The B66 Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road which was closed following a landslide tragedy that claimed 31 lives in December 2022, will be reopened today.
The District Public Works Department (JKR) of Hulu Selangor announced that the route will be open to all road users at 3 PM. In December 2022, the Ministry of Works announced that the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road was expected to be closed for a year to allow for repair works on the slopes and roads in the landslide incident area.
Last April, Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, was reported to have said that the repair project, involving approximately RM19 million in costs, had reached 86 percent completion, with remaining works including slope reinforcement and wall construction.
Renault has announced their first collaboration with Geely through the introduction of the latest hybrid SUV model Grand Koleos, at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.
There is no direct relation to the existing Koleos; the 2025 Grand Koleos is a rebranded SUV model based on the Geely Xingyue L.
It is not just a mere rebranding process, as Renault has given a distinct identity to this Grand Koleos model.
For instance, it features a more futuristic grille design, revamped LED headlight graphics, more angular quarter window design, along with minor changes to the bumpers and tailgate.
The Renault Grand Koleos measures 4,780 mm in length with a wheelbase stretching up to 2,820 mm, the longest in its class.
Moreover, the five-seater layout allows the Grand Koleos to offer a cargo capacity of 633 liters.
Renault also showcased the premium Esprit Alpine variant featuring blue accents, Alpine badges, 20-inch alloy wheels, complemented by a dark-themed cabin with Alcantara finishes and blue stitching.
All variants come with a setup of three 12.3-inch screens encompassing almost the entire dashboard dimensions.
Sharing the same CMA platform with Volvo XC40 and some Geely and Lynk & Co models, the Renault Grand Koleos also offers similar engine options.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors and a DHT transmission, producing a total output of 245 hp.
There is also a 2.0-liter turbo engine option with a power of up to 208 hp paired with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
The Renault Grand Koleos will go on sale in the Korean market starting this fall.
The Ducati DesertX now has a new variant known as the DesertX Discovery, which comes with a host of additional accessories to make it more rugged and robust compared to the base version.
That being said, it is not the most hardcore version in the DesertX lineup. That title is still held by the DesertX Rally, meaning the Discovery sits in between the base and Rally in its lineup.
First and foremost, the DesertX Discovery sets itself apart with the striking Thrilling Black/Ducati Red livery.
Now come the purposeful upgrades. Standard on the Discovery are handguards, engine guards, a radiator grill, water pump protection, and a thicker bash plate compared to the base Desert X.
The bike is also fitted with a centre stand to help make maintenance easier, while a taller windscreen and heated grips add comfort during cold weather excursions.
Other features include the Ducati multimedia system along with a turn-by-turn navigation system accessible through the Ducati Link app. Aluminium panniers with 76 litres of storage are available as an option.
No changes to the chassis, though. Similar to the base model, the Discovery is built around a tubular steel frame that is paired with a KYB suspension system and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
The seat height is 875 mm in the standard configuration. However, customers can choose a high seat (890 mm), a low seat (865 mm), and a low seat with a low suspension kit (845 mm).
Braking power is provided by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers with dual 320 mm discs at the front, and two-piston calipers clamping a single 265 mm disc at the rear.
The engine remains untouched, meaning the 937cc twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° mill still produces 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
On the electronics front, the DesertX Discovery is equipped with a five-inch TFT-LCD screen, as well as various rider assistance systems like Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and Cornering ABS.
Unable to enjoy its second anniversary, the sales of the Toyota GR Supra sports car with a four-cylinder inline 2.0-liter engine for the United States market have been terminated this month.
In a press release, Toyota USA confirmed that the 2025 GR Supra model will only be available with a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six cylinder engine producing 382 hp and 499 Nm of torque.
Fortunately, buyers can still acquire the GR Supra 2025 with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
Toyota introduced the GR Supra with a 2.0-liter turbocharged heart (255 hp/400 Nm) in 2022 as a more affordable option, but this move was seen as not aiding in improving the already sluggish sales performance.
Throughout 2023, Toyota only managed to sell a total of 2,652 units of the GR Supra (manual and automatic models combined).
