Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced that the facelifted fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has been launched and is open for bookings at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
The first 100 customers to place a booking will enjoy a discount of RM10,000, bringing the on-the-road price down to RM185,888 for the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Plus, RM205,888 for the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Max and RM199,888 for the 2.2L Turbo Diesel Max.
All three variants of the Santa Fe are locally assembled and come with a comprehensive 5-year/300,000 km warranty.
Looks-wise, the refreshed Santa Fe features T-shaped LED daytime running lights, a wide grille that integrates with the headlamps, and an illuminated bar connecting the taillights.
There are four colours to choose from, namely Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Meteor Grey, and Stormy Sea.
Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with pre-loaded maps and satellite-based voice-guided navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Smart Power Tailgate.
The Santa Fe is also equipped with the SmartSense safety suite, which includes features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. There’s also Blind Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor.
As for the powertrains, the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine produces 202 PS and 440 Nm, while the 1.6-litre Gamma-II T-GDi hybrid engine generates a total system output of 230 PS and 350 Nm.
The former is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels, while the latter gets an eight-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system.
Both variants feature a Terrain Mode selector, allowing drivers to optimise vehicle performance across various driving conditions, including sand, snow and mud, along with offering eco, sport, comfort and smart modes.
Do you still remember the Nissan IDx sports concept car showcased eleven years ago?
It was one of the concept models that garnered a lot of attention, but unfortunately, it was not realized due to the relatively high development costs, coupled with lackluster demand.
Nevertheless, in 2024, Nissan is reported to be developing a third high-performance sports car model after the Z and GT-R.
Speaking to the media, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Ivan Espinosa, shared plans to revive the iconic Silvia model, despite the shrinking sports car market.
“I am trying to make it happen. It is not easy, as the sports car market is increasingly shrinking.”
He revealed a vision where the Silvia would be reborn as an electric sports car (positioned between the Z and GT-R) so that this new model can comply with emission laws in as many countries as possible.
In this way, Nissan can increase production numbers to achieve the necessary economies of scale.
Furthermore, Nissan will not follow the footsteps of collaborative manufacturers in developing sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4, and Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ.
Instead, Nissan aims to independently develop this new Silvia model without assistance from any party.
Espinosa is confident that Nissan can proceed alone in developing this Silvia model, albeit acknowledging that this project is challenging and requires serious investment.
The future Nissan Silvia will not be an isolated model, considering that it will face fierce competition from other Japanese manufacturers.
For instance, Mazda is developing a new generation MX-5, Honda is presenting the Prelude sports car, and Toyota’s GR86 might be upgraded with a hybrid engine package.
Stellantis Malaysia has announced a promotion of a free 5-year maintenance service package effective from September 1, 2024.
This latest promotion applies to all Peugeot models and variants, including the 408, 2008, 3008, 5008, and the Landtrek pickup truck.
Customers who register their Peugeot vehicles starting from September 1st are eligible to enjoy the five-year free service promotion which covers the cost of spare parts for 10 services within five years, based on intervals of every 10,000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
Customers only need to pay for labor costs.
The Managing Director of Stellantis Malaysia, Jamie Francis Morais, said, “Our customers are our top priority, and we are excited to introduce this 5-year free service maintenance promo as part of our efforts to further elevate and enhance the PEUGEOT ownership experience.
“This 5 years of free service savings paired with our ongoing 7-year extended full coverage warranty is sure to give new PEUGEOT owners peace of mind, for longer.”
This limited offer is available at all authorized Peugeot dealerships nationwide.
For information, all Peugeot vehicles come with a seven-year warranty or a distance coverage of 200,000 km (whichever comes first) as a standard package.
It consists of a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and an additional 4-year coverage similar to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Proton has announced that its sales has exceeded the 100,000-mark for the sixth year in a row with 101,489 units sold year-to-date (YTD), after achieving sales of 12,690 units (domestic and export) in August.
This has solidified the company’s second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking table with a forecast market share of 19%.
Total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market is estimated to have grown by 1.3% month-on-month to approximately 72,678 units in August while the YTD figure is estimated to be at 534,766 units, an increase of 6.2% over 2023.
The recently launched 2024 Proton X50 continues to find favour with buyers as 2,440 units were delivered in August, the third time volume has breached the 2,000 threshold in 2024. YTD sales now stand at 15,229 units, making the X50 the most popular SUV in Proton’s range.
Saga came in at 6,211 units in August leading to YTD sales of 48,904 units, an uptick of 6.7% over 2023. Sales for the S70 were 1,205 units for a total of 13,755 units, while the Persona saw 1,452 units change hands, bringing its YTD total to 13,116 units
The X90 retained leadership for its segment with 241 being delivered in August and a YTD figure of 2,507 units, while the Iriz, sold 403 units to bring its total sales to date to 3,719 units.
