Proton urges remaining 568 Perdana owners to replace Takata airbag inflator

A total of 6,432 Proton Perdana models built from 2012 to the end of August 2018 are involved in the Takata passenger airbag inflator recall. The first product recall notification from Proton came in
January 2019
 and followed up by a second notification in
August last year
.
To date, Proton has managed to complete the replacement process for 5,864 units and as such, is strongly encouraging the
remaining 568 owners
 to contact the nearest authorised service centre to proceed with the replacement.
Proton Perdana owners can contact
Proton Customer Care
 at
1800-888-398
 or email them at
[email protected]
 for more information and assistance.
This generation of the
Proton Perdana
 is based on the eighth-generation
Honda Accord
 and is using the troubled non-desiccated
Takata airbag inflator
.
“The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. However, we have not been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information. Therefore, we would like to urge all Proton Perdana owners who have not had their passenger airbag inflators replaced to call our service centres to book an appointment as soon as possible,” said Proton Edar CEO, Roslan Abdullah, during last year’s press release.
Replacement of the airbag inflator will take approximately one hour and is completely free of charge. Those models built
after 31st August 2018 are not affected
.
If you have bought a used Proton Perdana manufactured during the said period, please check with the service centre if the replacement has been done. Service centres and workshops are
still able to operate
 under the current FMCO 3.0 “lockdown” period.


2016 Mercedes-AMG E43 unveiled, the complete luxury car?

Just a month after the new
W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 was officially unveiled, the Germans quickly introduced a hot new variant – the Mercedes-AMG E43, which is now the fastest E-Class yet. It will make its debut at the upcoming New York Motor Show.
The E43 follows the similar playbook as the smaller
C43
; it’s got the same
3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine
. The motor develops
396 hp
 with a meaty
520 Nm
 of torque at its disposal. Power is routed to all wheels (though largely rear-biased), and also fitted is a
nine-speed automatic
 gearbox with shorter gearing. This allows for a century sprint time of
4.6 seconds
,

however the top speed is electronic capped to 250km/h.
Adding to the E-Class’s aggressive allure is AMG’s 19-inch alloy rims and quad chrome exhaust pipes. Inside, it gets sports seats with red accents and a new AMG instrument cluster. Also standard is Mercedes’
 Air Body Control air suspension
, which allows suspension adjustment according to drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
If this isn’t the car for you, then worry not, because the folks at Affalterbach is hard at work preparing the main course – the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG E63.
IMAGE GALLERY


TMS 2019: The all-new Honda Jazz wants to be a hatchback for everyone

Honda has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Honda Jazz at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The global compact hatchback is expected to go on sale in February 2020.
As with all previous generations, Honda says the all-new Jazz is designed with spaciousness and usability in mind. Honda’s engineers emphasised on “four dimensions of comfort” in the design process – visibility, seating comfort, ride quality and usability.
The A-pillar of the all-new Jazz has been redesigned with a new cross-sectional structure, enabling a wider frontal visibility compared the previous model without compromising on structural integrity during a collision.
On the inside, the instrument panel also has a flat-topped design with an emphasis on horizontal and straight lines to further aid visibility out of the cabin. The windshield wipers have also been repositioned to be barely visible from the driver’s seat.
The all-new Honda Jazz will be the first Honda model to feature a
new-generation body stabilising seat
 for the front passengers. Developed originally for use in high-class sedan models, the planar support structure of the seat stabilises the body and reduces fatigue during long-distance driving.
The flexible Magic Seats makes a return on the fourth-generation Honda Jazz, with larger and thicker seat padding which Honda claims to offer seating comfort equivalent to other high-class sedan models.
All variants of the Honda Jazz comes standard with
Honda Sensing
 advanced safety features. Powered by a front-view wide angle camera and eight sonar sensors, the all-new Jazz features a new
short-distance collision mitigation braking system
, along with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
,
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
 and other Honda Sensing safety features.
The infotainment system is also equipped with the
Honda Connect
 system, which is a first on any Honda vehicles. The new on-board communication module works in conjunction with the optional Honda Total Care Premium service to provide remote control of vehicle functions via a smartphone application.
The Honda Connect system can also automatically contact emergency services with location and vehicle information, as well as a security guard dispatch service when the car experiences abnormal situations – a functionality we think will be limited to the Japanese market only.
As the
leaked images
 revealed, the all-new Honda Jazz will be available in five different variants. The
Basic
 is the entry-level variant featuring a simple and endearing design, while the
Home
 adds-on visual and tactile quality with colour-coordinated fabric seats, genuine-leather steering wheel and soft paddings on the dashboard and door panels.
The
Ness
 is designed as the “sporty” variant, with striking colour accents on both the exterior and interior of the car. The variant adopts water-repellent materials on the seats and soft paddings, suitable for the fitness-junkie.
The
Crosstar
 sports a rugged look with variant-specific exterior design elements and 16-inch aluminium wheels. The crossover-inspired variant also uses water-repellent materials for the seats and soft-touch panels on the dashboard.
The top-of-the-line
Luxe
 variant comes with genuine leather upholstery on the interior to create a “elegant and comfortable” space. On the outside, the Luxe features platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels.
No specific information on the drivetrain was provided during the launch today, but Honda says that the fourth-generation Honda Jazz will be available as a e:HEV model, featuring the compact
2-motor i-MMD hybrid powertrain
.
IMAGE GALLERY


Hyundai and Kia develop gearbox that can see the future

Well, kind of. The system is called Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connected Shift System, and it works by collecting information through a set of cameras and radar, along with a 3D navigation system with a precise map of the road.
The information is then sent to the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), where the artificial intelligence algorithm in the TCU predicts the optimal gear and shift control for real-time driving scenarios based on the inputs.
For example, when the vehicle detects a relatively long slow down with no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the clutch will
automatically engage neutral mode
 to improve fuel efficiency.
When tested on a heavily curved road, the companies say that the predictive shifting technology was able to
reduce frequency of shift
“
by approximately 43%
 compared to vehicles without the system”. Frequency of brake operation was also reduced by 11%, thus reducing driver fatigue.
Could the upcoming
Hyundai i20
 be the first car to feature this system?
Besides that, the system is also able to
automatically switch driving modes
to sports mode when merging onto a highway, and
apply engine braking
 when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal when it detects speed bumps, downhill slopes, as well as change in speed limit on the road.
Hyundai and Kia says that the predictive gearbox is developed in line with autonomous technology, providing improved performance of autonomous vehicles in response to real-time road and traffic information.
The companies say that they will further develop the ICT Connected Shift System to communicate with traffic lights using LTE or 5G connectivity and identify drivers’ tendencies, to further refine the shift algorithm.


The one-off Chiron Profilée is “one of the final” W16-powered Bugatti creations

The final variant of the
Chiron
 has been revealed by
Bugatti
, and it is the one-off Bugatti Chiron Profilée. Built to cater to customers who asked if a “less radical” version of the
Chiron Pur Sport
 could be made, the Chiron Profilée is also “one of the final W16-powered Bugatti creations”. The one-off Chiron will be auctioned on February 1, 2023, at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris.
Most noticeable on the Chiron Profilée is the fixed ducktail spoiler that Bugatti says has two functions. One is to ensure stability and control right up to its top speed of 380 km/h by increasing downforce on the rear axle, and the other is to suck out hot air from the engine via negative pressure. Air flowing above the wing generates downforce while air flowing beneath it generates negative pressure.
Not changing too much of the Chiron’s fascia, the Chiron Profilée gets wider air inlets and an enlarged Bugatti horseshoe grille to help feed more air into the radiators. The front splitter has been revised to work with the sculpted underbody. The name Profilée takes inspiration from one of Jean Bugatti’s first creations – the Type 46, which also carried that elegant flick in the tail.
Other specialties on the exterior of the Chiron Profilée include a primary colour of Argent Atlantique that has been specially developed for the car. The lower part of the car is finished in exposed carbon fiber, tinted in the existing Bugatti colour of Bleu Royal Carbon. The Prrofilee-exclusive wheels are finished in a shade of Le Patron, created to match the carbon tint of the lower half of the car.
RELATED:
Bugatti says no to EVs and SUVs for at least another ten years
Powertrain-wise, the Chiron Profilée maintains the same quad-turbocharged W16 8.0-litre engine that makes
1,500 hp
 and
1,600 Nm
. The 8.0-litre powerplant is paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and power is sent to all four wheels. As for acceleration times, the Chiron Profilée does 0-100 km/h in
 2.3 seconds
 and 0-200 km/h in
5.5 seconds
. Yes, the Mistral is the “last Bugatti with a W16 engine”, but the Chiron Profilee is simply a variant of the Chiron, hence it doesn’t dethrone the Mistral in that sense.
Inside, the Chiron Profilee follows a philosophy of defined minimalism and utilises materials like leather, carbon, and solid aluminium. The Profilee is the first Chiron to be fitted with a woven leather finish that can be seen on the dashboard, door panels, and centre console. Finished in Gris Rafale and Deep Blue are the comforts seats that feature an ‘air parade’ quilting pattern.
RELATED:
Bugatti bids farewell to the W16 engine with the Mistral roadster
Bugatti Automobiles President, Christophe Piochon said, “Taking customer wishes to explore a less radical version of the Pur Sport seriously into consideration, we started with the design and development of the Chiron Profilée in Autumn 2020. By the time we saw the pre-series vehicle coming out of production, all Chiron slots limited to just 500 were assigned for. But we knew that what we had created was too beautiful to be hidden away. It is – in every sense – a unique piece in Bugatti’s history and a true collector’s item. And we wanted to give a fair chance to any devotee of the Bugatti brand to acquire this unique car, so we decided to partner with RM Sotheby’s to auction it.”
RELATED:
Bugatti’s next hypercar will still have a petrol engine
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All-electric Volkswagen ID. battery packs will have an 8-Year Warranty

Volkswagen’s fleet of electric vehicles under the ID. family branding is set for market launch before the end of the year starting with the
ID.3
 hatchback. Ahead of its global debut, Volkswagen has assured the durability of its lithium-ion battery packs equipped on ID. vehicles with an 8-Year or 160,000 km warranty.
The high-capacity lithium-ion
battery packs are able to deliver a WLTP range of 330 to 550 km depending on
model variant and battery size. All batteries equipped on ID. models can accommodate
high-speed charging of up to 125 kW which can recharge up to 260 km of range in
30 minutes.