Returning to the GR Supra 2025, Toyota offers nearly identical features to the 2024 model, such as leather/Alcantara-trimmed sports seats or the option of grey leather, an 8.8-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, and a 500-watt JBL audio system with 12 speakers.
All models come equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, TRAC grip control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Stability Control, Automatic High Beams, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and traditional Cruise Control.
The automatic transmission model also includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) function.
The selling price has increased from US$56,495 (RM266,487) last year to US$57,345 (RM270,496), while the 3.0 Premium model now priced at $60,495 (RM285,355).
Based on a brief internet search, the Toyota GR Supra 2.0-liter is still available in the Japanese market, but only with an automatic transmission.
Those desiring a manual gearbox must opt for the inline-six cylinder version of the GR Supra.
After realizing that their electrification goals may be too ambitious, Mercedes is now allocating a significant portion of their budget to internal combustion engines.
According to an interview with the German media Wirtschaftswoche, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius stated that ICE (internal combustion engine) technology “will persist until after 2030”. Significant investments are needed to ensure that these engines continue to comply with increasingly stringent standards.
Källenius mentioned that the S-Class and its facelift are expected in 2026, stating, “We have invested significantly more in updating the S-Class model with combustion engines than we typically do for a facelift.”
Mercedes’ goal is to ensure that their conventional engines are at the “highest level of technology”. Without significant investment in petrol and diesel engines, the luxury brand “will abruptly halt combustion engine sales around 2027 or 2028”.
Mercedes realized the need to acknowledge that the transition to EVs was not progressing as planned. Three years ago, they mentioned that PHEV and EV vehicles would represent approximately 50 percent of annual sales by 2025.
However, it seems unlikely. At one point, Mercedes stated they would be fully electric by 2030 in some countries “if market conditions allow”.
Now, their new goal is for PHEV and EV to represent half of sales by the end of this decade (2030). However, according to Källenius, the objective for carbon neutrality by 2040 remains unchanged.
VOLKSWAGEN has introduced the Golf R facelift, which not only comes with a fresher design and the latest features but also a more powerful engine.
As with the pre-facelift model, the Golf R Mk8.5 is available in both the five-door hatchback and estate (known as the Golf R Variant) guises.
At first glance, it may appear similar to the Mk8 Golf R, but the facelifted version has a fresher front fascia made up of new LED Plus headlights, larger intakes on the bumper, and illuminated LED strips and VW logo.
Customers can now opt for the available 19-inch Warmenau wheels, which the automaker claims weigh only 8 kg each and have a more efficient design for brake cooling.
Inside, you will find a 12.9-inch touchscreen display (the largest offered by Volkswagen to date) with improved operation and a 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster with a new Sport Skin display mode.
The infotainment system now includes the voice assistant IDA, which accesses the AI-based software ChatGPT to answer questions. The responsiveness of the steering wheel touch panels has been optimised, the brand said.
Customers looking to spruce up cabin can do so by ticking the box for the Nappa leather upholstery and rear carbon fibre trim.
Like before, the Golf R Mk8.5 is powered by the EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but this time the output has been bumped up from 320 PS to 333 PS, making it the most powerful Golf ever produced.
The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission tasked with delivering power to the wheels through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.
Although torque remains at 420 Nm, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been cut short by 0.2 seconds to just 4.6 seconds. Needless to say, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
However, the figure can be increased to 270 km/h if equipped with the optional R-Performance package.
Said package also adds two more driving modes, namely Drift and Special. The former needs no explanation, while the latter is specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Not stopping there, Volkswagen also throws in a GPS lap timer and G-meter – both of which are displayed in the Digital Cockpit Pro.
The Toyota Fortuner is an SUV that shares its underpinnings with the Hilux, so it is fair to say that it’s not the first vehicle that crosses one’s mind when talking about something sporty.
However, that does not stop TCD Asia (Toyota Customizing & Development) from turning the Fortuner into a rather low-slung, aggressive concept vehicle dubbed the Hyper-F Concept.