“In light of the resilient domestic economy, with GDP growth projected at 4% to 5%, Proton agrees with the
Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) decision to increase the full-year TIV projection to 765,000 units
and we remain optimistic about the potential for further growth in the local automotive industry,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.
As for its export performance, Proton says last month Brunei saw its highest ever monthly sales performance with 120 units sold to customers there.
Since February this year, the best-selling export model is the Saga, which again led the pack with 140 units exported in August. Other models also saw an uptick in August export shipments, bringing the cumulative export sales from Proton to its distributors to 2,110 units since January this year.
Despite the sluggish trend in EV ownership, Hyundai has unveiled updates to its electric SUV model, the 2025 Ioniq 5.
The facelift for the 2025 model has been launched, marking the Ioniq 5 as the first model to be produced at the Metaplant Georgia.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 brings about cosmetic changes, such as a new bumper, revised spoiler, more aerodynamic rims, and new color options.
Minimal changes have been made to the interior, including a redesigned steering wheel, upgraded center console, and the addition of physical buttons for commonly used functions.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 also comes with a larger capacity battery package.
The Standard Range variant now features a 63 kWh battery (compared to the previous 58 kWh), increasing the driving range to 386 km from the previous 354 km.
Meanwhile, the Long Range variant is equipped with an 84 kWh battery, promising a range of over 499 km for the RWD version, or 451 km for the AWD version.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also becomes the first Hyundai model to come standard with NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports, allowing Ioniq 5 owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger network without requiring an adapter.
Finally, there is a new off-road variant called the XRT, featuring unique front design, black accents, digital camouflage pattern on the bumper and fender flare, and 18-inch matte black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Moreover, the Ioniq 5 XRT now offers 23 mm greater ground clearance, red-colored tow hooks, H-Tex upholstery, and XRT logos on the seats.
Did you know that Volvo is among the earliest automotive manufacturers in the world to announce a strategy to offer a full-time EV portfolio by 2030?
In fact, by the end of May 2024, its CEO, Jim Rowan, explained that the target could still be achievable, and he also believes that Volvo can end the sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within the next five years.
However, in an event held with investors in late July, the CEO finally admitted that “it will take time to connect various parts of the world to achieve full electrification.”
In other words, the initial goal of becoming a pure EV brand by 2030 may be difficult to achieve.
Considering the latest developments, Volvo has decided to realign its sales targets, aiming for 90-100 percent of sales to consist of EVs and PHEVs by the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles will continue to be sold for a longer period than initially expected.
The Swedish manufacturer believes that several factors contribute to the slowing transition to EV usage, such as slow infrastructure development, reduced EV sales incentives, and the introduction of new tariffs for EVs in some markets.
In addition to Volvo, several other major global manufacturers are also reconsidering their aggressive electrification strategies, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Ford.
In conjunction with the Merdeka month, we would like to share an article about Proton, one of the national car manufacturers. Specifically, this sharing is about Proton racing cars from the past.
Previously, Proton had several racing machines such as Saga and Iriz under the R3 team that competed in S1K (Sepang 1000km). Most recently, Proton will be deploying the S70 R3 for the upcoming race.
There is also the Proton Iriz R5 competing in rallies abroad, but this is the result of the work of Mellors Elliot Motorsport based in the UK. Nevertheless, for a touch of nostalgia and history, let’s take a look at Proton’s past racing machines.
1. Proton Waja BTCC
The Waja BTCC was a Petronas project developed to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) starting in 2002. It is understood that engineers from Petronas were involved in the development of this Waja.
It was powered by a Renault 1.8-liter engine found in the Waja Premium 1.8L, but tuned to 1,996cc by Mountune and paired with a 6-speed gearbox from Xtrac. The suspension was a combination of Eibach springs and Penske dampers before being switched to Ohlins in 2004.
The Waja BTCC was once driven by local talent Fariqe Hairuman.
2. Proton Persona BTCC
Another Proton machine that competed in the prestigious touring car championship in the UK is the Persona, this time by the Welch Motorsport team. They used the Persona for five years in the BTCC.
This racing class used the same standards: a 2.0-liter turbo engine, suspension, electronics, and gearbox for all teams. It is understood that the Persona BTCC engine was capable of generating 408hp!
3. Satria Neo S2000
Perhaps the most popular Proton racing car on this list, not only because it was used in rallies abroad but also because it was featured on Top Gear.
Despite the “S2000” in its name, it did not use a Honda S2000 engine as many netizens assumed. Instead, S2000 refers to the FIA Super 2000 class of rallying it competed in. The engine came from the Waja 1.8 with internal racing components, and its displacement was increased to 1,998cc, essentially making it a 2.0-liter engine. It produced around 278hp at 7,600rpm.
