More than 19,000 vehicles including express buses have been inspected by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in a joint operation from 2 July to 31 July. According to the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, in the operation, a total of 667 buses were taken action against for various offenses.
“The Joint Special Operation focuses on ensuring that all express buses are in safe condition, driven by competent license holders, and that the vehicles comply with all relevant legal provisions set forth.
“From the inspection of 2,547 express bus drivers, 26 drivers tested positive for drugs.
“A total of 19,456 vehicles were inspected; 667 were taken action against; 14 were seized by the Road Transport Department (JPJ); 1,600 notices issued under JPJ P22, Section 61 (1) Section 59, and others.
“In this operation, the JPJ, in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), conducted urine screening tests on express bus drivers,” he said.
Anthony also added that JPJ carried out a Special Operation on Commercial Vehicles focusing on goods and public service vehicles. This pertains to technical violations, traffic violations, and major offenses starting from 1 August to 31 August 2024.
“Findings from 1 August to 5 August show that 21 drivers tested positive for drugs, based on urine screening tests conducted on 276 commercial vehicle drivers during the five days of the operation.
“This means that for every 13 drivers, one is detected to be under the influence of drugs while on duty, driving on the road. This is a concerning situation,” he explained.
He emphasized that JPJ will not compromise with incompetent drivers handling commercial and public service vehicles. He further stated that these measures are to ensure the safety of all road users and reduce the rate of road accidents.
SPOILERS look stunning when installed on the right car, but did you know that this component actually has another use besides sprucing up your ride?
Like the name suggests, spoilers are tasked to “spoil” the airflow that affects the stability of the car. In other words, spoilers are used to reduce the negative effects of the airflow.
The popularity of spoilers began to rise around the 1960s when vehicle manufacturers were seeking ways to improve the aerodynamics of race cars.
Thanks to fuel economy regulations, spoilers later began to be widely used on passenger cars to allow manufacturers to achieve better fuel efficiency. The first car to come with a spoiler was the 1967 Dodge Charger.
Just by mentioning the word spoiler, you might imagine a wing-type spoiler that sits on the rear deck lid.
Yes, that is a spoiler, but spoilers also come in different shapes and sizes, and can be fitted to the front and sides of the car to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
When a car is moving at a high speed, a vast amount of air can flow underneath it, creating “lift” which reduces grip and affects the stability of the car.
This can be overcome by installing a spoiler or splitter beneath the front bumper. It essentially blocks the air flow from getting under the car and helps direct air to cool the brakes and other components.
At the rear, the air flow tends to be more turbulent, so a spoiler is used to generate downforce that will push the car down into the ground. This will provide the car with better traction, making it more stable and agile in turns.
That being said, installing a spoiler also has its drawbacks. Besides the added weight, the main problem with spoilers is that they also create drag that can affect the maximum speed and fuel efficiency.
Additionally, a high spoiler can obstruct the driver’s view, especially when looking at the rearview mirror while reversing.
With technological advancements, some manufacturers now offer active aero elements on their vehicles. The strong point of this system is that it can automatically adjust the aerodynamic features based on the vehicle’s speed.
Among the main components of active aerodynamics are the front grille, front splitter, diffuser, and spoiler. The first car to have active aero was the Porsche 959 but it was the Volkswagen Corrado that made the technology much more attainable.
ISUZU Malaysia has launched Isuzu Insurance Pro, a new comprehensive insurance policy designed to ensure their Isuzu vehicles and drivers are well protected.
According to the company, Isuzu Insurance Pro is available for all Isuzu vehicles, be it for new purchases or renewals.
It is underwritten by a panel of five major insurance and takaful companies and covers all D-Max models as well as the full range of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks such as ELF, FORWARD and GIGA including prime movers.
List of benefits include:
fast approvals for claims below RM20,000
unlimited number of free 300 km round-trip towing for D-Max
three free 100 km round-trip towing for ELF models
free all drivers coverage
flood relief benefits
key-loss coverage
motor personal accident coverage of up to RM10,000 for both policy holders and authorised drivers
Other benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, 10 years of betterment and excess exemption, and agreed value up to 10 years for D-Max and for the first year for Isuzu trucks.
All insurance claims made under the Isuzu Insurance Pro programme will be honoured with full Isuzu genuine parts as long as the vehicles are returned to authorized Isuzu centres for claim.
