The 9th, 10th, and 11th rounds of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia have recently concluded on August 11th.
It witnessed local team Sime Darby Racing Team representing Porsche Malaysia competing on home soil for the second consecutive year in the PRO category.
Round 9
In the 9th round, Mathys Jaubert (TORO Racing) clinched the first position despite Porsche Junior 2024 driver Alessandro Ghiretti leading after a few initial corners.
This marked Jaubert’s first victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, with Marco Giltrap (Team Porsche New Zealand) and Rodrigo Dias Almeida (R&B Racing) taking the next two spots.
In the Pro-Am class, Bao Jinlong continued his dominant performance, securing the fourth spot overall.
Meanwhile, in the Am category, Eric Kwong (Bergwerk Motorsport) outpaced Munkong Sathienthrakul (EBM) to claim the top spot.
Round 10
The night race saw a total of 29 cars navigating the Sepang circuit.
Dylan Pereira (Team Shanghai Yonda BWT) grabbed his first win of the season, while Liu Kai Shun (R&B Racing) surpassed Bao Jinlong to celebrate his first Pro-Am victory.
The positions in the Am class shifted as Sathienthirakul managed to beat Eric Kwong by a slight margin.
Round 11
The final race of the weekend introduced an endurance format for the first time, with challenging wet weather conditions.
Nazim Azman from Sime Darby Racing Team initially secured third place but received a post-race penalty for contact while overtaking Ragginger, allowing the Porsche Holding driver to claim a podium finish.
In the Pro-Am class, Kai Shun displayed prowess by securing his second win of the race, while a fierce battle between Eric Kwong and Sathienthirakul saw the Bergwerk driver reclaiming the top spot from the EBM driver.
With five races remaining, Ghiretti maintains a 20-point lead in the championship ahead of closest rival Jaubert.
Bao holds a comfortable lead in the Pro-Am class, while in the Am category, Eric Kwong leads Munkong Sathienthirakul by 21 points.
The 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will return for rounds 12 and 13 at the Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore, as a supporting race to the Singapore Grand Prix.
In addition, the 2024 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia took place, featuring three main categories (Junior Dreamers, Young Dreamers, and Driven Dreamers), where each participant was given the opportunity to drive the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) on the virtual PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
At the same time, Porsche Malaysia also showcased several models of the 911, including the 911 S/T, 911 Dakar, and the racing machine 911 RSR.
Introducing the newly launched BMW M5 Touring 2025, a fast wagon model that offers a more practical option compared to the sedan variant.
This long-roof version of the BMW M5 marks the third wagon model in the history of the M5, with the last appearance being in 2007.
Here are some key facts you should know about the 2025 M5 Touring:
1. Weighs 2.5 tons
The BMW M5 2025 can be likened to an elephant, with an overall weight reaching nearly 2.5 tons due to the powertrain used.
However, for the M5 Touring model, BMW estimates a weight of around 2,508 kg, which is 63 kg heavier than the sedan model.
2. Near 50:50 weight distribution ratio
One aspect that sets it apart from the sedan model is the nearly 50:50 weight distribution ratio.
According to BMW, this is due to factors such as a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a lower center of gravity.
3. Equipped with the same power as the sedan
The BMW M5 Touring 2025 employs the same specifications as the sedan model.
The 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, aided by a hybrid system, is capable of producing 717 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
Acceleration from 0-96 km/h is as quick as 3.5 seconds (slightly slower than the M5 sedan’s 3.4 seconds), with a top speed of around 248 km/h.
With the M Driver package, you can drive this wagon at a maximum speed of 304 km/h.
4. Spacious cargo area
One of the advantages of the wagon model is undoubtedly its more practical space.
The long-roofed BMW M5 Touring 2025 offers a volume of 501 liters, which can expand up to 1,631 liters when the second-row seats (40:20:40) are folded flat.
Other features are similar to the M5 sedan, such as the curved screen panel, specific M graphics display, BMW’s Operating System 8.5, new steering wheel design, and unique ambient lighting system.
5. Launch
The BMW M5 Touring 2025 will be globally launched in the fourth quarter of this year.
It will also be available in the U.S. market with a starting price of $121,500 (RM539,010).
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has recently launched another electric-powered SUV model, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV 2024, as a complement to its existing lineup of EQS SUV models.