In 2017, Volkswagen
has set up a dedicated Centre of Excellence for battery development and are
responsible for ensuring that all batteries can retain their maximum capacity
over the vehicle’s lifetime. The company will guarantee that the batteries will
retain at least 70% of their usable capacity even after eight years or 160,000
kilometres.


Honda Malaysia recalls 77,708 vehicles for fuel pump replacement

Honda Malaysia has announced a product recall involving an additional 77,708 units of Honda vehicles, to replace its fuel pump as a precautionary measure.
This follows after
an announcement in June last year
, where 55,354 vehicles were recalled to replace the fuel pump, in line with Honda’s global fuel pump recall exercise.
The vehicles involved are those manufactured between 2018 – 2019. They include the Accord, Civic, City, CR-V, HR-V, BR-V and the Honda Jazz.
The Company believes this product recall is necessary as a preventive measure to address the possibility of difficulty in starting the engine, loss of engine power or vehicle stalling. As of today, there have been no incidences reported locally, relating to the fuel pump issue.
Honda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused to the affected customers and reassures that all its current selling models are not affected in this product recall.
Affected customers will be contacted via notification letters while customers are encouraged to check if their vehicle is affected by the fuel pump recall via the HondaTouch app.
Affected customers should contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment to replace the fuel pump. Replacement and all costs related to it will be borne by Honda Malaysia. Stock availability will be in stages.
Vehicle owners can obtain information or check their vehicle status on product recall in HondaTouch application or by calling Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my / productrecall.honda.com.my to check their vehicle status.


Formula E will be capping off the 2020 season with six races in just nine days

With most of the world slowly easing off on the Coronavirus-related restrictions, motorsports series around the world have begun looking at ways to go racing again. Earlier this month, Formula 1 published their
provisional schedule
 with the first eight races spaced out across two months, but their electric counterpart – Formula E – is going one further with six races planned over just nine days to cap off the 2020 season.
All six races will be held at Berlin’s decommissioned Tempelhof Airport, where three different track layouts will be raced across the nine days – split in to three double-headers. The races are scheduled on the 5-6, 8-9, and 12-13 August.
In compliance with the German Government’s guidelines, only 1,000 people will be allowed on-site at the event at any time, and that includes all drivers, team personnel, event staff, suppliers, and medical crew. In other words, all six races will be behind closed doors with no spectators allowed.
Formula E will also be mandating the use of face masks and social distancing practices. All events staff will have their own respective work zones marked out, and movement across workspaces will be limited. Additionally, Formula E will also be conducting mandatory COVID-19 testing before the races, as well as on-site screening every day upon arrival at the track.
The final six races bring the 2020 Formula E season race total to 11, down from the original 13 planned. Prior to the lockdown, the series saw five different winners in five races. Antonio Felix da Costa of DS Techeetah currently leads the standings, sitting 11 points clear of Mitch Evans of Panasonic Jaguar Racing.
With six races remaining, and each race winner awarded 25 points, drivers currently on 0 championship points can still mathematically clinch the title. Seeing how unpredictable the Formula E series have been historically, the six-race season finale will definitely be something to look out for!


AC Schnitzer ‘tunes’ the BMW i4… with no boost in performance

German third-party tuning company
AC Schnitzer
 is now offering a ‘tuning’ package for the all-electric
BMW i4
. Unfortunately, AC Schnitzer is only offering suspension and body kit upgrades. No aerodynamic or energy-saving gains have been specified.
Unless customers opt for the dual-motor
BMW i4 M50
 (
544 hp
), they will have to be content with the
285 hp
 or
340 hp
 in the single-motor i4 eDrive35 and
i4 eDrive40
 respectively. Like the
Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz EQS
, no performance enhancements have been done, despite both companies’ history of juicing up petrol-powered cars.
For the BMW i4, AC Schnitzer is offering a suspension kit. This lowers the car by about 20 mm to 25 mm at the front and rear. AC Schnitzer says this ensures better agility and precision in handling due to the lower centre of gravity.
Visually obvious on the AC Schnitzer tuned BMW i4 are new wheels. Customers can choose from either the 20-inch AC4 flow forming wheels or 19/20-inch AC1 (BiColor Silver/Anthracite or Anthracite) wheels. To make them stick out more, AC Schnitzer also offers a set of 10 mm spacers made of black anodized aluminium.
ALSO WATCH:
2022 BMW i4 in Malaysia, from RM389k – 5 Things
As for the aero kit, AC Schnitzer has spruced up the BMW i4 by giving it a front spoiler element complemented by front splitters. A different set of front splitters is also provided for those who don’t want the front spoiler element.
Over in the rear, the BMW i4 can be equipped with an AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, carbon rear spoiler, and rear side wings. Also offered by AC Schnitzer for the i4 are an AC Schnitzer package that runs across the sides, a rear skirt protection film, and AC Schnitzer stickers.
RELATED:
2022 BMW i4 M50, first electric M car launched in Malaysia – RM431k
To enhance the interior, BMW i4 owners can opt for AC Schnitzer aluminium pedals, aluminium cover for the I Drive system controller, and an aluminium key holder.
If you’d like to see a properly souped-up version of BMW’s all-electric i4, we suggest you check out
this EV ‘M3’ prototype that BMW is currently working on
. It seems like an all-electric M3 is in the works, and the body of the i4 M50 is being used as a base for the prototype. In Malaysia, the BMW i4 is currently offered in the i4 eDrive 40 and i4 M50 guises.
GALLERY


Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 facelift unveiled, coming to Malaysia this year!

Alongside the global unveiling of the
facelifted GLA
, Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled the performance oriented GLA 45. Like the A 45, the GLA 45 now gets a new moniker – Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (previously known as Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG).
In this facelift exercise, the GLA 45 gets increased performance and enhanced aerodynamics on top of the revisions seen on the standard models. At launch, this pocket rocket gets a Yellow Night Edition as a tribute to the success of the AMG compact cars (
A 45
, CLA 45 and GLA 45).

Like all AMG models, the GLA now wears a more aggressive exterior kit with a sharper front apron, revised air intake and front splitter. On top of that, the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille and side sill panels are finished in silver chrome. At the rear, a more aerodynamic roof spoiler, new diffuser insert and silver chrome trims complete the look of the GLA 45. Thanks to the revisions of the exterior, the car boasts an improved driving dynamics and stability with lower wind resistance.
Jumping inside, the interior is noticeably
race ready
over the standard GLAs. It features Artico man-made leather upholstery red or silver (Exclusive package) contrast stitching, AMG badges all round and a new instrument cluster divided into 30 km/h blocks (previously 20 km/h blocks). In addition to that, the GLA 45 can be specified with keyless entry, hands-free powered tailgate and 360-degree camera.
Now for the juicy part. Under the hood, the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine – the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder M133 has gotten a power bump from
360 hp
 and
450 Nm
 to
381 hp
 and
475 Nm
! Power is channelled to all four corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission.
Thanks to shorter gear ratios from gears three to seven and an optimised transmission mapping, the GLA 45 will sprint past the 100 km/h mark in 4.4 seconds from standstill. Top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h
 (with AMG Driver’s Package top speed is raised to 270 km/h). Despite its remarkable performance, the GLA 45 is said to consume only
7.4 litres of fuel per 100 km
.
The
AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive
 system is capable of splitting torque almost invariably to the front and rear axle to match every driving situation. As standard, most of the power gets sent to the front wheels, but a full 50:50 split can be achieved when needed.
Also available with the GLA 45 is a series of complementary optional packages. For example, the
AMG DYNAMIC PLUS
 package adds mechanical front axle locking differential, AMG ride control sports suspension, performance steering wheel and a RACE drive programme (comes with a launch control sequence). The
AMG performance exhaust
 is a must-have for that distinctive throaty exhaust note composed by AMG.

To celebrate the success of the AMG compact cars, a
Yellow Night Edition
 is available as an option. It adds two unique paint finishes with matte graphite grey and yellow accents around the car – Night Black and Cosmos Black. The Yellow Night Edition adds the aerodynamics package, Night package as well as Light and Sight package as standard. As you can guess from the name, the interior is also highlighted with yellow trims.
We cannot wait for this beastly machine to arrive to our shores sometime later in the year, hopefully available with the gorgeous Yellow Night Edition. Race mode in a compact crossover? Absolutely bonkers.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Facelift

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45  Yellow Night Edition


Geely FY11 Coupe SUV will be Geely’s most driver-focused car to date

Geely has just teased its forthcoming model, codenamed the Geely FY11, will the Chinese automaker’s first attempt at a Coupe SUV.
The company has confirmed that the FY11 will ride on the Geely-Volvo developed CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform that is already used on the
Volvo XC40
 and all
LYNK & CO models
. Rest assured that Geely did not take an
existing model
 and draw a sloping roofline.
The FY11 will be Geely’s most expressive vehicle to date, starting with the brand’s signature expanding cosmos grille is now wider and slimmer than ever flanked with new generation “digital arrow” LED daytime running light graphics inspired from ancient Chinese weapon to give the FY11 a strong predator appearance.
Its strong stance is further emphasised through the silhouette where the long tailing roofline tapers sharply into the rear quarters, reflecting the fastback designs of high-performance sports cars where it meets a pair of Chinese fan inspired taillights.

Geely also assures that the sleek looking FY11 will have sporting credentials to match. The company even goes as far as saying that it will be “the most driver focused car to date”. Having experienced the dynamics of the CMA platform on the
XC40
, there will be some truth to those claims.


