimisation, and will be using the least CO2 intensive transport method available.
Aside from track related operations, all F1 and team facilities, including factories and venues will also transition to
100% renewable electricity
 by 2030. Zero carbon technologies for HVAC systems and mobile power will also be adopted by the entire sport.
For unavoidable emissions within the sport, Formula 1 will utilise verifiable biological and
technical carbon sequestration programmes
 to fully offset these emissions.
Formula 1 Chairman and CEO, Chase Carey said, “In launching F1’s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue.
“By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate,” he added.


Save up to RM11.5k when you buy a Volkswagen Passat this March

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is kicking off the month of March with special offers for the Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line, as well as new parts offerings in its Repair Packages.
For every order placed for either of the Volkswagen Passat variants, customers will enjoy one-year free insurance worth RM5,500, and a one-year “free petrol” rebate worth RM2,500. Those who place their booking via the
 Volkswagen eShowroom
 will enjoy an additional RM3,500 in online-exclusive rebates, bringing the
total savings up to RM11,500
.
Together with the current sales tax-exempted prices, the Volkswagen
Passat Elegance
 and
Passat R-Line
 can be had at
RM170,356
 and
RM191,911
 respectively.
The Repair Package meanwhile is meant specifically for Volkswagen vehicles over five years of age. The maintenance package offers special deals for the replacement of front absorbers, rear absorbers, as well as front and rear brake discs. From this month onwards, front and rear wheel bearings, as well as timing belt have also been added to the list.
In addition to the main part being replaced, all other relevant components such as nuts and bolts are also replaced as part of the cost to ensure better performance and safety. The full pricing for the listed parts can be found in the table below:
Repair Packages
Savings up to
Front absorber set
RM1,702
Rear absorber set
RM1,174
Front brakes set
RM1,117
Rear brakes set
RM786
Front bearing (1 piece)
RM586
Front bearing (1 pair)
RM1,146
Rear bearing (1 piece)
RM483
Rear bearing (1 pair)
RM958
Timing belt
RM448
In addition to the repair packages, the parts and labour on selected models also come with a 30% discount and a two-year warranty for extra peace of mind. Only Volkswagen genuine parts are used, with the works carried out by trained Volkswagen technicians, and in accordance to global standards with approved Volkswagen tools.
To enjoy the savings from the Repair Packages, owners will be required to download the
Volkswagen Cares
 mobile app in order to receive their item e-vouchers, to be presented at any Volkswagen authorised service centres.
Customers can book their service appointments online via the
Volkswagen Online Service Booking webpage
. Free pick-up and delivery services are also available upon request. All Volkswagen dealerships follow strict guidelines under the #SafeHands initiative, with stringent hygiene processes in place – rest assured that your health and safety is well taken care of when you drop your car off for service.


BMW unveils 374 hp hydrogen fuel cell powertrain

BMW has a development partnership with Toyota that dates all the way back to 2013 for the development of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. After near seven years of development, the German carmaker is finally happy to present its first hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.
BMW says that it is convinced that various alternative powertrains will coexist alongside each other, as there isn’t a single solution that can cater to the full spectrum of mobility requirements worldwide.
BMW board member for research and development, Klaus Fröhlich said, “The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the
 fourth pillar
 of our powertrain portfolio in the long term.”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmSXAbkvoE8&feature=youtu.be
The fuel cell system in the powertrain is capable supplying up to
125 kW (170 hp)
 of electrical power to the motor. Hydrogen is supplied by a pair of 700 bar tanks, together holding
six kilograms of hydrogen
.
According to BMW Group Vice President of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects, Jürgen Guldner, the tanks “guarantees a long range regardless of the weather conditions”, and refuelling should only take
three to four minutes
.
The hydrogen system is paired to a small battery pack, which BMW calls the ‘peak power battery’. The battery pack provides an
additional boost of power
 during hard acceleration, bringing the total system output up to
275 kW (374 hp)
 when needed.
The electrical power from the hydrogen fuel cell and battery are then fed through BMW’s
fifth-generation e-Drive power unit
, which is set to make its debut at the
forthcoming BMW iX3
.
BMW will be producing a small-scale series in 2022 based on a modified BMW X5 as a pilot of the hydrogen technology. However, the company also says that “it will be some time” before a customer offer model with this technology will be made available –
 2025 at the earliest
.
The company cites the
lack of requisite infrastructure
, such as extensive hydrogen filling station networks, as well as the
lack of production of hydrogen
 – both in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices, using green electricity.
However, that does not mean that BMW will hold off on its development of the technology. Until the infrastructure and sustainably-produced hydrogen supply are in place, the company will be working on substantially reducing the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.
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Porsche Cayenne Platinum Editions launched in Malaysia, priced from RM698k!

Porsche Malaysia (Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd) has just introduced the Platinum Edition trim for the Cayenne range, with a base pricing of RM698k. A quick check on their website
reveals at least five trims receiving this kit
, and only for a limited time period.
Standard equipment include a sportier 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, active bi-xenon headlamps with four-point LED DRLs, Power Steering Plus and ParkAssist for the front and back. Also thrown in the mix are powered leather sports seats, Alcantara centre panels with the Porsche crest on all headrests.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Cayenne
Cayenne Diesel
Cayenne S
Cayenne S Diesel
Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Cayenne GTS
Engine
3.6L V6
3.0L V6 turbo
3.6L bi-turbo V6
4.2L V8 turbo
 3.0L V6
3.6L V6
Transmission
8-speed Tiptronic S
8-speed Tiptronic S
8-speed Tiptronic S
8-speed Tiptronic S
8-speed Tiptronic S
8-speed Tiptronic S
Max Power
300 hp @ 6,300 rpm
245 hp @ 3,800 – 4,400 rpm
420 hp @ 6,000 rpm
385 hp @ 3,750 rpm
416 hp @ 5,500 rpm
440 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
400 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
550 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm
550 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,500 rpm
850 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,750 rpm
590 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
600 Nm @ 1,600 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h
7.7 seconds
7.3 seconds
5.5 seconds
5.4 seconds
5.9 seconds
5.2 seconds
Top Speed
230 km/h
221 km/h
259 km/h
252 km/h
243 km/h
262 km/h
Price (with GST only)
RM640,000
RM640,000
RM760,000
RM780,000
RM770,000
RM900,000
There are two exterior colours available as standard – Solid Black and Solid White. Metallic paints are optional, beginning with Deep Black, Purpurite, Mahogany, Carrera White or Rhodium Silver. All Platinum Editions come with a high gloss finish, with the wheel arches finished in the same chosen paint colour.
Exclusive to this limited-run Cayenne are the stainless steel door sills with “Platinum Edition” lettering. Fitted for free is the latest-generation Porsche Communication Management which includes online navigation and Connect Plus module for smartphone pairing.