The Satria Neo S2000 also received a wide aggressive body kit, a four-wheel-drive system, a ChroMo Steel Tube roll cage, a 6-speed Xtrac gearbox with LSD, and brakes from Alcon.
4. Proton Gen2 and Satria Neo MSS
The next machines we compile are the Satria Neo and Gen2 used for the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) in 2011. Both cars were from the official Proton R3 team and used a 1.6-liter engine for the 1.6 Touring Car category.
The Satria Neo R3 was driven by Faidzil Alang, and the Gen2 R3 was driven by Syafiq Ali, and they achieved outstanding results throughout the racing season.
5. Proton PERT Saga Iswara 4WD Turbo
Next on the list is a rather cool machine for us, the Proton PERT Saga Iswara 4WD Turbo. Yes, it was equipped with a turbo engine and a 4WD system, quite radical compared to the standard version.
This machine was used for Group S rallies from 1991 to 1994. It had a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine with a MoTEC Engine Management System, producing 337hp. It had a sequential 6-speed gearbox with center coupling and LSD on the front and rear.
The specifications were quite impressive!
6. Proton Wira PERT AWD Turbo
Another PERT machine for rallying use, the Proton Wira was also equipped with a turbo engine, AWD system, and cool white rims.
7. Bonus: Proton Satria GTI (video game)
Finally, in our list, we have a bonus: a racing machine in a video game! The Proton Satria GTI race version in the TOCA Race Driver game, released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Windows, and Xbox platforms. The writer still remembers driving this Satria GTI on the Monza track in Italy in this game. Bringing back memories!
Credit: Tekan Minyak, Careta, Autobuzz, The Checkered Flag UK, Paultan, Proton Motorsports, Wapcar, Weekend Octane
ISUZU D-Max owners displayed their patriotic spirit when they participated in the Isuzu Merdeka Convoy as part of the company’s initiative to celebrate Malaysia’s 67th independence day.
Some 3,300 participants using 900 Isuzu D-Max gathered at 36 Isuzu outlets around the country from Alor Setar to Keningau before heading out on their respective convoys to points of interest within their region.
Various activities were organised for participants to enjoy their Merdeka celebrations including durian fests, white water rafting, glamping, treasure hunts, picnics and many more.
The Isuzu Merdeka Convoy this year follows through on the success of the Merdeka Convoy 66 held last year that was graced by some 600 Isuzu D-Max vehicles. As the largest ever simultaneous parade of Isuzu D-Max in the country, the convoy sought to bring owners together to celebrate the historical date in the country’s history.
“Through the success of the Merdeka Convoy 66, owners have voiced their satisfaction and eagerness to participate in similar outings that develop camaraderie among Isuzu D-Max owners hence we hope to continue developing such activities for our owners,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shunsuke Okazoe.
Okazoe said this when he flagged off the convoy at the Indah Utara outlet in Alor Setar, Kedah where participants in 80 Isuzu D-Max headed out to the Tasoh Lake Resort in Perlis to enjoy the drive and a day filled with fun activities.
Toyota seeks to commemorate the 51st anniversary of its first World Rally Championship (WRC) victory by launching the limited edition GR Yaris model.
With a production limit of 51 units exclusively for the Italian market, the Toyota GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition comes with a unique specification package.
For example, it features a distinctive red decal graphic design inspired by the Corolla 1600 Coupe which won the Press On Regardless Rally championship in Michigan in 1973.
Moreover, this limited edition GR Yaris is adorned with TGR Italy emblems on both the exterior and interior, complete with production serial numbers.
Each of the four wheel arches is adorned with 18-inch forged rims in Heritage Gold color, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.
Despite these cosmetic changes, no alterations have been made to the heart of the car, the 1.6-liter turbo G16E-GTS three-cylinder inline engine capable of producing 276 hp.
All 51 units of the GR Yaris TGR Italy Limited Edition are offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Reservations for this limited edition model will commence on the Toyota Italy website on September 9, and each unit will be sold at €67,500 (RM325,917).
Interested buyers will need to pay a deposit of €2,000 (RM9,657), and notably, Toyota also provides a test drive session in a racing car, two VIP passes for the TGR Italy 2025 event, special car protection, and branded sportswear from Gazoo Racing.
For most automotive brands in Malaysia, local assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued competitiveness in the local automotive market.
It goes without saying that national carmakers such as Proton and Perodua run their own assembly plants in the country; however, for foreign brands, completely knocked-down (CKD) operations allow them to offer products at more competitive prices.