In terms of specifications, the EQS 450 SUV comes with a powerful 360 hp electric motor and a maximum torque of 800 Nm.
The acceleration from 0-100 km/h is as quick as 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.
The 118 kWh battery pack allows for a range of up to 673 km on a full charge based on WLTP cycle data.
The EQS 450 SUV supports AC charging of up to 22 kW (0-100% SoC in 6 hours 15 minutes), as well as fast DC charging of up to 200 kW (10-80% in 31 minutes).
The exterior appearance is enhanced with the AMG Line package, 22-inch AMG rims, a grille adorned with the Mercedes star logo, a DIGITAL LIGHT system with high-resolution adaptive headlamps, and aluminum-style side step plates.
The EQS SUV chassis is aided by a front four-link axle system, followed by a multi-link suspension at the rear, as well as an AIRMATIC air suspension capable of raising the ground clearance.
There are several driving modes including ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL, and OFFROAD.
For ease of handling, the EQS 450 SUV is equipped with a rear-axle steering system that allows the rear wheels to be turned by up to 10 degrees.
The EQS SUV cabin space is equipped with multi-contour seats, a third-row seating option, the MBUX hyper screen system, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system, and the Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos technology.
The selling price of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV 2024 starts from RM625,888 excluding insurance, and will be available starting in September 2024.
Several decades ago, we primarily knew Edaran Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (EON) as a distributor of Proton brand cars.
However, EON is now more than just that.
In conjunction with EON’s 40th anniversary celebration, media practitioners were invited to join the EON & Media Friends Getaway 2024 and personally hear about EON’s plans to further strengthen its position in the local automotive sector. Here are some interesting points you should know:
1. In addition to Proton, the conglomerate now handles several major automotive brands such as Audi, Mitsubishi, smart, Volkswagen, and the upcoming e.MAS brand.
2. EON also manages several commercial vehicle brands such as Daihatsu and Isuzu.
3. EON also oversees the rental and leasing services of AVIS, including passenger vehicles, chauffeur services, and providing vehicle fleets for the commercial sector. Overall, AVIS has approximately 19 branches throughout Malaysia, with over 4,000 vehicles.
4. EON-Petromin Sdn Bhd was established in 2022 with a focus on providing after-sales and service for various vehicle brands, especially for owners whose warranties have expired. Initially, EON-Petromin is focusing on the Klang Valley area and will be followed by the Northern and Southern regions.
5. To facilitate customers in getting their dream cars, EON, through its financing division, launched the EON Capital digital platform during the previous EON Autofest in March. With the determination to address three main concerns voiced by customers, EON Capital aims to provide a fast and easy vehicle financing application platform, a safe and worthwhile purchasing experience.
6. Alongside the digitization of vehicle financing processes, EON is also emphasizing the digitization of platforms commonly used by customers such as the official website, 3D exhibition center, online vehicle sales outlets, insurance applications, and after-sales services.
7. Moving forward, EON aims to further strengthen its position in the automotive distribution sector with the opening of an exclusive accessories center and a centralized Body & Paint (B&P) center for downstream revenue generation.
8. In the future, EON will also collaborate with used car companies like myTukar, Carsome, and OEM companies, in addition to using the EON website as a platform for trading and buying used vehicles.
9. Enhancing the ownership experience ecosystem with greater value, EON launched the opening of EON Autospa on March 1, 2024. Located in Glenmarie, the Autospa outlet is the first to meet the needs of EON customers from various automotive retail businesses such as Audi, Mitsubishi, Proton, and smart. Through partnerships with several renowned brands, customers can not only receive car wash services but also obtain vehicle accessories such as window films, leather seat covers, paint protection films, and dashboard cameras.
Young racers Naquib Azlan and Amer Harris, representing the Wing Hin Motorsports team, have successfully secured second place in the GT4 class at the Thailand Super Series race, despite making their debut appearance in the series.
The Toyota GR Supra GT4 car used in the race was among the fastest among the four GR Supra GT4s.
The racing duo, Naquib and Amer, managed to complete the one-hour race just 4.5 seconds behind the champion Mercedes-AMG GT, defeating two Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport cars.
According to Naquib, “achieving second place is still a strong decision for both of us and the team. There is still a lot of potential to be explored in this new car, but we are happy to establish a good starting point and successfully secure a podium position in our homeland, Malaysia.
“Our goal is to reach the top position, and we are eager to progress towards it gradually.
