Category Archives: NEWS

NEWS

Manual-swapped 1996 Alpina B3 Touring for sale

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THERE are three things that can elevate a BMW. The first is the wagon (or Touring in BMW speak) body style. The second is manual transmission, and the third is Alpina.

The Alpina B3 Touring has all three. It is currently up for auction on the ‘Bring a Trailer’ website, with the current bid standing at $20,250 (RM95,985) at the time of writing.

Only 89 units of the B3 Touring were ever produced, and this particular unit is #23. Built in September 1996, it was initially delivered to Nicole Racing Japan before being exported to the Netherlands in 2017. In 2022, it was imported to the United States.

The car still sports its original metallic blue paint, along with the Alpina body kit and 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels. Making it stand out further are the gold-tone Alpina graphics on the side and rear.

Inside, the seats and door panels are upholstered in black fabric with green and blue stripes, while the floor is protected by Alpina carpeting. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with two-tone stitching and features the Alpina logo on the steering boss.

Under the hood lies a 3.2-litre inline-six engine producing 265 hp and 329 Nm of torque. Several maintenance works were made in 2023, including the reconstruction of the Vanos system and the replacement of the cylinder head gasket, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and more. The mileage is approaching 176,000 km.

The #23 B3 Touring was initially equipped with an automatic transmission, but it was replaced with a Getrag 420G six-speed manual transmission from sourced from an E46 M3. It was installed this year along with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

Interestingly, the removed automatic transmission is included in the sale along with additional spare parts and a scale model.

NEWS

Honda City Hatchback gets updated for 2024 – Sensing standard for all variants, from RM86k

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AFTER nearly three years in the market, the Honda City Hatchback has received a facelift and was officially launched today. The successor to the Jazz model is offered in five variants, with the following prices:

  • City Hatchback e:HEV RS – RM112,900
  • City Hatchback 1.5 petrol RS – RM100,900
  • City Hatchback 1.5 V – RM95,900
  • City Hatchback 1.5 E – RM90,900
  • City Hatchback 1.5 S – RM85,900

As the highest variant, the City Hatchback e:HEV RS features a sportier exterior with a new honeycomb grille, front lower grille, and aggressive bumper design with integrated fog lights.

Completing its appearance are rear bumper lower decoration, side under spoiler, and 16-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.

In terms of powertrain, there are no changes. The RS variant maintains the combination of a 1.5-liter engine and electric motor, producing 109PS and the highest torque in its class at 253Nm.

Meanwhile, other variants will continue to be powered by the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine with a power output of 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a CVT transmission.

Previously, Honda Sensing was only available in the RS variant, but this facelift model sees the driver-assist technology provided as standard for all variants, along with the additional Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) feature.

In addition, the RS variant also receives another added feature, Low Speed Follow (LSF).

EV, NEWS

Kia EV3 set to make global debut on May 23

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KIA has released teaser images of their next electric vehicle (EV), the EV3. It will be fully unveiled on May 23 as a compact electric SUV slotted below the EV5.

For your information, the EV3 was first previewed by the Concept EV3 in October last year. Kia’s teaser images indicate that it will retain most of its exterior design cues for production.

Kia Concept EV3

Similar to the EV9, Kia applies the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy to the design of the EV3, as evident from the striking boxy fenders and tailgate.

The EV3 also carries the brand’s signature Star Map lighting at the front and rear, along with black-painted C pillars to create the floating roof effect.

Interior images have not been revealed yet; however, we anticipate a design and layout not significantly different from Kia’s existing EV models.

Likewise, technical details of the EV3 are unknown for now, but according to reports, it is built on the E-GMP platform with a 400V architecture, as opposed to the 800V system in the EV6 and EV9.

Kia says the EV3 will go on sale later this year following its global world premiere.

NEWS

BMW M4 CS treads a fine line between usability and performance

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The G82 BMW M4 range is now complete with the arrival of a new Competition Sport variant or more fondly known as the CS.

Positioned between the M4 Competition and the extreme M4 CSL, the M4 CS is designed with specific tuning that balances track-ready performance with every day driving pleasure.

Or in other words, it is not unlike the G80 M3 CS introduced last year. Like that car, this coupe is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces a whopping 550 PS and 650 Nm.

With an 8-speed Steptronic transmission driving all wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M4 CS is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 302 km/h.

In addition to the engine, the impressive performance of this car is also contributed to by the extensive weight saving solutions carried out by BMW.

Among the measures taken is the use of components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) that includes the roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, side mirror housings, rear diffuser and Gurney-style rear spoiler.