Through support and various incentives offered by the government, Malaysia has become host to several vehicle production plants from leading brands. Here are five automotive production plants in the country that you should know about:
Proton Shah Alam & Tg. Malim
The Proton vehicle assembly plant in Shah Alam began operating in 1985, the same year the original Proton Saga was launched. This plant also produced many other important models such as the Wira, Waja, Exora, and Satria.
Proton is reportedly planning to relocate its entire manufacturing operations in Shah Alam to Proton City, Tanjong Malim by 2027. The RM1.8 billion plant, opened in 2003, covers an area of 517 hectares. In addition to producing the latest models such as X50 and X70, the plant also assembles the 1.5 TGDI engine.
Perodua Sg. Choh, Rawang
Perodua’s headquarters sits on a 522-acre site in Sungai Choh, Rawang. In addition to its corporate building, an R&D facility, a test track, and various other facilities, it also houses two vehicle assembly plants: Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), which was opened in 2016.
According to Perodua, both plants have a vehicle production capacity of up to 320,000 vehicles a year. Perodua also has engine and transmission production plants, both located in Sendayan TechValley.
Toyota Shah Alam & Bukit Raja
The first locally assembled Toyota vehicle was the Corolla KE10, assembled at the Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam. In 1975, the plant was renamed Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).
With increasing demand and the need for a new, more modern plant, UMW Toyota in 2019 opened its second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, where the latest models such as Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross are manufactured.
Honda Pegoh, Melaka
Honda began its CKD operations in the country in 2003 with the assembly of the second-generation Honda CR-V at its Pegoh, Melaka plant. The plant, covering an area of 46,543 square feet, can produce up to 50,000 cars per year.
In 2014, a second assembly line was launched, allowing Honda Malaysia to double their annual production to 100,000 units of vehicles annually and 400 units daily.
Volvo Shah Alam
The Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, located in Shah Alam, is the oldest automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. It began operations in March 1967 through the assembly of the Volvo 144.
Interestingly, it is also the first Volvo plant opened outside of Volvo’s home country, Sweden. Today, the plant produces a range of Volvo PHEV and BEV cars such as XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge.
Do you want to know about some of the largest machines in the world? You are in the right article. The following list will showcase some giant machines such as construction vehicles, ships, aircraft, and mining equipment. Keep reading and expand your knowledge.
1. Giant Bucket Wheel Excavator
The Giant Bucket Wheel Excavator is the second largest machine in the world, named Bagger 293. This is the giant among large machines. It was built in Germany in 1995. This machine has a height of 96 meters and a length of 225 meters. It also weighs 14,061 tons.
2. The Prelude
Here is The Prelude, the largest ship in the world, surpassing the Emma Maersk. It was commissioned and set sail in South Korea. The Prelude is not just a ship, but more of a floating gas processing facility. It measures 487 meters in length, 45 meters in height, and weighs 600,000 tons.
3. Stratolaunch
Introducing the world’s largest aircraft, Stratolaunch. It was unveiled by Paul Allen before his death in 2018. This aircraft has a wingspan of 117 meters and weighs 580 tons. It requires six engines to fly and is designed to launch rockets from air to space, hence its name.
4. Belaz 75710
The next machine on this list is indeed a giant. Powered by a hybrid diesel engine, Belaz 75710 was built for one purpose only – to transport a vast amount of earth and rock. Its two 16-cylinder engines provide a torque of 18,626Nm, which is more than the combined total of 20 pickup trucks.
5. Komatsu D575A Superdozer
The Komatsu D575A Superdozer is the largest and most powerful bulldozer in the world. It is manufactured at the Komatsu plant in Ishikawa, Japan. This giant bulldozer stands at 5 meters in height, 14.5 meters in length, and 7 meters in width.
6. Le Tourneau L-2350
A bit of a tongue-twister, this machine is the world’s largest wheel loader, capable of lifting loads up to 72 tons. Its bucket has a volume of 40.52 cubic meters and is powered by a 2,300hp engine.
7. Liebherr 9800 Mining Excavator
Here is the largest mining excavator in the world, the Liebherr 9800. It weighs around 810 tons and has a bucket capacity of 47 cubic meters. Truly massive and fitting for its job.
8. NASA Crawler Transporter
The NASA crawler transporter is designed to move entire rockets. Despite being 50 years old, it is still robust in service, measuring 40 meters in length and 35 meters in width. It weighs 2,720 tons. This crawler transporter can travel at a speed of 1 mile per hour (1.6km/h). Only two units are in service, with one having covered a distance of 2,207 miles (3,552km). Quite a journey it has made!
9. Taisun Crane
Another giant machine on this list is a crane. When building large machines, you certainly need a larger crane to help lift components. The Taisun crane at a port in China can surely assist. It is said to be the largest crane in the world, with a lifting capacity of up to 20,000 tons.