Of the two races scheduled for round 3 at the PETRONAS International Circuit at Sepang, one had to be canceled due to extreme wet weather conditions.
Round 4 of the Thailand Super Series will be held in Malaysia on September 6-8, with three races scheduled for that weekend.
According to the Wing Hin Motorsports Team Principal, William Loh, “this is our first race and there is still plenty of room for improvement, as well as data that can be collected and evaluated.
“Both of our racers believe they can deliver better performances. We hope to come back stronger in the next three races.
Wing Hin Motorsports, which has previously won the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race, also competes in the Super Compact class of the Thailand Super Series.
The transition to the GT4 racing class not only aligns with the goal of competing at a higher level but also helps to develop and provide opportunities for young Malaysian racers to shine on the international stage.
Mercedes-Benz Korea has disclosed the name of their electric vehicle (EV) battery supplier this week.
This follows an incident involving the electric sedan model Mercedes-Benz EQE 350, resulting in 40 vehicles in the parking lot being damaged.
The fire department also reported that 23 residents were hospitalized due to inhaling smoke from the fire.
According to an Incheon Fire Department spokesperson, “Although an analysis is underway, CCTV footage indicates that the fire originated from the battery.”
The EQE 350 sedan that caught fire the other day used batteries sourced from a Chinese manufacturer, Farasis Energy.
Apart from Farasis, Mercedes also procures batteries from companies such as CATL, SK On, and LG Energy Solution.
The upcoming review of civil service salaries is set to benefit the automotive sector as 1.5 million civil servants will have higher purchasing power and find it easier to obtain bank approval, said AmInvestment Bank.
As a result, the investment bank has revised the total industry volume (TIV) in 2024 to 750,000 compared to the previous 740,000.
“Higher salaries automatically mean better debt-to-income ratio, and we believe car loan financing will readily approve new loan applicants.
“We are confident that Perodua and Proton will experience increased demand as they are the most popular brands among civil servants,” he said in the sector update report today, adding that other brands may not be as affected.
Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hinted that civil service salaries would be increased by 15 percent to 43 percent by the end of 2024. Final details will be announced by August 16.
AmInvestment Bank said the main beneficiaries will be MBM Resources (which owns 20 percent of Perodua), Sime Darby (with a 38 percent stake in Perodua), and DRB HICOM, which holds a 50 percent interest in Proton.
It also raised the revenue forecast for MBM Resources for the financial years 2024 to 2026 by 3.0 percent, 5.2 percent, and 3.7 percent, based on expectations of the upcoming civil service salary review boosting car sales, especially for the affordable car segment like Perodua Axia and Bezza models.
The bank has maintained a “Neutral” recommendation on the sector but with a bias towards an upward trend.
The first round of the seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge, which unfolded last Sunday, had the right mix to produce a more dramatic race weekend.
In addition to the debut of the new generation Vios racing car for the first time, it also became a battleground with changing weather conditions, sibling showdowns, international racer participation for the first time, and a resurgence of young driver dominance.
The first round saw a total of 33 cars battling it out in a challenging one-hour race format, different from previous seasons where drivers only had to compete in shorter sprint races.
In the Super Sporting class, Axle Sports’ driver Naquib Azlan emerged as the overall winner of the first round, taking home a prize of RM16,000.
Mitchell Cheah from Prima Pearl TD Racing came in second place, and Tengku Djan Ley (TD Racing) secured third place.
In the Sporting class, Kenneth Koh from PCM Group Racing Team emerged as the overall winner after improving his position in the second race.
Shafiq Shamsudin (Race Rally KL), who clinched the first race victory, seemed to swap places with Kenneth Koh in the second race, thus securing second place overall.
Meanwhile, Teo Hong Zhou (BAE Racing by ES Yang) finished third overall, after securing fourth place in the first race and second place in the second race.
The Rookie class, showcasing a lineup of young drivers, produced the same results in the second race as the first, with pro karter Adam Mikail clinching first place twice consecutively throughout the weekend.
Adam’s performance has exceeded expectations as a rookie, considering his ability to finish the race early compared to the Sporting class winner, securing a tenth place overall position in a grid of 33 cars.
The seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge also saw the participation of three young drivers: pro karter Audrey Leong (17 years old), simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old), and recreational karter Kingston Tan (19 years old).
The second round of the Vios Challenge will take place from September 27 to 29 at the PETRONAS International Circuit at Sepang.
