All posts by Hanif Su'ib

Someone who loves driving manual cars but prefers riding an automatic scooter. Maybe it's an age thing.

Mitsubishi Malaysia celebrates the 40,000th Xpander owner

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, recently announced a significant milestone as the production of the seven-seater MPV, Xpander, has surpassed the 40,000 units mark.

The 40,000th Xpander owner, Puan Zaty Ewany, a teacher and mother of five children from Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, was honored at an event held at MMM’s authorized distributor, RIF Auto Sdn Bhd.

MMM’s CEO, Shinya Ikeda, personally presented a RM10,000 vacation voucher to Puan Zaty Ewany.

“When we launched the Xpander in late 2020, our vision was to create a vehicle that not only meets various customer needs but also enriches their lifestyle,” he stated.

The Mitsubishi Xpander was updated for ASEAN market in 2021 with a more aggressive look, while retaining the 1.5-liter 4A91 engine producing 105 PS and 141 Nm.

Earlier this year, a hybrid version was introduced in the Thailand market featuring a 1.6-liter 4A92 engine with 95 PS/134 Nm paired with an electric motor of 116 PS/255 Nm.

2025 Toyota Camry is still offered with a petrol engine in the Middle East

For specific markets like North America and Europe, the ninth generation D-segment sedan Toyota Camry is exclusively a hybrid model and no longer available with a conventional petrol engine.

However, this does not signify that Toyota is completely disregarding the traditional powertrain units.

In the Middle East, buyers can still obtain the new generation Camry with a pure petrol engine along with hybrid variants.

It is still powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 240 Nm, similar to that used in the previous generation.

This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior design of the Camry 2025 is not much different from what is offered in the U.S. market.

Base variants come with 16-inch steel rims, while the highest trim gets 18-inch alloy rims.

The cabin layout remains the same, with the base variant equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen, while the 12.3-inch screen is reserved for the more expensive trims.

For your information, the new generation 2025 Toyota Camry retains the TNGA-K platform base used in the eighth generation Camry, with some changes made to comfort and handling aspects.

In the UAE, the 2025 Toyota Camry is sold starting from AED 109,900 (RM129,996) and from AED 123,900 (RM146,555) for the hybrid version.

370 VW Golf models mark Malaysia Book of Records at 2024 Golf Fan Fest

Held at the Sepang International Circuit, a total of 370 units of Volkswagen Golf models were successfully gathered at the Golf Fan Fest 2024 event which took place on August 24th.

This achievement simultaneously places Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The Golf Fan Fest 2024 was organized in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Golf, which successfully gathered Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts from across the country.

The VW Golf is one of the most successful production cars ever produced, with more than 37 million units distributed in over 70 countries.

As part of the celebration, VPCM also showcased the exclusive Golf GT Edition 50 model, with production limited to only 50 units.

The VW Golf GTI Edition 50 is fully assembled at the Pekan factory, featuring unique features such as the Oettinger body kit, new 18-inch rims with dynamic center caps, side body graphics, exterior and interior 50 emblems, and a choice of Oryx White or Moonstone Grey colors.

In addition, Golf Fan Fest 2024 also offered various exciting activities including gymkhana driving challenges, ‘drift taxi rides’ in the Golf R, open track sessions, an exhibition of eight generations of Golf, test driving sessions, and workshops covering various aspects of owning a Golf model.

2024 XPeng G6 Ultra Smart Coupe launched, two variants, starting from RM165k

Bermaz XPeng Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Xpeng brand vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the electric SUV model 2024 Xpeng G6.

This mid-size crossover with a coupe body design is offered in two main variants, namely the 580 Pro with a range of 435 km and the 755 Pro with a range of 570 km.

Here are some interesting facts you need to know about the 2024 XPeng G6 Ultra Smart Coupe.

 

SEPA 2.0 Platform

The XPeng G6 is the fifth model introduced by Xpeng, but it is the first production model built based on the Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0) with an 800-volt electric architecture and a more spacious cabin.

Additionally, it also offers a lower center of gravity, contributing to better dynamic driving control. The body construction of the Xpeng G6 combines aluminum and steel materials.

 

Variants

Two variants are offered, the G6 580 Pro and G6 755 Pro.