The Platinum Edition trim can be had for the Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne Diesel S and Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Prices start from RM698k (that’s for the entry level Cayenne) before road tax and insurance. All purchases come with a 4-Year warranty and free maintenance package.
And oh, it’s pronounced Kei-yen, not Kah-yen. Just like the pepper.
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Someone stuffed an actual V8 engine into a Tesla Model S

Electric rebuilds/restomods
 – where older cars get fitted with new electric powertrains – are all the rage now, thanks to the availability of off-the-shelf after market EV powertrains these days. Petrol engines in EVs, however, are a lot rarer – but that’s exactly what Rich Benoit from the YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds did, by building the world’s first V8-powered
Tesla Model S
. And yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds.

This is ‘ICE-T’ (get it?), a Tesla Model S with a loud and “crude” Chevy LS3 V8 engine underneath its bonnet. And if you ever wondered why you don’t see these mods more often, well, the video above shows you exactly why.
The project took Rich Rebuilds more than two years to reach the stage it’s currently in, and it’s still not completed just yet. In order to fit the engine into the “frunk” of the Tesla, the team even had to custom-fabricate an entire exhaust system, plus a transmission tunnel made from sections of another donor Model S’s floor panels, and one-off drive shafts.
RELATED: Watch this EV Delorean perform drifts without an actual driver on-board!
 Screenshot: Rich Rebuilds/YouTube
And then there’s the endless wirings to go through in order to make the car’s electrical systems play nice with an engine underneath its bonnet. To prep for the vehicle’s debut, the team also gave it a brown copper vinyl wrap (as a play on its name), larger wheels, plus a set of after market suspensions as the stock ones are tuned for a significantly higher weight.
All that hard work paid off when Benoit’s ICE-T became the showstopper at this year’s SEMA Show a couple of weeks back, and exploded several Tesla fanboys’ heads online.
Now that the show is over, the team finally had the opportunity to properly drive it around on city streets to carry out some “errands” – and their work even impressed a local Chevrolet service centre, who will be carrying out the car’s first oil change!
In case you’re wondering where the fuel goes in the ICE-T. Screenshot: Rich Rebuilds/YouTube
After the show, next up on Rich Benoit’s long list of to-dos is to finally sort out the engine’s tuning, to bring it up to its full potential. That should include a dyno run, too, which will be fun to see how it compares against the original electric car’s figures!


Europe’s ‘smaller’ Kia Sportage gets better handling and diesel engines

At the global unveiling of the all-new Kia Sportage in South Korea in early
July
, the company did mention that a short-wheelbase variant will be offered in the future. Kia Europe is using the upcoming IAA Mobility Munich 2021 to officially unveil and launch the fifth generation Sportage built on the shorter wheelbase.
Both wheelbase variants feature similar styling apart from minor design tweaks on the bumpers and rims. The width stays at 1,865 mm, but the reduced wheelbase of
75 mm
 to 2,680 mm also redesigns the overall look and length to 4,515 mm for the European Kia Sportage.
The long-wheelbase model has a window and satin decorative trim at the D-pillar
“The all-new Sportage has been carefully designed, developed and honed specifically for Europe, in the process breaking boundaries and establishing new benchmarks in the SUV segment,” said Kia Europe, President, Jason Jeong.
With the reduction in wheelbase, the rear doors are unique with smaller windows and blends with a chrome highlight on the C-pillar that extends to the rear spoiler.
For the European market, the GT-Line further accentuates the SUV’s design with a mesh lower grille pattern, gloss black upper half for a dual-tone look and a redesigned rear bumper with more body colour.
The Kia Seltos is the brand’s latest crossover in Malaysia, positioned lower than the Sportage. More about the new SUV here!
With the same external width as the long-wheelbase variant, the European Kia Sportage has the same high-quality, soft-touch dashboard with also houses two large 12.3-inch displays in a curved frame. Back seat passengers will enjoy the more spacious cabin compared to the outgoing Sportage, with a 996 mm legroom and 998 mm headroom, but no mention of the dimensions compared to the larger variant.
From launch, there will be a range of petrol and diesel engines on offer and varying degrees of electrification. The range-topper is the Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant comprising of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 66.9 kW motor and 13.8 kWh battery pack for a combined system output of
265 hp
.
A lower variant called the HEV Sportage comes with a smaller electric motor and battery pack whilst maintaining the same 180-hp 1.6-litre engine to deliver a total output of
230 hp
.
Both are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the electric motor removed, the Kia Sportage comes standard with a mild hybrid system, offering two states of tune-
150 hp
 or
180 hp
. For fans of diesel engines, two output levels are available- 115 hp or 136 hp, with the latter made available with mild hybrid assistance.
To further move up the competitiveness level and refinement in handling and riding comfort, the new generation Kia Sportage can be equipped with a new Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS), continuously adjusting the damping levels in real-time. Meanwhile, a new Terrain drive mode for outdoor adventure and unpaved surfaces sets specific Snow, Mud and Sand driving programmes for better traction and stability in the new Kia Sportage.
Safety and advanced driving assist systems are share in both variants, including the new Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC).
Bermaz Auto to introduce a wide range of EVs, including the Kia EV6! More about the plans by the new Malaysian distributor here!
Similar to the
all-new Hyundai Tucson
, there are now two variants of the same product from Hyundai Motor Group and Kia- regular and enhanced wheelbase variants. With the Malaysian market viewing larger sizes as offering better value for money, it won’t be a surprise to see both the new generation Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson only in long-wheelbase variants when it finally is available for sale here.
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Meet the F12 Caballería, a custom made full carbon fibre Ferrari F12!