Electric cars are no longer a highly sought-after product.
The increasingly sluggish trend is now causing most EV manufacturers to scratch their heads.
The decline in demand for EVs, which has also affected the European continent, has seen the Tesla Model Y dethroned and no longer the best-selling car.
The latest data from the European Union (EU) revealed that Dacia Sandero emerged as the best-selling car during the period of January to June 2024, with a total of 143,596 units registered.
Dacia Sandero is the top choice for most buyers due to its relatively low selling price, starting from €11,500 (RM56 thousand).
In second place is the VW Golf with 126,993 units, followed by the Renault Clio (114,623 units), VW T-Roc (111,381 units), and Peugeot 208 (107,097 units).
The Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, seems to have to settle for the eighth position with sales totaling 101,181 units for the first six months of this year.
Here is a list of the best-selling cars in Europe during January-June 2024.
As someone who isn’t particularly fond of SUV body types (except for a few models), the writer feels grateful that the majority of major automotive manufacturers in Malaysia are still trying to maintain sales of sedan models, despite their decreasing popularity on a global level.
Here, we have several options of sedan models, ranging from affordable prices to high-performance luxury sedan models with considerable prices.
Unfortunately, the competition in the sedan models segment is not as strong as it was decades ago.
For example, in the C segment, consumers are only presented with a few models, such as the Proton S70, Mazda3, Honda Civic, and the very popular name worldwide – the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The Corolla indeed needs no introduction, unless you were born during the Covid era and are only more familiar with those lifeless electric cars.
The Toyota Corolla 1.8G that we test drove is a facelift model launched last year.
Despite being a facelift, if you are expecting something ‘wow’, this 1.8G Corolla may disappoint those expectations.
This is because there are not many changes to the exterior of this sedan model, except for a unique bumper design, followed by new 17-inch rims wrapped in 225/45 profile tires.
The design of the front projector LED headlights and rear lights remain the same. Perhaps it’s already perfect, so there’s no need to change those aspects.
However, you need to enter the cabin to enjoy the changes brought by Toyota in this model.
The front seats have been redesigned for comfort, in addition to providing better support for the driver during spirited driving.
The major change is the presence of a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen, providing a concise interface, and most importantly still offering classic analog meter graphics.
In addition to wireless Apple CarPlay support, the Corolla also provides USB-C charging slots on the center console, as well as clips for holding smartphones in the wireless charging slot.
Apart from that, the basic specifications remain the same, such as a cargo space of 470 liters, MacPherson front strut and double wishbone suspensions, electric power steering system, and front and rear disc brake system.
The writer had the opportunity to test drive this Corolla further while on vacation to the East Coast a few weeks ago.
One main thing that the writer noticed was the quieter NVH levels compared to the pre-facelift Corolla.
The 137 hp and 172 Nm of torque produced by the 1.8-liter engine is sufficient to move this 1.3-ton body.
It is agile, and no lack of power was felt throughout the journey.
Perhaps it’s due to the mindset of drivers who consider the Corolla not a sports car, so the driving is done in a relaxed and straightforward manner.
However, you need to experience the magic of this TNGA platform when exiting the highway and entering winding federal roads.
There, you will find the MacPherson/Double Wishbone suspension setup in this Corolla working brilliantly with stable handling every time it encounters twists and turns.
Body roll is still felt, but at a controllable level even though this sedan is not equipped with a sportier suspension like the GR Sport variant.
Additionally, the electric power steering system also assists the driver in handling this sedan accurately without the need for constant correction.
Whatever the driver directs, the Corolla makes it happen.
Attempts to escape from the highway, sometimes with speed trap cameras, seem to have successfully made the writer fall in love with a rarely used road, through driving this Corolla.
Certainly, the cabin atmosphere is not disturbed by engine noise or the whistling of the wind, and even the noise of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires is well-filtered.
For a standard factory sedan, the writer truly enjoyed a more enjoyable drive than a Corolla compared to the Honda Civic and Proton S70.
The standard seats are also comfortable enough to accompany us throughout the journey.
Although at times, this sedan needs to traverse roads with qualities similar to the surface of Mars, the passenger in the adjacent seat still sleeps soundly.
The 470-liter cargo space is sufficient to accommodate essential items during cross-country trips.
Unlike the Vios, you can fold the second-row seats to provide a larger space.