Making its debut at the 2024 Bangkok Auto Salon, the Hyper-F Concept features a head-turning body kit that includes a large grille, big air intakes, a deep front splitter, massive fenders, a diffuser, and a roof spoiler.
Though unmentioned, the car evidently rides on a lowered suspension system. Its rolling stock is a gorgeous set of TWS wheels from Japan shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx rubbers. Hidden behind those wheels are Powerbrake calipers.
But the wheels are not the only thing that’s carried over from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Reportedly, its bumper and bonnet are made from Tafnex (a mix of carbon fibre and polypropylene resin) supplied by two Japanese companies, Mitsui Chemicals and APRK Corporation.
Additionally, there are also several 3D-printed components. The use of these materials allows TCD Asia to reduce the weight of the Hyper-F Concept.
No interior photos have been released, but the donor car’s original three-row seating has been taken out to make room for four body-hugging bucket seats.
Information on powertrain is also scarce, but it isn’t far-fetched to assume that it uses the Fortuner GR Sport’s 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with 224 PS and 550 Nm on tap.
THE Malaysian Army (TDM) has confirmed that an Agusta A109 LOH helicopter (M81-11) made an emergency landing at the Kluang Airport, Kem Mahkota Kluang, Johor, early this morning.
In a statement today, TDM said the incident occurred during a flight training session involving three crew members who were identified to have sustained injuries.
“TDM confirms that an aircraft M81-11 (Agusta L109H) conducted an emergency landing where the incident took place during the Night Flying Training Session, Army Aviation Basic Officer Course at Kluang Airport, 881 Air Force Regiment of the Army (Regiment 881 PUTD), Kem Mahkota Kluang, Johor at 1:35 a.m. this morning.
“This incident involved three crew members, consisting of the helicopter instructor, course student, and quartermaster crew,” they said.
According to TDM, all crew members involved in the incident are conscious. However, initial examinations detected several injuries suffered by the officer and two other members, including spinal fractures and injuries to various parts of the body.
“All crew members are in stable condition and have been taken to the Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital, Kluang, Johor for further treatment.
“TDM’s action is to ‘Temporarily Ground’ (temporary grounded) the helicopter in question,” they said.
At the same time, TDM informed that the ratification and inspection processes will be carried out to promptly restore the flight status of the aircraft.
Furthermore, in their statement, TDM also requested the public not to make any speculations regarding the incident as the Investigation Board will convene to identify the root cause of the incident.
HYUNDAI has introduced the Inster, its subcompact electric vehicle (EV) that is set to compete in the A-segment market.
Developed based on the Korea-only Casper, the Inster will be offered in two versions, namely Standard and Long Range.
The former features a single electric motor with 97 PS and 147 Nm, along with a 42 kWh battery pack promising a range of up to 300 km on a full charge based on the WLTP cycle.
Meanwhile, the latter is also fitted with a single electric motor but with a higher power output of 115 PS. Its battery capacity is also larger at 49 kWh, allowing the Inster to cover a distance of up to 355 km.
Hyundai claimed that the Inster can complete the 0-100 km/h 11.7 seconds for the Standard and 10.6 seconds for the Long Range. The maximum speeds are limited to 140 km/h and 150 km/h, respectively.
The Inster supports DC fast charging with a capacity of up to 120 kW, which takes 30 minutes to recharge the battery from 10% to 80%.
It also comes with an 11-kW AC charger that can fully charge the battery in 4 hours for the Standard version and 4 hours 35 minutes for the Long Range. A Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature is also onboard.
In terms of dimensions, the Inster measures 3,825 mm in length, 1,610 mm in width, 1,575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm.
Regarding its exterior design, it is not far off from the Casper, but evidently, the Inster has more unique LED daytime running lights with pixel-graphic turn signals and rear lights. The wheels are available in 15-inch (steel or alloy) or 17-inch (alloy), depending on the specification.
Exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte, Unbleached Ivory, Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl.
Inside, the Inster focuses on technology and convenience through a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system screen, and a wireless charger on the centre console. Customers can choose between black, Khaki Brown, or Newtro Beige two-tone colours with full cloth trim.