“By introducing Isuzu Insurance Pro, not only have we created a one-step solution for our customers, the numerous benefits that come with the policy ensures that our owners receive targeted, speedy and convenient protection that have been customized to exclusively benefit Isuzu owners,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer Shunsuke Okazoe.
Purchase of Isuzu Insurance Pro is only available through authorized Isuzu dealers beginning August 5 th 2024. Early subscribers will receive an early bird gift of an exclusive Isuzu Insurance Pro merchandise.
Suzuki Malaysia has recently launched a 250cc adventure vehicle, the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX for the local market after being first unveiled at last year’s KL Bike Show.
It is powered by a 249cc SOHC single-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 26.1 hp @ 9,300 rpm and torque of 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm, assisted by the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS) and Suzuki Easy Start System.
Features packed into this vehicle include telescopic front fork, single shock absorber with seven-stage preload adjustability, and 19-inch and 17-inch rims wrapped in MRF semi-block tires.
A dual-channel ABS system is provided as a standard feature complementing the disc brake system consisting of 310 mm front rotors and 240 mm rear rotors.
Furthermore, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX also showcases LED front and rear lighting units, sporty graphics, twin outlet exhaust muffler, windscreen, handlebar guard, and aluminum rear rack.
All essential information can be viewed through the negative LCD display screen, complete with customizable RPM indicator lights for the rider, and a USB slot for smart device charging.
The fuel tank capacity is 12 liters, accompanied by a ground clearance of 205 mm while the saddle height stands at approximately 835 mm.
Various accessories are also available, including handguard, 27-liter storage box, heated handlebar grips, fuel tank cover, wheel decals, and a choice of a 25 mm lower seat.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX is available in three colors, namely Champion Yellow No. 2, Pearl Blaze Orange, and Glass Sparkle Black.
The selling price for the Malaysian market starts at RM17,800.
In the final round of the GR GT Cup Malaysia simulation race held at Sunway University Campus the other day, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira emerged as the champion for the fourth consecutive time.
The 26-year-old teenager has now become the most successful simulation racer in the GR GT Cup Malaysia series, accumulating a total of 59 points, leaving Chong Kai Chang in second place and 2022 champion Muhammad Iqbal Suji in third.
With a total prize pool worth RM120,500, the GR GT Cup Malaysia is the most lucrative simulation racing series ever organized in the country.
According to Taj Izrin Aiman, he made the decision not to change tires when the rain began to fall after two laps, and this bold move allowed him to overtake other racers.
Chong is satisfied with improving his position from third place last year to second place this year.
He, who took home the RM15,000 prize, often practices with his friends using various racing strategies due to the major update received by Gran Turismo 7 involving game physics several days before the final event took place.
The third place was taken by Muhammad Iqbal, bringing home a cash prize of RM12,000.
UMW Toyota’s President Datuk Ravindran K said, “Throughout the seven seasons of organizing the GR GT Cup Malaysia, the competition has become increasingly intense, and each year the driving skills and level of race craft displayed by the finalists are at a higher level.
“This is what we at Toyota aim to achieve, and I am very pleased that we can make an impact on motorsports in Malaysia, whether in the virtual world or through racing circuits such as the GR Vios Challenge and GR Young Driver Development Program.”
The GR GT Cup Malaysia 2024 also featured a race involving 10 finalists selected from the GR GT Cup Malaysia Campus Tour.
Among those who garnered attention was the presence of 14-year-old young racer Ethen Low from St Michael’s Institution, who managed to seize second place.
Meanwhile, Raja Amirul Syauqat has been selected to join the GAZOO Racing Young Driver Development Program and is expected to make an appearance in the Vios Challenge through the Rookie Class.
Additionally, there was a special race organized for Toyota GAZOO Racing rookie racers and media practitioners, aside from the Team Championship, where finalists from the GR GT Cup were combined with Campus Tour participants with the aim of finding new talent to be guided by professional racers.
PROTON has announced that Malaysia’s first local electric vehicle (EV) will officially be known as the Proton e.MAS 7. The electric vehicle brand was revealed last June and will be managed by Pro-Net.
The e.MAS 7 is developed based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and has dimensions of 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
The GMA platform supports Cell-to-Body (CTB) architecture which enhances structural strength, increase interior space, improves stability in high-speed cornering, and overall handling.
