TAMIYA is an expert in producing radio-controlled vehicle models (RC) with intricate details like scale models for decoration. The latest model from their 1/14 scale truck series is the Volvo FH16 Globetrotter XL 750 4×2.
The actual truck, which has a 16.1-liter 6-cylinder turbo in-line engine with 750hp, has been recreated as an RC model with a realistic body. The chassis features various iron components and a three-speed gearbox.
The FH16 model measures 462mm in length, 193mm in width, and 309mm in height, weighing approximately 3.5kg. It is also equipped with an aluminum shock absorber with leaf springs.
Details on the cab include an air deflector, stainless steel grille, LED headlights with fog lights, antenna, roof LED light set, side mirrors, battery box, air tank, and a coupler for trailer connection.
For even more realism, you can get the Tamiya Multi-Function Control Unit (sold separately) that offers sound, lights, and vibrations. The digital sound is recorded from the actual truck, including air horn and gear shifting sounds. Furthermore, all light operations, signals, including 3-speed gear shifting, can also be controlled remotely.
The RC model Volvo FH16 Globetrotter can be found at Tamiya stores and official distributors worldwide.
The Toyota Hilux hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) development project, which was first announced in December 2022, has now entered its final phase.
According to Toyota, 10 Hilux FCEV prototypes have been built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) plant in Derby, England.
Five vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to assess safety, performance, functionality, and durability, generating test drive data in real-world situations, while the other five are engaged in customer and media demonstrations, including at the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
Externally, the fuel cell model has the same dimensions and rugged appearance as the latest Hilux generation but beneath the surface, there’s a ‘heart’ derived from the Mirai that offers a range of up to 600 km – further than might be achieved using a battery electric system.
And thanks to hydrogen’s light weight, the Hilux FCEV is said to have higher payload capacity and towing capability compared to other zero-emission alternatives
Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, each containing 2.6kg to give a total capacity of 7.8kg. The tanks are mounted within the vehicle’s ladder frame chassis.
At the front axle, there is polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack comprising 330 cells producing 174 PS, while mounted on the rear axle an electric motor generating 182 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the lithium-ion battery, which stores the electricity generated by the fuel cells, is located in the rear load deck, above the hydrogen tanks. This avoids any loss of cabin space.
Hydrogen fuel cell is one of the powertrains developed by Toyota as part of its previously announced multi-pathway strategy.
The company expects Europe to be one of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel markets by 2030. As a result, in December 2023, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the Hydrogen Factory Europe to help accelerate the commercialization of the technology.
BMW Malaysia today introduced the Final Edition model for three of its locally assembled models, namely the 218i Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive20i, and X3 xDrive30e.
All three models retain the powertrain and M Sport package but gain sportier looks, alongside a more comprehensive equipment list.
For the 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition, the sedan’s appearance is now accentuated by the addition of Shadowline with Extended Contents and 18-inch M light alloy wheels Y-spoke 553 M Bicolour.
Furthermore, the cabin now features telephony with wireless charging and a 10-speaker HiFi loudspeaker system with 205W amplifier output.
Meanwhile, both the X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and the X3 xDrive30e Final Edition now come with M Lights Shadowline and M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents. contents. Exclusive for the latter is the M Sport brake in red high-gloss.
Moving onto driving assistance systems, the two Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) are now equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go Function on top of their existing Driving Assistant.
The X3 xDrive30e Final Edition also gets the head-up display, as well as the Parking Assistant Plus, which gives it a 360-degree surround view camera and Remote View 3D.
For their Final Editions, both models now feature telephony with wireless charging.
In terms of colour availability, the 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition is available in exterior colours Skyscraper Grey, Black Sapphire and Alpine White, while the interior upholstery is available in Leather Dakota in Black with Blue highlights.
The X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and X3 xDrive30e Final Edition can be had in exterior colours Carbon Black, Alpine White and M Brooklyn Grey.
As for the interior upholstery options, the former is available in Leather Vernasca in Mocha with Décor stitching and Leather Vernasca in Black with Décor Stitching, while the latter is available in Leather Vernasca in Mocha with Décor stitching and Leather Vernasca in Black with Blue stitching.