Inside, the lightweight material is also extensively used and can be seen on the center console, paddle shifters, and M Carbon bucket seats.

Additionally, the exhaust system on the M4 CS is more than 4 kg lighter, thanks to the use of a titanium rear silencer.

All in all, lightweight design measures bring the car’s weight down by around 20 kg compared to the M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.

In the handling department, the car gets the M adaptive suspension system and electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio. For sharper handling, customers can opt for an M front end strut brace.

As for the brakes, it uses M Compound rotors, which can be upgraded to carbon ceramic units. The car rolls on forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back, along with track tyres as standard.

Alternatively, customers can specify ultra track tyres or high-performance tyres. The latter is suitable for day-to-day driving and come in the same sizes as a no-cost option.

NEWS

Get up close with GWM Tank 300 on the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2024

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Great Wall Motor Malaysia has announced that GWM will debut their new SUV, the Tank 300, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 next week. The GWM Tank 300 was previously showcased a few months ago, but its public debut will take place at the upcoming motor show.

Initially scheduled for release in the third quarter of this year, the latest development indicates an earlier launch in the second quarter. Therefore, it is not far away.

For the Malaysian market, the Tank 300 is expected to be offered in a non-hybrid variant, featuring a 2.0-liter turbo petrol 4-cylinder engine generating 217hp and 380Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a part-time all-wheel-drive system with 2H, 4H, and 4L functions. The system is also equipped with front and rear differential locks.

Notably, the GWM Tank 300 features a ‘tank turn’ function. When activated, it locks the inner rear tires to enable the SUV to make tight turns in confined spaces. This maneuver is reminiscent of tracked vehicles such as tanks and excavators.

As can be seen, the SUV presents a classic 4×4 appearance with a boxy design and thick side cladding. Its front end boasts round LED headlights, while fog lights are integrated into the bumper.

At the rear, there’s a spare tire mounted on the outside of the swinging door, reminiscent of classic Jeeps. The Tank 300 comes with 18-inch rims and Michelin Primacy SUV tires.

Internally, you’ll notice that the interior exudes a premium feel, possibly inspired by the Mercedes G-Class. With a vertical dashboard, turbine air vents, front passenger grab handle, and a pair of 12.3-inch screens each.

The center console of the Tank 300 houses a slightly angular-shaped gear lever with control buttons for the drive system, electronic parking brake, and driver assistance system. Other features include automatic air conditioning, power seats, leather upholstery, Harman Infinity audio system, power sunroof, wireless charging pad, and paddle shifters.

The GWM Tank 300 also comes equipped with active safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Furthermore, Great Wall Motor Malaysia will also showcase another upcoming SUV, the Haval H6 HEV. These models can be viewed at Hall A, MAEPS, Serdang during the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, running from 22nd to 26th May.

NEWS

2024 Volkswagen California revelead – bigger, better than before

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VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has officially pulled the covers off the seventh-generation California for the European market.

It is based on the long wheelbase version of the Multivan and will be offered in five versions – Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and Ocean – when it goes on sale in June.

According to Volkswagen, every area of the California has been has redesigned, making it more spacious, smarter, more sophisticated, more versatile and more sustainable.

For example, the camper van now comes with two sliding doors as standard, as well as a pop-up roof.

When the pop-up roof is closed, the interior height is 1,297 mm and when it is open, the height increases to 2,108 mm.

Customers can also opt for an awning that can be fitted on left or right side of the vehicle to shield against rain or too much sun.

Inside, the rear bench seat has been replaced by individual seats, allowing customers to store their expensive bikes inside. The seats can also be positioned individually according to personal preferences.

From the California Beach Tour and above, the backrests of the outer seats can also be folded all the way back to form a flat bed surface.

In addition, practical drawers are located under all individual seats as well as in the driver and front passenger seats. There’s also a large number of 45-watt USB-C ports to ensure that mobile devices never run out of power.

The Beach Camper is also equipped with a permanent mini-kitchen at the rear, while the Coast and Ocean each get a versatile kitchennette and a pull-out refrigerator in the style of the Grand California.

The California is built on the MQB platform and will be offered with several powertrain options, including a four-cylinder TDI with 150 PS and a four-cylinder TSI with 204 PS, both are front-wheel drive.

It will also be available as a plug-in hybrid called the eDrive that boasts a total system output of 245 PS and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

The platform also allows a wide range of driver assist systems including Travel Assist, which offers semi-automated driving assistance and thus increases long-distance driving comfort.