On the practicality side of things, all seats, including the driver’s seat, can be folded flat. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and slide and recline. The trunk capacity is 280 litres, expandable up to 351 liters by sliding the rear seats forward.
Hyundai said both the exterior and interior of the Inster utilise sustainable materials. For example, the black high-gloss finish is painted using recycled paint, while for the cabin, the automaker used recycled PET bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane.
Safety-wise, there’s a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite that includes features like Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Blind-spot View Monitor, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Safety Exit Warning, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, and more.
Unlike the Casper, which is only available in South Korea, the Inster will enter the European, Middle Eastern, and Asia Pacific markets.
Several years ago, vehicle manufacturers presented their plans to transition their model lineups to electric vehicles (EVs). Some even set dates for phasing out the production of oil-based vehicles (diesel and petrol).
However, many are now reassessing the future. Sales are dwindling, customer interest is waning, and now nearly half of EV owners in America are considering switching back to petrol. What is happening?
According to a study by McKinsey & Co.’s 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse, they found that 46 percent of EV owners in the United States want to revert back to petrol due to inadequate charging infrastructure.
This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 29 percent who want to switch back to fossil fuels. 35 percent of global respondents said public charging networks are not good enough.
34 percent said the ownership costs of EVs are still very high, and 32 percent said EVs heavily impact their long-distance driving habits. As of May, the U.S. had 183,000 EV public chargers, but it is still insufficient.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 allocated a $5 billion grant to build fast chargers, but the implementation is taking too long.
Other reasons given by owners for switching back to petrol include the inability to charge at home (24 percent), concerns about charging (21 percent), and the need for charging mobility (16 percent).
Only 13 percent said they dislike the driving experience. Some drivers prefer combustion engine vehicles, such as 18 percent in the U.S. and 28 percent in Germany.
Interestingly, Americans are not the largest group considering a switch back to petrol, but Australia, with 49 percent of EV owners. On the other hand, Japan has the lowest percentage, with only 13 percent of EV owners willing to revert to petrol.
Other countries with low percentages include Italy (15 percent), France (18 percent), Germany (24 percent), and China (28 percent).
JAECOO Malaysia has officially launched its first dealership in the Klang Valley, which is located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
Operated by ES Premium Holdings Sdn Bhd, the new 3S dealership will be followed by 34 more in the coming months.
With an investment of RM5.5 million, the new Jaecoo dealership has a built-up area of 23,000 square feet and is built on a land area of 40,000 square feet.
It houses sales, after-sales services, and service parts storage, all under one roof for the convenience of customers.
Upon entry, customers are greeted by a Super Walkway that extends from the ground floor to the first floor, capable of displaying up to seven models.
Currently, the showroom displays the soon-to-be-launched Jaecoo J7, which will be offered in all-wheel drive (AWD) and two-wheel drive (2WD) variants.
There are also interactive LED displays which customers can use to browse the specifications of each model.
The experience is further enhanced with the presence of professionally trained sales advisors to address any customer inquiries and arrange test drive sessions.
Other amenities include a lounge area, high-speed internet connection, a prayer room, and a delivery area.
In terms of aftersales, the service centre is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and fully equipped service bays. Manned by trained technicians, the service centre has the capacity to service over 500 vehicles per month.
There is also an electric vehicle (EV) servicing area, demonstrating the brand’s readiness to expand into the EV segment in the near future.
According to Jaecoo, with 35 authorised dealerships, its service network will comprise approximately 180 service bays nationwide, supported by a dedicated parts warehouse and the recently launched assembly plant in Shah Alam.
The opening of the Jaecoo 3S centre in Glenmarie signals the imminent launch of the J7, which will be celebrated for three days from July 19 to 21. The J7 will be the first Jaecoo model to be locally assembled in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
The Jaecoo Glenmarie centre is located at No. 2D, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
WHO still remembers the Honda Freed that previously entered the Malaysian market? The third generation of the Freed has just been launched in Japan with options for a 1.5-liter NA engine and a hybrid variant. Let’s take a closer look at the details.