The selling price of the 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition starts from RM223,800. Customers who opt for the Service & Repair Inclusive package will have to fork out an additional RM20,600.
Meanwhile, the X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and X3 xDrive30e Final Edition are each sold at RM311,800 and RM357,800, respectively. The Service & Repair Inclusive package for both variants is available for RM26,700.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (Kuantan Port) respectively, signalling potential long-term collaborations for the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) freight transportation services which will come on stream by January 2027.
The formalisation of the MoU between MRL and Perodua as well as between MRL and Kuantan Port is also poised to spur various industry players to switch the movement of cargo from road to rail as the 665-km ECRL network will facilitate seamless transportation between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.
The MoU between MRL and Perodua will explore the possibility of transporting its products to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to supplement the compact car maker’s growing need for logistical support.
“The inking MoU has significant meaning for MRL as we unlock ECRL’s value, not just as a viable transportation for the public but also a reliable logistic service for local and international businesses,” said MRL Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak.
He added, “The ECRL serves as a key enabler in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development, underpinned by its “landbridge” connecting Kuantan Port wharf to the wharves at Northport and Westports in Port Klang. This crucial ‘last-mile’ connectivity between Kuantan Port and Port Klang will streamline the transfer of goods between ports and address the issue of double-handling of cargo”.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “We are looking to diversify the way we transport our products, and ECRL is a viable option to this need. This MoU will let us explore in detail all opportunities for both parties.”
“The MoU with MRL and Perodua marks a pivotal step in optimising our logistics network. Leveraging the ECRL, Kuantan Port aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency, offer competitive logistics costs and improve delivery times,” said Mr. Lee Chun Fai, Chairman of Kuantan Port and Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.
“This strategic collaboration will enhance our logistics capabilities, establish Kuantan Port as a key gateway to the East and strengthen trade links within the region. It will facilitate smoother goods movement, support the economic development of the East Coast, and drive significant economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced trade opportunities,” he added.
MRL Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, signed the MoU on behalf of the company while Perodua was represented by its President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, and Kuantan Port by Mr. Lee Chun Fai, Chairman of Kuantan Port and Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.
Today’s MoU Signing and Exchange Ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook, at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.
MRL is the project owner of the 665-km ECRL will traverse through the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang before linking the Klang Valley on the West Coast.
The ECRL rail alignment from Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Terminal is expected to be completed by December 2026 and operational by January 2027.
Its alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is scheduled for completion in December 2027, with full operations to commence from January 2028 onwards.
IT is safe to say that the transition towards full electric (EV) is not progressing as some manufacturers expected. Several manufacturers have delayed their electrification goals.
Just last year, Volkswagen projected that EVs would account for up to 80 percent of vehicle sales in Europe by the end of this decade. However, the lukewarm reception of their ID models has led VW to reassess their strategy.
Of the 180 billion Euros (RM914 billion) budget allocated in 2023 for new-generation EVs, the German manufacturer will now use one-third of it for the development of combustion engines.
This announcement came from Arn Antlitz, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Volkswagen Group. “The company aims to spend approximately 60 billion Euros (RM304 billion) to ensure our combustion cars remain competitive.”
He added, “The future is electric, but the past has not yet ended.”
Last year, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer referred to ICE as “old technology” in the context of e-fuel. He stated that synthetic fuels were just “unnecessary noise,” even though Porsche, also part of the same group, is actively involved in synthetic fuels at its plant in Chile.
Another premium brand under VW is also researching how sustainable fuels can evolve. Bugatti plans to build fuel stations that can be installed at owners’ homes and filled with synthetic fuels.
Lamborghini believes combustion engines can be saved by making them run on fuels other than fossil oil. Bentley is also exploring fuels with almost zero carbon emissions.
It is clear that more car manufacturers are reassessing their EV strategies as consumers are not yet ready to let go of ICE engines.
Manufacturers are somewhat aggressive as emission standards become stricter, necessitating investment in cleaner-running petrol engines. At the same time, the influx of EVs from China is also concerning major manufacturers.
CHINA has reportedly granted permission to nine vehicle manufacturers to test Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads.