Remember the Rolls Royce with extreme carbon fibre kit we
reported
 a few months ago? Well, the same company, Bengala Automotive have worked their magic again, this time on a Ferrari F12.
Feast your eyes on the F12 Caballería, a full carbon fibre
Ferrari F12
 by the Spanish design house. Limited to only 10 units, the F12 Caballería has all its body panels replaced with redesigned
carbon fibre parts
 inspired by Ferrari’s own GT3 cars. With those turbine design wheels, the F12 Caballería is one menacing looking machine.
No word of any mechanical changes by Bengala but the standard F12 packs a naturally aspirated V12 pushing out
730 horses
and
690 Nm
 of torque.
According to Bengala, all 10 units of the F12 Caballería will be completed by 2017. With the launch of the F12 Caballería, Bengala also took the opportunity to introduce their Privilege Program that allows members of the program to get first dibs of their new designs.
For now, the company is gearing for one model design a year at five to 10 units each, making these cars extremely exclusive. Although in our books, owning an F12 is already an exclusive privilege.
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Prodrive Racing Australia and Castrol wins inaugural KL City GP V8 Supercar demo run

History has been made and the books have been marked to reflect just that. It’s been an absolutely thrilling weekend with the inaugural street race that took place on the streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur. The organisers have said that almost 200,000 spectators flocked to the venue to watch these cars zoom around the 3.2 km city circuit.
Prodrive Racing Australia and lubricant aficionado’s Castrol welcomed us with open arms to check out their incredible machines, piloted by talented duo Chaz Mostert and Mark Winterbottom.

Speaking of machines, the Aussie drivers helmed a pair Ford Falcons that’s powered by a Ford Performance Racing-developed,
5.0-litre V8
 Ford Boss block that kicks out an estimated
640 hp
 at a scarcely believable 7,450 rpm. All this power is channeled to the
 rear wheels
 via a
six-speed sequential
 Albins ST6 gearbox.
With that sort of grunt, it’s no wonder that these cars can achieve speeds of up to 255 km/h down Jalan Ampang and then subsequently braking hard to take the corner onto Jalan Sultan Ismail – a feat helped out by AP Racing’s 395mm rotor brake squeezed by a six-pot caliper. Consider this: off the mark, it’ll do the century sprint in 3.5 seconds. Given a longer straight, the Falcon would have hit a top speed of 300 km/h!

Weight is a crucial factor in racing, so much so that the drivers themselves can’t lose nor gain weight as the cars are scrutinised at the beginning of the season and must consistently tip the scales at
under 1,400 kg
. The car on the other hand, is made from a controlled chassis while the body panels are lightweight composite materials.
This winning team is helped through the grueling season not just by its dedicated crew but also its named sponsors, such as Castrol who’s new lubricant Edge is the blood line that keeps the beating heart of this beast running at its best. The blend of innovation and science found at the bottom of every can of Castrol Edge means the team only has to rebuild the engine at an interval of 2,500 km.

Chaz and the team were ecstatic when they clutched the winning podium title and are already looking forward to racing here again when the V8 Supercar Championship comes down here in 2016. As for us car lovers? The sights and sounds of Chaz flailing his machine down Jalan Ampang at 250 km/h is truly sight to savour and behold.
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Check out David Beckham’s Maserati MC20 that he designed himself

David Beckham is, honestly, arguably one of the most handsome men in the world. So of course, he needs an equally handsome car to drive around. Obviously being a multi-millionaire, the former footballer can pretty much choose anything he wants. But after being named a Maserati Ambassador earlier this year, the choice is obvious – it’s the
 MC20
or nothing.
But he didn’t just stop there, no. Celebrities need exclusivity, so the No. 7 actually worked directly with the team at the Maserati Centro Stile to “design” his very own MC20 via the Fuoriserie Customisation Programme.
The custom Maserati MC20 is themed around Beckham’s love for the city of Miami, which he calls his second home. One of his own football club, the Inter Miami CF, is also based in the city – go figure.
So what exactly did Beckham do to the car? On the outside, the Maserati MC20 has been given a new coat of paint with a mix of black and pink hues – the colours of his football club – with the latter used as accents around the brake calipers and the MC20 badge on the fenders.
RELATED: This chef-designed Maserati Levante Trofeo looks like it just ran a rally stage on a cake
The exterior also uses both glossy and matte finishing on the surfaces, while moving inside, the upholstery gets a mix of leather and Alcantara textures in black, contrasted by stitchings in pink. Uniquely, Maserati also used a special “tone-on-tone laser engraving method” to apply a “three-dimensional” pastel pink embroidery on the backrests and headrest.
Finally, in the centre tunnel between the two seats, the DB7 Maserati MC20 also gets a personalised nameplate between the two seats that reads: “For David”, alongside the Maserati Trident badge and Fuoriserie lettering, all in pastel pink.
Mechanically, the car is completely unchanged from the Maserati MC20 that was
launched in September last year
. The Italian supercar is built on a carbon-fibre monocoque tub, with an in-house-developed, F1-inspired three-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine sitting behind the passenger compartment that makes
630 hp
 and
730 Nm
of torque.
Paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Maserati MC20 is able to propel itself from 0-100 km/h in just
2.9 seconds
, onward to a top speed of “over 325 km/h”.
Maserati Design Head, Klaus Busse commented: “As car designers, our mission is to offer a holistic experience. This value guides our Brand’s stylistic research, making each Maserati uniquely recognizable. Our customization program is another example of our brand’s goal to create singular experiences for our customers: Maserati Fuoriserie is a blank canvas, on which Maserati clients can write their own stories and unleash their creativity, making their dreams come true.
“Designing this special edition MC20 with David, as with all our Fuoriserie projects, is also an ode to the Brand’s past, taking us back to a time when every car was hand-built to the client’s requests, giving life to a one-off, a true ‘fuoriserie’.”
ALSO READ: The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is now available here in Malaysia. Learn more here.
David Beckham added, “Cars are about individual taste whether it’s the model, colour or small personal details on the inside. It has been incredible to collaborate with the Maserati team and designers to create this one-off car that is inspired by my second home, Miami and my football club there. It is a joy to be behind the wheel.
Want to see the car in action under the neon lights of Miami? You’re in luck – Maserati also made a promotional video to show off DB7’s unique creation. Check out the video below:

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Just like the G-Wagen, the Suzuki Jimny will be going fully electric too

It’s the era of electrification, and sooner rather than later, everything with four wheels will be powered by electrons instead of dinosaur juice – including race cars, pick-up trucks, and even niche off-roaders. We already saw the G-Wagen turn into the
Mercedes-Benz EQG
 last year, and now even the “Baby G”
 Suzuki Jimny
 is going fully electric too.
That’s a Jimny on the top right – we’d bet good money on it.
This was revealed in a product roadmap last Thursday, where Suzuki announced its strategy for the next seven years till 2030. As expected, there were a lot of EVs and hybrids, but something hidden in one of the slides (above) immediately caught our attention.
Suzuki made no direct mention of the Jimny during the presentation itself, but ask anyone that’s ever heard of one, and they’ll tell you that it’s undoubtedly the silhouette of the baby off-roader.
READ:
Suzuki Jimny five-door makes world debut in India – Is bigger better?
Suzuki also didn’t mention a specific timeframe for the Jimny EV’s launch, aside from the fact that the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) will make its debut in 2024 (2023 for Japan). If we had to guess, though, we think it’s likely that it’ll be introduced as the next-generation Jimny model, whenever that’s due.
The current model made its debut back in 2018 and immediately became a huge hit. It was
 introduced officially in Malaysia
 back in September 2021, powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, sending
102 hp
 and
130 Nm
 to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Now, the fully-electric Suzuki Jimny
is
 planned for Europe only, but as they always say, when there’s a will…