Proton says the e.MAS 7 will feature a 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system,, although specific details such as motor count and output are yet to be disclosed.
The powertrain gets its juice from Geely’s Aegis short blade battery, which is said to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and better durability.
The interior is yet to be revealed, but according to Proton, the e-MAS 7 will be equipped with the Flyme Auto Connectivity System that integrates with the local IHU system.
There’s a Telematic Service Provider that supports various advanced functions, bringing intelligent technology directly to the consumer.
At the preview, Proton reiterated that the e.MAS 7 was developed in collaboration with Geely and is not merely a rebadge of the Geely Galaxy E5, as previously assumed by many.
Over 100 Proton engineers were involved in the project. The e.MAS 7 has undergone rigorous testing, with 700,000 manhours and 10 million kilometres of testing performed to verify its durability and reliability.
Since the announcement of the e.MAS brand name and the subsequent introduction of 18 Proton e.MAS outlets in June, Pro-Net has now expanded its reach to a total of 29 outlets.
The company aims to have 25 Proton e.MAS showrooms operational before the launch of the public launch of the e.MAS 7.
Good news for those looking for a practical GR vehicle for daily use.
This is because Toyota has just updated the five-door hot hatch GR Corolla for the 2025 model year by offering an automatic gearbox as an option alongside the six-speed manual transmission variant.
The Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) gearbox has made its official debut through the previous GR Yaris hot hatch model earlier this year.
Unlike the auto transmission found in the GR Supra and GR86, which shift gears based on speed and G-force, the GR Corolla gearbox uses input from the brake pedal and throttle to anticipate the optimal time to shift gears.
In addition, Toyota has also reprogrammed the automatic transmission to offer gear ratios almost equivalent to those of a manual transmission, in addition to coming with a standard transmission cooling system.
The G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is capable of producing up to 300 hp, with the torque figure increased from 370 Nm to 400 Nm.
All 2025 GR Corolla variants now come standard with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials (LSD), along with a retuned suspension system for a more sporty driving experience.
For the 2025 model year, slight changes have been made to the front bumper where the GR Corolla now features improved brake cooling ducts and air curtains capable of reducing aerodynamic drag around the tires.
Toyota also offers an additional sub-radiator for extra cooling as standard for the Premium Plus model or as an option for the Premium model.
There have not been many changes made to the interior cabin, except for the addition of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, along with Launch Control system as standard for the DAT model.
Information regarding additional specifications and pricing will only be announced when the GR Corolla 2025 hits the dealerships in the upcoming winter season.
The first product to be born of the Proton-Geely partnership, the X70, has been in the market since December 2018.
During that period, it has received several updates to keep things fresh but for the 2025 model, Proton has given the SUV more comprehensive improvements.
Here’s what you need to know about the Proton X70 2025:
It is available in four variants, namely Standard, Executive, Premium, and Premium X.
Proton says the facelift model features 360 new components, with the R&D process taking 290,000 hours. Road tests have been conducted covering a distance of 4.2 million km.
The X70 2025 boasts a fresher carried over from the Geely Boyue facelift 2022. In addition to new LED lights, it comes with a larger grille with diamond-like studs, as well as a redesigned hood, front and rear bumpers, as well as tailgate.
It also gets newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels for the Premium and Premium X, and 18-inch for the Executive.
Five colours to choose from: Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.
The dashboard now features a piano black panel with 72-colour “rhythmic” ambient lighting.
Placed in the center of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are onboard.
Additionally, the X70 2025 receives a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey.
In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while its powered tailgate now has the Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation.
ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants. It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
With improvements in areas such as combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction, Proton claims the engine achieves a fuel consumption of 7.3 litres/100 km, which is 4% better than the X70 2022.
If you’ve noticed, in recent years, there has been a trend among automotive manufacturers where they are racing to display more concise and minimalist logos.
This is contrary to what has been practiced for decades, where most manufacturers showcase textured logos, three-dimensional appearances, glossy finishes, and various other approaches that have been widely used.
Leading brands such as Hyundai, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, and the newest entrants Honda and Mazda have changed their logos to be more streamlined.
Furthermore, this minimalist trend is also being followed by more luxurious brands like Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Rolls-Royce.