The G6 580 Pro is powered by an electric motor generating 255 hp/440 Nm paired with a 66 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack. It can travel up to 435 km on a full charge, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the G6 755 Pro is equipped with an electric motor producing 282 hp/440 Nm paired with an 87.5 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery allowing a range of 570 km. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Both variants have a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

 

20-Minute Fast Charging

The XPeng G6 supports fast DC charging up to 215 kW for the 580 Pro variant, or up to 280 kW for the 755 Pro variant. This means that battery charging from 10-80 percent can be completed in as fast as 20 minutes.

 

Safety

The XPeng G6 comes standard with XPILOT 2.5 safety features, including 7 airbags, and advanced safety features such as:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go
Lane Centering Control (LCC)
Active Lane Change Assist (ALC)
Auto Parking Assistance (EAP 2.0)
Auto Exit Parking Assistance (AEP)
Driver State Monitoring (DSM)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
High Beam Assistance (IHB)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)

All these functions are supported by equipment such as millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and a 360-degree HD camera powered by the Nvidia Orin-X processor.

 

Cabin Space

The XPeng G6 embraces the ‘Circle of Life’ concept in the cabin to ensure passenger comfort. Some of the loaded features include leatherette-wrapped driver and passenger seats with six-way adjustment, ventilation and heating functions, and four-way lumbar support, while the second-row seats also come with heating function.

In addition, there is wireless 50W smart device charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, XFreeBreath air filtration system, a 10.2-inch digital screen, a 14.96-inch entertainment screen with Xmart OS 5.0, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) update support.

Completing the unique experience in the cabin is the XOpera 960W surround sound system with 18 speakers, panorama sound technology, and acoustics algorithm developed by XPeng.

 

Price

The XPeng G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV 2024 is a fully imported (CBU) unit from China with five color options: Midnight Black, Silver Frost, Arctic White, Graphite Gray, and Fiery Orange.

The selling price starts from RM165,000 for the G6 580 Pro variant, while the 755 Pro variant is priced at RM185,000.

The XPeng G6 comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty or a mileage limit of 120,000 km, as well as an eight-year high-voltage battery pack warranty or a limit of 160,000 km (whichever comes first).

 

Carbon Piranha, a restomod project using the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 chassis #148

A group of British OEM companies will join forces under the name Vision 148 to carry out a restomod project on a super saloon from the 80s, named the Carbon Piranha.

Using the chassis of the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 numbered #148, Carbon Piranha will showcase showcase bleeding-edge manufacturing and materials technology.

 

The original condition of the car has not been disclosed, but based on the images, it appears that the classic vehicle may have long been neglected and unused for quite some time.

The car will be sent to ASM Auto Recycling for a dismantling process where each panel will be scanned using 3D technology.

The results of this scanning process will be used by Yasid Design to create a brand-new carbon fiber body framework template.

The iconic vehicle will then be constructed by the Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), a component supplier for the motorsport and aerospace industries, with a target weight of around 1,000 kg, which is 210 kg lighter than the original model.

Finally, the inline-four 2.0-liter turbo engine will be rebuilt by the original supplier, Cosworth.

The exterior design of the Carbon Piranha displays mastery in carbon fiber construction, followed by more modern light units and larger wheel arches.

It also retains the whaletail spoiler structure, along with a redesigned boot lid spoiler for a more aggressive appearance.

BMW surpasses Tesla’s EV sales in Europe for the first time

Tesla is no longer the dominant force in the electric vehicle segment, at least in the European continent.

Based on data obtained from JATO Dynamics, BMW has managed to sell a total of 14,869 EVs throughout July 2024.

In comparison, Tesla has sold a total of 14,561 units for the same period.

Despite the small difference, this indicates that the German manufacturer is now able to surpass Tesla’s EV sales, even while still offering options for petrol and hybrid vehicles to consumers.

JATO Dynamics analysis shows a decline in sales performance for two of Tesla’s crucial models (Model Y and Model 3) last month, with Model Y sales decreasing by 16 percent to 9,544 units, and Model 3 dropping by 17 percent to 4,694 units.

Tesla may still take pride in the fact that the Model Y remains the best-selling EV, surpassing the Volvo EX30 (6,573 units) and the Volkswagen ID.4 (5,295 units).