Honda HR-V now available in Ruby Red, gets 17-inch wheels [+Video]

Those who have been patiently waiting for the Honda HR-V to come in the Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour, we bring you nothing but good news. Having
debuted in the Honda City
, Honda Malaysia is extending this shade of red to the HR-V.
The good news continues, because this option won’t come with additional cost. What’s more, all HR-Vs (regardless of trim) now come with 17-inch wheels as standard – one size larger than
when it debuted
. A total of
four exterior colours
 are now offered: Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic (pictured below), Ruse Black Metallic and the new Dark Ruby Red Pearl.
To help you get reacquainted with the HR-V, it is powered by a
1.8-litre SOHC four-cylinder
 engine that produces
140 hp
 and
172 Nm
 of torque. It’s also the same engine powering the ninth-generation Honda Civic, including the
new Civic FC
.
Honda Malaysia aims to sell 1,500 units of the HR-V a month. According to the company, the HR-V’s waiting list is now down to just two months tops, with the doubling of working shifts at the production plant. You can also have your HR-V with a “Rear Shelf”, an optional accessory which costs RM550.
Read our review
 to find out if the Honda HR-V is the car for you!
IMAGE GALLERY

VIDEO GALLERY


Volvo introduces new mild-hybrid powertrains for XC90 & XC60

Volvo Cars today announced
that that plug-in hybrid options will now be available on every new model it produces.
On the other hand, a range of mild hybrid powertrain will find its way to the XC90
and XC60 in the coming months.
The existing T6 and T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains are now upgraded with a new battery and brake-by-wire energy recovery system promising increased horsepower and 15% increased electric driving range. On the T8 Twin Engine, power is now up to
420 hp
from 407 hp previously while pure EV range has increased from 43 km to
48.3 km
.
Facelifted Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription
The upgraded T8 Twin Engine powertrain will find its way to the recently unveiled
facelifted Volvo XC90 SUV
 and will be made available on all 90- and 60-series models. The new T6 Twin Engine, on the other hand, is offered on the V60 and S60.
Volvo’s new mild-hybrid powertrains will wear a new “B” badged moniker and are offered as B5 petrol, B5 diesel and B6 petrol. All “B” badged powertrains feature a conventional combustion engine supplemented by an advanced
Kinetic Energy Recovery Braking System (KERS)
for up to 15% fuel savings and emissions in real-world driving.
The new “B”
powertrains offer customers an alternative electrified powertrain to the full plug-in
hybrid system and Volvo expects its mild-hybrid system to become a new standard,
moving it closer to the company’s vision of having all of its cars to be electrified
by 2025.


Video: Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4MATIC and updated AMG A35 sedan launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the newest addition to the AMG 35 series in Malaysia with the new
 GLA35 AMG 4MATIC
. It was launched alongside the
updated AMG A35
 which was launched in Malaysia in
2019
.
The new GLA35 AMG now joins the other AMG A35 models including the A35 AMG sedan and hatchback. Prices for the AMG GLA35 starts from
RM345,058
and
RM325,090
 for the AMG A35 sedan. Once the
 SST exemptions
 end on the 30th of June 2022, prices will be revised to RM363,888 and RM343,888 for the GLA35 and A35 sedan respectively.

Both the GLA35 and A35 sedan are locally assembled, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with
 306 hp
and
 400 Nm
, and features all-wheel drive but while the GLA35 is fitted with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the A35 gets a 7-speed dual-clutch unit instead. The updated A35 sedan is still quicker from 0 to 100 km/h compared to the GLA35, with a
4.8 second
 time against the GLA35’s
5.2 seconds
.
Aside from the more aggressive front and rear bumpers (with diffuser), the GLA35 is also fitted with different headlamps compared to the standard GLA. Look closely and you’d notice that the headlamps feature three projectors, compared to two in the standard GLA. The headlamps are also more advanced, with the Multibeam LED technology. Completing the AMG look are 19-inch wheels like the ones used in the GLB35, a Panamericana front grille and rear spoiler.
GLA35
A35 sedan
As for the A35 sedan, it is now locally assembled unlike the fully-imported model launched in 2019. there are no changes to its exterior with all the changes taking place inside the car. The update A35 sedan now comes with more creature comforts like a head-up display, wireless charging, the MBUX Interior Assistant, and switches on the AMG Performance steering wheel.
Features and items found in both models include the AMG Performance steering with switches for different drive modes and transmission settings, sport seats with red seat belts, dual 10.25-inch displays, 64-colour ambient lighting, AMG door sills and floor mats, wireless charging, Burmester sound system and the MBUX Interior Assistant feature.
Find out more about the
GLA35
and

A35 sedan
 here!


New Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic gets Black Pack and clever air-con system

Starting today, Jaguar in the UK is offering a new exterior enhancement package for the popular F-Pace R-Dynamic variant. Simply called Black Pack, the package applies gloss black on key exterior items for a bold and more distinctive outlook.
When paired with the new special
Otsuni White
 paintwork, the new Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic Black Pack looks flawless, thanks to brilliant contrasting of the large radiator grille, side mirrors, window surrounds, roof rails, fender vents plus iconic Jaguar emblem on the tailgate.
Complementing this perfectly are 20-inch Style 1067 wheels in gloss black and combined with large brake calipers finished in red. Customers can also choose other exterior regular and premium colours to combine with the R-Dynamic Black Pack.
Inside, the R-Dynamic Black Pack is enriched with contemporary Satin Charcoal Ash wood trim inserts and bright metallic foot pedals. Premium ambient lighting now offers a choice of 30 colours, three times more than the previous model.
Jaguar takes noise cancellation to a new level, more than just a quieter cabin. Find out what else here!
Another new feature to coincide with the R-Dynamic Black Pack is the updated
Cabin Air Purification Plus system
. With the owner’s smartphone, the Air Purge function in the air-conditioning (air-con) system can be activated to cool the cabin air before passengers enter.
The next feature in this advanced air-con system is the Cabin CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensing function. Continuous use of the air-con means an increase in CO2 concentration which is hazardous and can lead to drowsiness and fatigue.
As such this new air-con system continuously monitors the carbon dioxide levels and automatically allows more fresh air to return the oxygen concentration to less harmful levels.
In the UK, the new Jaguar F-Pace received a facelift just less than a year ago featured new slimmer LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, “double chicane” taillights, and restyled bumpers.
Changes to the interior are more obvious, headlined by the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display running on Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, over-the-air software update capabilities, and an optional wireless smartphone charging pad.
Key touchpoints have been modernised too, featuring a new steering wheel and chunky gear selector. For this update coinciding with the R-Dynamic Black Pack, Jaguar has fitted the Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist to provide Level 2 autonomous driving with lane centering and distance plus speed control.
The new Jaguar F-Pace is offered in a range of petrol and diesel engines in four- and six-cylinder architecture assisted by mild hybrid technology, with outputs ranging from
163 hp
 to
400 hp
. A plug-in hybrid system of
404 hp
 output called the P400e is also available.
There is a more compact Jaguar SUV and it’s called the E-Pace! Learn more about the baby Jaguar here!