Fuel consumption is also satisfying, where the writer managed to achieve as low as 8.1 liters per 100 km, or approximately 680 km on a full tank.
Safety aspects need not be worried about, because this Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense.
Among the features included are the pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), automatic high beams (AHB), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), which is very useful on the highway.
Furthermore, there are also seven SRS airbags, seatbelt warning, as well as ISOFIX anchors for child seats in the rear.
At the end of the day, what the writer can conclude is that this Toyota Corolla 1.8G could be a worthwhile option for a family sedan to own and consider.
The facelifted Toyota Corolla offers a complete package for those who prioritize practicality and comfort without sacrificing enjoyable driving.
With a starting price of RM147,800 for the 1.8G variant, it’s not wrong for you to break away from the usual preference for the H logo, for this rather perfect companion for the return to the hometown.
Specifications of the Toyota Corolla 1.8G
Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder (2ZR-FE)
Power: 137 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed CVT
Suspension: MacPherson/Double Wishbone
Rim: 17 inches
Cargo: 470 liters
Tesla has never committed to opening a factory in Malaysia, said Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tengku Zafrul explained that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) had engaged in discussions with Tesla founder Elon Musk in efforts to attract investment, but these discussions did not involve setting up a factory.
“Firstly, the foreign news report is not an official statement from Tesla but rather quotes anonymous or unnamed sources. Reporters need to verify the authenticity of this news with Tesla, as the source of this news is not from Tesla.
“Secondly, MITI has never announced that Tesla will open a factory in Malaysia. We have had discussions with Elon Musk in efforts to attract investment, but Tesla has never committed to opening a factory here,” Tengku Zafrul said.
He made these comments in response to a report from Thai online news portal, The Nation, which cited unnamed sources within the government regarding Tesla’s cancellation of plans to develop factories in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The report also stated that Tesla’s current discussions are only focused on efforts related to charging stations and has suspended plans to develop factories not just in Thailand but globally.
“Tesla is not proceeding with plans in Malaysia, Indonesia, or other locations except in China, the United States, and Germany,” the news portal reported.
On July 20 last year, a leading United States multinational electric automotive manufacturer announced its strategic expansion into the Malaysian market through Tesla Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
According to a joint statement from Tesla and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), this move is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Global Leader initiative introduced by MITI.
In addition to introducing a range of advanced electric vehicles (EVs) to Malaysian consumers, Tesla is also committed to investing in a comprehensive network of fast and standard charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia, as well as establishing its state-of-the-art headquarters and service centre in Cyberjaya, Selangor.
The Road Transport Department (RTD) is replacing the ‘Automated Awareness Safety System’ (AwAS) cameras in phases at the gazetted locations, said its director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli.
RTD director-general in a statement today said the replacement of the AwAS camera is in line with the improvement of the existing AwAS camera system in line with the latest technological changes that use ‘Automated Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology to ensure that the camera operates better.
“This replacement involves the Redflex model cameras that need to be replaced due to major damage and no support from the principal,” said RTD.
He said the operation of AwAS cameras is also to ensure enforcement involving the offence of driving over the speed limit and failing to comply with traffic lights based on provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) in line with reducing the statistics of accidents and deaths due to road accidents.
Therefore, RTD calls and asks for the cooperation of all road users to take steps to comply with the laws that have been set and be tolerant with other road users for the priority of personal and family safety when on the road.
“This department is also always committed to ensure that the safety and well-being of road users is always maintained at the best possible level,” he said.
If you’ve noticed, durian stalls seem to be popping up everywhere you go.
The desire to indulge in the king of fruits may be in your heart, but some of us might be concerned about the smell that could linger in the car cabin.
Especially if you’ve just brought home a car that still retains a smell from the dealership. Surely, you wouldn’t want the dealership scent to be overtaken by the smell of durian, right?
There are several tips you can follow to prevent the durian smell from sticking to your car.
Buy and eat outdoors
source: FB Durian Brother Jalan Kebun
This is the most ideal way to preserve the fresh car scent if you care not to spoil the smell of your new car dealership.
Or buy durian from your favorite stall and ask the shopkeeper to pack the durian directly in an airtight container. The smell may still exist, but it won’t be as strong as carrying a carton of durian in the car trunk.
Wrap the durian fruit
If you enjoy the challenge of opening up durian at home, don’t worry.