10. Antonov An-225 Mriya
Lastly on the list is another aircraft. The Antonov An-225 Mriya is officially the largest operating cargo aircraft in the world. With a wingspan of 88.4 meters and a length of 84 meters, the An-225 weighs 285 tons empty. Despite its size and weight, it is powered by six high-power turbofan engines, each with a thrust of 23,000kg. First released in 1988, the An-225 has 32 tires and can maneuver on a runway with a width of 60 meters.
JAECOO Malaysia has announced that it has started customer deliveries of the J7 AWD, which was officially launched in July.
The company stated that 500 units of the J7 have been delivered so far, following the delivery of the first 500 units of the J7 to dealers last August.
“We deeply appreciate the excitement of our customers who are looking forward to driving their dream Jaecoo J7 SUV home or on adventures off the beaten track.
Alongside our commitment to delivering vehicles on schedule, JAECOO Malaysia is taking the necessary time and effort to ensure all vehicles are of the highest quality that meet stringent international safety standards,” said Leo Chen, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia.
As for the 2WD variant of the J7, Jaecoo says it is preparing to deliver the model to dealerships ahead of the initial September date.
Jaecoo has also announced the launch of an owners club known as the J-Club. According to Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia, every Jaecoo vehicle owner will automatically become an elite J-Club member who will be able to enjoy additional benefits.
“This includes personalised service from highly trained personnel dedicated to ensuring peace of mind for each owner,” said Emily.
The J-Club will also allow members to enjoy limited-time offers such as maintenance service deals and the opportunity to participate in social activities, such as J-Club organized events including glamping excursions and car care workshops.
Members will also receive exclusive invitations involving artist collaborations, auto show invitations, and the opportunity to visit the brand’s manufacturing plant in China.
Jaecoo will host its inaugural J-Club gathering event on September 7 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Sentul Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.
J-Club members will be kept informed about Jaecoo’s latest updates through email, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and WeChat, and the J-Club Facebook page.
We should be grateful because the cars we can buy today come with various advanced technologies. Most of these technologies are designed to facilitate driving and improve safety.
However, did you know that many of the technologies present in today’s cars actually come from the aviation and aerospace world? We will share the top five main technologies.
1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system or commonly known as ABS was first used in the aviation industry since the 1950s. Aircraft at that time were equipped with anti-lock brakes called Decelostat to enhance stability during landing on slippery and rough surfaces.
Some of the early aircraft equipped with anti-lock brakes were the Avro Vulcan, de Havilland Comet 2c, Hawker Siddeley Trident, and Dutch Fokker F27.
ABS began to appear in luxury cars in the 1980s. Now, ABS brakes have become a mandatory and essential feature for modern cars.
2. Head-Up Display (HUD)
The Head-Up Display (HUD) is a clear display in the aircraft cockpit positioned at the pilot’s line of sight in the front mirror. It displays important flight information such as airspeed, altitude, horizon line, and other indicators. Pilots can access this information without diverting their gaze from the front mirror, thereby enhancing flight safety.
Today, HUD has emerged in the automotive world, displaying information such as speed, speed limits, music, and even navigation directions. Its purpose remains the same, to prevent drivers from shifting their attention away from the front. However, HUD is still considered a premium feature for cars.
3. Autopilot
As the name suggests, autopilot is a feature where the aircraft can fly itself steadily. However, it is not engaged throughout the flight. Autopilot is usually activated when the aircraft is at a steady altitude, constant speed, and fixed direction. This can reduce the pilot’s workload for long-haul flights, which would otherwise be exhausting for the pilot to control manually throughout the journey.
The first aircraft equipped with autopilot was the Sperry Corporation in 1912. Autopilot was mechanically linked to the aircraft’s control system. Today, in the aviation world, the autopilot feature is highly advanced with various automatic and electronic controls.
In the automotive world, autopilot uses special radar and cameras to read the road, signs, and lane markings, allowing the car to be driven automatically while maintaining speed and distance from the vehicles ahead.
4. Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber has been developed for 150 years to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. It produces a very hard yet lightweight material, making it highly suitable for the aviation industry. A lightweight aircraft not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances flight performance.
The process of producing carbon fiber today is slightly different from 100 years ago, but its goal and properties remain the same.
For aircraft, carbon fiber is used in the aircraft body and jet engine components. In the automotive world, carbon fiber was first used in racing cars due to its suitability for racing needs – lightweight and strong.
Now, carbon fiber is increasingly found in everyday cars. The most common components made of carbon fiber are spoilers, skirts, and interior car panels.
5. Turbocharger
The turbocharger is powered by a turbine that introduces more air into the combustion engine to enable it to produce more power. It is very suitable for the aviation industry because aircraft engine sizes can be compact or small but still produce sufficient power for flight performance.