The Black Pack is also available on the
550 hp/700 Nm

Jaguar F-Pace SVR
. Being targeted at the performance-oriented customer, the Black Pack applies gloss black to SVR-specific items such as bonnet louvres, front bumper apertures, sill trims, rear valance and larger 22-inch forged wheels.
GALLERY


Honda jazzes up its B-segment line-up with all-new City Hatchback variant

The all-new Honda City Hatchback has made its global debut in Thailand today. Paying homage to the model’s lineage of nearly 30 years, the hatchback bodystyle finally returns to the
Honda City in its seventh generation
 – and if rumours are to be believed, the City Hatchback will most likely replace the
Honda Jazz
 in our region.
In terms of appearance, the City Hatchback unsurprisingly looks very similar to its sedan counterpart. In fact, most of the car including the entire front fascia and character lines on the sides up to the C-pillar is pretty much identical to the Honda City in sedan form.
To transform the B-segment sedan into a hatchback, Honda has extended the roofline of the City further rearwards, terminating it into a roof spoiler above the tailgate window – itself steeply raked in line with the shape of the new C-pillars.
The taillights on the Honda City Hatchback, while similar to that of the sedan, is also completely new; the top is aggressively contoured to the shape of the tailgate lip, and the sides are significantly shorter than its sedan counterpart. Further down, the reflector “air vents” on the sides of the bumper have been slimmed down significantly, while the RS variant also gets a more aggressive diffuser trim piece in matte grey.
In terms of dimensions, the Honda City Hatchback measures 208 mm shorter than the sedan at 4,345 mm long (4,349 mm for the RS variant), while its height increased by 21 mm to 1,488 mm. Wheelbase and width are unchanged.
Inside, the dashboard is also identical to the sedan variant, where we can find the new eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, its main party – being a hatchback – is its versatility in space.
Just like the outgoing Honda Jazz, the new City Hatchback is also exclusively equipped with Honda’s Ultra seats, which the company says also contributed to the increased leg room compared to the sedan variant. According to Honda, the seats can be arranged in four different settings: utility, long, tall, and refresh.
Over in Thailand, the all-new Honda City Hatchback will be powered by the same 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo three-cylinder as the sedan which makes 122 hp and 173 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. However, if and when the hatchback variant makes its way onto our shores, do expect it to feature the same powertrain combinations available on our Honda City sedan.
The hatchback is available in three variants over in the Land of Smiles – one less than the sedan variant. Prices for the hatchback starts at THB599k (RM81k) for the entry-level S+ variant, making it slightly more expensive across the board than the City sedan which starts at THB579.5k (RM79k).
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Tesla Malaysia is hiring, walk-in interview reportedly on June 17

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that
Tesla
, the electric vehicle (EV) maker will be making its official entry into Malaysia. And now, good news for all who are interested in joining the company, as they are reportedly hiring (again), with a total of 16 positions available.
The positions Tesla is hiring are listed both on the Careers section of the
official Tesla site
, as well as job advertisements that have been cited online. The available positions include:
Supplier Industrialization Engineer – Purchasing
Office Administrator
Enterprise Sales Advisor
Senior HR Partner
Parts Advisor
Service Advisor
Vehicle Technician
Service Manager
Customer Support Specialist
Delivery Advisor
Store Supervisor
Senior Accountant
IT Desktop Support Technician
Delivery Operations Specialist
Tesla Advisor
Inside Sales Advisor
RELATED:
Tesla officially enters Malaysia – to establish sales and service centres, Supercharger network
Tesla Malaysia is also reportedly holding its Walk-in Recruitment Day, which will be happening on
June 17
,
2023
, according to a job advertisement cited online. The Walk-in Recruitment Day will be held from 12 PM to 4 PM, at Cyberview, Level 4, Block 3750, Persiaran Apec, Cyber 8, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.
It is also noted that the walk-in interview session is only applicable to five of the positions listed above. The five positions include:
Tesla Sales Advisor
Delivery Advisor
Enterprise Sales Advisor
Customer Support Specialist
Service Advisor
No pre-registration is needed for the walk-in session, and candidates are only required to bring along their hard copy resumes and local driving licenses. This isn’t the first time the American EV carmaker has been putting out job listings as it has done it once just two months ago (April).
It has also been confirmed that Tesla will be establishing an office, its Tesla Experience showrooms, service centres, as well as its Supercharger DC fast charging network in Malaysia. The EV company was also the first applicant under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (MITI) BEV Global Leaders initiative, which was created to increase BEV demand in the Malaysian market.
RELATED:
Tesla Model S Plaid reclaims Nürburgring EV lap record, but apparently not for long