Here we list some automotive brands with more concise corporate logo presentations:
Before this, we reported news that a trio from Japan – Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi – would be joining forces. Now, this matter has been confirmed. Official.
The Honda-Nissan Alliance announced last March is now expanded with the inclusion of Mitsubishi. They will come together to discuss the best ways to collaborate in building electric vehicles (EVs) and their components.
Takao Kato, Representative Executive Officer, President, and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, stated: “Nissan and Honda’s discussions on a possible partnership have progressed, and we have decided to participate in this framework.
“Collaboration with partners is essential in today’s automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovations such as electrification and intelligence. We believe that we can discover new possibilities in a variety of fields through collaboration among the three companies.”
In related developments, Nissan and Honda will pool funds for the development of software for autonomous driving technology, connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI).
This collaboration will also include the development of battery-powered and electric-driven axles with shared motors and inverters.
The expanded alliance makes sense given the rapid rise of EVs from China. Instead of working entirely on their own—a lengthy and costly endeavor—the three companies are joining forces to accelerate development and achieve economies of scale.
Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi must face increasingly tougher competition as electric cars from China are significantly cheaper and more diverse.
This is not the first time Japanese companies have joined forces this year. A few months ago, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru also held a meeting to reaffirm their long-term commitment to combustion engines.
Toyota Corolla is perhaps a name widely known as the best-selling passenger car model on the face of the earth.
The Patent-Motorwagen model that appeared in 1885 is also recognized as the pioneer of modern cars.
But did you know, which vehicle model has the longest production period? Is it a Toyota?
Here is a list of 10 vehicles with the longest production periods in the world.
1. Chevrolet Suburban – 90 years
First produced in 1934, Chevrolet Suburban is recognized as the longest-running automobile nameplate in the world, spanning 12 generations to date.
It is also an iconic car, being recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for its role in pop culture.
2. Ford F-Series – 76 years
The most popular truck model in the United States is also the longest-produced truck model.
It has also been named as the best-selling truck in the US since 1981.
3. VW Transporter – 74 years
With over 12 million units, the VW Transporter is the best-selling van.
The Transporter has various variants including vans, minibuses, minivans, campervans, and pickups!
4. Land Cruiser – 73 years
Produced since 1951, the Land Cruiser is the longest-produced Toyota model, with sales exceeding 10 million units worldwide.
Despite being in a new generation, the Land Cruiser 70 Series, first produced since 1984, is still offered as a new model for 2024.
5. Chevrolet Corvette – 71 years
This iconic American sports car has been in production since 1953, and is now in its eighth generation.
The recently launched 2025 Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette model ever produced, with 1,064 hp and 1,123 Nm!
6. Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 70 years
Better known as Sonderklasse, the S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan that has been produced in several generations.
Although it has been produced since 1954, the S-Class name was officially used in 1972 for the W116 generation model after the W108 generation was discontinued.
7. Toyota Crown – 69 years
The Toyota Crown is marketed as a mid-size luxury sedan as an alternative to competitors like the Nissan Cedric, Honda Legend, Mazda Luce, Isuzu Bellel, and Mitsubishi Debonair.
In addition to being popular as a government official’s car, the Toyota Crown is also used as a police patrol car and taxi in Japan.
8. Nissan Skyline – 67 years
At the independence of Malaya, an iconic name was born by the Prince Motor Company, the Skyline.
To date, 13 generations of the Skyline have existed on the face of the earth, including several high-performance GT-R generations. For your information, the R35 is not classified as part of the Skyline family.
9. Mini – 65 years
Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the Mini is a small car produced by the British Motor Company (BMC) as a result of the fuel shortage crisis experienced in the UK in 1956.
Using the same platform, this original Mini was produced from 1959 until 2000 in hatchback, wagon, and convertible forms.
10. Porsche 911 – 60 years
This rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car was first produced since September 1964, with the original air-cooled engine before switching to a liquid-cooled engine in 1998.
Porsche reached the production milestone of one million 911 units in 2017, where the model is now displayed at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.
Chery Malaysia has announced the opening of a new showroom and service centre in Johor, owned and operated by dealer-partner Li Koon Auto Sdn. Bhd.