This move comes about eight months after the Chinese government issued guidelines and began accepting applications from companies interested in testing their autonomous driving technology.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has confirmed that approvals have been granted to Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus.
These companies will be allowed to test autonomous vehicles on limited roads, with drivers permitted to release their hands from the steering wheel.
Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles are not yet being sold in the Chinese market, but this testing will pave the way for such systems to be launched for individual buyers and fleet operators.
According to Reuters, at least 10 car manufacturers in China are offering vehicles with Level 2 autonomous driving systems, including Huawei and Xpeng.
The testing program will be supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Ministry of Public Security.
The new legislation also allows Tesla to start offering its semi-autonomous driving system in the country.
Previously, Elon Musk hinted that the brand might launch a robotaxi equipped with Full Self-Driving technology before introducing it to privately-owned cars. Chinese representatives were reportedly open to this idea.
However, before this can happen, Tesla needs approval to collect and transfer the necessary data for its autonomous system.
The Model 3 and Model Y are now permitted to enter specific areas in China after previously being restricted due to data safety concerns. This permission was granted after a leading Chinese automotive association confirmed that Tesla complies with data safety regulations.
THE Grandeur is Hyundai’s flagship executive sedan sold in a handful of markets, including South Korea and the Middle East (where it is known as the Azera).
The Grandeur is currently in its seventh generation, and for the 2025 model year, it has been given a number of updates, mainly involving the styling aspect and the list of standard equipment.
First up, the luxury sedan is now available with a new Black Exterior Package, which adds a dark colour finish on the grille, logo, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Said package can be combined with the Abyss Black Pearl exterior colour for an all-black appearance, or with Serenity White Pearl for those who prefer a high-contrast look.
In terms of equipment, the Grandeur receives a new safety feature in the form of Lane Keeping Assist 2, which offers a broader view for the front camera, in addition to improved Lane Centering operation.
Furthermore, the climate control system has been enhanced to support Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Additionally, Hyundai has curiously added a fire extinguisher in the cabin.
Also included are mood lighting and a warning vibration system on the gear stalk located on the steering column. The highest variant, Calligraphy, also gains a head-up display and new Nappa leather upholstery.
In its home market, the Grandeur is offered with several engine options, including a hybrid 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, and a 3.5-litre V6 engine in petrol and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) versions.
Pricing for the Grandeur starts from 37.68 million won (RM129,510) for the 2.5-litre variant, up to 49.68 million won (RM170,755) for the range-topping Calligraphy variant with the V6 engine.
Meanwhile, the petrol hybrid version is also available at prices of 42.91 million won (RM147,486) for the Premium variant, 47.81 million won (RM164,316) for the Exclusive, and 52.44 million won (RM180,228) for the Calligraphy.
THE government has set the retail price of diesel fuel at RM3.35 per liter starting from midnight tonight (June 10, 2024).
According to the Second Finance Minister, YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the new price will be enforced at all petrol stations across Peninsular Malaysia. The retail price of diesel fuel in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan will remain at RM2.15 per liter.
Through the implementation of diesel subsidy targeting, the government has set the diesel prices for eligible sectors as follows:
Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 using fleet card method for logistic vehicles, set at RM2.15 per liter
Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 1.0 for public land transport vehicles including school buses, express buses, ambulances, and fire engines at RM1.88 per liter
Subsidized diesel for fishermen remains at RM1.65 per liter
The subsidy targeting is introduced in the form of cash assistance through the following initiatives:
Individual BUDI Cash Assistance of RM200 per month for citizens who own private diesel vehicles
Agri-Commodity BUDI Cash Assistance of RM200 per month for small-scale farmers and commodity smallholders
It is understood that the first group of over 30,000 recipients will benefit from Individual BUDI and Agri-Commodity BUDI assistance starting tomorrow (June 10, 2024).
Ford is carrying out a recall for the 2024 Mustang due to potential fluid leaks in the clutch assembly, which may hinder the manual model from shifting gears.
Yes, this means only the manual version of the Ford Mustang is affected by this recall. A total of 1,861 units are potentially lacking a specific seal or have been improperly installed. This seal connects the clutch hose to the firewall.