Ducati Monster 796 CKD has arrived in Malaysia

The Ducati Monster 796 CKD has finally arrived at our shores much to the delight of Ducati Monster fans. The Monster 796 is the swankier cousin to the already hugely successful Monster 795 with debuted here in 2011.
The 795 has a slightly lower ride height of just over an inch to cater for our markets, and indeed it has, but the 796 has ABS as standard equipment, wider tires, more power & single sided swing arms! The hallmarks of the Monster 796 gives it more bite to chomp its way through the market share that sits in between the wake of the Monster 696 & the 1000 too.
“This mid-sized Monster is bound to become a new favourite amongst Malaysian riders and we estimate that this model will contribute 35% of Ducati’s sales for 2014…” states Datuk Wira SM Faisal, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman.
Lending credibility to Datuk SM Faisal’s predictions, the Monster 796 is indeed worth its salt in equipment, performance & style. The Monster 796 Corse Stripe which is the variant that takes the lead here is yours for
RM63,888
. Such exceptional value is only possible when Italians bike makers cross paths with ambitious Malaysian enterprise. The CKD units from Thailand is a whopping RM20k++ cheaper than the former CBU imports, indeed, Santa has arrived a wee bit too early this year.
Talking facts and figures, the Monster 796 spits out
87hp
 at 8250 rpm and
79Nm
 of torque at 6250 rpm. Monstrosity that is powered by a lightweight
803cc
 Desmodue air-cooled engine sitting in an immensely strong Trellis Crome-Molly frame. Crafted with quality componentry & keeping the weight down at many levels, this Monster is all of the 169kg (373lbs) of form, functionality & fun. With 43mm Kayaba USD forks, a single swing arm controlled by an adjustable Sachs unit, higher bars & a reworked seat, the Monster 796 is tuned to the resounds of a comfortable and yet confident ride.
After more than 20 years of success since it first flashed its bare innards to the world at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in 1992, the Monster is still wanting to come out of everyone’s “motorcycling closet” and take you for a thrilling ride into the unknown. You know you want one, but you never dared to say. And to those who are already good friends with the 2 wheeled beast, you’ll probably want to try and tame this one too.
The Ducati Monster 796 Corse Stripe is now available at Next Bike Ducati Malaysia centers at Naza Autoworld TTDI, Naza Automall Petaling Jaya, Welly Sg Buloh & Ducati Penang (Sheng Fatt Superbike Sdn Bhd)
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


The Hyundai i30 facelift: sexier, smarter, and greener

Ahead of its launch at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Hyundai has released some new photos and details of the new Hyundai i30 facelift for us to pore over.
Styling wise, the i30 gets a redesigned front fascia, featuring a wider grille with a 3D pattern to emphasise the wider-looking stance of the car.
The headlights have been reshaped for a slimmer design, along with a new V-shaped signature LED daytime-running lights – in line with Hyundai’s new design language, as seen on the
all-new i20
.
Over at the rear, the i30 hatchback receives a new bumper design, which Hyundai says was developed to improve aerodynamic performance. The LED rear combination lamps also get a V-shape light signature for a symmetrical effect between the front and the back.
The updated Hyundai i30 sits on either 16-inch or 17-inch redesigned diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Previously only available on the hatchback or fastback body style, the i30N-inspired N Line trim is now available for the first time on the i30 Wagon.
The trim package has undergone a comprehensive design update, which includes a wider lower central grille, along with side air vents with floating wings for improved aerodynamic performance.
The N Line also gets a completely redesigned rear bumper, featuring a rear diffuser gives the i30 a sportier stance, along with the repositioned fog lights. The i30 with N Line package also comes with new 17-inch or 18-inch wheel designs.
The N Line treatment doesn’t just stop there too, with
tuning updates
 available for the suspension and steering of the i30, in combination with the 1.5 T-GDi (160 hp) and 1.6 Diesel (136 hp) engines for a sportier driving experience.
Moving inside, the aesthetic changes are less pronounced. The air vents have been redesigned for a “more refined and modern” look, along with new interior garnish colours and seat upholstery options.
The driver gets a new
seven-inch digital instrument cluster
, while the infotainment display has been updated to a
10.25-inch
 unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Hyundai says that starting in summer 2020, wireless phone mirroring will be supported, complementing the wireless charging pad in the i30.
As with the i20, the new i30 facelift also comes with Hyundai’s
Bluelink technology
, which allows the owner to obtain live information and control the car through a mobile application.
As standard, the i30 comes with a five-year free subscription to Bluelink and Hyundai LIVE services (real-time traffic information by TomTom).
The Hyundai i30 facelift also gets a boost in the safety department, with the improved
Hyundai SmartSense
 active driver assistance suite. The suite now includes new features such as Lane Following Assist, Rear Collision-avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist.
The Front Collision-avoidance Assist has also been updated, and can now recognise bicycles on the road, in addition to vehicle and pedestrian detection. Other features of the suite include Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning.
The updated Hyundai i30 features a total of six different powertrain options, starting with the newly-developed 1.5-litre engine generating
110 hp
, paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
The
120 hp
 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine will be available with a new seven-speed DCT gearbox, in addition to the previously-available six-speed manual.
A
48-volt mild-hybrid system
 is also available with this engine for improved fuel economy, available with a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), or a seven-speed DCT.
The iMT decouples the drivetrain as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedals, allowing the car to coast with either idle engine speed, or completely turned off to save even more fuel.
At the top-of-the-range, a 1.5-litre T-GDI engine comes as standard with the 48V mild hybrid technology, which is good for
 160 hp
. The powerplant can also be paired with either a six-speed IMT or a seven-speeder DCT.
As for oil burners, a
115 hp
 1.6-litre diesel engine is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT, while opting for the mild-hybrid system pushes the power output to
136 hp
. As before, all 48V mild-hybrid variants are available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox.
IMAGE GALLERY


PLUS highway to begin toll collection via RFID

The main alignment of PLUS Highway spanning from Juru in the north to Skudai in the south will commence toll collection via RFID (radio frequency identification) beginning from
January 15th 2022
, exactly a month from today.
The Works Ministry (Kementerian Kerja Raya) announced that with this implementation, the tolled highway network infrastructure of the Peninsular Malaysia West Coast will offer road users a service that is safer, faster and tremendous reduction in congestions at toll plazas. RFID lanes will only be opened to light private vehicles, according to the press release.
Source: Twitter/
KKRMalaysia
Five Shell stations selected to trial fuel payment with Touch ‘N Go eWallet and RFID tech. More here.
With RFID technology, road users can glide through the toll plazas at up to speeds of 30 km/h. Toll collection through SmartTAG and Touch ‘n Go card are
still being accepted
 but the ministry intends to gradually phase out the methods once more RFID lanes are implemented on the highways.
The roll-out of the faster Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology by 2026 meanwhile will see drivers make payments without the need to slow down at toll plazas, as scanners mounted on gantries will perform the transaction.
RELATED: The new Perodua Myvi is still the only compact with a built-in toll reader! More about Malaysia’s favourite here.
Road users can purchase the
RFID tag
 from their smartphone via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet or at appointed sales agents but self-installation is required. For those who prefer the RFIG tag to be installed at a one-stop store, there are
39 fitment centres
 listed nationwide with more outlets planned to be added in the future.