Despite holding the title for the best-selling EV, these numbers are still significantly behind the sales performance of the best-selling models in Europe, with the Dacia Sandero leading the way in July with 22,398 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen T-Roc (19,254 units) and the Toyota Yaris Cross (17,314 units).

IM Motors demonstrates side parking capabilities, moves like a crab

Most modern cars equipped with Level 2 driver assistance systems already have automatic parking assist functions.

However, Chinese car manufacturer IM Motors has showcased a new technology that makes parking much easier.

A video uploaded to social media shows a woman getting out of the car with a bouquet of flowers at a parking spot.

After the driver’s side door is closed, the car maneuvers into the side parking spot.

The crab-like movement is achieved with an all-wheel steering system, where the front and rear wheels turn in different directions, along with precise control of the electric motor’s power to rotate the wheels in opposite directions.

This system also enables IM Motors’ cars to make U-turns with a radius as small as 4.99 meters.

The sedan, fully wrapped in camouflage decals, resembles the midsize sedan model IM L6, which was released in the Chinese market this year.

There is no information available regarding IM Motors’ plans to offer this parking solution to other models in the future.

Toyota plans to produce Century SUV GRMN

The high-performance SUV genre is no longer an anomaly, considering many manufacturers are racing to produce their own unique products.

Not limited to producers such as Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M, there are also quick SUVs from premium automotive brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Lotus.

But what about Toyota?

For your information, Toyota still does not have a lineup of high-performance SUVs, but the manufacturer is said to be planning to produce a Gazoo Racing model in the near future.

During a visit to China to meet with Century SUV owners, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda disclosed plans to produce the Century SUV GRMN model so that “more people from around the world can enjoy the model.”

Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Century SUV is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine producing up to 406 hp.

At the launch of the Century SUV model, Toyota also unveiled a special build Century SUV GRMN model with a more sporty appearance and a sliding rear door design.

For this Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring variant of the Century SUV model, we can expect significantly higher spec upgrades compared to the standard GR Sport and GR models (GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR Supra).

The Century SUV GRMN model is owned by Akio Toyoda, who also has a Century GRMN sedan with a much more radical appearance than standard Century sedans out there.

MG HS 2024 – C-segment SUV, 1.5L turbo engine, two variants, estimated price RM130k-RM150k

In addition to the MG5 fastback sedan model, SAIC Motor Malaysia has also launched another new model, the C-segment SUV MG HS 2024.

For the Malaysian market, the MG HS is available in two main variants, namely HS Standard and HS Lux.

Here are some key facts you need to know:

 

Power

The MG HS is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine with 162 PS @ 5,600 rpm and torque of 250 Nm @1,700-4,400 rpm.

The power is transmitted to the wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

For driving pleasure, there is a Super Sport Mode that provides slightly quicker response, gear changes at higher RPM, and more precise steering calibration.

 

Exterior

As standard, the MG HS features automatic LED headlights, DRLs, LED taillights, roof rails, rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

While the Lux variant receives additional features such as perforated brake rotors with red calipers, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

 

Interior

The MG HS cabin is equipped with black leather upholstery, six-way adjustable driver’s seat (manual lumbar support), followed by four-way adjustable passenger seat.

It also includes a seven-inch Multi Info Display screen, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, single-zone climate control, PM2.5 air filter, second-row air vents, and a reverse camera.

The Lux variant adds features like a 12.3-inch cluster screen, MG iSMART, 360-degree surround camera, dual-zone climate control, 64-color ambient lighting system, sports seats, paddle shifters, sports pedals, rain-sensitive wipers, and six speakers.

Cargo space is 463 liters and can be expanded to 1,287 liters.

 

Safety

The Standard variant comes with six airbags, ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Cornering Brake Control, Active Rollover Protection, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

While the Lux variant includes the MG PILOT system comprising Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, and Door Opening Warning.

 

Price

For the Malaysian market, the MG HS is priced starting from below RM130,000 up to RM150,000.

MG Cyberster EV 2024 makes its first appearance in Malaysia, launching soon?

Simultaneous with the launch of two ICE models, MG Malaysia also surprises us by revealing a powerful electric roadster model, the MG Cyberster EV 2024.

No information regarding pricing and specifications has been disclosed at this time.