If the hose comes into contact with exhaust components, it could leak clutch fluid. If this occurs under the hood near a heat source, the fluid could also vaporize and lead to a fire, according to the recall report.
Drivers may experience difficulty shifting gears, and the engine may stutter, potentially leading to accidents.
Ford first identified this issue on April 30, 2024, when investigating two reports of engine compartment fires in manual models. Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group examined both vehicles and identified the root cause.
Ford stated that they were aware of the potential fire or smoke reports, but no injuries or accidents related to this issue have been reported.
Ford will begin contacting owners on June 17. They will ask owners to bring their Mustangs to a nearby dealer, where technicians will inspect and repair the relevant components if necessary.
PROTON has announced its sales performance for May 2024, which saw the national carmaker record sales of 12,522 units for both the domestic and export markets.
The figure represents a 13.6% increase compared to the previous month, bringing the total sales for the first five months to 62,697 units.
The achievement allows Proton to cement its second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking sales table with a forecast market share of 19%.
In a statement, Proton stated that the sales growth is in line with the trend for Total industry volume (TIV) which is estimated to have grown by 20.7% to approximately 70,000 units in May.
Cumulatively, the year-to-date (YTD) figure for TIV is estimated to be at 330,236 units, equivalent to 8.8% increase over 2023.
The automakers’s plans to expand and reestablish its brand in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, and Iraq this year have proven fruitful as its export sales came in at 509 units in May, the highest shipment recorded for 2024 thus far.
Since February this year, the best-selling export model is the Saga, which again led the pack with 360 units exported in May.
Most models also saw an uptick in May export sales, bringing the cumulative export sales to 1,344 units since January this year compared to 820 units for the same period in 2023. This represents a 63.9% increase in year-to-date export sales.
In Malaysia, the X90 reclaimed the title of the most popular D-segment SUV with 364 units sold. Sales of the S70 increased by 23% to 2,011 units, up from 1,635 units recorded in April.
Meanwhile, Saga sales increased by 21.6% to 6,119 units in May, with year-to-date sales growing by 8% to 29,397 units.
Following the safety test scandal of Daihatsu, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan has initiated an investigation into other domestic manufacturers.
In an official statement, Mazda stated it had conducted an investigation into all of its 2,403 tests for applications for Type Designation tests performed between January 2014 and January 2024. The investigation results confirmed irregularities in a total of five tests in two test categories.
The irregularities, which were reported to MLIT on May 30, involve 150,878 manufactured vehicles, out of which 149,313 were sold in the domestic market.
According to Mazda, they had used an “external device” in the frontal collision test for the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, respectively known as Atenza and Axela in Japan.
The devise was used to trigger a timed activation of the airbag instead of spontaneous activation based on collision detection by an onboard sensor.
Even though these models are no longer being produced, Mazda said it has conducted in-house technical verification as well as re-tests, and confirmed that these models have the performance that meets the legal standards for occupant protection performance in the event of a frontal collision.
Additionally, Mazda admitted to using a different engine control software in the petrol engine output test for the MX-5 RF and Mazda 2.
“The test should have been performed using engine control software in the same condition as a mass-production vehicle, but it was conducted by using control software in which the ignition timing adjust function was partially deactivated,” the manufacturer said.
In light of the result, Mazda stated that they will rewrite the engine control software and conduct the tests again under the same conditions as those for mass-production vehicles.
The company assured that the affected units are still safe to drive but have temporarily suspended their sales since May 30.
LANZANTE returns with yet another 930 Turbo project. This time, the TAG Championship project is lighter and more powerful than before.
The latest restomod project from the UK company will only produce three 911 units with F1 engines, each representing three F1 victories by McLaren in the 1980s.
Each 930 Turbo will be fitted with a 1.5-liter twin-turbo V6 TAG TTE P01 engine. The F1 engine has been re-tuned by Cosworth with upgraded components such as pistons, valves, and camshafts.
It also receives lighter titanium turbos, certified by McLaren. Additionally, it is equipped with a new airbox, improved cooling, and a more robust exhaust system.
To control power delivery optimally, the engine is managed by a new ECU from Cosworth, providing 625hp and capable of revving up to 10,250rpm.
Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels through the original 993 gearbox with six speeds, but with custom ratios. This allows the 911 restomod to reach speeds of 320km/h.
Meanwhile, the brake system is provided by carbon-ceramic discs with four pistons at the front and rear. The wheels are 18-inch magnesium rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
Not satisfied with just a powerful engine, Lanzante has also ‘shed’ weight from this 911. They have replaced original components such as the hood, doors, spoiler, roof, bumpers, and front splitter with carbon fiber. It is now 430kg lighter than the original.
The interior has also been put on a diet. No more power windows and mirrors. However, other comfort aspects are not neglected, as there is a lightweight air conditioning system. The seats are also lightweight Recaros with a six-point harness.
No price has been disclosed, but with a project of only three restomod units with race-spec components, it certainly won’t be cheap.
The HONDA Prelude made a surprising appearance at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. According to Honda, the coupe will become a reality, further fueling speculation among fans and automotive enthusiasts.
Here are some details that we know. Let’s take a look!
Not so sporty
The new generation Honda Prelude may not be as sporty as expected. Instead, it will be powered by a hybrid engine. The output will be around 200hp. Honda’s chief engineer, Tomoyuki Yamagami, stated that this new Prelude “will not be the sportiest or the most agile car.”
What’s it going to be called?
This sports coupe will continue to use the name Prelude. Honda has used this name for its two-door sports coupe model since 1978 until 2001.
This new Prelude will replace the Civic Coupe and Accord Coupe. It will also be one of the earliest models for Honda’s upcoming EV.
Is it attractive?
The concept model in this image provides a clear picture of Honda’s comeback in the two-door coupe segment. If we look at the history, such as the Civic model, it doesn’t stray far from the concept model. So, we can expect the same for this Prelude.
This concept model features a classic long front hood and a short rear end. The front grille is flanked by slim headlights, while the rear lights are elongated bar-type lights located under the black spoiler.
As usual, Honda’s behavior does not reveal the interior of their cars. The same goes for this Prelude; its mirrors are tinted. We imagine its cabin to have a dashboard similar to the Civic FE.
What engine will it use?
As mentioned earlier, the new Prelude will be a hybrid model. Honda confirmed that the coupe will be equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, similar to the Civic e:HEV RS, but with the addition of two electric motors.
When will it be available for sale?
Honda is expected to release this model in mid to late 2025, so some markets label this model as the Prelude 2026. There is still time to save money!
How much will it cost?
Speaking of money, how much will it cost? According to international media reports, Honda aims to position the Prelude as a more premium offering compared to the Civic and Toyota GR86.
The most expensive Civic in Malaysia is priced at RM167,900 for the e:HEV RS, while the Toyota GR86 is priced at nearly RM300,000. We suspect that the Honda Prelude will be priced between RM290,000 and RM350,000.
What do you think of the Prelude so far, interesting? Or is it better to add a little more and just go for the Civic Type R FL5?
Chery Auto Malaysia is proud to introduce a new Chery showroom and service centre in Negeri Sembilan, owned and operated by dealer-partner SS Mobile Sdn Bhd.
Situated at PT 10848, Jalan Desa Cempaka, Taman Desa Cempaka, 71800 Nilai, Negri Sembilan the new 3S centre spans 310 square meters, offering customers a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance.
Customers can view the full fleet of Chery vehicles in the showroom, and experience the customer lounge, service centre and workshop. The service centre boasts adequate service bays staffed by trained Chery technicians.
“With the opening of the Chery Nilai dealership, we can now better serve customers in Negeri Sembilan. Customers who previously had to travel from Nilai to Seremban for Chery vehicle services will no longer need to make that journey,” said Soon Boon Ping, Network Director of Chery Auto Malaysia who officiated the Chery Nilai dealership together with Dato’ Johnny Chan, Chief Operating Officer of SS Mobile Sdn Bhd.
The showroom is open daily – from 9am to 6pm (Monday – Sunday and Public Holidays). While the service centre is open from 9am to 6pm (Monday – Friday) and from 9am to 1pm (Saturday); closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
In the span of eight generations, the Volkswagen Golf has brought forth countless special edition models. One of the highly coveted models is a sixth-generation Golf powered by the VR6 engine.