As expected, turbochargers later entered the automotive world, initially in racing.
Today, turbocharged engines are very common not only in high-performance cars but also in everyday cars for tasks such as school runs.
Turbocharging in cars is no longer just for performance, but also for fuel savings and improving engine efficiency
In the Thailand market, Carryboy company has begun offering full-spec motorhome packages for owners of the Hilux Champ pickup truck model who prioritize comfort while traveling.
The same module can actually be fitted onto larger pickup trucks like the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton.
Depending on the selected specifications, this motorhome is capable of accommodating up to six people at a time.
It provides a living area that can be transformed into a sleeping area, in addition to other amenities such as LED lighting system, storage space, 80-liter refrigerator, cooking area, 32-inch TV, and air conditioning unit.
On the exterior, Carryboy also installs electric-powered side steps, awning roof, and a pull-out cooking option.
There is a 100-liter fresh water tank for the bathroom and toilet use.
The motorhome also comes with a 9,600 Wh capacity battery that can be upgraded to 19,200 Wh or 28,800 Wh for those who wish to remain off-grid for longer periods.
Owners can also take advantage of hot weather by installing solar panels on the roof to extend the battery life.
The engine power remains standard, with the 2.4-liter diesel heart capable of producing up to 148 hp and 343 Nm of torque to drive the rear wheels through the automatic gearbox.
However, Carryboy also offers an upgraded suspension system option with new shock absorbers that can further increase the ground clearance of the Hilux Champ.
For those who prefer a more compact package, Carryboy offers the Touring Package, including a rear module with organized storage space, and a rooftop tent that can accommodate two adults.
The price for the Touring Package starts from THB 450,000 (RM57,298) for the rear module, and THB 32,500 (RM4,138) for the rooftop tent.
Those interested in the comprehensive motorhome package mentioned earlier can budget from THB 1,997,000 to THB 2,389,000 (RM254k-RM304k).
Despite carrying the Hilux name, the Hilux Champ actually has a smaller size and is positioned below the pickup truck model as a more compact and affordable alternative (priced from THB 459,000 or RM58,444).
Starting next year, motorcycles with a capacity of 150cc and above must be equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), as reported by Bernama.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the Malaysian Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, ABS can reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 31% in accidents, based on a report from the World Health Organization.
“I am confident that this initiative will reduce road user deaths in Malaysia and inspire other ASEAN countries to take similar steps, making motorcycles safer across the region,” he said during his speech at the Asian Road Safety Conference (CARS).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong were also present at the event.
Ahmad Zahid also proposed expanding the Motorcycle Assessment Program Malaysia (MyMAP) rating system beyond Malaysia to enhance motorcycle safety worldwide.
“Through this, we can identify which motorcycles from which companies are safer and vice versa,” he said.
THE Ministry of Defense has issued a tender for the upgrade of six units of C-130 Hercules aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
The tender was announced in several local newspapers and on the ministry’s website on August 20. However, it was not posted on the E-perolehan website.
The tender is related to upgrading the avionics of the transport aircraft. Interested bidders can participate in a visit scheduled for August 29, and the tender will close on October 10. The bidding documents cost RM1,500 and will be returned to unsuccessful bidders.
The RMAF’s C-130 upgrade program has been ongoing for the past two decades. Considering that the aircraft, known as Hercules, will be in use until 2040, upgrading the avionics section is necessary.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the aircraft. The YC-130A prototype made its maiden flight on August 23, 1954.
The RMAF has ten C-130 Hercules aircraft, including several C-130H-30 variants and four aerial refueling variants, KC-130H. All the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft are stationed in Squadron 20 at Subang Air Base and Squadron 14 at Labuan Air Base.
The lifespan of the luxurious electric sedan Mercedes-Benz EQS may not last as long as expected.
This is because according to the latest report from Autocar, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed that the electric sedan will be replaced with an electric version of the S-Class.
“In the future, there will be two versions of the S-Class, namely ICE and electric,” he said.
Unlike the current approach, Mercedes-Benz will use the same design for both models, although they will not be based on the same platform.
According to the report, the electric S-Class sedan will be built on a specific EV platform, while the ICE version will continue to use the improved MRA architecture.
The approach of the same design for two different powertrain models has already been used by its competitor BMW in the new generation models of the 5-Series and 7-Series.
The name EQS is also likely to be dropped, referring to the long name used by the previously launched electric-powered G-wagen (G580 with EQ Technology).
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the first 911 Turbo model, Porsche introduces a lineup of up to 12 sneaker designs for enthusiasts to own.
All 12 sneaker designs are produced through a collaboration with the sportswear manufacturer Puma, with each model limited to 911 units.