After purchasing durian, you can wrap the spikey fruit with several plastic bags and tie them tightly to contain the smell.
Or you can use damp cloths or any leaves like pandan leaves that can absorb the durian smell from reaching the passengers’ noses.
Use household items to absorb the durian smell
There are various household food items that can be used to absorb any lingering smell after bringing back a carton of durian.
These include white bread, coffee beans or powder, baking soda, vinegar, and pineapples.
Use charcoal to absorb the smell
In addition to the aforementioned items, you can also use charcoal or wood charcoal available at convenience stores to absorb the durian smell.
Apart from regular charcoal, there are special charcoals sold specifically to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Use the durian stem itself
This tip is often shared by netizens, suggests using the durian stem to absorb the fruit’s smell.
Simply cut the stem from the fruit and place it in the car’s air vent.
If you place the stem with the durian fruit, this will be an entirely useless advice.
Mdua Motor Sdn Bhd (KOVE Malaysia) has announced the participation of KOVE Malaysia Racing Team in this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2024 in Thailand.
This is a special honor as the KOVE Malaysia Racing Team is the sole representative from Malaysia in this prestigious AXCR event.
The team will be represented by rider Hazim Hayazi, who has previously achieved significant successes including being the Class C champion of the GIVI Rimba Raid 2023, winner of the ‘King of Royal Rumble’ in the Royal Rumble Hard Enduro Rider 2023, third place in the WRC Orange Enduro 2023 (Open Category), and fourth place in the Gamuda Gardens Advenduro-X 2024 (Class C).
Hazim will ride the KOVE 450 Rally machine equipped with a ‘roadbook’ navigation system, as well as race kits similar to those used in the Dakar Rally.
He will be supported by two experienced young technicians from the technical and logistics division of the KOVE Racing Team.
AXCR 2024 promises a challenging and thrilling journey of over 2,000 km from Surat Thani to Kanchanaburi, spanning six days from August 12 to 17.
KOVE Malaysia will utilize AXCR 2024 as a platform to showcase the endurance and performance of KOVE motorcycles in various environmental conditions, and to test the exceptional capabilities of the KOVE 450 Rally machine.
UMW Toyota Motor has announced the return of the Vios Challenge racing series for its seventh season, starting this weekend, offering a total prize value of RM630,000.
For this year, the Vios Challenge will feature up to three rounds and six individual races taking place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
The first round of the Toyota Vios Challenge will take place from August 9-11 simultaneously with the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS), while the second round will be held from September 27-29. Both of these rounds will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.
The final round will take place on January 3-5, 2025, open to the public with various attractions and programs planned to further enliven the atmosphere.
The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will feature three main classes: Sporting Class, Super Sporting Class, and TGR Rookie Class.
Among those expected to draw attention in the Super Sporting Class are three-time champion Tengku Djan Ley, Mitchell Cheah, Eddie Lew, William Ho, Tom Goh, and Freddie Ang.
Additionally, the Super Sporting Class will see the participation of young racers such as Putera Adam, siblings Naquib and Nabil Azlan, Bradley Benedict, Ady Rahimy, and Aman Nagdev from India.
The Sporting Class will list names like Dato’ Dr Ken Foo, Kenneth Koh, Dannies Ng, Shafiq Samsudin, Ricky Tan, Lim Chung Beng, as well as young racers Elson Yew, Amirul Haikal, Timothy Yeo, and Ashen Arumugam.
This class will also feature international racers, namely Panithan Rakpaibulsombut from Thailand and Daniel Inosuke Ooi from Singapore.
Meanwhile, the TGR Rookies will showcase a lineup of 24 young racers who have just completed the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.
Highlighted names include kart racer Brandon Ho (22 years old), Adam Mikail (18 years old), Amirul Afiq (22 years old), Audrey Leong (17 years old), Kingston Tan (19 years old), and simulation racer Raja Amirul (21 years old).
The seventh season of the Vios Challenge will serve as the main stage for the debut of the latest generation Toyota Vios racing car.
It still retains the 1.5-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but with a more stable platform and chassis, and revised aerodynamics to enable it to achieve the fastest lap times.
Mitsubishi Motors, through the Mitsubishi Ralliart team, aims for the championship title in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2024 (AXCR 2024) scheduled to take place from August 11 to 17.