Located at No. 5 & No. 6, Jalan Kluang Perdana 1, Taman Kluang Perdana, 86000 Kluang, Johor, the new 3S centre covers 896 square meters and provides various services for Chery owners in the vicinity.
These include a fully equipped service centre with four service bays, all staffed by highly trained Chery technicians.
Chery Kluang is staffed by a team of highly trained professionals, ensuring that every customer’s needs are met with the highest standards of quality and care.
“Our mission is to offer high-quality vehicles and ensure that every customer receives the best possible care and support throughout their ownership journey,” said Network Director of Chery Malaysia Soon Boon Ping.
The showroom is open daily – from 9am to 6pm (Monday – Sunday) including Public Holidays. While the service centre is open from 8am to 5.15pm (Monday – Friday); 8am to 12.45pm (Saturday); closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Currently, Chery operates six showrooms and five service centres in Johor, along with two body and paint outlets, to comprehensively meet the needs of Chery customers in the state.
REBADGE is a production and marketing technique used by vehicle manufacturers. In terms of language, rebadge means changing the badge. More precisely, a car has its badge/logo replaced with another badge, and is then known by a different name.
There are many reasons for rebadging, such as market factors. If the Perodua brand is not well-received in Indonesia, the car is rebadged with a different brand that is more accepted by the market.
However, the primary reason for rebadging is cost. It saves production costs for a manufacturer from developing a new car. Simply take what is available, use a new badge. The ‘donor’ company then receives payment or incentive from it.
Let’s take a look at the most rebadged vehicles today. But first, there are conditions. Firstly, the vehicle must be sold under a different brand. So for example, if the Subaru Crosstrek and XV are sold under different names in different markets, that is not rebadging.
Secondly, the rebadged car must share a majority of body panels with the original vehicle. There should be no changes to the body design or lights, only the badge is changed.
Daihatsu Rocky
Beginning as the Daihatsu Rocky, this compact SUV was later transformed into the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa. It was then rebadged as the Subaru Rex. Yes, the Perodua Ativa is rebadged from the Daihatsu Rocky.
However, it must be noted that even though only the badge and cosmetics are changed, Perodua was also involved in the development of the Daihatsu Rocky from the beginning.
They have long planned to release different brands for different markets. But to the untrained eye, it still appears as a rebadge, and it meets our two criteria.
Suzuki Swift 1988
This is not the Suzuki Swift we know today, but the 1988 version. It was rebadged as the Geo Metro in the U.S., Chevrolet Sprint and Pontiac Firefly in Canada, Holden Marina in Australia, Maruti Suzuki 1000 in India, and Subaru Justy in Europe.
All in all, there were seven different models.
Opel Kadett C
The Opel Kadett C was based on the T-platform developed by GM. The Opel Kadett was rebadged as the Vauxhall Chevette, Chevrolet Chevette, Buick Opel, and Holden Gemini in Australia.
In Korea, it was rebadged as Saehan before becoming Daewoo, Isuzu Gemini, and finally in Argentina, as the GMC Chevette. In total, there were nine different models.
Isuzu Trooper Second Generation
Finally, the awaited car on this list, the Isuzu Trooper (second generation). Under Isuzu’s partnership with GM, it was sold as the Chevrolet Trooper in South America.
In Europe, it was sold as the Opel Monterey and Vauxhall Monterey. It was later known as the Holden Jackaroo in Australia, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon in Japan, and eventually became the Acura SLX as a more luxurious model.
A Chinese company, Sainjiu, also released the Trooper as a CKD model. In total, there were ten different models, making the Trooper the most rebadged vehicle in history.
Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia has further intensified the e-sports arena in Malaysia by organizing “Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top” from June 26 to July 5, 2024.
The simulation racing championship was held at several higher education institutions, including Segi University Kota Damansara, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long, and Asia Pacific University (APU), TPM Bukit Jalil, where it successfully attracted over 2,000 visitors, with over 530 participants adding to the excitement.
Bridgestone is the first tire manufacturer to collaborate with Forza Motorsport, one of the leading simulation racing platforms, where participants were given the opportunity to race using a Lamborghini Huracan STO in the Hakone Grand Prix.
The final round of the championship took place at APU on July 5, 2024, featuring 45 students who successfully recorded the best lap times.
It also included a special session for media practitioners and an Open Group Championship for the top 20 public participants.