The 1.5-liter petrol 4-cylinder engine offers 117hp and 142Nm of torque, with a CVT transmission sending power to the front wheels. There is also an option for all-wheel drive.
The hybrid variant is equipped with the e:HEV system, comprising a 1.5-liter engine producing 105hp and 127Nm, paired with an electric motor generating 121hp and 253Nm. This system is similar to the e:HEV found in the City and Civic models.
In terms of dimensions, this new Honda Freed measures 4,310mm in length, 1,720mm in width, and up to 1,780mm in height, with a wheelbase remaining at 2,740mm.
The design of the new Freed is more angular with flat surfaces on the body sides. The front end is more upright, featuring trapezoidal headlights and dotted DRLs. The central grille has only a small opening, while the lower apron is more open.
Visible on the side are sliding rear doors, and there are side lines drawn from the front lights passing through the door handles. Opting for the Crosstar variant provides a unique rugged appearance and styling.
The interior design also appears upright, emphasizing space and practicality. The instrument display is now digital, and the dashboard is wrapped in a fabric finish. According to Honda, the fabric used is water and oil repellent.
Depending on the variant, you can choose a 2+2+2 or 2+3+2 seating configuration, but the Crosstar variant only offers seating for five or six individuals.
The Japanese Honda Freed comes equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and more. The price starts at 2.5 million Yen (RM73,536).
Would it be interesting to bring this model to Malaysia? We believe it could be a choice for small business owners and weekend adventurers.
Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (PROLINTAS) said it is ready to cooperate the authorities following an investigation involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
In a press statement, the highway concessionaire said it is aware that its employees have been remanded by MACC to assist in an ongoing investigation relating to a construction case.
“We are committed and are working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure full cooperation, in facilitating the investigation.
“PROLINTAS continues to be committed in maintaining the highest levels of integrity and corporate governance,” the company said.
Earlier, MACC confirmed the arrest of eight individuals, including a Chief Executive Officer along with two top officials of a highway concessionaire company, in connection with bribes related to the construction of two highway projects in the Klang Valley worth over RM1.6 billion.
Nearly 25 years ago, on September 1, 1999, the very first X5 (E53) rolled off BMW’s Spartanburg assembly plant, thus creating the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) category embraced by the automaker to this day.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, BMW is offering the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition model based on the G05 X5 xDrive40i that features off-road-focused upgrades.
Starting with the exterior, the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition comes in the Lime Rock Grey Metallic paint picked straight from the BMW Individual catalogue
The classy shade is complemented by the Extended Shadowline Trim, which includes dark-coloured trims on the window surrounds, roof rails, fender mounted Air Breathers, and the standard illuminated kidney grille.
Inside, the sport seats are upholstered either in Black, Cognac, Coffee, or Silverstone Sensafin. Carbon fibre trims on the centre console and dashboard, usually available only on the X5 M60i and X5 M Competition, are included as well.
Other features include a curved display with BMW Operating System 8.5, Live Cockpit Professional, head-up display, and navigation with Augmented Reality display. You will also find the Silver Anniversary Edition plaque on the center console.
What makes the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition more appealing is the inclusion of the xOffroad package, which is not offered on any other current BMW X model.
Said package includes xSnow, xSand, xGravel, and xRocks driving modes, which function to adjust the vehicle’s ride height, transmission shift strategy, throttle mapping, traction control, and other parameters accordingly.
Bundled together in the package are 2-axle air suspension for increased ground clearance, a mechanical rear differential lock, and underbody protection plates.
There is also a special xOffroad View in the central display that informs the driver about ground clearance, roll tendency, and the inclination or downhill gradient of the terrai. Additionally, an external camera provides views of the terrain from all angles outside the vehicle at speeds below 35 km/h.
BMW also provides a roof rack system, luggage compartment mat, and all-weather floor mats are also included. Customers will also be offered a discount on more aggressive General Grabber All-Terrain tyres purchased and installed at their dealer.
The X5 Silver Anniversary Edition will be limited to just 1,000 units in the United States, with prices starting at $79,900 (RM376,074).
The Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TAS KL) returns for its second year and will meet you from 8 to 11 November 2024. It will be held at the same venue, the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Ticket sales are now open, and the earliest buyers will receive attractive discounts. TAS KL is the only event of that automotive brand held outside Japan. The event is organized under license and inspired by the prestigious Tokyo Auto Salon in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Over 19,000 visitors were reported to have attended last year’s TAS KL event. Among the exhibitors participating are Top Secret, Spoon, HKS, and GReddy. This year’s exhibition is expected to be on a larger scale.
“Just like the original event in Japan, various efforts are being made to ensure that this year’s event surpasses the expectations of fans,” said Director and CEO of Element X Strategies, Jason Yap.
Ticket prices are RM60 for single-day entry and RM120 for a 3-day pass. However, early bird buyers can get a special price of RM50 only. Tickets for children aged 6 to 12 are RM25 for early birds, RM30 at the event price, and RM60 for a 3-day pass. Children under six enter for free.
For a more exclusive experience, you can purchase the Black Tag at RM1,500. With this pass, you have privileges such as:
Access to all three days of the event
Free valet parking
Access to the Black Tag lounge
Complimentary food and beverages
Access to Japan Pavilion Cars
Exclusive TAS KL 2024 merchandise
Meet and greet with various individuals
Priority for auctions
Exclusive lounge without media and photographers
Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.tokyoautosalonkl.com, and early bird offers are limited to the first 5,000 buyers until 31 July 2024 only.
Harmony Auto, a leading vehicle distributor group from China, today launched its first BYD 3S center at Hartamas Shopping Centre.
Covering an area of approximately 8,000 square feet, this 3S center provides a variety of facilities designed to enhance the customer experience.
It consists of a spacious vehicle display area, a luxurious waiting lounge for customers, special consultation rooms, and a vehicle delivery area.
For added comfort, the customer reception area for post-sales transactions – combining modern design with personalized service processes for each customer – seamlessly extends from the shopping center car park.
There are six parking spots available outside, each equipped with four charging stations for use by BYD owners.
With meticulous design plans, this center not only facilitates customer access but also reflects BYD’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Liang Xinyue, BYD’s General Manager for Asia-Pacific, who launched the premises, said, “The opening of the BYD Hartamas outlet in a mall not only brings new vitality to the Malaysian market but also injects new momentum into introducing Malaysia’s green travel”.
He added that the location is ideal as it offers both the convenience of shopping for BYD products and customer car servicing.
Liang believes that the number of BYD customers in Hartamas and the surrounding areas is growing, and the opening of this new center aims to meet the demand from customers looking for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Harmony Auto’s BYD Center is also equipped with a Service and Parts Center set to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
With the 3S center fully operational, the BYD Hartamas 3S center will be the first located within a shopping center.
ASTON Martin has unveiled a track-focused vehicle that is road-legal. Introducing Valiant, a supercar packed with aerodynamic packages and based on Valour.
It is powered by the desired heartbeat of Aston Martin enthusiasts, the V12 twin-turbo engine producing over 730hp. What’s even more intriguing, this engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. According to Aston, the Valiant model is inspired by their Formula 1 team driver, Fernando Alonso.
On the Valiant’s body, you can see a large front splitter, big rear spoiler, and a substantial diffuser. Its body is made of carbon fiber and shaped for optimal airflow.
21-inch magnesium wheels are wrapped in aero discs to enhance airflow, inspired by the Aston RHAM/1 that raced at Le Mans in the late 1970s. The brakes are 16.1 inches at the front and 14.1 inches at the rear.
There are several interesting components within the body. Valiant uses a 3D printed rear subframe, titanium torque tube, lightweight lithium-ion battery, all reducing weight by 51 pounds.
Its suspension is equipped with Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers. According to Aston, this system “can adjust each damper in less than six milliseconds”.
The V12 twin-turbo engine in Valiant produces 735hp and 752Nm of torque. The manual gearbox is mounted at the rear for better weight distribution, along with a mechanical LSD.
As expected, the interior resembles a racing machine, where Valiant features a half-cage, Recaro Podium seats, and four-point harnesses. The dashboard trim is made of Alcantara and carbon fiber, with exposed gear knobs.