Here, we share some information based on the specifications of the MG Cyberster model sold in the global market.

 

Two drive options: RWD or AWD

The MG Cyberster EV is available in a single electric motor rear-wheel-drive version, producing 310 hp/475 Nm of torque, or a higher output of 335 hp/475 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the twin electric motor version with an all-wheel-drive system is capable of generating power as high as 536 hp and 725 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as fast as 3.2 seconds.

 

580 km range

There are two battery pack capacity options available, 64 kWh with a range of up to 501 km, or 77 kWh with a range of 580 km (520 km for the AWD version).

 

Zero-emission roadster with a sporty design

What catches the eye is the exterior design of the roadster that can captivate the public.

It features a front design resembling a shark’s nose, followed by LED headlights, Lamborghini-style scissor doors, 20-inch rims, and rear lights with the Union Jack flag motif and arrow design.

 

Cabin

The cabin space of the MG Cyberster can only accommodate two people at a time.

Included amenities are sports seats wrapped in Nappa/Alcantara leather, sports steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital screen, two additional 7-inch screens, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

Cargo space

The MG Cyberster offers a rear cargo space of 249 liters.

In the Thailand market, the AWD version of the MG Cyberster is sold at THB 2,499,000 (RM317,949). Speculations arise, what will be the selling price for the Malaysian market? RM200,000?

MG5 GT 2024 – fastback sedan, 1.5L NA engine, 114 PS and 150 Nm torque, priced below RM100k

SAIC Motor Malaysia unveils the latest MG5 GT 2024 model, set to directly compete with B-segment sedans in Malaysia such as the Honda City, Toyota Vios, and Proton Persona.

Here are some key facts you need to know:

Dimensions

The MG5 GT boasts dimensions of 4,675 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. SAIC Motor states that the MG5 is the longest and widest B-segment sedan, featuring a fastback coupe body design for those seeking something different.

 

Naturally Aspirated Heart

This sedan is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four naturally aspirated (NA) engine producing 114 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 150 Nm of torque @ 4,500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed iCVT transmission. These components are said to have undergone durability and reliability testing for up to 2.35 million km.

 

Exterior Features

In addition to its sporty body design, the 2024 MG5 GT comes with features like a ducktail spoiler, aggressive 3D front grille, sunroof, LED DRL headlights, and 17-inch Tomahawk alloy wheels.

 

Cabin Space

Stepping inside the cabin, the MG5 GT showcases modern features including a 7-inch digital LCD screen, a floating 10.25-inch infotainment screen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. It also offers red/black leather seats, single-zone air conditioning with rear row vents, PM2.5 air filter, six speakers, three USB charging ports, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

 

Safety

Standard safety features of the MG5 GT 2024 include MG Pilot with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Traffic Warning.

Available in a single variant, the MG5 GT 2024 is priced starting below RM100,000 and is expected to be on sale in the fourth quarter of this year (Q4 2024).

Skoda builds one-off wagon sleeper, boasting 470 hp, 662 Nm!

Skoda UK has unveiled a distinctly unique and capable green-themed station wagon that could outshine any sports car out there.

Dubbed the Skoda Superb Sleeper Edition, it’s a wagon that has been tuned to have performance equal to a supercar.

The project was overseen by RE Performance, where the original 2.0-liter turbo engine has been upgraded with several components. For instance, a Garrett Powermax turbo unit, a larger intercooler, fuel system, and exhaust piping system have been replaced with specially built components.

As a result, the original 270 hp/350 Nm has been elevated to 470 hp and 662 Nm.

To accommodate these performance enhancements, RE Performance has also installed KW coilover suspension (lowered by 50 mm) and AP Racing brake system.

Apart from the Royal Green color, the original appearance of the Skoda Superb Estate has not changed much, and it still retains the factory standard exhaust tailpipe.

The cabin features also remain in line with the highest trim specifications of Laurin & Klement, with leather upholstery, automatic three-zone air conditioning, and a Canton sound system.

The Skoda Superb Estate Sleeper Edition is a one-off build and will not be sold to the public.

Dongfeng Box EV RHD unveiled, 95 PS, 430km range, Oct launch

The Malaysian Association of Vehicle Importers and Traders (PEKEMA) through its subsidiary Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB) recently unveiled a compact electric vehicle set to be launched this October.