Michael Chung, Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia), said, “We are very excited to bring the thrill of racing simulation to university students and motor sports enthusiasts.
“This competition not only bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms, but also provides inspiration and connects the public through a shared interest in motor sports.
In the challenge, three students, Brandon Ho, Chuo Chung Zhi, and Bryan Wong emerged as the top three racers, each taking home cash prizes of RM1,000, RM800, and RM500 respectively, along with trophies and Bridgestone merchandise.
National automaker Proton has today announced that the eagerly awaited X70 2025 is now open for booking.
Those interested can place their bookings for the SUV at any Proton 3S and 4S showroom with a deposit of RM500.
The latest upgraded version of Proton’s first SUV features a significantly refreshed exterior together with enhanced performance boosting both its aesthetic and driving appeal experience.
Nearly six years after it pioneered the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for premium C-segment SUVs, the 2025 X70 is upgraded with Level 2 ADAS for improved safety and convenience.
Another notable feature is the 12.3-inch infotainment head unit equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The PROTON Link app has the extended capability to start the engine remotely to cool down the vehicle.
The interior has been updated with Nappa leather seats in stone grey and multicolour rhythmic ambient light. Additional details will be revealed during the official launch soon.
Similar to the 2024 X50, the soon-to-launched 2025 X70 will have an amazing price and early bird package to award the customers for their trust and support.
CAR manufacturers showcase exciting new designs and technologies that may make into the market in the future through concept cars.
Depending on various factors, usually financial and market-related, some concept cars managed to see the light of day but many did not.
Here are 10 concept cars that should have been made into production models:
Lamborghini Estoque
Designed to compete with the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide, the Estoque featured a striking four-door coupe design and a screaming V10 engine sourced from the Gallardo. Unfortunately, the project was canceled due to market uncertainties at that time.
Yamaha OX99-11
This concept car amassed all of Yamaha’s automobile technology and know-how gained over the years since first manufacturing the Toyota 2000GT. It had a 3.5-litre V12 engine capable of spinning up to 10,000 rpm and a motorcycle-like seating configuration. Yamaha had to cancel its plan to sell the OX99-11 in 1994 due to the global economic recession.
Saab Aero-X
Saab’s Aero-X concept car was rather interesting, featuring a a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 400 hp and a seven-speed manual transmission. Though its aircraft-like cockpit canopy garnered attention at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, Saab’s then-boss Victor Muller said its production was not a priority.
Nissan IDx
Unveiled some 11 years ago, Nissan presented the IDx concept as a basis for an affordable rear-wheel-drive coupe. Due to unfavourable market conditions and various other factors, the spiritual successor to the iconic Datsun 510 remained a concept car to this day.
Hyundai N Vision 74
This writer rarely wants a Hyundai concept car to make it to production but the N Vision 74’s modern retro styling and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain generating 671 hp was too compelling to ignore.
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
It’s hard to believe that this sleek concept car was developed by the same company that made the PT Cruiser. The ‘ME’ in its name stands for ‘Mid-Engine’ while Four-Twelve refers to amount of turbochargers and engine cylinders. Sadly, the global financial crisis made it irrelevant.
Mitsubishi Concept-RA
Introduced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2008, the Concept-RA was a unique all-wheel-drive sports coupe as it came with a diesel engine. Not only that, its bulbous body panels were made from plastic resin.
Lotus Eterne
The Eterne, a four-door grand tourer with a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, was one of the five concept cars that was proudly showcased by Lotus at the 2010 Paris Motor Show that never made it to production.
Maserati Birdcage
Designed by Pininfarina, which took inspiration from the Tipo 63 race car, the Birdcage had a carbon fiber frame from the MC12 GT1 race car and a 700 hp V12 engine. As it lacked doors, the driver had to use the roof to get into the cabin.
Mazda Furai
Developed to be a street-legal race car, the Furai had a three-rotor rotary engine running exclusively on ethanol to produce 450 hp. Sounds interesting, but what happened to it? The gorgeous car burned to a crisp during a Top Gear test drive in 2008.
IN addition to the lineup of SUVs and several sedans offered today, Proton has also produced limousine models in the past. As we all know, a limousine is a longer version of a sedan, based on the sedan models that Proton was selling at that time.