NEWS

2024 Isuzu D-Max facelift now in Malaysia – new looks and tech, from RM99k

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THE facelifted version of the third generation Isuzu D-Max has been officially launched in Malaysia, bringing fresher looks and a host of new features and equipment.

The lineup of the pickup truck remains unchanged, comprising five variants as follows:

  • X-Terrain 3.0L 4X4 AT
  • Premium 1.9L 4X4 AT & 3.0L 4X4 AT
  • Auto Plus 1.9L 4X2 AT
  • Standard 1.9L 4X4 MT & 1.9L 4X4 AT
  • Single Cab 1.9L 4X4 MT & 3.0L 4X4 AT

Pricing starts from RM98,949.20 for the 1.9-litre Single Cab while the flagship X-Terrain is priced at RM157,938.40 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

 

The most noticeable changes in design include sharper Bi-LED headlights, bigger grille with a new honeycomb insert, and redesigned fog lamp housings. The turning signals are now integrated with the LED daytime running lights.

At the rear, you’ll spot newly designed taillights and a new tailgate that now includes a new handle with a keyhole, enabling the tailgate to be locked should a canopy or cover be fitted.

Wheels come in 18-inch size, in Tough Style design for the X-Terrain and Sporty Style design for the Premium. They are wrapped in 265/60 R18 all-terrain tyres.

As for exterior colours, Valencia Orange is replaced with the new Namibu Orange Mica, while Islay Grey, Onyx Black, and Dolomite White Pearl colors are still available.

Inside, the X-Terrain variant gains several new features seen usually in high-end SUVs. For example, the driver is greeted with welcome lights, door sill and footwell illumination upon opening the door.

The luxurious feel is enhanced further with leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, along with a Miura pattern on the door panels. Isuzu says Miura is inspired by a classic Japanese origami-inspired paralellogram design.

Additionally, the D-Max now comes equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen that provides access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera, and Around View Monitor.

The pickup truck also comes with a 7-inch multi-info display, USB-C charging port, wireless charger, and an 8-speaker surround sound system.

The safety system is enhanced through the use of a fourth-generation stereo camera with a wider 120-degree field of view. The camera is also capable of increasing its forward detection distance from 120 meters to 150 meters.

Another new update is the Rear Cross Traffic Brake system. When the vehicle detects an on-coming vehicle while reversing, an audible and visual signal is given. It will proceed to apply the brakes should an imminent collision be anticipated.

The D-Max’s off-roading prowess is also enhanced with the new Rough Terrain Mode, which is standard on all Double Cab 4X4 models. The is able to detect the level of grip each wheel has and apportion the power from a spinning wheel to the wheel that has most grip. It can be used in all transmission modes – 2H, 4H or 4L.

The engine lineup remains unchanged. Like before, there’s the 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-four, generating 190 PS and 450 Nm, and the RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre inline-four unit making 150 PS and 350 Nm.

NEWS

2025 Kia EV6 to get bigger battery, 10-80% charging in 18 minutes only

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The first Kia EV, the EV6, has been in the global market since 2021, and now over 210,000 units have been sold. Kia is now set to introduce the first update or facelift for this model.

It will still come in standard and GT Line options, with the GT Line featuring a new front light bar. Both variants will also showcase a new front bumper, along with the choice of 19- and 20-inch rims.

The cabin space doesn’t seem to have changed much, but upon closer inspection, the steering wheel now sports a new three-blade design, alongside a new dual-screen setup.

It will include fingerprint recognition, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The main update for this facelift is the larger battery.

The 2025 Kia EV6 will receive an 84kWh capacity pack, replacing the previous 77.4kWh. It can also be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, with a 350kW capacity.

The EV6 Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant also offers a longer driving range of 494km. Another update is in the unseen areas. The EV6 will be equipped with side airbags for rear passengers, as well as larger B-pillars for enhanced body rigidity.

The electric motor is said to be quieter, and comfort has been improved through new shock absorber tuning. Kia has also added sound insulation materials to the rear motor area.

Lastly, the OTA (over-the-air) updates can now cover more than just navigation functions, with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity becoming standard features.

NEWS

Pro-Net expands charging network, now has 36 bays in 9 states

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In response to the growing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), Pro-Net has announced the expansion of its charging infrastructure network.

Since the introduction of a DC Charger at Proton’s headquarters in October last year, Pro-Net has taken proactive steps to expand the charging infrastructure across its Proton Edar dealerships.

Collaborating with partner Gentari, the organisation has deployed six DC chargers, totaling 12 charging bays, with each bay equipped with two nozzles. This rollout includes 50 kW, 100 kW, and 120 kW chargers, as well as three 60 kW chargers.