Here are some facts you need to know about the Dongfeng Box EV:

 

Dimensions

The Dongfeng Box EV is built on the Quantum Architecture S3 platform. It measures 4,020 mm in length, 1,818 mm in width, 1,570 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,663 mm.

In the Malaysian market, the Dongfeng Box EV will directly compete with the BYD Dolphin model.

 

Unique Features

This cute EV brings some unique features in its class.

These include a floating roof design, frameless doors, and neatly concealed door handles in the body panel. The appearance of the Dongfeng Box is complemented by a three-dimensional LED light structure and 17-inch two-tone rims.

 

Luxurious Cabin

The pre-production unit showcased features luxurious and premium materials, including leather upholstery, two-tone dashboard and door panel finishes.

Other features include a 5-inch digital cluster screen, a 12.8-inch customizable infotainment screen, frameless rearview mirror, 32-color ambient lighting system, wireless device charger, 360-degree camera, and automatic air conditioning system.

 

Power and Range

The standard Dongfeng Box EV comes with a single front-wheel-drive electric motor producing 95 PS and 160 Nm, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

Two battery capacities are available, namely 31.45 kWh with a range of 330 km or 42.3 kWh with a range of 430 km on a full charge. This EV also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

V2L function is also available to enable users to charge electrical appliances during outdoor activities.

 

Price

The selling price will only be announced closer to the official launch in October, expected to range from RM100,000 to RM120,000.

Chery Tiggo 7 Sport spotted with Range Rover face, to be launched next month in China

Many people have noted that the recently launched Jaecoo J7 in Malaysia last month bears a resemblance in design to the premium SUV model, Range Rover Evoque.

So, what do you think of the appearance of another Chery-made SUV featured in this article?

The SUV in question is the Chery Tiggo 7 Sport, and according to media reports from Mainland China, this model has already arrived in several showrooms ahead of its official launch scheduled for September.

From the front view, the Chery Tiggo 7 Sport presents a design inspired by the British off-road SUV, particularly in the grille, air intake openings, and the presence of a skid plate.

It is understood that the daytime running light unit also resembles the structure found on the Range Rover Evoque.

In addition, the Chery Tiggo 7 Sport features design elements that are nearly similar to the Jaecoo J7/Chery Tansuo 06 model, such as concealed door handles, roof rails, and storage box accessories between the C and D pillars.

The layout of the cabin has not changed much, where the Tiggo 7 Sport also showcases a large infotainment screen, a floating instrument panel, large gear shift buttons in the middle, and two-tone leather upholstery.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Sport is expected to retain the offering of a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 197 hp and 290 Nm paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

For your information, Chery established a 50:50 joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover based in Changshu, China since 2012 to enable the production of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in Mainland China.

2025 Zeekr 007, EV with the fastest battery charging time in the world

Zeekr has launched the 2025 electric sedan model 007, bringing several improvements such as faster charging time, new-generation batteries, and a smart cockpit.

There have been no changes in terms of power, as the standard rear-wheel-drive version is still capable of producing up to 415 hp, while the all-wheel-drive version is capable of generating 636 hp.

However, Zeekr has reprogrammed the algorithm, with the 0-100 km/h acceleration now at a rapid 5.0 seconds for the RWD version.

Meanwhile, the AWD version maintains its acceleration at a swift 2.84 seconds.

The Zeekr 007 can be equipped with a 100 kWh CATL Qilin ternary lithium battery pack with fast charging at 5C.

There is also the second-generation 75 kWh Golden Brick lithium iron phosphate battery with improved charging speed from 4.5C to 5.5C, theoretically achieving a 10-80 percent SoC charge in 10.5 minutes.

Zeekr claims that the Golden Brick battery is the world’s fastest mass-produced charging battery, offering a range of up to 688 km.

For the cabin space, Zeekr has upgraded the operating system to the Zeekr OS AI, which can actively provide recommendations based on current scenarios.

Zeekr 007 is also equipped with the Haohan 2.0 smart driving system assisted by LiDAR sensors, Nvidia Orin X processors, and over 30 sensors to enable it to handle various traffic situations on the road.