It is important to remember that a limousine is distinct from the Executive version that Proton released. The Executive also has a longer wheelbase, but the rear doors are elongated and still connected to the front doors. Limousines have regular-sized rear doors, so with a longer wheelbase, they are separate from the front doors.
There are also limousine models that have six doors, meaning two additional doors between the front and rear. So in this article, let’s take a look at the Proton limousine models that you should know about.
Proton Saga and Iswara Limousine
Because the Saga and Iswara are two models that are almost identical with the same engine offerings, we include both of these models under one sub-topic. The Saga and Iswara Limousines were released in the 90s and offered in various lengths, namely 4.8 meters, 5.1 meters, and 5.5 meters. Interesting, isn’t it?
Even more intriguing is that their prices ranged from around RM69,800 to RM165,000, significantly cheaper compared to luxury brand limousines that typically cost two or three times as much. The Limousine models come with premium features such as a vinyl-coated roof, 14-inch alloy wheels, front and rear air conditioning units, and power windows.
They also include wind deflectors, a rear center armrest for rear passengers, chrome accents, a suede roof lining, and luxurious carpeting. The Proton Saga Grand Limousine was first showcased at the Shah Alam International Trade Exhibition in July 1990.
Proton Wira Grand Limousine
The Proton Wira Grand Limousine could be the answer for those who felt that the Wira Executive was not long enough. This is because the Wira Grand Limousine had an additional 915mm wheelbase compared to the standard sedan model.
Only 25 units were ever produced, making this Wira rarer than the Satria R3! Additionally, the Wira Grand Limousine was manufactured in Australia, not in Malaysia.
The Wira Limo is equipped with features such as a television with a video player, a boomerang antenna, Connolly leather upholstery, a table with drawers, a privacy partition between the front and rear, and an intercom system with the driver.
It also boasts sheepskin floor carpets, wood trim on the dashboard, rear reading lights, ambient lighting, and soft PVC-wrapped roof lining. Quite luxurious, especially during its release in 1996. The Wira Grand Limousine was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 113hp and 137Nm of torque. Its price at that time was RM108,358.97.
Proton Perdana Limousine
This is the older generation of the Perdana, before the V6 model was introduced. There isn’t much information available other than official images. It is believed to have used the same 4-cylinder engine as the Perdana SEi, the 2.0-liter 4G63.
Proton Perdana (Accordana) Limousine
For the Perdana, rebadged from the Honda Accord model, there were several limousine versions. The first was a more ‘common’ version for cabinet ministers with an additional 457mm in length, without many other changes.
Then there were three units specially built for Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, and one left-hand drive unit for the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Another version was more luxurious with limited production. This Perdana Limousine was exclusively made for the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir. This unit received Tun’s personal touch, starting with OZ Racing Italia 150 rims and a special red-themed rear cabin, complete with a Nespresso coffee machine.
The individual rear seats featured electric adjustments with controls mounted on door panels resembling those in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A Bose home theater audio system was also installed. At the front, it had a center-placed push-start button, electronic parking brake, and something rather extraordinary, a rotating gear knob akin to that of a Jaguar.
Proton Chancellor
The Proton Chancellor was based on the Waja, with an additional 250mm in length. It featured a different engine, using the V6 2.0-liter from the Perdana V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
This engine produced 150hp and 179Nm of torque. An interesting fact about the Proton Chancellor is that its prototype was sent to Spain for a 220,000km test on the uneven terrain of Belgian Pave.
According to Proton, the same test was also undertaken by Lotus vehicles. Additionally, structural enhancements were made to the chassis and roof, making the Proton Chancellor sturdier compared to the Perdana Executive. It was designed for high-ranking government officials and corporate executives. Its selling price at that time (2005) was RM138,000.
However, in our opinion, the Proton Chancellor is more akin to the Waja Executive. Our research indicates the existence of an actual elongated Waja Limousine. However, there is no further information available, and we suspect it utilized the standard 1.6-liter Campro engine.
Cycle & Carriage, a renowned automotive brand with a 125-year legacy, has announced a partnership with Stellantis Malaysia to expand the Peugeot brand under its product portfolio.
Initially, two existing Cycle & Carriage showrooms located in Cheras and Batu Caves will be utilized to showcase Peugeot vehicles under one roof with sales and after-sales services set to commence towards the fourth quarter of this year (Q4 2024).