Tata Motors chief Karl Slym found dead in Bangkok

The managing director of India’s automobile company Tata Motors has died in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. Karl Slym, 51, was in the Thai capital where he was attending a board meeting. British-born Slym joined Tata Motors in 2012 and managed all operations except Jaguar Land Rover in UK. His death is suspected to be a suicide.
Reports say the Tata Motors chief was staying with his wife on the 22nd floor of the Shangri-La hotel. His body was found on the fourth floor. The window in his room was found opened and initial investigations reveal no sign of struggle and that he jumped out from the window. He left a three-page note in English which the Thai police are looking into it.
Tata Motors is part of Tata group of industries in India. It produces passenger cars, trucks, vans, coaches, buses, construction equipment and military vehicles. Tata Motors is world’s sixteenth-largest motor vehicle manufacturing company, fourth-largest truck manufacturer and second-largest bus manufacturer by volume.
The company acquired the South Korean truck manufacturer Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Company in 2004 and purchased Jaguar Land Rover from Ford in 2008. It introduced the world’s cheapest car, Tata Nano (approx. US$2000) in 2008. Its UK passenger car division Jaguar Land Rover is doing well, however the rest of Tata Motors has been struggling. Competition from other local and foreign car makers has caused the company to lose market share in the Indian market.
Tata chairman Cyrus P Mistry described Mr. Slym as “a valued colleague who was providing strong leadership at a challenging time for the Indian auto industry”.


BMW CEO says combustion engines still important, don’t be too reliant on EVs

The transition towards electric powertrains is happening at such a quick pace that it’s almost frightening. To some extent, it almost feels like Thanos’ snap, where half of all internal combustion engine-powered (ICE) models have just disappeared into thin air, replaced by their newer and shinier electric – or at least electrified – counterparts.
Several carmakers who built their reputation on making engines are switching outright to electric power, and some countries are even planning to ban the sale of new ICE cars outright, as soon as 2030. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, however, believes that the quick transition and over-dependency on EVs in such short notice could be a mistake.
Speaking at a Roundtable session in New York attended by

Reuters
, Zipse said that there’s still a market for combustion engine cars in the global space, adding that the switching over to EVs also means increasing our reliance on just a few countries in the world to provide the raw materials needed to build EVs – particularly China, which controls the supply of most raw materials needed for lithium-ion batteries.
“When you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries,” said Zipse. “If someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines any more, someone else will.”
RELATED: BMW loves their combustion engine – won’t commit to firm EV switchover date yet
This isn’t the first time that Zipse has spoken out against an outright ban on combustion engines. To date, the company still
hasn’t announced a first EV switchover date
 yet in stark contrast to most of its competitors, and Zipse himself even reaffirmed that
new combustion engines will still be part of BMW line-up and development
for years to come.
Zipse argues that the solution at this point in time, from both a profit perspective and environment perspective, should be to offer more fuel-efficient combustion engine cars rather than an all-out EV onslaught, pointing at the obvious gaps in charging infrastructure in many countries, as well as the higher price of electric vehicles.
While controversial, we think that Zipse’s arguments aren’t necessarily without its merits. A
recent BMW study
found that while eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers want more EVs on the road, nearly 60% of those respondents will still choose an ICE-powered car over an EV when buying their next vehicle, mostly citing concerns such as range anxiety, maintenance costs, and difficulties in keeping their EVs charged.
EV charging networks are still in their infancy stages here in Malaysia, while at the same time EV prices are also still struggling to reach parity with other ICE-powered cars, despite the government’s recent tax exemption incentives to accelerate EV adoption in the country.
But these issues are definitely not insurmountable, especially if the entire automotive industry bands together to create a solution. For instance, carmakers such as
Porsche
 and
Mercedes-Benz
have already both partnered-up with other industry players to deploy DC fast chargers nationwide, while BMW Malaysia also recently unveiled its
NEXTGen platform
that brings together various industry players and experts to facilitate conversations on sustainable innovations and solutions.
So while EVs are definitely not ready for mass-market adoption right now, there’s no saying that it won’t be in just a few years time. Is Zipse just being overly cautious, or is he just grasping at straws, holding onto the last ounce of hope for the inline sixes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


Using fingerprint to unlock and start your Hyundai, what?!

We are already using fingerprints to cross custom borders, unlock our doors and even authorise our mobile banking transactions. Soon we will be able to use our fingerprints to unlock and
start
our cars.
Hyundai Motor Company has just announced that they will be introducing the world’s first smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to unlock their car and even start the vehicle without having a physical car key with them. Hyundai plans to have this technology ready in their 2019
Hyundai Santa Fe
 available in selected markets.
To unlock the vehicle, the driver only has to place their finger on the sensor located on the door handle. With regards to security issues, Hyundai claims the fingerprint sensor comes with capacitance recognition that detects the differentials in the electricity level in various parts of the fingertip. This effectively prevents the use of forged and fake fingerprints
President and Head of R&D Division of the Hyundai Motor Company, Albert Biermann said: “In the future, Hyundai Motor plans to further expand the application of the technology to allow the adjustment of temperature, steering wheel position, and many other features which will be tailored to driver’s preferences. This will ultimately offer quality driving experience to each and every Hyundai customer.”
Hyundai plans to gradually roll out this fingerprint technology to other markets and also introduce other customisable technologies to their vehicle line up.


Ford offers tuning handset for their EcoBoost cars: Up to 122 Nm in gains for the Focus ST!

Aftermarket engine tuning is no strange thing to the auto industry, and people are constantly finding ways to get more power out of a stock engine. It’s rampant – many resort to aftermarket tuning companies, though the gains are achieved at the cost of the car manufacturer’s warranty.
Ford Fiesta ST with 1.6-litre EcoBoost
Most modern Fords come with their revered EcoBoost engines, and the folks at Ford Racing wants you to modify them by simply plugging in the
ProCal handset
 to the diagnostic port. With this, you can alter the throttle mapping, idling speed, waste gate control, ignition timing and many more, essentially upgrading its performance.
The calibrating handset retails at
USD595
 (RM2,100 est), and can be purchased from
Ford Racing’s website
. With the handset, you can tune just about
any EcoBoost engines
, all while retaining Ford’s warranty programme! For the Focus ST owners, you’re looking at an increase of
122 Nm
, and that’s still within recommended limits.
2015 Ford Mustang with 2.3-litre EcoBoost
There will also be a custom engine calibration for the Mustang’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, though that product is expected to be announced in end-2015. As for the
Fiesta ST owners
, if the number of ponies to your hot hatch isn’t pleasing you enough, you’re more than welcome to try this out for yourself.
Malaysian Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion has yet to acknowledge the ProCal’s compliance with their warranty programme, but until then, it’s best to brush off the impulse and wait for the official word.


Lamborghini unveils new base-spec Urus S – same 666 hp as the Performante

Following the launch of the souped-up
Urus Performante in August
, Lamborghini has now also brought some of the key updates over to the
base Urus model
, alongside a new name – the Urus S.
While it might not look all that different, with the only major changes on the outside being the reworked bumpers and new wheel options, the biggest update on the new super SUV is actually hidden underneath the sheet metal.
Like the Performante, the new Lamborghini Urus S also now comes with the uprated 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making the same devilish
666 hp
(up 16 hp) and
850 Nm
 of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lamborghini says that the Urus S also features the same powertrain calibration as the Performante, which means 0-100 km/h is now done in 3.5 seconds (-0.1 seconds), and 0-200 km/h in 12.5 seconds (-0.3 seconds). Top speed remains unchanged at 305 km/h.
RELATED:
Lamborghini deals with the devil, new Urus Performante unveiled with 666 hp
Complementing the new powertrain is a retuned exhaust system, giving the Urus S a “more distinct sound at start-up and a sharper note in each drive mode”, alongside the addition of the customisable ‘Ego’ drive mode on the Tamburo drive selector. As before, the adaptive air suspensions are offered as standard.
As for looks, the aforementioned bumpers now get new matte black stainless steel accents, including on the skid plate in front, as standard. The twin exhaust tip design at the rear has also been reprofiled, while customers can now also opt for a new lightweight carbon fibre front bonnet replete with matte black air vents (pictured), as well as an exposed carbon fibre roof.
Inside, influences from the Urus Performante can be seen via the new stitching pattern on the upholstery, alongside new leather colour options. Buyers can now choose between the Bi-colour Sportivo or Bi-colour Sophisticated interior themes, which now also offers a wider selection of leather styles and colours.
As you may recall, the Urus is now Lamborghini’s
best-selling model of all-time,
 with over 20,000 units sold in just a short four-year lifespan. The new S update will undoubtedly help the super SUV retain that status, or even reach greater heights.
RELATED:
Lamborghini Urus makes history as the company’s best-selling model of all time
Prices for the Lamborghini Urus S starts from EUR195,538 (approx. RM891k) before tax over in Europe.
GALLERY