In line with the theme, two models from the sneaker collection have historical significance and are inspired by iconic Porsche models.
For instance, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker design is based on the legendary Porsche model presented to Louise Piëch on her 70th birthday.
Crafted using full-grain leather, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker features a metallic silver exterior with a red/blue tartan pattern inside, reminiscent of the interior trim of the first 911 Turbo model.
On the other hand, the Turbo 930 sneaker design pays tribute to Dr. Ferry Porsche’s turbo model from 1976.
The Turbo 930 sneaker showcases nubuck leather in Oak Green Metallic color with a green tartan pattern on the interior lining.
For the local market, the Turbo No. 1 and Turbo 930 sneakers in the exclusive polar blue color will be available starting from August 29, 2024, at all Porsche Centers, limited to only 150 pairs.
Buyers will also receive additional shoelace sets and an exclusive black Porsche Puma sports bag.
In July, Ford Australia added a new variant to the Ranger lineup known as the Tremor. Now, it’s the Everest’s turn to receive the same off-road-focused treatment.
At first glance, you will immediately know that the Everest Tremor is not your average Everest. It boasts a more rugged appearance courtesy of a new, more aggressive bumper fitted with auxiliary LED lights, front tow hooks, and a steel bash plate.
Not only that, the combination of Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and 17-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT3 tyres provide the SUV with an additional ground clearance of one inch, giving it an even more menacing stance.
The interior is adorned with ebony leather-accented seats embossed with Tremor logo, as well as all-weather floor mats. Perhaps what’s more important is the addition of a Rock Crawl drive mode carried over from the Ranger Raptor.
Meanwhile, the Everest’s advanced driver assistance system consisting of features like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Speed Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, is retained.
Customers planning to go further than the beaten path can opt for the Rough Terrain Pack offered at no additional cost. It includes a stealth bar and underbody protection from ARB, as well as an auxiliary switch bank.
The Ranger Tremor is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine producing 250 PS at 3,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm. Power is sent to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system.
In Australia, the Ranger Tremor is available in four colours: Command Grey, Meteor Grey, Shadow Black, and Arctic White, with prices starting from AUD 76,590 (RM 225,000).
Often we hear spooky stories involving highways in Malaysia. This is because there is a belief that there are spirits of accident victims haunting certain highway areas.
However, we must always be cautious on the road to ensure a safe journey to our destination and to avoid unwanted incidents from occurring. A girl shared her experience of getting lost on the Kajang-Seremban highway late at night due to her GPS leading her to a location that sent shivers down everyone’s spines.
Read the full story below:
Greetings Fiksyen Shasha readers, I’m Wawa. I want to share a story of my own experience. This story took place in the year 2015. It was a Friday evening. That night, my friend Hana and I had planned to go out for dinner. I set out from my home in Hulu Langat towards Hana’s house in Putrajaya at 9 PM.
We decided to have dinner in Nilai town that night (I don’t know why, suddenly she suggested we eat there).
After we finished eating, it was already 11:30 PM. I decided to stay at my aunt’s house in Mantin, as both of us were feeling sleepy by then (that’s what happens when you decide to eat far away, haha).
Besides, Mantin wasn’t far from Nilai. I wasn’t quite sure of the way to Mantin, as I rarely visited, so I set the GPS to Kolej Lagenda because my aunt’s house was in the apartment area nearby. That was the only landmark I could remember. We started our journey, passing through the Pajam area, the GPS kept showing us to go straight and straight, then it directed us to turn left. There, we entered a residential area with terrace houses. It seemed old and dark. All the houses there looked old. Maybe they were all trying to save on electricity. But there was something strange… Me: I don’t remember having to pass through this housing area with my mom. Is the GPS correct?
Hana looked at the GPS again, checking the screen displaying the route. Hana: It’s showing this direction, let’s just keep going straight ahead there. Another 500m.
I was puzzled because my aunt’s house was in an apartment, not a terrace house.
Old. Dark. Silent.
I slowly drove towards the direction indicated by the GPS, and the GPS voice said ‘You have arrived at your destination’.
I froze. In my heart, I recited many prayers. In front of me was a temple, surrounded by bushes. The temple looked ancient. I looked at Hana, and Hana looked at me.
Me: What location did you set earlier?
Hana: Kolej Lagenda, see, it’s here.
I checked, and indeed, it was pointing to the right location. I turned the car around, trying to find a way out. In that residential area, I could easily get lost trying to find the way out. I reset the location to Kolej Lagenda, but the GPS still directed us towards the temple. I told Hana, “Na, recite Ayatul Kursi a lot, Na.” Shortly after, I finally found a way out. The clock showed 12:30 AM. I resumed the journey. The location was reset. But another strange incident happened. Suddenly, we entered a village. There was a small roundabout, and the GPS directed us to take the first exit (clockwise).