However, due to unknown reasons, the car never saw the light of day. Had it been made available to buyers, it still would have been the most powerful Golf model in the market.
According to Enrico Beltz, Chief of Content, Classic Communication & Media Relations, the VR6-powered was built as a one-off model in 2009, before the release of Golf R Mk6.
The 3.2-litre engine fitted into said Golf was essentially the same engine found in the Golf R32 but that particular unit was tuned and built by Rothe Motorsport.
While the original naturally-aspirated version had only 247 hp, the reworked engine made a whopping 463 hp and 520 Nm of torque.
The upgrades made include a Garret GT35 turbocharger, custom pistons, a new intake manifold, new injectors, aluminum pressure pipes, and Rothe Motorsport exhaust valves, to name a few.
VW also fitted brakes from an Audi RS6, 19-inch wheels from Lamborghini, and Bilstein B16 suspension system. The interior was reupholstered with Alcantara and leather wrapping on the dashboard.
The performance figures were never disclosed, but with a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission, all-wheel drive system, and a weight of around 1,360 kg, it would have been able to keep up with any modern supercar. VW claims it is capable of achieving speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
Golf GTI W12-650
Interestingly, this was not the last Golf to be equipped with the VR6 engine. In 2013, the German manufacturer introduced the Golf Design Vision GTI concept car with over 500 hp. Two years later, the Golf GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo emerged with 503 hp on tap.
If you think the VR6 is the largest engine ever crammed into the Golf, you are mistaken. 17 years ago, VW did the unthinkable by stuffing a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine from the Bentley Continental GT into a Golf Mk5-based concept car.
Known as the Golf GTI W12-650, the car had 641 hp, front brakes from an Audi RS4, and rear axle and brakes from a Lamborghini Gallardo.
RED Bull Malaysia recently announced its sponsorship for the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams as part of the brand’s efforts to develop grassroot talents and celebrate motorcycle racing.
The partnership was officiated through a contract signing ceremony alongside three PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams, namely PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha CKJ, and PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor.
All three racing teams will be competing in Round 3 of the prestigious PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship 2024 from June 1-2 at the Sepang International Circuit.
With 28 years of motorcycle racing under its belt, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing Team has received numerous accolades, including the Overall Wira KBS Category Championship titles in Cub Prix for four consecutive
years.
Established in 2009, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha CKJ Racing Team comprises a squad of young talented riders, such as Afif Amran and Akid Aziz, who have clinched numerous Overall Champion titles in Cub Prix.
PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor Racing Team, established in 1997 by former rider Yong Ying Hoe, holds the record for the most significant number of championships clinched in Cub Prix.
As part of the partnership, Red Bull will soon be running a contest, offering two lucky winners a chance to each own a limited-edition Yamaha Y15ZR motorcycle exclusively signed by selected riders from the three PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams.
To commemorate the new chapter, Red Bull has also introduced a new beverage series called Red Bull Energy Sparkling, which is available in 250ml cans, in two flavours, namely Pomelo and Apple & Muscat Grape.
The Red Bull Energy Sparkling series will be available from RM3.10/can at major supermarkets and convenience stores.
EVEN with the existing lineup of sports car models (GR Supra, GR Yaris, GR Corolla & GR86), Toyota Gazoo Racing plans to revive some iconic names that once dominated the world. These include the Toyota MR2/MRS and Toyota Starlet.
The latest report from Japan reveals that Toyota intends to resurrect the Celica name as one of the high-performance models under the Gazoo Racing brand.
Unlike the rumors circulating last year, Toyota aims to take a more traditional approach, with the Celica re-emerging as a GR model paired with a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine producing 400 hp.
The Japanese publication also disclosed that the development of the high-performance engine had actually begun several years ago and would be fully ready before it is announced by Akio Toyoda at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.
With the combination of the AWD GR-Four drive system, it is a fitting step to revive the spirit of the Celica GT-Four while simultaneously paying homage to the success of previous Celica models in rallying.
Best Car Web predicts that the new Celica model will be revealed as early as January next year at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. In addition to the Celica, Toyota is reportedly developing a hot hatch version of the Starlet designed as a rally-focused vehicle in the Rally4 WRC class.