Review: Lexus ES 250 Luxury – Effortless opulence

If I were to ask you to say the first luxury executive sedan that comes to your mind, chances are that it most probably wasn’t a Lexus. In a market dominated by the
Mercedes-Benz E Class
 and
BMW 5 Series
, Lexus knew they had to make a statement with the seventh-generation ES to put a chip in their armour, and sure enough – they did.
The
Lexus ES
 is such a breath of fresh air in terms of looks, especially in a segment where car designers mostly just aim for an inoffensive look to appeal to the masses – and more often than not, these cars end up looking at best a little bulbous, and at worst just plain uninspiring.
Lexus went against the grain with the design of the ES (which stands for Executive Sedan, by the way) using sharp lines, creases, and daring touches, and the result is a design that truly stands out from the crowd, and makes a lasting impression. I mean, just look at the three-dimensional spindle grille statement piece – take note BMW, this is how you do large grilles.
The Lexus ES range in Malaysia tops out (at the time of review) with the 250 Luxury variant, and I’d argue that it’s the perfect specification for the car, at least in terms of looks. There’s no need for the F-Sport trim when the car in its relatively civil outfit already looks so good.
The added flair from the tri-beam jewel-like LED headlights and purposeful chrome trims around the exterior are just the cherry on top, pleading for you to give it a second look when you walk away – and believe me, you will.
The interior of the Lexus ES 250 Luxury impresses just as much, too, and it’s obvious that Lexus put in extra effort in the cabin’s aesthetic department. Even something as insignificant as the door handles are sculpted to look like a modern art piece that should be placed in a gallery by itself.
The seats, wrapped in semi-aniline leather, also feels exceptionally soft and supple to the touch, while providing first-class grade support on long distance journeys. Even the rear seats of the Lexus ES 250 Luxury are electrically-adjustable, so you’d still get the ultimate VIP treatment no matter which seat you prefer.
But once you’ve sat in it for long enough, the Lexus ES’ drawbacks start to surface like a rose’s thorns. You might be able to forgive the manually-operated sunroof shades, but something like the infotainment system – with graphics from a 90s computer and a convoluted menu structure controlled by the horrid touchpad – is completely inexcusable in a car that costs north of RM300k.
Fortunately, all of these flaws immediately wash away once you get it on the move and revel in the serenity of the Lexus ES’ near-silent drive, thanks to the noise-reducing 18-inch alloys, and additional acoustic glass for the rear passengers on the Luxury trim.
Driving the Lexus ES 250 is a largely sedate experience, which is exactly what you would want in a big, luxury executive sedan. The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with
204 hp
 and
247 Nm
 of torque won’t blow anyone away in terms of performance, but it’s perfectly adequate to get you up to speed in no time – while remaining as quiet as the night sky while it’s at it.
Gear shifts from the eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox are silky-smooth, and it isn’t afraid to downshift when needed to make up for the lower output figures. Pair that to the supple and well-damped suspension, plus the Lexus Safety Sense advance driver assistance suite doing most of the heavy-lifting on long-distance journeys, it’s just so easy to rack up the mileage in this thing without even realising it.
While the highways are the Lexus ES’ natural habitat, it also doesn’t shy away from the odd bends that come about. Despite its sheer size, it’s surprising how well the ES still manages to negotiate high-speed sweeping corners and fast direction changes with poise and confidence.
The closest thing we can compare it to is the
Toyota Camry
, which really isn’t a surprise given that they’re built on the same platform. To be clear, that’s not an insult by any means – if you’ve seen our
review of the Camry
, you’ll know how high of a praise this is.
There will never be a perfect car, and there really shouldn’t be one, since different cars are developed for different demographics and purposes. But in the space of the executive sedans, the Lexus ES truly does come very close to it.
To some, a car functions as much as a social statement as it is a transportation device – and in that case, the Germans might still be the right choice for them. But if it’s up to me, I know which car I’ll pick if I ever become a high-ranking officer in a multinational company.
Lexus ES 250 Luxury specifications:
Engine
2,487 cc; naturally-aspirated four-cylinder
Transmission
8-speed Direct Shift Automatic
Max horsepower
204 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Max torque
247 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
0-100 km/h; Top speed
9.1 seconds; 210 km/h
Price (OTR, w/o Insurance, inclusive of SST exemptions)
RM327,510.50 (Limited Edition Variant)
GALLERY


Good boy gone bad: Toyota Harrier gets Gazoo Racing parts

The all-new
fourth-generation Toyota Harrier
is a
beautiful thing
 to look at. We’re definitely not the only ones to think so, but we concede that the classy look might not be for everyone. If you happen to fall into the latter camp, Toyota’s own Gazoo Racing division has come up with a set of parts for the Harrier to help you live your racing dreams – even if you now have other responsibilities.
The new Toyota Harrier GR parts are split into two main categories – Exterior and Functional, or so Google Translate tells us. The former consists of GR-exclusive Aero Kit package including the front splitter, side skirts, and a new rear bumper with diffuser and sports exhaust; front bumper garnish, decals, and a boot spoiler that’s placed right above the taillights.
Aside from a sportier look, Toyota also says that these Gazoo Racing aero kit parts also helps with the aerodynamic performance of the Harrier, resulting in reduced lift over the front and rear axles.
As for the Functional category, the big ticket item in the list is the Gazoo Racing performance dampers, which improves ride and steering stability during high-speed driving, while also reducing noise and vibrations, improving comfort.
Other “Functional” items include GR-exclusive sun shade, boot floor mats, window tinting, and even a “GR Discharge Tape” made from aluminium, which can apparently remove static electricity on the body panels, thus bringing out the “original performance” of the car. We presume its working theory and effectiveness is probably similar to their own
“GR Aero Stabilising Body Coat” spray
.
There’s also a set of new 20-inch aluminium wheels for the SUV, which can even be purchased together with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres. Additional GR door handle protectors and carbon fibre number plate housing complete the souped-up look.
As expected, these GR parts provide no real boost in performance to the Toyota Harrier other than the slight aerodynamic benefits. The all-new Harrier is powered by two new Dynamic Force engines – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mill on the base model producing
171 hp
 and
207 Nm
, and a 2.5-litre engine on the front-wheel drive Hybrid model producing a combined
218 hp
 and
221 Nm of torque
, though there’s also a 100 kg weight penalty on the latter.
Both powertrains are paired to a Direct Shift CVT, which is also hardly the last word in sporty driving. So what do you think? Is the racing-inspired look on a practical SUV enough to outweigh the lack of sporting credentials?
IMAGE GALLERY


Come check out the Mazda CX-8 at the Malaysia Auto Show, launching in late 2019

Earlier in the year, Bermaz Motor previewed their next model launch, the
Mazda CX-8
 and the company is inviting interested parties to check out the new SUV in the metal at the 2019 Malaysia Auto Show happening from 11th to 14th of April.
Because this is merely a preview exercise, the car on display is not the final specification for the Malaysian market. Bermaz Motor did confirm that the CX-8 will be locally-assembled from launch.
The CX-8 is available in both 2-3-2 and 2-2-2 seating arrangements but it is likely that the local market will receive the seven-seater option. Powertrain options include a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine with
192 hp
 and
257 Nm
 as well as a 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel with
187 hp
 and
450 Nm
.
Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the all-wheel-drive system is exclusive to the diesel variant.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mazda CX-8 2.5-litre 2WD
Mazda CX-8 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D AWD


Girl Drifter Leona Chin shines in Clio Cup China Series [+Video]

Malaysian girl drifter and race car driver
Leona Chin
 now races in China, scoring a podium finish at the recent Clio Cup China Series in Zhuhai, China!
After her viral video stunt last year, the Youtube sensation expanded her career in to China, participating in the
F-Team China Reality TV Show (炫风车手)
, a reality TV show for race car drivers. Leona then took up the challenge to race in the
 2016 Clio Cup China Series
,

which proved to be a great platform to showcase her promising racing career abroad.
The
Clio Cup China Series
 is a one-make touring car championship organised by China’s Formula Racing Development (
FRD
). Held since 2009, the series races the latest Renault Clio RS, powered by a
 1.6-litre turbocharged engine
 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, producing
220 hp
. A total of 12 races are contested this year at circuits around China and Korea.
Watch highlights of Race 1 & Race 2 in Zhuhai, China filmed and produced by team sponsor
WebTVAsia
:
Leona was one of the two female drivers in the 10-car grid during the first race weekend on 19-20 March 2016 in Zhuhai, China. She then dominated the 10-lap race but eventually settled for second. However, a controversial
30-second time penalty
 was imposed due to jump start, which caused her to slip down to fifth place.
Fortunately in
Race 2
, Leona fared better by crossing the finish line in
third place
. An impressive achivement considering she only got to know the track and the car just before race day.
Currently third in the overall standing, Leona Chin will be in
Korea
 (14-15 May 2016) for Race 3 & 4, where there’s a high chance for her to earn Malaysia some trophies. You have made the country proud, Leona! Best wishes on the remaining races.
Here’s the clip of the
controversial jump start
 at the grid of
Race 1
. You be the judge.


Toyota is apparently working on a “sporty” automatic transmission for the GR Yaris

The
 Toyota GR Yaris
is often lauded as one of the best enthusiast-focused car on sale today, thanks to its incredibly fun chassis, the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine in production, and of course, the fact that it only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
While we car-nuts love it, the fact is many people still don’t know how to drive a stick shift – at least, not properly. So in an effort to appease the wider fan base of the new cult favourite, Toyota is now reportedly developing a “sporty” eight-speed automatic gearbox for the pocket rocket.
Adored by the enthusiasts… and that’s about it.
That is, at least, according to Japanese publication
Car Watch
. The publication writes that a prototype of the automatic-equipped GR Yaris is already now in testing, as part of a factory-fielded team running in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge in Japan. In fact, the main development driver is none other than Toyota vice chairman, Shigeru Hayakawa.
The prototype, which has been photographed by the publication, shows an automatic gear lever seemingly plucked out from a regular road-going Toyota, and slapped on to the centre stack somewhat haphazardly.
ALSO READ: Overwhelming demand for GR Yaris in Australia, Toyota stops taking orders
Toyota vice president, Shigeru Hayakawa, with the purported automatic GR Yaris prototype.
 Photo: Car Watch
Interestingly though, the manual shifting direction on the makeshift gear lever has been reversed (as noted by the yellow sticker labels) from the typical Toyota automatic style (forward for upshift, back for downshift), to the preferred layout of most sequential race car gearboxes, where you pull the lever towards you for an upshift, and away for a downshift.
It’s a contentious topic among car enthusiasts online as to which direction is the more “correct” one, but it’s nothing a set of gearshift paddles on the steering wheel can’t solve.
Photo: Car Watch
CarWatch
 says that the prototype is currently working through some shift pattern calibration to ensure it behaves appropriately for a sporty hot hatch like the GR Yaris.
During development, Hayakawa reportedly discovered several issues with the automatic slushbox’s performance, particularly struggling to re-accelerate after downshifting from third to second. A fix has supposedly been applied via a software tune on the gearbox, but further testing is required in the next rounds of the Rally Challenge to validate its effectiveness.
While an automatic gearbox will certainly dilute the GR Yaris’ status as the ultimate enthusiast machine, it’ll without a doubt open up the same incredible experience – just like the one we had in Sepang last year – to a much wider audience. And well, if you want to keep the
burning love for cars
 alive among the general public, it’s never a bad thing to let more people have fun.
Would you be open to the idea of an automatic Toyota GR Yaris? Let us know in the comments below!