Only 38 Valiant units will be produced by Aston Martin, and each unit has been sold. But if you’re curious about the price, it’s around 2 million pounds (RM11.95 million).
Deliveries will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024; meanwhile, this Aston Martin Valiant will make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.
THE development of special number plates for electric vehicles (EVs) is in its final stages, awaiting technical finalisation before the official launch.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government is in the process of appointing a vendor to oversee the implementation.
Loke emphasised that while the adoption of these plates will initially be voluntary, new EVs will be required to bear them as a mandatory measure.
“For existing EV owners, they will have the option to switch to the new plates,” he said.
Previously, the Transport Ministry announced that all EVs across the country will eventually be issued special number plates beginning with ‘EV’ followed by the registered number and so forth (e.g. EV1, EV2).
The ministry also said the road tax pricing structure for EVs would undergo a thorough review.
The government intends to align its policies with the goal of promoting EV adoption in Malaysia as part of its sustainability objectives.
The special number plates are also said to incorporate RFID technology as an additional feature.
No specific timeline was given when these initiatives will be implemented.
WHAT you are looking at is Audi Sport GmbH’s most powerful series-produced combustion model, the RS Q8 performance.
Under its bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine tuned to produce 640 PS and 850 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system, it only takes 3.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
Even more impressively, this powerhouse has also claimed the title of the fastest SUV at the Nürburgring with a time of 7 minutes and 36.698 seconds, two seconds quicker than the previous record holder, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and almost six seconds faster than the previous RS Q8.
In addition to the potent engine, a significant part of the RS Q8 performance’s on-track capabilities is contributed by the adaptive air suspension system with specific tuning for the RS model.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a mechanical center differential as part of the quattro all-wheel-drive system. It is tasked with distributing engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60.
In case of slippage, no more than 70% of the drive torque is applied to the front and up to 85% to the rear axle, giving the SUV more precise cornering, less understeer, and more exact turn-in.
Audi also offers the RS Q8 performance with an electromechanical active roll stabilization system (eAWS) that essentially minimises lateral movements of the body.
As an alternative to the performance version, customers can opt for the base RS Q8 with 600 PS and 800 Nm on tap.
For this version, acceleration from 0-100 km/h is completed in 3.8 seconds. The standard electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h but customers can have it increased to 280 km/h or a maximum of 305 km/h as an option.
For more potent performance, the base RS Q8 can be fitted with the available dynamic package plus, which includes eAWS, the quattro sport differential, and the RS ceramic braking system (standard on the RS Q8 performance).
There’s also an all-wheel steering system, which is standard on both versions, that functions to reduce the turning radius.
In Germany, the RS Q8 can be ordered starting from June 27 this year with prices ranging from 141,900 euros (RM716,317) for the base version and 155,700 euros (RM785,960) for the performance model.
The joy of a Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition owner was short-lived when the car’s battery died less than a month after purchase.
According to Anthony Do, the incident was caused by a GPS tracker installed on his car without his knowledge.
In a video lasting over five minutes, Do mentioned that before discovering the hidden GPS tracker, he saw a Facebook post by a GR Corolla tuner who claimed that he couldn’t work on the car due to a similar device.
Subsequently, Do decided to pry open the lower part of his car’s dashboard panel to see for himself. Lo and behold, Do actually found a GPS tracker plugged into the OBD2 port of his car.
This was strange to Do as he stated that he turned down the dealer’s offer to install a GPS tracker when buying the GR Corolla. He further claimed that he purchased the car outright, so the dealer or financial institution had no reason to track his vehicle.
Why is this concerning?
Firstly, the data obtained (such as the vehicle’s location) can be used by irresponsible parties to commit crimes such as car theft. Secondly, the data can also be sold to third parties such as insurance companies.
In Malaysia, Toyota vehicles sold by UMW Toyota Motor can be optionally fitted with Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), which utilises GPS data to track the location of vehicles in real time in case of theft and to keep track the distance and trip history.
The VTS will also dispatch an SOS call to the Toyota call center in case of an accident.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