Unlike the more comprehensive and powerful GR Yaris, this ‘GR Starlet’ will utilize a smaller-displacement (1.3-liter) turbocharged inline-three-cylinder engine and a more compact front-wheel-drive system.
The same platform will also be used by Toyota for another entry-level rear-wheel-drive sports car model, the S-FR, which is said to be capable of generating up to 150 PS and 220 Nm of torque.
The electric SUV Volvo EX90 had already been officially launched at the end of 2022, but production of the model will only begin in South Carolina, United States, this month.
The production delay is due to the complexity of the LIDAR system that will be incorporated into the Volvo EX90. However, one thing is certain, the Volvo EX90 will be the world’s first car to have its own battery passport system.
This documentation system will record all essential information about the battery pack, including the origin of raw materials, components, recycled content, and the overall carbon footprint.
This passport will also record current information regarding the battery health for up to 15 years. This is crucial for customers in determining the current value of an EV, especially as the Volvo EX90 begins to enter the used vehicle market.
Volvo took over five years to develop this passport system in collaboration with the UK startup company Circulor, with an expected cost of approximately $10 (RM47) per vehicle.
In addition to the Volvo EX90, this battery passport will be expanded for use in other Volvo EVs. According to a Reuters report, every EV sold in Europe will be required to have a battery passport starting in February 2027.
SUBARU has expanded its WRX model lineup in the United States with a new variant known as the WRX tS or Tuned by STI.
The WRX tS is not a full blown STI but it does come with several tasty upgrades. Visually, it comes with side mirrors, a fin-type antenna, and a rear spoiler painted in black, while the brake calipers are gold in colour.
Additionally, there’s a tS logo on the rear deck lid, and the model is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels in Satin Gray shod with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.
Moving to the interior, the conventional gauges have been replaced with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which means that the driver no longer needs to rely on the 11.6-inch touchscreen to view the map.
The WRX tS comes with Recaro Performance Design seats wrapped in black Ultrasuede with blue accents, as well as the WRX tS logo on the head rests and floor mats.
To make things more interesting, Subaru has removed the power moonroof to reduce weight and provide more headroom for helmeted drivers.
For the tS variant, the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine remains untouched, meaning it still makes 271 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, routed via the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Active Torque Vectoring.
While the engine’s output is retained, the vehicle is gains electronically controlled dampers and a revised suspension system by STI. Drivers can tailor the damper’s dynamic performance through three modes, namely Comfort, Normal, and Sport.
Braking performance is enhanced through a high-performance Brembo braking system, including 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, as well as larger pads and rotors.
IN this era of electrification, as we can see, many manufacturers are starting to offer fully electric (EV) or hybrid models.
Bugatti is also making an impression, but they seem to not be ready for EVs, opting instead for the hybrid route. With a name like Bugatti, you can certainly expect it to be no ordinary hybrid.
Indeed, it is a hybrid with a V16 engine package capable of delivering up to 1,800hp of peak power. This engine will be unveiled to the world on June 20th.
It is a naturally-aspirated (NA) engine, unlike the quad-turbo engines found in the Veyron and Chiron models. The V16, which will replace the W16, is a hybrid with three electric motors – two on the front axle, one at the rear.
The rear electric motor will also be housed in an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rumors suggest that this engine has a displacement of 8.3 liters, able to rev up to 9,500rpm and generate up to 1,000hp.
The electric motors contribute additional power, resulting in a total output of 1,800hp. We already know that Bugatti is set to launch the successor to the Chiron this year.
Therefore, this engine is sure to be the heart of this upcoming new hypercar. According to Bugatti, the hypercar is being “completely designed from the ground up.” It draws inspiration from past models such as the Type 57 C Atlantic, Type 41 Royale, and Type 35.
The hypercar is also expected to accelerate to 100km/h in less than two seconds, reach 200km/h in five seconds, and achieve 300km/h in under 10 seconds. The top speed is limited to 446km/h.
It is said that only 250 units will be produced. This is more exclusive compared to the Veyron and Chiron, with 450 and 500 units produced respectively.
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