The implementation of RFID toll collection on PLUS highway comes nearly two years after the initial timeline of
April 2020
, no thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.


All-new Hyundai Elantra open for booking, 1.6 Turbo, from RM120k to RM135k!

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just opened the order books for the
sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra
 ahead of its official launch. A total of three variants will be offered – Executive, Dynamic and Turbo Sport. Estimated prices start from RM120k for the entry-level Executive to RM135k for the range-topping Turbo Sport.
HSDM promises that customers who place their bookings for the Elantra now will have their car delivered to them before Hari Raya which falls on 25 June 2017. Two engine choices are available, a 2.0-litre (Nu MPI) naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine that is found in the
Veloster Turbo
.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Hyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Executive
Hyundai Elantra 2.0 MPI Dynamic
Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Sport
Engine
2.0-litre; four-cylinder MPI
1.6-litre; four-cylinder turbo T-GDI
Transmission
6-speed automatic
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Max Power
150 hp @ 6,200 rpm
201 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque
192 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Estimated Price
RM120,000
RM125,000
RM135,000
The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mill makes a modest
150 hp
 and
192 Nm
 of torque while the blown motor puts out
 201 hp
 and
265 Nm
 of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is mated to the NA mill while the turbo mill gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is channelled to the front wheels on all variants.
We know that the Elantra Turbo Sport (based on the
preview at Mid Valley
) will feature a sportier body kit, HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, rear diffuser with central mounted fog lamps, powered sunroof, dual exhaust tips and 17-inch five-spoke alloys wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.

From what we can tell, the interior is finished with a two-tone black and red interior theme with Sport embroidery on both front seats, leather upholstery, multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, manual parking brake, keyless entry and start, drive mode selector and cruise control. HSDM has yet to disclose information about the 2.0-litre powered Elantras.
The big question now is, would you opt for this or the
Honda Civic FC
?
IMAGE GALLERY
Hyundai Elantra Turbo Sport 1.6 T-GDI Preview


This is what the hybrid Ford Mustang could look like

There’s been word of a
forthcoming hybrid Ford Mustang
 for a while now and over the weekend, the Blue Oval brand may have just revealed a glimpse of what’s to come.
37 seconds in, you’d notice the front of what is presumably a Mustang because of the badge in front; but one we’ve all not seen before. Could this be the new hybrid muscle car Ford’s been talking about all this time?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVlfclOpsK8
Obviously it’s still in a concept stage so there’s no point harping about how it looks but that it’s certainly, completely different from the current generation Mustang – especially with those redesigned headlamps and a completely sealed off front grille.


Facts & Figures: All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in Malaysia, sole S 580 e guise

Just a couple of days since it was
first teased on social media
, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now announced the arrival of the all-new S-Class here on our shores. The luxury limousine will be offered here in a sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant at launch, and will be locally-assembled here in the Pekan assembly plant.
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz S 580 e is still pending for now, but the company says that deliveries will commence in mid-January 2022, when pricing will also be officially announced.

EXTERIOR
Launched globally last year, the all-new S-Class received a complete new design on its exterior, with many of its styling elements borrowed from the other Mercedes-Benz stable mates.
The design is dominated by the massive trapezoidal grille, flanked slim headlights up front, while over at the back it also gets a sleeker, horizontal-oriented tail lights that looks similar in style to that of the
Mercedes-Benz CLS
.
The S-Class will be offered here in Malaysia in the standard wheelbase version (W223), which is already bigger in every dimension than its
outgoing predecessor
 (54 mm longer, 22 mm wider, 10 mm taller). In terms of standard equipment, the Malaysian-specification Mercedes-Benz S 580 e comes with the following:
Digital Lights headlights
19-inch multi-twin-spoke alloy wheels and run-flat tyres
Airmatic air suspension with adaptive dampers
PERFORMANCE
The all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be offered in a sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid variant here in Malaysia, which combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor.
Engine: 2,999 cc, M256 turbocharged inline-six, petrol with 110 kW electric motor
Transmission: 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic
Total max horsepower: 510 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm
Total max torque: 750 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Hybrid battery: 28.6 kWh
Electric range: 100 km (WLTP), up to 140 km/h
Charger support: 11 kW on-board AC (2.5 hours to 80%), 60 kW DC (30 mins)
INTERIOR
The cabin has also been
completely redesigned
, with a luxury lounge-like concept inspired by yachts. Aside from luxuries though, the interior is also fitted to the brim with tech, including the all-new MBUX software that controls every aspect of the car, and a MBUX Interior Assistant that uses sensors and cameras inside to predict and respond to the intention of occupants.
For example, the car will automatically open the rear sunblind for a better view out the back when the driver looks behind.
Other standard equipment on the inside include:
Anthracite open-pore poplar wood trim
Nappa leather upholstery and steering wheel
12.8-inch OLED portrait-oriented centre display
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with automatic stereographic 3D effect
Automatic climate control
Wireless charging pad, front and rear seats
Burmester 3D surround sound system, 16 speakers, 760W
64-colour ambient lighting, upgraded for more even and brighter illumination
MBUX rear-seats entertainment system with twin 11-inch displays, two wireless headsets, and a 7.0-inch Android tablet for controls
Electrically-adjustable rear seats with heating and cooling, calf massage functions
Panoramic sliding sunroof
330-litre rear cargo space (smaller due to PHEV battery)
SAFETY
The all-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e in Malaysia will come equipped with Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance advanced driver assist features, which includes the following:
Autonomous emergency braking with cross-traffic and pedestrian detection, up to 130 km/h
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Parktronic active parking assist
Pre-safe pre-collision protection
The all-new S-Class is also the first car in the world to come with the innovative rear frontal airbags, alongside side window bags and belt bags for the rear passengers.
GALLERY


TNG eWallet PayDirect feature now available for parking payments

PayDirect, a feature within the Touch ‘n Go eWallet to allow TNG card transactions at the toll booth using your eWallet balance, has now been rolled out for parking payments.
Called PayDirect Parking, the new feature works similar to the existing service where the parking fee – if applicable – will be deducted directly from your TNG eWallet balance, instead of the credit within the physical TNG card.
The new PayDirect Parking feature is currently only available at the following six locations, though the company says that more locations will be introduced soon:
Tempat Letak Kereta Awam, Kompleks C, Putrajaya
Republik Damansara Heights
Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya
Vortex KLCC
The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang
The service was launched officially earlier this month at Gurney Paragon Mall, though it was actually already offered at the five Klang Valley locations as part of the initial beta test.
In line with their earlier announcement this year to
remove all surchages for parking payments
, there will be no surcharges when you pay for your parking fee with the PayDirect Parking feature.
Existing users will not have to carry out any additional registrations to take advantage of this new feature. As for new customers, the feature will be automatically activated when you tie your physical TNG card to the TNG eWallet application.
In conjunction with the official launch of the PayDirect Parking feature, Gurney Paragon Mall is now offering a 20% cashback for those who pay their parking fee using the new feature. The promo is available until 30 April 2021, but is limited to the first 10,000 redemptions and only one cashback per user, capped at RM1.
More information regarding the new PayDirect Parking feature can be found on Touch ‘n Go’s official FAQ page, linked
here
.