In the competition set to be held in the central and southern regions of Thailand, the Mitsubishi Ralliart team will feature up to four new-generation Triton pickup trucks, accompanied by a support vehicle lineup consisting of the Delica D:5, Outlander PHEV, and the kei car Delica Mini!
The Triton vehicles have already undergone performance testing, covering a distance of 800 km on regular roads and off-road routes back in late June, followed by a shakedown session on August 6 to ensure they are in optimal condition for this year’s competition.
According to team director Hiroshi Masuoka, “Apart from improving driving performance and increasing tire width, we have also enhanced the rear suspension by leveraging expertise acquired from our former Dakar Rally champion, the Pajero.
“Modifications have also been made to its original strength, such as handling extreme routes, so that the rally cars used this time can deliver the performance we expect.”
As mentioned earlier, the Mitsubishi Ralliart team will feature four Delica D:5 minivans, the Outlander PHEV SUV, and a Delica Mini kei car as support vehicles.
One of the four Delica D:5 units will be used personally by team director Hiroshi Masuoka for route inspections to be used by the rally vehicles, equipped with special suspension that raises ground clearance by 20 mm.
All Mitsubishi Ralliart support vehicles are equipped with Work CRAG T-GRABICII alloy rims (Work Emotion M8R rims for the Outlander PHEV) and Yokohama GEOLANDER off-road tire wraps.
Furthermore, all six support vehicles will showcase body graphics matching those of the Triton rally vehicles.
A total of 67 vehicles will compete in this year’s AXCR event, comprising 46 in the auto category, 19 in the motorcycle category, and 2 in the sidecar category.
The opening ceremony will take place on August 11 in the Surat Thani region, southern Thailand, and will conclude at Skywalk Kanchanaburi on August 17.
Some of us consider ourselves experts in driving on the road, knowing all the techniques and skills necessary to navigate through any kind of obstacle.
However, when the rainy season arrives, you actually need to elevate your driving skills due to increasingly challenging situations such as limited visibility and slippery road conditions.
But you don’t need to have driving skills like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen during the rainy season. Here are some safe driving tips you can practice during this unpredictable rainy season:
Maintain a safe distance
In driving school, we are taught to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and this becomes even more crucial, especially during heavy rain. Coupled with the factor of slippery roads, and limited visibility due to water spray from the front vehicle, you may not have enough time and space to stop the car safely. Therefore, it’s best to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Drive slow
The driving techniques on dry roads are not the same as those required to handle a vehicle on wet roads. If unsure, just drive at a speed that is easy to control and maintain a necessary grip to move forward smoothly.
Avoid using hazard lights, except when stopped
As the name suggests, hazard lights should only be used in unexpected situations. For example, if there’s sudden traffic stoppage ahead, turn on your hazard lights to alert the users behind you. Or when you stop in an emergency lane. Please get used to doing the right thing and correct your ‘habits’ during this rainy season. Thank you.
Turn on your car lights
Another habit you should adopt is to turn on your main car lights while driving in heavy rain. This is because during heavy rain, it will obscure the presence of cars that have a similar color, and increase the risk of collisions. If honked by other users, consider it as a reminder to practice safer driving.
Avoid water puddles as much as possible
Some of us enjoy splashing into water puddles just to see the spray of water. But did you know that the resulting splash can ‘blind’ your vision for a few moments and the situation can become worse if you don’t have enough space to avoid the front car, which may stop suddenly. Furthermore, water puddles also indicate the presence of potholes that can tear your pocket mid-month. Flat tires can be repaired, but if the tire is torn?
When was the last time you changed your wipers?
Wipers are a crucial component that is very useful during the rainy season. In this regard, try to find quality and effective wiper products to ensure that the front mirror remains free from any dirt during the rainy season. Also, make sure the wiper rubber is in good condition to avoid the noisy sound that could potentially ruin your mood during the journey.
Get real-time traffic information
Some like to listen to traffic info from local radio, but some users prefer to install mapping navigation apps on their smartphones. Whichever method is used, it’s a great way to be aware of current conditions such as traffic jams, flash floods, or recent accidents.
Take a brief rest stop
Just like driving at night, driving during the rainy season is also more exhausting and can reduce your energy and focus faster. This is especially true when the rain becomes heavier, and visibility is further limited due to the presence of fog and dark weather. If you are driving on a highway, you can stop at rest areas to recharge and wait for the rain to subside.