BMW 5 Series in Malaysia price increased by up to RM8k for 2023, other models up 1.1-6.3%

BMW Malaysia
 has released the latest updated price list for 2023, which sees a price hike on several models. The company attributes the price increase to the “current challenges with regards to global inflation and rising manufacturing costs”, it said in a statement.
Could the facelifted 2022 BMW 3 Series be launched here in Malaysia this year?
Most models in the brand’s stable here in Malaysia have been affected by the price hike, with the only few exceptions being the entire G20 3 Series (
320i, 330i
,
330e
, and
330Li
), the F48 X1 range (
sDrive18i
and
sDrive20i
), and the
fully-electric iX3
.
The former two’s omission could be the strongest hint that we will be getting the
2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift
and the
all-new U11 X1
 here in Malaysia soon.
As for the models affected by the price increase, the
BMW M135i xDrive
sees a 1.1% increase, the
BMW 218i M Sport Gran Coupe
a 3.1% hike, the
BMW 630i GT M Sport
 a 2.8% increase, and the
BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport
, a 3.2% increase.
The
BMW 5 Series
 line-up here in Malaysia meanwhile see a price hike ranging from 2.0-3.7%, while the X models (
X3
,
X4
,
X5
, and
X6
) see a price increase between 1.6% to 5.8%. As for the fully-electric models, both the
 i4
 and
iX
 are also affected by an inflated price tag ranging from 2.6-6.3%.
The full price list for Peninsular Malaysia can be found in the table below.
Click to enlarge.
The prices above are inclusive of the
Service and Repair Inclusive
, which extends the vehicle’s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage, up from two years), and also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage service package. Customers can also opt for the standard two-year warranty for a lower sticker price.
Noting the price increase, BMW Malaysia assures its owners will be able to “enjoy more new feature enhancements” in all of its models purchased in the year ahead.


Initial specifications of Proton X70 confirmed, 4 variants

Besides detailing the
Proton X70
’s
GKUI infotainment system
, Proton has also released initial specification details of their first ever SUV. There will be four variants on sale starting with the Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive 4WD and the
range-topping Premium 2WD
.
As standard, all variants of the X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDi petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no paddle shifters). The powerplant is good for
183 hp
 and
285 Nm
 of twist, the latter peaks from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm.

Drive is channelled to the front wheels while four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optionally available on the Executive variant. We had the opportunity to sample the X70’s Chinese twin, the
left-hand drive Geely Boyue on track
 and were really impressed by its performance.
The 1.7 tonne SUV (2WD variant) is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in
10.5 seconds
 and fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.8 L/100 km. The X70 also comes equipped with a Drive Mode selector that cycles the car’s powertrain characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes hue – Green, Blue or Red – depending on the Drive Mode selected.
The Executive 4WD variant is equipped by a Borg Warner 4WD system that sends 100 per cent of the power to the front axles on normal driving situations. When the road conditions become unfavourable, the drivetrain will instantaneously alter to a 70:30 (front to rear) torque split for maximum traction.
On the exterior front, the
entry-level Standard 2WD
 comes equipped with halogen projector headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command, fabric seats and a rear-view camera. There are also six USB charging ports – two on the centre console, one in the centre armrest, one on the rear-view mirror (clever power source for your dash camera) and two for the rear passengers.

Stepping up to the
Executive
 variant you’ll be upgraded to LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered driver seat and a 360-degree surround view camera. The
Executive 4WD
 variant gains an additional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that displays the tyre temperature and tyre pressure units.
Lastly, the most expensive X70, the
Premium 2WD
, gets all the bells and whistles such as Brown Nappa leather seats (no other colour option), powered front seats, panoramic sunroof as well as the full suite of
Advanced Driver Assistance System
 (ADAS).
The ADAS bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW – emphasis on the warning), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Proton has emphasised that while the X70 comes with AEB and ACC, the SUV
does not
 support semi-autonomous driving. I repeat, it
does not
 have semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
However, it is not to say that the rest of the SUV variants are underequipped, the usual safety kit such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control is standard on all variants.
Lastly, the Proton X70, depending on the variant, is available in five different exterior shades – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red. Now that you understand the features and product positioning of the SUV a little bit better, how much do you think Proton should price them at?
IMAGE GALLERY


Facts & Figures: 2021 Subaru XV with EyeSight launched, from RM139k

Motor Image Subaru has launched the updated Subaru XV, now available with the EyeSight driver assistance system, across two variants – the 2.0 i-P and XV GT.

Prices start from
 RM139,788
 for the 2.0i-P EyeSight and
 RM146,788
 for the 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition.
PERFORMANCE
Engine: 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated falt-four boxer engine
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT
Max Power: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Drivetrain: All-wheel Drive
EXTERIOR
New to the 2021 XV is the
revised front grille and 17-inch wheel design
. The updated XV now also comes with a tilt-down function for the passenger side mirror when engaging reverse.
If you opt for the XV GT Edition, the 17-inch wheel design remains unchanged from before. Also part of the GT Edition body kit is the front lip, side skirts, rear spoiler, and rear splitter. Making up the exterior are LED head and taillights, roof rails, auto headlamps with cornering lights, and headlamp washers. Ground clearance is rated at 220 mm, the same as most pick-ups.
INTERIOR
New to the interior is the Auto Vehicle Hold switch by the gear lever, and 8-way powered seats for the driver with memory function. Standard features include an improved 8-inch infotainment display with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In the standard XV, the interior comes with fabric upholstery finished with orange stitching but in the XV GT Edition, you get leather seats. The new XV also comes with paddle shifters, X Mode selector for Mud, Snow, Sand, and Dirt.
SAFETY
By far the most important (new) addition to the Subaru XV is the EyeSight driver assistance system, like in the Forester. It comes with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, and lane sway warning.
Also part of the system is the Pre-collision Throttle Management feature in case the driver accidentally steps on the throttle instead of brakes and Lead Vehicle Start feature that alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved more than three metres ahead. The airbag count remains at seven, consisting of front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and the driver’s knee airbag.
GALLERY
XV GT Edition
XV 2.0i-P EyeSight


Facts & Figures: BMW 740Le xDrive now available with M Sport kit – RM592k

BMW Malaysia today introduced a new variant to the
G12 7 Series facelift (LCI)
 here in the country, in the form of the 740Le xDrive M Sport. Just like the existing
 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence
, the new M Sport variant will also be locally-assembled here at BMW Malaysia’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The M Sport kit is being introduced as an optional “add-on package” priced at RM25,000, which brings the price of the 740Le xDrive M Sport up to
RM592k
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the
sales tax exemptions
.
EXTERIOR
As the name suggests, the new 7 Series variant is dressed in the M Sport exterior styling package, which includes more aggressive-looking bumpers and side skirts. Also present on the new “sportier” luxury sedan are the High Gloss Shadow Line trims around the window surround, alongside a slightly different wheel design – Style 647 M here, although still 19-inches in diameter.
Other M Sport-specific items include:
M Sport brakes, blue-painted brake callipers with M designation
M-specific kidney grille, satinised aluminium and black
M-specific exhaust tailpipe finisher, chrome
M badging on front fenders
M-specific vehicle key
Otherwise, the rest of the exterior kit list is pretty much identical to the existing Pure Excellence variant, including the BMW Laserlight adaptive headlights and LED tail lamps.
Exterior colour options include Mineral White, Bernina Grey, Donington Grey, and Carbon Black Metallic.
PERFORMANCE
No changes are found on the powertrain underneath the bonnet here, which continues to be powered by the B58B30 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, paired to a single electric motor.
Engine: 2,998 cc, turbocharged inline-six, petrol
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
Driveline: Front engine, xDrive all-wheel drive
Engine max horsepower: 286 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Engine max torque: 450 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm
Electric motor max horsepower: 113 hp @ 3,170 rpm
Electric motor max torque: 265 Nm @ 100 – 2,500 rpm
Combined system output: 394 hp, 600 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
INTERIOR
The new M Sport package for the BMW 740Le xDrive adds on a new Individual Alcantara roof-lining in Anthracite, M Sport steering wheel, alongside M-specific door sill plates. A new Fineline Black wood trim with metal effect also replaces the Poplar Grain Grey items on the Pure Excellence model.
Otherwise, the interior equipment is identical to the existing variant, with highlights including:
Live Cockpit Professional, 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch ‘control’ infotainment display
Head-up display
BMW Connected Package Professional and BMW Navigation system Professional
4-zone automatic climate control
Comfort Access System with foot sensor for tailgate
Nappa leather upholstery
Massage function for rear seats
Dual 10-inch rear seat monitors, 7-inch rear seat Touch Command tablet
Sky Lounge panorama glass roof
electrically-powered sunshades
Soft-close doors
16-speaker, 460-watt Harmon Kardon surround sound system
SAFETY
There are no changes on the safety equipment for the BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport here in Malaysia too, with the Driving Assistant Professional package coming as standard, which includes features such as:
Active cruise control with stop-and-go function
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Change Warning
Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection
Steering and lane control assistant,
Lane Change Assistant
Autonomous emergency braking
Cross traffic warning, front and rear
Rear collision prevention
Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assist, surround-view monitor
PRICING
With the additional M Sport Package equipment, the new BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport is priced at
RM591,503
 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of all EEV incentives and SST exemptions – making it RM22,450 more than the Pure Excellence model, currently retailing for RM569,053.
Included in the price is the
 Extended Warranty & Service Package
, which brings the warranty coverage up to five years, alongside free scheduled services for the same period.
GALLERY


2016 Toyota Innova launched in Malaysia, priced from RM109k to RM126k

Losing the title
 of Malaysia’s best-selling non-national car maker early last year was a huge wakeup call for UMW Toyota. Having to face stiff competition from both national and non-national makes that are continuously offering greater value for money, 2016 is a make or break year for the dethroned king to redeem themselves in the eyes of Malaysian consumers.
UMW’s game plan was simple – to refresh their entire product lineup to be on par – or better – with its competitors. So far, we have seen
seven model launches
 (all-new and facelift alike) from UMW to date and UMW is not showing signs of stopping just yet. Unveiled at the concourse of KLCC is the second-generation Toyota Innova. Unfortunately, VSC is not standard across the range.
QUICK FACTS
Name
Toyota Innova 2.0E (MT)
Toyota Innova 2.0E (AT)
Toyota Innova 2.0G (AT)
Engine
1,998cc; inline-4 DOHC with Dual VVT-i
Transmission
5-speed manual
6-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter
Max Power
137 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Max Torque
183 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Price
RM109,000.00
RM117,000.00
RM126,000.00
The all-new Innova shares the same IMV platform as the
Hilux
and
Fortuner
. As such, the Innova has grown in every dimension measuring at 4,735mm in length, 1,830mm in width, 1,795mm in height while the wheelbase maintains at 2,750mm. This eight-seater MPV also has a 200mm ground clearance.
EXTERIOR
Toyota has adopted the “Tough and Sophisticated” design language to introduce a more elegant look to the Innova. As standard, the Innova comes with automatic halogen headlamps with Follow Me Home function, bulb type daytime running lights, silver painted radiator grille, electronic adjustable wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear spoiler with LED third brake light, halogen combination tail lamps and rear fog lamps.