This collaboration with Cycle & Carriage is part of an effort to further develop the distributor network of Stellantis Malaysia.
The aim is not only to strengthen their presence in the country but also to identify key locations to offer quality and easily accessible services to customers within the community.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce more brands under Stellantis Malaysia, as well as to expand the network to the northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia starting from 2025.
“We are excited to embark on a new chapter with Stellantis Malaysia, to offer customers an expanded product lineup, coupled with Cycle & Carriage’s expertise in automotive backed by our 125-year history. This aligns with our strategy to deliver exceptional journeys to a broader customer base, expand our market reach, and drive shareholder value.
“We truly believe that existing and future customers will greatly benefit from this partnership, offering easy access to a wider range of quality products based on their needs and quality services even after point of purchase,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.
Jamie Morais, Managing Director of Stellantis Malaysia expressed his gratitude and said “Today marks a significant milestone for Stellantis Malaysia, and we are thrilled to welcome our new dealer partner to our growing network. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and expanding our reach to better serve our valued customers.
“Cycle & Carriage’s reputation for excellence aligns perfectly with our values and we look forward to setting the new standards in the industry to provide unparalleled customer experience.”
THE Pagani Utopia is truly a work of art hypercar; with its sexy body design, V12 engine, manual gearbox, and luxurious sporty cabin. The only way to make it more appealing is with a convertible roof.
And that’s what Pagani has done. They are presenting the new Pagani Utopia Roadster.
Its body is made of exposed carbon fiber in Habanero Red. It features the same design as the coupe version, with round front lights, a large grille, round rear lights, quad exhausts, and “butterfly” doors.
The wheels are 21 inches in the front and 21 inches in the back, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa Cyber tires.
This hypercar is powered by the same heart, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 852hp and 1,100Nm of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through an electro-mechanical differential. Its top speed is 349 km/h, slightly lower than the coupe version.
As for the gearbox, owners can choose between a 7-speed manual or a 7-speed automated manual with paddle shifters.
Even with a removable hardtop roof, the Utopia Roadster weighs exactly the same as the coupe—2,822 pounds dry. Impressive. Pagani credits the strength and lightness of its advanced monocoque carbo-titanium chassis for helping maintain that weight. The company also used over 40 “formulas of composite materials” in the Utopia’s construction to help keep it light.
The interior isn’t any less spectacular than its fixed-roof counterpart. Carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum cover nearly every inch. The Utopia’s signature exposed gear linkage remains for the seven-speed manual, and the shifter itself has a polished carbon fiber insert.
The steering wheel may not look all that interesting at first glance, but it’s impressively detailed. It was constructed out of a single piece of 9,480-pound metal and took five-axis milling machines 28 hours of continuous work to complete. All told, the steering wheel weighs just 5.3 pounds.
As with the coupe, the Utopia Roadster will be a rare beast. Pagani only plans to offer 130 examples worldwide at a cost of USD3.4 million (RM15.46 mllion). The first Utopia Roadster makes its world debut during Monterey Car Week in August.
Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and Stanford Engineering said they have successfully performed tandem drifts with two self-driving Toyota GR Supras.
For nearly seven years, both teams have collaborated on research to make driving safer. But what does autonomous tandem drifting has to do with safety?
According to TRI, by adding a second car drifting in tandem, the teams have now more closely simulated dynamic conditions where cars must respond quickly to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Both cars were programmed to perform tandem drifting using the latest tools in AI. Algorithms on the lead car were developed at TRI, while Stanford engineers developed those on the chase car.
TRI focused on developing robust and stable control mechanisms for the lead car, allowing it to make repeatable, safe lead runs.
Meanwhile, the AI models and algorithms developed by Stanford enabled the chase car to adapt dynamically to the motion of the lead car so that it can drift alongside without colliding.
Both cars were modified by GReddy and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and built to the same specifications used in Formula Drift competitions to help the teams collect data with expert drivers in a controlled environment.
Both are equipped with computers and sensors that allow them to control their steering, throttle, and brakes while also sensing their motion. The cars share a dedicated WiFi network that allows them to communicate in real time by exchanging information such as their relative positions and planned trajectories.
To achieve autonomous tandem drifting, the vehicles must continually plan their steering, throttle, and brake commands and the trajectory they intend to follow using a technique called Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC).
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