Koenigsegg Jesko Attack breaks record for fastest lap at Laguna Seca

Koenigsegg has successfully broken the latest record for the fastest lap at the Laguna Seca circuit using the Jesko Attack.

The hypercar circuited the Laguna Seca Raceway with a time of 1:24.86, consequently surpassing the previous record holder, the Czinger 21C (1:25.44).

This is an impressive achievement considering that Koenigsegg test driver Markus Lundh had never set foot on the famous track before.

In fact, this was also the first time the performance of the Jesko was tested at the Laguna Seca circuit.

The Koenigsegg Jesko is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine capable of producing a staggering 1,600 hp using E85 fuel.

In comparison to the Absolute variant, which prioritizes top speed, the Attack variant used in this lap record has a more aggressive aerodynamic package, along with specific suspension tuning and shorter gear ratios.

For comparison, several high-performance production cars also recorded their fastest lap times at the track, including the McLaren 765LT (1:27.50), McLaren Senna (1:27.62), and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (1:27.87)

Hot Weather: Tips for riding safely

Not everyone enjoys riding on the roads of Malaysia, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions.

Apart from heavy rain, there are times when we might have to deal with scorching hot weather in search of our daily bread.

Here are a few tips you can follow:

 

Prepare water before fainting

This is the most important tip, as the hot weather can cause the body to lose water due to sweating. If too much water is lost from the body, it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, before starting your journey, make sure to have a stock of drinking water in your motorcycle basket/bag. Try to avoid drinking sugary and caffeinated drinks, as they can make you urinate frequently.

Plan your journey

This tip is suitable to practice when you need to go to a specific place and have to ride under the glaring sun for an extended period. Plan your journey in advance and identify suitable resting places. Avoid riding for too long during the hottest parts of the day, as it can disrupt the rider’s concentration.

Wear appropriate riding gear

Riding in hot weather does not mean sacrificing safety throughout the journey. Choosing a mesh jacket and a helmet with good airflow can help reduce trapped heat. Also, wear gloves and a bandana around your neck to minimize the effects of the sun’s rays. Ensure the helmet visor is in good condition, and if necessary, wear sunglasses equipped with UV filters.

Feeling fatigue? Stop and rest!

If you are sweating excessively, experiencing headaches, losing focus, and feeling drowsy, it’s a sign that you have been riding for too long in the hot weather. If you lose focus, this can be dangerous for yourself and other road users.

Choose a shaded route

Motorcycle lanes usually provide more shaded areas due to being close to roadside trees, compared to having to weave through the middle of the highway. For long journeys across states and to avoid hot highways, you might consider taking routes with plenty of trees and shaded areas.

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition

The most important thing to emphasize is the condition of your motorcycle, which should be in tip-top shape and free from any issues. Before embarking on the journey, check essential parts such as the braking system, tires, and engine coolant system.

Lamborghini Temerario, HPEV replacing the Huracan with 920 hp!

Say hello to the Lamborghini Temerario, the successor to the Lamborghini Huracan which was previously powered by a V10 engine.

Externally, the Temerario appears to be a fusion of design elements from the Revuelto and Huracan models.

The front headlights appear slimmer compared to the Huracan, while the rear is adorned with hexagon-shaped LED structures.

As standard, the Temerario comes fitted with 20 and 21-inch rims, accompanied by aerodynamic features that can increase downforce by 103 percent compared to the Huracan Evo.

Lamborghini also offers the Allegerita package, including a rear wing, unique bumper, and carbon fiber rims resulting in significant weight savings of up to 25 kg and an additional 158 percent increase in downforce.

There is also the Carbon Pack which further reduces weight by 1.81 kg through the use of carbon components such as the rear diffuser, side mirror housings, and side air intakes.

For this High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) model, Lamborghini has introduced a completely new powertrain unit.

The 4.0-liter V8 engine with a 90-degree angle features a Hot V configuration, a flat-plane crankshaft, and two turbochargers with a maximum pressure of 36 psi.

It also sports aluminum alloy cylinder heads and titanium connecting rods for weight reduction.

With a redline reaching up to 10,000 rpm, the engine is paired with three axial-flux electric motors with a combined power output of 920 hp cooled by oil.

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in just 2.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 340 km/h.