Stepping up to the G variant adds a front chrome radiator grille, front fog lamps, power folding wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamp, keyless entry as well as chrome door handles.
All variants ride on
16-inch
 twin five-spoke alloys wrapped in 205/65 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tyres.
INTERIOR
Toyota has certainly paid great detail to elevate the premium feel of the interior as the cabin is a breath of fresh air compared to the outgoing Innova. Even for the E-spec Innova comes with urethane three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, silver dash trim, manual climate controls, fabric seats with manual adjustment, two-tier glove box with cooling function, One Touch Tumble second row seats with 60:40 split configuration and One Touch Easy Space Up third row seats with 50:50 seats.

Moving up to the G variant, the cabin is further refined with a leather wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with wood inlays, wood interior trim, front and rear single-zone automatic climate controls, keyless start, auto up/down with jam protection for all windows (driver side only for E-spec), foldable tray,
ambient lighting
 and
Easy Closer Back Door
 (vacuum tailgate).
All three variants come equipped with a 2-DIN head unit with six-speakers, however customers can choose to upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera for RM2,990 (with GPS navigation) or RM1,990 (without navigation).
PERFORMANCE
Powering the people mover is the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder 1TR-FE with Dual VVT-i found in the outgoing Innova. When mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter, it sends
137 hp
 and
183 Nm
 of torque (up 3 hp and 1 Nm) to the rear-wheels. Regardless of transmission choice, the Innova comes with three selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal and Power. To that effect, the Innova also earns itself the EEV status.
SAFETY
The top of the range G-spec Innova is equipped with
seven airbags
, ABS with EBD, BA, VSC, hill-start assist as well as Emergency Stop Signal. With these safety features equipped, the Innova earns itself a 5-Star crash safety rating from ASEAN NCAP.
However, the lower range models only make do with three airbags and ABS with EBD.
WHAT ELSE?
Toyota is offering the Innova in
six exterior colours
: Attitude Black, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic and Super White II. Every new purchase of the Innova comes with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty package and is transferable to the second-hand owner when the car is sold off..
IMAGE GALLERY
Toyota Innova 2.0L Launch

Toyota Innova 2.0G

Innova 2.0E


汽车维修中心如今需要列出维修工资质和零件细节

马来西亚政府新的规定现在要求所有汽车修理厂都必须展示一份列出机械师姓名和他们资质，以便在选择修理厂时为客户提供更多的透明度和信心。
据
Bernama
报道，这项新规定是2022年消费者保护（车间信息披露）（修正）条例中包含的几项改进之一，自2023年7月1日起在全国范围内生效。
国内贸易和生活成本部长Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub在一份声明中表示，新的规定将鼓励修理厂的所有者雇佣有资格的机械师，或者帮助他们的机械师获得适当的资格。
除了列出其机械师及其详细信息外，修理厂运营商现在还需要清楚地说明在修理中使用的备件类别（无论是新的、旧的还是翻新的）。
此修正案首次在2022年6月颁布，但是执行该规定的时间被推迟了一年，以便让受影响的人有时间准备这些变化。
“消费者保护（车间信息披露）（修正）条例2022的实施推迟期于2023年6月30日结束，自2023年7月1日起在全国范围内全面生效。对于任何违反规定的行为，可以依据1999年消费者保护法（第599法案）进行处理。”他补充道。
【英文版】


Elon Musk tweets explanation for the shattered Tesla Cybertruck windows

Tesla’s unveiling of the Cybertruck
 was filled with oddities and surprises, but perhaps nothing more surprising than when the apparently super-strong glass on the Cybertruck shattered on stage, twice.
For those who missed out, here’s what happened – after demonstrating the strength of the shatter-resistant glass by dropping a steel ball onto the glass from a height of about 3 meters, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk decided to level-up the demonstration by hurling the steel ball at the show car instead.
Image: Tesla Livestream
The person designated to do the honours was none other than Tesla’s Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. We can’t tell if this part of the demonstration was planned, but smashing both windows definitely wasn’t. Musk reportedly swore under his breath after the glass shattered to pieces, before muttering “room to improve.”
However, Musk said that he knew what went wrong with the demonstration, and
took to Twitter
 to explain the situation. Apparently in the test to exhibit the strength of the ultra-hard body (which happened right before the unfortunate window test), the sledgehammer impact “cracked base of glass”, which caused it to shatter when it was hit by a steel ball.
 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1198090787520598016
To prove that the glass is indeed strong enough to withstand a steel ball impact, Musk also
 uploaded a slow-motion video
 of the same test performed before the unveiling, with the ball bouncing harmlessly off the pane of glass.
Despite its divisive styling, the Tesla Cybertruck is still garnering significant interest. Just three days after the unveiling, Musk tweeted that the company received
200,000 bookings
 for the Cybertruck. “With no advertising & no paid endorsement,” Musk said in a
separate tweet.
Maybe the smashed glass proved to be beneficial, after all.


Audi TT clubsport turbo revealed, 600 hp & 650 Nm from 2.5 TFSI e-turbo [+Video]

Have you been salivating over the new
Audi TT
 that was officially launched here a few weeks back? Well grab the whole tissue box because here’s the
TT clubsport turbo
. Revealed at the annual
Wörthersee festival
, the wild TT clubsport has a
2.5 TFSI
 and
electric biturbo
 under its bonnet.
Producing
600 hp
 and
650 Nm
, the figures are made possible by the unique powertrain underneath. It consists of a
2,480 cc 5-cylinder turbo
 and an
electric compressor
 to ensure a lag-free acceleration at all times. More interestingly, the engine is paired to a
6-speed manual transmission
 that sends the power to all four wheels via the
quattro permanent all-wheel drive system
.
Weighing in at
1,396 kg
, the TT clubsport will crack
100 km/h
 from standstill in just
3.6 seconds
, while the
top speed
 is
310 km/h
.
Looking like a GT racer for the road, the TT clubsport is said to be inspired by the successful
Audi 90 IMSA GTO
 of the late 1980s. The dramatic stance is the result of the widened floating fenders and the coilover suspension system, while a set of
20-inch rims
 wrapped in
275/30 tyres
 fill up the wheel arches just nicely.
The front keeps the
singleframe grille
 and the
Matrix LED headlamps
, but Audi has given it a chin extension that stretches to the side fenders. Similarly at the back, the bumper gets additional vents with matching vertical splitters like the front.
You might not notice that the rear bumper is free from any tailpipes, because the exhaust outlet has been relocated to the side, just in front of the left rear wheel. However, you will not miss the
huge rear wing
 sitting on top of the boot lid. Manually adjustable and taken from the
Audi Sport TT Cup
 car, it has grown 20 cm wider and has been given a new geometry.
Inside, Audi’s futuristic digital
virtual cockpit
 is offset by the old-school
 open-gate manual gear selector
 with an aluminium knob. Alcantara wraps the steering and the two bucket seats, while the rear seats have been thrown out for a chassis-strengthening
titanium cage
.
If you’re all excited by this pocket monster, here’s the disappointing bit of news for you. This TT clubsport turbo is only a concept car. On the bright side though, Audi said the electric turbo technology is close to production ready, so we might see it enter the production line sooner than later.
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY


MINI John Cooper Works Challenge is a 231 hp, manual-only pocket rocket

Inspired by the newest Mini Challenge racing car, the Mini John Cooper Works Challenge is a tweaked version of the standard JCW to improve track performance without sacrificing everyday usability. The JCW Challenge will be sold exclusively in the UK on a limited production run of just 100 units. Each unit will be numbered with its unique colour and specification.
Unchanged from the standard JCW is the
turbocharged 2.0-litre engine
 producing 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It is capable of launching from 0 to 100km/h in
6.3 seconds
 and tops out at
246km/h
. The JCW Challenge is only available with a
six-speed manual gearbox
.

Attention has been focused on handling thus the changes are found in the suspension, tyres and brakes. UK-based suspension expert Nitron provides coilovers and adjustable dampers for owners to tune the car to their own tastes. The Challenge is fitted with a Quaife automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential in place of the standard car’s electronic differential.
It retains the 17-inch rim albeit half an inch wider wrapped with 215 section Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. All this translates to a reduced unsprung mass by 2.5kg per wheel. Stopping power is provided with a pair of four-pot Brembo calipers with grooved and part-drilled 330mm front discs, which are paired with specially developed Mintex brake pads.
The JCW Pro Accessories are fitted as standard and can be distinguished by the enlarged air intake for better cooling, wheel arch extensions, and rear spoiler. The suede/cloth interior combination is finished in Carbon Black along with Piano Black trim and the dashboard on the passenger side bears the build number. Standard equipment include rear Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor with Automatic headlight activation and Adaptive LED headlights. The fixed specification JCW challenge including White Silver paint with a black roof is priced at £32,000 (RM187,000).
The Mini JCW Challenge will make its public reveal at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
IMAGE GALLERY


BMW to adopt green technology in aluminium wheel production by 2024

The BMW Group has announced that it will use cast aluminium wheels produced with 100% green technology for its BMW and MINI brands from 2024 onwards. The transition applies, in particular, to the energy-intensive electrolysis process used in producing aluminium and the wheel-casting process.
At this moment, wheels account for about 5% of supply chain CO
2
 emissions. The BMW Group procures about 10 million light-alloy wheels per year; 95% of these are made from cast aluminium.
“We have already signed more than 400 contracts with our suppliers, including suppliers of wheels and aluminium, requiring them to use green technology,” said the management of BMW AG.
This is because aluminium has good recycling properties, making it easier to melt down old wheels as part of the circular economy. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive electrolysis to produce the primary raw material.
MINI’s Corona wheels were
renamed to Power wheels
 because you know why…
MINI will become a pioneer in this field in 2023 when it begins using light-alloy cast wheels made from 70% secondary aluminium in the all-new MINI Countryman.
A full transition to green technology for the production of cast aluminium wheels is another step towards reducing carbon emissions in the BMW Group supplier network. The aim is to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain by 20% by 2030.
Since 2021, the BMW Group has sourced aluminium from the United Arab Emirates manufactured exclusively using electricity obtained from solar power. The aluminium produced in Dubai is then processed in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut, Germany where it is used to manufacture body and drive train components.