AirAsia offers full-time employment to its riders – up to RM3,000 guaranteed income

AirAsia
 is now offering full-time employment to all AirAsia Food and AirAsia Xpress riders, with a guaranteed monthly income of up to RM3,000. Included with the guaranteed income is the full suite of Allstar benefits which include EPF, SOCSO, medical coverage that covers their spouses and children as well, annual leaves, and travel benefits such as AirAsia Flights ID90 & e-coupon schemes.
The AirAsia Super App has become the first in Asia to provide gig riders with full-time employment, as part of its commitment in giving them a better working environment and job stability, while enhancing income opportunities for the riders.
Being part of the Capital A ecosystem, the newly absorbed full-time employees will have opportunities to explore and develop their careers further. From a delivery rider, they can also explore other employment options within the Capital A ecosystem, such as cabin crew, pilot, data analyst, digital marketer, and much more.
RELATED:
The new ‘airasia ride’ is the first e-hailing service to offer pilots as drivers!
Red Cargo website photoshoot
Capital A CEO, Tony Fernandes said, “We are thrilled to be welcoming the riders into our family. As many people know, AirAsia has always been about people, and we believe that people are our greatest asset. This applies across all of Capital A’s business units, including the AirAsia Super App.
“Just as our baggage handlers, cabin crew, and pilots are the backbones of our aviation business, these gig workers are the heroes of our delivery operations. We don’t believe in contract staff and will now move towards employing all riders as full-time employees, receiving the same benefits that every AllStar receives, on top of the excellent benefits from AirAsia food & Airasia Xpress respectively.”
RELATED:
AirAsia unveils new ride-hailing service with Toyota Alphard and Vellfire fleet
“Over the years, AirAsia has created tens of thousands of job opportunities across the region. With our expansion as a super app platform, we have also depended on gig workers’ crucial services for lifestyle services such as food & parcel deliveries. Giving full-time employment to our gig riders is more than just offering them AllStar benefits; it’s about adding value to their lives and career paths, allowing them to dream and making those dreams come true,” he added.
AirAsia food is currently serving customers in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia and the delivery service by airasia xpress is currently available in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.


2021 Honda HR-V finally comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as standard!

Honda Malaysia today introduced the 2021 model-year update for the HR-V, with no changes in pricing (except for the Hybrid variant, of which pricing has not been announced yet).
The most notable change to the B-segment SUV is the addition of a new seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment display across all variants, with
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
 as standard. The change also brought about two additional USB ports in the centre console.
The new unit seems to be identical to the one on the
all-new Honda City
.
The
Honda HR-V Hybrid i-DCD
 on the other hand, receives a much more substantial update for 2021. Exterior wise, the HR-V Hybrid finally gets LED headlights, LED fog lights, and LED combination tail lights. Meanwhile on the inside, the hybrid variant gets new chrome door handles, and a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Along with the equipment changes, the existing White Orchid Pearl exterior colour has been replaced by the new Platinum White Pearl, which you may remember as the
Honda City’s best-selling colour
.

As mentioned above, there are no changes in pricing for the 2021 Honda HR-V, despite the added equipment. The range starts off with the 1.8 E variant at
RM104,000
, followed by the 1.8 V at
RM113,422
, and the 1.8 RS at
RM118,582
. All prices mentioned above are on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
 sales tax exemptions
 which has been recently
 extended until June 30, 2021
.
Honda Malaysia says that the pricing information for the 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid will be announced at a later date.
The Honda HR-V RS in Passion Red Pearl.
The company managed to sell a total of 60,469 cars in 2020, retaining its title as the
nation’s No. 1 non-national car brand
. Of those, 17% comprised of the Honda HR-V. In a stark contrast (literally) to the
Honda City
, Passion Red Pearl was the colour of choice for buyers, with 30% of customers opting for the red hue.
The V variant was also the most popular choice in the four variant-strong line-up, making up 41% of all Honda HR-Vs sold last year.
Despite the facelift exercise in 2019, the Honda HR-V Hybrid still featured the dotted LED taillights.
Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama said, “This enhanced model is a result of customers’ feedback as we continuously strive to introduce products that meet the needs of customers. One such feature is the Apple CarPlay connectivity for more convenience when driving.
“We owe our gratitude to all Honda owners for their strong support and for choosing the HR-V as their desired Honda model. Honda Malaysia is committed to cater to the needs of our customers through constant monitoring of the market demands and customer feedback.”


This Alcraft GT could be the sexiest electric car you’ll see this year

You may not have heard of them but its probably time you start taking notice. Alcraft Motor Company is a British electric vehicle start-up with an aim to start production of its first, high-performance Alcraft GT super-electric car by 2019. How? Through a crowdfunding campaign of course; like every other start-up out there.
The Alcraft GT will come in a shooting brake-like design with a
500-litre luggage area
 and a
300-mile (483 km) range
. While the concept runs on battery only, its being developed to eventually accommodate a range extender and also with a 2+2 seating arrangement rather than a two-seater.

“Virtual engineering” on the Alcraft GT has projected an output of
 600 hp
 with
1139 Nm
 of torque, with 0 to 100 km/h requiring just
3.5 seconds
 to complete. It will also come with four-wheel drive, as electric cars would, together with torque-vectoring to go alongside its lightweight chassis.
Exposed carbon fibre B-pillars and roof structure not only serves to heighten aesthetic appeal, but also as a safety cell while creating an exceptionally light cabin. It comes with a wraparound front screen that will be sure to provide unrivaled visibility with a roof that’s largely made of glass.
“We want to build a British car company which brings together traditional skills and high technology for the emerging low carbon car market”, says founder and Managing Director of Alcraft Motor, David Alcraft.
The Alcraft GT model is currently on display in Bedfordshire, England at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle event.
IMAGE GALLERY