A single electric motor producing 150 hp/300 Nm is sandwiched between the engine and the twin-clutch gearbox, while two additional motors are positioned on the front axle, each generating 82 hp.

The 3.8 kWh battery pack can be charged for 30 minutes using a 7 kW AC charger, or via regenerative braking, or directly using the V8 engine power for about six minutes.

Interestingly, the Lamborghini Temerario can be driven in electric mode utilizing the two front axle electric motors, although the range of this supercar in zero-emission mode has not been disclosed.

The Temerario chassis is fully constructed using aluminum to maintain minimum weight levels, with a 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity.

The cabin space features a cockpit-like design enhanced with hexagonal design elements, including an 8.4-inch central screen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen, and an additional 9.1-inch screen for passengers.

Headroom is said to be larger than the Huracan model, followed by legroom, with Lamborghini claiming that a 198 cm tall NBA basketball player could wear a helmet while sitting in the Temerario cabin.

4 high performance cars with manual transmissions

Toyota initially introduced the GR Yaris and GR Corolla with manual transmissions, but the manufacturer is now further enhancing the hot hatch offerings with the more efficient and quicker gear changes of the DAT automatic transmission.

With the continuous advancement of technology, high-performance cars no longer require conventional manual gearboxes to operate more efficiently.

The demand for manual transmission cars is decreasing every year, and some manufacturers are discontinuing manual car offerings due to very low sales percentages.

Do not worry, there are still those who are concerned about your need to continue using a clutch pedal in this modern era, and here is a list of high-performance cars still equipped with manual gearboxes:

 

1. Aston Martin Valour

This British-made sports car is produced in limited quantities worldwide, inspired by the iconic Vantage V8 models of the 70s and 80s.

Equipped with a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine capable of generating 705 hp, it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

 

2. Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 & T.50

The two high-performance vehicles produced by Gordon Murray Automotive come with a naturally aspirated Cosworth 4.0-liter V12 engine.

The 615 PS/451 Nm power output (or 663 PS/467 Nm in the T.50) is transmitted to the rear wheels through the Xtrac six-speed manual gearbox.

 

3. Koenigsegg CC850

Technically, the CC850 does not come with a manual gearbox.

Instead, it uses the LST, or Light Speed Transmission, with a nine-speed gearbox delivering a power output of 1,201 PS/1,385 Nm to the rear wheels.

However, the CC850 also features a system called Engage Shifter System, where the driver can simulate a six-speed manual gearbox using a physical clutch pedal!

 

4. Pagani Utopia

In theory, this is the most expensive high-performance car with a manual gearbox you can buy on Earth.

The Pagani Utopia comes with a 864 PS and 1,100 Nm V12 Mercedes-AMG engine paired with a seven-speed Xtrac manual gearbox.

Unfortunately, all Utopia production units have already been sold out.

Are SUVs safer than small cars?

With stricter laws in place, we should consider ourselves lucky as there are various safer family car options to choose from.

However, one thing we should all be aware of is that the number of cars on the road is also increasing every year.

This means that the accident rate is unlikely to decrease suddenly.

The safety debate between cars and SUVs occasionally fills the spaces of Facebook groups, forums, and WhatsApp.

Some claim that larger cars have better safety levels.

This claim is further reinforced by official data where the driver fatality rate is highest among small vehicles compared to larger vehicles.

From a physics standpoint, larger vehicles have higher momentum compared to lighter vehicles.

So, when a collision occurs between vehicles of different sizes, it is certain that the smaller vehicle will experience a more severe impact when both vehicles suddenly come to a stop.

Therefore, are SUVs and other large vehicles such as pickup trucks much safer than small cars?

Not if you consider the typical feature present in any SUV/pickup truck, which is the high ground clearance.

Due to this feature, most SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher center of gravity and are more at risk of being involved in accidents due to weather conditions or rollovers.

Accidents involving SUVs and pickup trucks driven at high speeds also frequently occur, as some drivers do not understand the limits and constraints of vehicles with high ground clearance.

Just because you drive a taller vehicle, your ego should not rise equally high, completely disregarding the safety of other road users.

Lastly, regardless of the vehicle you drive, make sure it is in good condition and regularly maintained.

Also, ensure that you are aware of your own health condition and take a break if you feel fatigued while driving.