New Hyundai Kona facelift to launch in Malaysia on April 16

Following the
announcement last month
 teasing the arrival of the
new Kona facelift
, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now confirmed via a teaser video on Facebook that the new compact crossover will be launched here on the
 16th of April
, approximately a week and a half from now!
The new facelift model will arrive here in Malaysia just less than six months since the
Hyundai Kona first debuted here
, though that was largely due to unfortunate timing – the new facelift was unveiled globally just a month or so before the Kona was launched here in Malaysia.
While the funky exterior styling of the Hyundai Kona was largely brought over to this new model, the facelift exercise has also given the compact crossover a more grown-up, sportier look – particularly on the N-Line variant, seen above in red.
The regular trim meanwhile sports a more rugged look, with chunky plastic claddings surrounding the bottom half of the front fascia. Either way, booth variants get a new slimmed-down grille, alongside slimmer discrete daytime-running lights and sleeker main headlights, now split into three beams.
The letterbox-like slit on top of the main grille has been removed on the regular Kona, where you’ll now find the Hyundai logo, though it remains on the N-Line trim, now split into three segments.
Moving to the rear, the taillights now feature a new wider light signature to emphasise its width, while the separate combination light cluster below get a new clear glass cover. The N-Line Kona gets a sportier rear bumper with built-in diffuser slats, while the regular model gets a silver decorative trim on a black chunky cladding bumper.
Moving inside, the dashboard architecture gets an ever-so-slightly tweak, with a “disconnected” centre console and a more horizontal button layout for the climate control buttons. The funky neon green surrounds on the air vents have also been replaced by satin aluminium for a more sophisticated, grown-up look.
New features on the inside include a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, paired to a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display – though the availability of these items will obviously be dependent on the variant, and how HSDM decides to spec our Malaysian models.
Other new niceties include a new electronic parking brake, alongside new ambient lighting around the central cup holder and front foot wells, height-adjustable front seats, as well as additional USB ports.
Hyundai’s SmartSense advanced driver assistance system has also been updated with new features such as Smart Cruise Control with stop and go function and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as better detection for cyclists, pedestrians and low-light operation. As before, expect to see this only on the range-topping variant.
HSDM mentioned in the previous announcement that the new Hyundai Kona facelift will be powered by the SmartStream G2.0 two-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which makes
149 hp
 and
180 Nm
 of torque, with power sent exclusively to the front wheels via Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission CVT gearbox.
Curiously, the press release makes no mention of the 177 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged mill found on the current range-topper. No indications if we will be seeing it on the new facelift, though it’ll certainly be quite an interesting prospect if we get an N-Line Kona with the more-powerful engine, no?
GALLERY


Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro is officially the wildest, most raging Aston ever

Two years ago today, Aston Martin
took the wraps off their maddest creation, the Vulcan, at Goodwood
. Only 24 units will ever be made, also making it one of the company’s most exclusive models. But what if the 24 owners want more?
In comes the Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro. Instead of bumping up power, the folks at Aston Martin Racing (AMR) paid more attention to aerodynamic tweaks and shortened the gear ratios for an even more “explosive” acceleration. In case you didn’t know, the Vulcan is powered by a 7.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing
820 hp
 and is
rear-wheel driven
.

The Vulcan AMR Pro gets a louvred front-end just above the wheel arches to help extract high pressure air, reducing lift. The two dive planes fitted to each side of the nose and large rear wing help pin the Vulcan down, but the front splitter features rotating vanes fitted beneath them to improve steering response. Speaking of rear wing, it now has a dual plane design with a 20mm ‘Gurney’ flap for even better downforce. Weight is also down by 5kg thanks to a carbon fibre engine cover.
Collectively, the new parts give a great deal of downforce, up to 4,000 Nm (26 percent more) as opposed to the standard Vulcan’s 3,150 Nm. It has also shifted the weight balance of the car to the centre, improving traction and front-end grip.
The AMR Pro package is available to all 24 existing Vulcans, but there’s no mention of pricing as yet. The original Aston Martin Vulcan retailed for no less than RM11 million, by the way.
IMAGE GALLERY


Toyota and Lexus halt operations till end of March, Vios Challenge cancelled

Toyota
and
Lexus
dealerships have stopped day-to-day operations temporarily in compliance with the Movement Control Order issued by the government of Malaysia, however both entities
remain contactable
 by customers over the restricted movement period.
All Toyota and Lexus showrooms will remain closed till 31st March.
Ravindran K, President of UMW
Toyota Motor said, “The safety of our employees, our stakeholders and
all of our customers is paramount to us. Based on direction from the
government, despite the shutdown of our operations, we will continue to be
available to our customers for any assistance they may require with regard to
their Toyota and Lexus vehicles.”
Hence, you may call
Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA

(869682)
 or Lexus Freephone at
1800-88-LEXUS

(53987)
 for information or assistance.
Racing will have to take a backseat to health and safety.
The imposition of the Movement Control Order and heightened state of alert over the Covid-19 pandemic means that the fourth and final round of season 3’s
Toyota Vios Challenge Championship
 scheduled to take place on the
18
th
 to 19
th
 April 2020
at the Sepang International Circuit has now been cancelled. It was
previously re-designated to run as a closed event
 with the racing to go on without spectators.
Additionally, vehicle manufacturing operations under Assembly
Services Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor) has also been suspended.


Govt launches new Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility to recycle abandoned cars safely!

The issue of
abandoned cars have become more and more prominent
 of late, with reports by the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Raya (JPJ) stating that there are currently over 60,000 abandoned cars nationwide.
The phenomenon is not only an eyesore and a public nuisance, but as residents have complained, it is also an
environmental threat and public health hazard
 as these vehicles become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The vehicle’s lubricants and fluids which could potentially leak out would also pollute its surrounding areas.

As such, the Government has taken the first step in solving the problem by
launching a pilot project
which will first kick off in the Kajang Municipal, to properly and sustainably dispose of abandoned vehicles through the
Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF)
 programme.
So far, eight companies have been appointed to be part of this pilot project including AATF pioneers, Kajang-based
Car Medic Sdn Bhd
, who acquired the AATF license from the DOE last year.

At the facility, the abandoned cars are stripped down entirely, including dismantling the engine and detonation of airbags (see video above). Each and every component is then stored separately, with the reusable ones
sold as used parts while the damaged ones are recycled accordingly
.
Even the fluids and lubricants, such as radiator coolant, engine oil and fuel, are properly drained with specialised equipment and stored in specially-built containers.
Where other bio-hazardous components are concerned, such as batteries, they’re stored in special storage rooms where the floors are raised to avoid spillages from leaking into the ground; causing all sorts of pollutions.
All bio-hazardous materials extracted from these abandoned cars form a list of
“Scheduled Waste”
, where all its data is collected by the DOE to be monitored in order to avoid any potential pollution.
The machine used to separate the wheels and tyres.
The scrap metal collected could also be recycled and remanufactured into new components for the new car production; as we have seen for ourselves at Car Medic Sdn Bhd, absolutely nothing goes to waste or ends up at a landfill.
This not only
benefits residents in housing areas
where abandoned cars are usually found in terms of health and safety, but also lays the foundation for the government to tackle the increasing number of End-of-Life vehicles (ELV).
The section where a car’s fluids such as petrol, engine oil and coolant are extracted professionally.
Typically, facilities like Car Medic also receive their “stock” of cars of recycling from insurance companies including Etiqa General Takaful Bhd, Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd and RHB Insurance Bhd once they’re written off as total loss vehicles but that does not mean you can’t do so yourself.
The facility is also
open to the public for private vehicle owners
 to dispose of their abandoned cars. These private vehicle owners can get in touch with Car Medic with regards to logistics and other necessary arrangements.
For more information, contact Car Medic at
03-87236555
 or e-mail them at
[email protected]
.