We continued until we were instructed to ‘turn right’. I didn’t turn right immediately; I braked suddenly. Hana was startled and asked me.
Hana: Wawa, why did you brake suddenly? Scared me.
Me: Hana, are you sure the GPS said to turn right? Seriously?
Hana: Yes, see, it’s right here.
Me: Hana, this way (pointing with my finger).
‘Muslim Cemetery’
Hana was stunned. Silent. Speechless.
I quickly accelerated the car forward. In my heart, if there were houses or open areas, I wanted to turn and leave immediately. And I turned in front of an old wooden house. My eyes caught something. A tattered white cloth hung on the stairs of the wooden house. The house was dimly lit, making the white cloth stand out. I dared not look left or right. I quickly turned the car in a flustered state. I don’t know if Hana saw it. I passed by the cemetery again, and the GPS directed us to turn left (since I had turned earlier, the cemetery was on the left).
But this time, I did not turn left immediately. Until we reached the same roundabout, which was puzzling. I circled the roundabout three times, returning in front of the cemetery, but I couldn’t see the way out. I felt uneasy.
I stopped by the side of the road but not near the cemetery. Hana remained silent.
The GPS repeatedly directed us to return to the same place. I couldn’t see any houses except for the old wooden house.
I recited Al-Fatihah, Ayat Kursi, and the 3 Qul many times. Only then did I see a signboard indicating the direction to Nilai, Pajam, etc.
I left the area, and then Hana said, “Hey, just sleep at your place. Then head to the LEKAS highway.” I agreed. We exited the LEKAS highway from Mantin. I thought the disturbance had ended, but something else happened…
We drove through the LEKAS highway via the Mantin exit. The time showed 3 AM. From 12:30 AM to 3 AM.
I was physically and mentally exhausted, but I continued the journey, eager to arrive quickly. At first, after the Mantin exit, I could still see 2-3 cars speeding ahead, leaving behind my Myvi. In my mind, “Yes, there are other cars.”
Hana, however, remained silent since entering the LEKAS highway. I asked Hana, “Hana, are you okay? Normally, from Mantin to Hulu Langat, there aren’t many cars, 30-40 minutes is enough.”
But Hana remained silent, just bowed her head and said, “Hmm…” Maybe she was tired, so I left her alone.
I continued the journey, but at that time, there were no cars on either side. My car’s speedometer showed 120km/h, but I felt like my car was unusually slow. “Na, why is my car so slow? Even after stepping on the gas, it feels like it’s moving like a tortoise.”
Hana didn’t respond, just kept her head down. I turned to look at Hana, and saw a white fabric hanging outside her window. I looked back to the front.
I checked the rear-view mirror. Pitch dark. I couldn’t see any white road lines or street lights. I looked at the side mirror. I could only see the white road lines. I felt uneasy.
I took my Yaasin CD and put it into the player. Suddenly, Hana turned it off. I turned it back on, and Hana turned it off again. This girl, playing games with me. I turned it back on and raised the volume. I left my hand on the radio.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Hana staring at me intently. Suddenly, she bit my hand. I screamed in pain, fortunately not losing control of the steering wheel. Hana started alternating between crying and laughing, rambling.
I recited the Ruqyah verses I remembered, I was too scared to look at Hana. Suddenly, Hana said, “Are you scared? Hahahahahahahahaha!”
Then she continued laughing and rambling. She pushed me, screaming at the top of her lungs. The car almost lost control, almost hitting the divider several times.
I shouted “Allahu Akbar” three times and then made the Iqamat. I didn’t know what to do. Ahead, I could see the toll. After paying the toll, I stopped the car by the side of the road. I saw that Hana was silent, slumped over, possibly unconscious.
I called my parents. It was 3:45 AM. At 4:30 AM, my parents arrived with an ustaz. The ustaz drove my car to their place.
There, he restored Hana’s spirit, advised her to rest, and my family took her to my parents’ house. I called Hana’s parents after Fajr.
At 10 AM, Hana woke up, still feeling dizzy. I told her to shower and eat. Her parents had arrived at my house by then. I asked Hana what happened last night. She said when she exited the LEKAS highway, she saw someone wearing a white garment waving at her.
She then looked down, and after that, her mind and body felt weak.
“Something was bothering you, your hijab was secure. You are a young unmarried woman; you should be at home at this time of the night. Your friend’s spirit was also weak, and coincidentally, she’s elderly, so it’s easier for that thing to disturb. Luckily, she didn’t follow you home; otherwise, it might have been harder to protect you both. From now on, don’t go outside at night,” the ustaz said to me.
Since then, Hana and I stopped going out at night. We always made sure to be home before 10 PM, haha.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