Ensure the car is in good condition
In addition to the driver’s physical well-being, the condition of the car also needs to be ensured to withstand any seasonal changes. Make sure components such as brakes are in good condition and the tire tread depth still provides reassurance to the driver, rather than having a tire that looks like it needs replacing. Don’t forget to check the front and rear lights and replace any burnt bulbs with new ones.
Class B1 and B2 motorcycle license holders who have been active for more than 10 years can apply for LMM Class B starting from the upcoming October 1.
Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, stated that holders of LMM Class B1 and B2 who are interested can obtain LMM Class B with a fee of only RM160 compared to the previous RM900.
He said, those interested must attend and pass a two-hour transitional and motorcycle adjustment program for motorcycles with 500cc and above at the Driving Institute (IM), involving practical riding and safe driving information.
“Other conditions set are that applicants must be free from any blacklist, outstanding fines, business transaction restrictions, records of serious offenses, or any unresolved matters under Act 333.
“In addition, applicants must also undergo self-declared physical, mental, and medical fitness verification,” he said at a press conference after completing the ministry’s monthly assembly here.
He said, the government fundamentally agrees with the transitional program, however, it is not implemented automatically but must meet the specified requirements.
ASEAN NCAP has announced that Mitsubishi’s latest SUV, the XFORCE has successfully obtained a five-star rating in the assessment test for new vehicles conducted recently.
Based on the test results, the Mitsubishi XFORCE scored a total of 79.15 points, evaluated across four categories as follows:
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) – 34.89/40.00
Child Occupant Protection (COP) – 17.03/20.00
Safety Assist (SA) – 14.85/20.00
Motorcycle Safety (MS) – 12.39/20.00
As standard, the Mitsubishi XFORCE comes equipped with features such as four airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seatbelt reminder for front and rear passengers, and pedestrian protection technology.
Additionally, it also offers safety aids like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Automatic High Beam (AHB) assistance.
The Mitsubishi XFORCE is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 103 hp and 141 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.
Even though it operates with a 2WD system only, the XFORCE still possesses typical off-road SUV features, including a ground clearance of 222 mm, approach angle of 21 degrees, departure angle of 35 degrees, and four driving modes (Normal, Gravel, Mud, Wet).
The somewhat scorching afternoon weather and congested traffic make some of us prefer to drive at night.
However, driving at night is not the same as driving during the day.
There are many factors that can limit our visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
If you intend to drive at night, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Ensure your body is well-rested
Lighting factors will help you focus more on what is coming from the front. As a result, the brain will become more tired, and the situation will worsen if you are not aware that you are actually experiencing microsleep.
What the author practices is to sleep early to get enough rest before embarking on a journey in the middle of the night.
2. Ensure the headlights are functioning properly
Most of the time, we rely on the headlights to determine the distance and objects ahead. If the lights are not in good condition or the beam position is too low, it can limit clear visibility.
High beam position can also endanger oncoming drivers due to excessive glare issues, especially with average modern cars using LED lights.
3. Ensure the front and side mirrors are clean from dirt
Clean front windshield provides a clearer field of vision, and are safer especially at night. If the front windshield is dirty or oily, this condition will scatter light, worsening the glare effect of headlights from the front.
Look for an old newspaper not in use to wipe these areas.
4. Avoid ambient lights that can disrupt driving
Modern cars are now equipped with ambient lighting systems akin to roadside “tomyam” stalls. Some offer beautiful lighting graphics, while others can disrupt driving at night.
If this happens, try adjusting the cabin ambient light brightness to a minimum level, or simply turn it off. No one wants to see the condition of your car’s “tomyam” stall from the outside anyway.
5. Drive at a controllable speed
One advantage of night driving is quieter road conditions, but it is not a license to exceed the speed limit. Driving more cautiously is the best way to ensure you have enough time to react to any unexpected situations such as animals crossing, cars skidding, or the end of the road having no proper lighting system. Remember the distance rule taught in driving school? Practice it.
Another common tip the author follows when driving at night is to have a mapping navigation app running at all times, especially when driving on unfamiliar routes, so you can estimate the road structure and know about road damage/incident reports uploaded by other users.
6. Avoid driving for extended periods
Driving at night will make your body more tired than usual. Therefore, it is advised to stop and rest every one or two hours to get fresh air, do some quick body stretching exercises, or have a hot cup of coffee to refresh your brain.
If you feel very tired, take a short nap, but make sure your car windows are not tightly closed to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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