You still shouldn’t take Bentley’s new Bentayga ‘Outdoors Pursuits’ Collection off roads

Seeing a
Bentley Bentayga
 anywhere aside than on the smooth tarmacs is almost as rare as a shooting star. But that’s not stopping
Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division
 from coming out with a special-edition model for the luxury SUV, designed for the great outdoors.
It’s called the Bentley Outdoors Pursuits Collection, and before you pull out your pitchforks, it’s not the type of “outdoors” that you’re thinking of. Bentley says that the special collection is designed to “encapsulate three of the most iconic British outdoor activities including angling, horse riding and dog walking”, and heck – it even comes with bespoke 22-inch wheels that you definitely won’t want to scratch-up on the offroad trails.
Only 11 of these Outdoors Pursuit Collection Bentaygas will be built, all destined for the UK only, and each will feature a number of bespoke features to celebrate the “natural world in the UK”. These include a woodland embroidery scene, hand cross-stitching to the main interior stitching, and a special chrome overlay on the passenger-side dashboard fascia that describes each outdoor theme.
The special edition Bentaygas also feature a new woven wool finish on the door cards, seat back pockets, grab handles, and further detailing around the instrument panel, which Bentley says “adds further depth of natural textures and materials to the already class-leading interior”.
RELATED: You can option your Bentley Bentayga with the world’s largest carbon fibre wheel.
The dashboard is covered in a dark fiddleback eucalyptus veneer, but features a special “Liquid Amber” straight grain veneer around the edges as accent pieces. The veneers can also be optioned with bespoke inlays, which customers can choose between a jumping horse motif, a fly-fishing scene, British foxhounds or just the word ‘MULLINER’.
There’s even some Sand Herringbone Tweed textures all around the cabin to further complement the unique interior design and upholstery colours. On the outside meanwhile, customers can choose between three hand-picked colours – Havana, Cumbrian Green, or Magnetic.
Other bespoke pieces on the Bentley Bentayga Outdoors Pursuit Collection even include a “Hunter Flask”, bound in the same matching leather as the interior for you to bring along when you’re away from the car, as well as a matching key fob cover – so you’ll never forget what kind of Bentayga you’re driving I guess.
It’s certainly a unique design piece, and actually looks pretty dang good in our humble opinion – as with most other Mulliner commission pieces. Just, definitely, don’t expect to bring it off roads.
ALSO READ: Bentley celebrates 1,000 Mulliner projects with a bespoke purple Bentayga
GALLERY


Isuzu Malaysia will be introducing the 1.9L turbodiesel end-2019

Having previewed their new engine technology at the 2018 Kulala Lumpur International Motor Show, Isuzu Malaysia is set to launch their new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel to the Malaysia market by the end of 2019.
The new engine will replace the existing 2.5-litre VGS turbodiesel offering more performance and fuel economy despite a much smaller displacement. Output from the new engine stands at
150 hp
 and
350 Nm
, 14 hp and 30 Nm more than the existing 2.5-litre unit. The new engine is also mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission which promises better refinement and fuel economy.
Fuel economy is the main highlight of the new engine, offering up to 19% improvement compared to the 2.5-litre unit. This was achieved with a newly design clothoid combustion chamber, anti-friction coating, new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a high efficiency turbo charger.
“We are pushing for the final phase of testing and planning for a debut in Malaysian market by the end of this year,” said Isuzu Malaysia in an official statement.
The company also confirmed that the new 1.9-litre Blue Power turbodiesel will find it’s way to the D-Max pickup truck and MU-X SUV.


Hyundai nearly made a mid-engine supercar to launch its N brand

Back in 2017, Hyundai surprised pretty much everyone with the
 i30 N
– a car that seemingly came out of nowhere, and helped cement Hyundai’s place in the enthusiast scene. But little did we know, the history of the N brand could’ve been very, very different, and perhaps even more special.
Speaking to
Top Gear
, former Hyundai N chief Albert Biermann revealed that they were initially planning to build a mid-engined supercar, which would have been used to launch the N brand in 2017 instead of the i30 N hot hatch – but the plan was scrapped before the car ever had the chance to see the light of day.
Biermann said that the defunct project was going to feature a carbon-fibre tub chassis, and a variety of powertrain options. “We had plans for a petrol [engine] with or without hybrid, or [it could also have been powered by] a hydrogen fuel cell,” he added.
Looking at the recipe now, it certainly seems like Hyundai had all the right ingredients to make the car a success. Biermann even admitted that it could’ve been Hyundai’s answer to the
Honda NSX
 – an all-wheel-drive hybrid supercar, with a mainstream family-car badge – but “not boring”.
RELATED:
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is the DeLorean reboot that we never got
However, the company’s board of directors decided against making it a reality, before the car even got an internal codename; it was only ever referred to as “The Chiarman’s Car”.
“The problem was the car would have cost over USD150,000 (approx. RM687k), and at that time it was thought a Hyundai could not have this price,” Biermann said. For context, that would’ve been three times more expensive than anything Hyundai’s ever sold at that time.
Hyundai’s mid-ship aspirations weren’t a secret. The company has long toyed with mid-engine concept cars, starting with the RM14 back in 2014, and recently the
 RM20e in 2020
 with an electric powertrain. And eventhough they all look like the Veloster, their underpinnings does closely resemble that of the cancelled mid-engine supercar.
Now that Hyundai N has firmly established itself as a serious contender in the performance vehicle space, maybe it’s time for the Korean carmaker to look into building a supercar again. After all, the
N Vision 74
 is perhaps one of the most exciting concept cars we’ve seen in a long time, and the response on the internet certainly backs us up.


Toyota GR86 to launch in Malaysia soon? Toyota Gazoo Racing returns for Season 5

UMW Toyota Motor has announced that the Gazoo Racing Festival will be returning for its fifth season this year, with even more races – both virtual and offline – to offer for the motorsports enthusiasts.
But hidden away deep in the press release was a very interesting nugget of info, which might be even more mouthwatering for the regular car nuts – UMW Toyota has confirmed the introduction of “several GR and GR-Sport models” here in Malaysia, “soon”.
For the full-fat GR model, it’s pretty much without a doubt in reference to the
all-new Toyota GR86
, which made its global debut last year. As the successor to the
Toyota 86
 (which was launched here in Malaysia back in 2012), the all-new GR86 retains many of its hallmark features that made the model such an incredible success globally.
That means rear-wheel drive, manual six-speed transmission, and raw unadulterated fun. The all-new Toyota GR86 also benefits from a revamped 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine that now makes
235 hp
 and
250 Nm
 of torque.
As for the GR-Sport models, UMW Toyota will have a vast array of options to choose from its global vehicle line-up, ranging from the Yaris to the
 Corolla Cross
, and even the
Hilux
. Like the
 Toyota Vios GR-Sport
 launched here last year, these models aren’t purpose built from the ground up, but rather modified from their base models to make them look and/or drive the part.
We’ll still have to wait for a while more to find out exactly which models will be making their way onto our shores, but we do know that the company is committed to expanding its network of dedicated GR Garages around the nation, where they’ll be offering a “comprehensive” list of aftermarket parts, alongside merchandises for GR and Toyota owners.
Additionally, the company will also be organising a whole swath of events for GR owners, including GR driving clinics and experiences, intended to equip the owners with the necessary skills to take full advantage of their vehicle’s potential safely.
Back to the
Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival
; like before, the fifth season will continue to be anchored by the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series, featuring three rounds of events consisting of six races in total.
The season kicks off with Round 1 in from March 18-20, followed by Round 2 from June 24-26, and finally Round 3 from September 23-25. Two of the rounds will be held in the Sepang International Circuit, while the other is planned as a street race.
As before, the series is divided into four classes: the Promotional Class for local celebrities; the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur and gentlemen drivers; and last but not least, the Rookie Class for young drivers.
The drivers will be racing for more than a half a million Ringgit in prize monies in total, including a RM70,000 and RM50,000 grand prize for the overall champions of the Super Sporting and Sporting Class respectively, making the Vios Challenge the most lucrative motorsport event in the country for the last five years.
This year’s Gazoo Racing calendar will also see the addition of the Vios Sprint Cup, which is run independently of the Vios Challenge, and will feature two rounds (with two races each) scheduled for April and July in tandem with the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).
A total of more than RM200,000 in prize monies up for grabs, providing even more racing and rewards for participating drivers, teams, and dealers already signed up to compete in the Vios Challenge.
Beyond that, the company will also be participating in the Sepang 1,000 km Endurance Race (S1K) in November. The race will also see the second running of the Vios Enduro Cup, with RM30,000 in total prize monies to be won.
As for those with a simulator rig at home, the GR Velocity Esports Championship will also be returning for its fifth season this year. First held in 2018, the virtual race now attracts close to 1,000 participants each year, with more than one million online spectators according to UMW Toyota.
“Racing has opened up a multitude of opportunities for Toyota domestically, and we will continue to build on this strong momentum to drive both the Toyota and Gazoo Racing brands ahead with exciting activities as well as products,” said UMW Toyota Motor, President, Ravindran K.
“Overall, the objective of our racing activities is to contribute to the growth of Malaysian motorsports from all aspects – to not only provide an affordable platform for competition; to grow awareness and appreciation for motorsports amongst the masses; and to uncover, develop and provide a conducive platform for the nation’s next generation of young and talented drivers to step up in motor-racing,” he added.


TC Subaru offers rebates for the Forester and XV

In ushering the New Year, TC Subaru, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia will be running promotions for the
Subaru Forester
 and
recently-launched XV with EyeSight
, for a limited time period only.
Those who purchase the Forester can enjoy rebates worth more than RM36,999. The New Year promo on the Forester is only applicable to selected model year units.

Currently, there are five different variants of the Subaru Forester, with a starting price of RM163,788 to RM187,788 for the

Forester GT Edition with EyeSight
.
RELATED: Watch our full review of the Subaru Forester 2.0i-S with EyeSight
As for the XV, there’s a special promotion worth up to RM10,000 on the all-wheel drive crossover. There are two variants of the XV; the 2.0i-P with EyeSight at
 RM139,788
 and the 2.0i-P GT Edition with EyeSight at
RM146,788
.

TC Subaru recently launched an
updated version of the Subaru XV
 that now comes with the EyeSight driver assistance system. The system that uses two front-facing stereo cameras offers features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lead vehicle start and more. You can watch our full review of the XV
here
.
Main changes on the exterior include a new 17-inch wheel design and a new front grille design. Opt for the GT Edition and you’ll get an additional front splitter, side skirts, and rear spoiler for the XV. The Forester and XV purchased comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and 3-years free service.
Related: 4 things that make the Subaru XV stand out against the rest in Malaysia’s hottest segment


Mercedes-Maybach Concept Coupe teases mysterious six-metre limo

At just over six meters long, this ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach concept coupe could potentially give
Rolls-Royce
 and
Bentley
 a serious run for their money, and possibly a garage spot in some of the largest mansions in the world.
Set to debut at next week’s
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
, just one teaser image of the car’s silhouette was revealed, but that fact that its length broke the six metre threshold should generate excitement among the rich and famous. The bonnet is pretty long, followed by a slick and smooth flowing roofline towards the back. It’s strictly a two-door coupe, although it’s most likely going to be a four-seater fitted with the best bovine leather possible.
There’s no word on the engine and specifications as yet, but all will be revealed to the world come 18 August 2016.
UPDATE (15-8-206)
Mercedes launched another second teaser, featuring the couple’s front.