This is in addition to the chargers at existing smart dealerships, which include 5 DC chargers and 13 AC chargers, making it a total of 22 charging bays across Peninsular Malaysia.

Pro-Net said it has imminent plans to introduce additional charging infrastructure as part of its dealership expansion network in Sabah.

Currently, over 70% of public charging points are accessible through the Hello smart App, thanks to strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as chargEV, JomCharge, and Gentari.

The app allows users to effortlessly access the charging map from Proton Edar and Smart Malaysia dealerships.

NEWS

Mercedes-Benz C350e official price confirmed – RM338,888

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MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia has announced the official pricing for the Mercedes-Benz C350e, which was first previewed in February.

Locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the C350e is priced at RM338,888 on-the-road excluding insurance. This is lower compared to the estimated price reported earlier, which was RM355,000.

The new variant comes as a replacement of the C300 AMG Line that was launched alongside the C200 Avantgarde back in 2022.

Powering the C350e is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 204 hp at 6,100 rpm and 320 Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.

It is paired with an electric motor generating 95 kW and 440 Nm, providing the sedan with a total output of 313 hp and 550 Nm.

With a 9G-Tronic transmission driving the rear wheels, the C350e can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 245 km/h.

An in-house developed battery with a capacity of 25.4 kWh offers an electric range of up to 117 km. The maximum speed in this mode is 140 km/h. The battery takes two hours to fully charge using an 11 kW AC charger.

Kit-wise, the C350e comes with the AMG Line styling package, 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels, and the Night Package, which includes glossy black elements such as the louvre of the radiator shell, trim moulding in the AMG front apron, beltline trim strip and window surround, and exterior mirror housings.

This variant also comes standard with Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.

The interior is adorned with AMG Line trim, featuring metal structure trim elements, a Nappa leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, and sport seats with Artico leather upholstery in black.

The MBUX infotainment system consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an 11.9-inch touchscreen, which is slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees, as well as a wireless charger.

On the safety front, the car comes with a 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Guard 360°, and Pedestrian Protection.

NEWS

RMAF to negotiate with Kuwait for F/A-18 Hornet

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THE Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be sending a team to Kuwait to negotiate the acquisition of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from the country.

Air Force Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd. Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, stated that a technical visit to the country will take place soon, with the executing team to be formed next month.

“Possibly in June (the visit), God willing, we will establish a team to carry out the technical visit there. Through this visit, the government and RMAF will decide on the number of Hornet aircraft to be acquired to strengthen the country’s air defense,” he said after presiding over the Conclusion Parade of the Young Airmen Training at the Air Force Academy recently.

Mohd. Asghar Khan mentioned that RMAF currently operates eight F/A-18D Hornet aircraft from the United States purchased in 1995 and started operating two years later.

“Kuwait has 39 Hornet aircraft with two-seater and single-seater variants. From this visit, we will determine the required number. If the visit yields positive results until 2035, RMAF may decide to purchase them,” he said.

Kuwait is set to retire the aircraft purchased in 1991 and replace them with more modern fighter jets.

RMAF has shown interest in acquiring Hornets from Kuwait since late 2021, considering the good condition of the fighter jet fleet and their relatively low flight hours. Let’s hope this process goes smoothly, and RMAF can strengthen their fleet.

NEWS

MCVE 2024: ZF introduces components suited for ASEAN

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ZF Aftermarket has recently unveiled several innovations tailored to meet the standards of commercial vehicle requirements. Among them are an innovative clutch, shock absorber, and transmission fluid. The introduction was made during the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024 (MCVE 2024).

The latest SACHS clutch system with German technology enhances operational efficiency with a longer replacement interval reaching 700,000km.

Another SACHS product is the new shock absorber component. It is designed not only to enhance vehicle stability but also to increase tire lifespan and reduce tire wear due to shock absorber degradation.

By reducing braking distance and tire wear, it not only enhances driver safety but also underscores ZF Aftermarket’s dedication to solutions that improve vehicle performance and are cost-effective.

ZF Aftermarket complements its three latest innovations by introducing a high-performance transmission fluid formulated for all types of commercial vehicles, including mechanical and automatic transmissions.

This product is born out of extensive research to enhance performance and durability, especially in the challenging climate and road conditions of Southeast Asia.

“We have harnessed our global expertise to engineer solutions that are uniquely tailored to meet the Southeast Asia market’s specific climatic and operational challenges,” said Chee How Teoh, Chief Division Officer of the Asia-Pacific Aftermarket Division at ZF Aftermarket.

“Our innovations attest to ZF Aftermarket’s leadership in technology and strategic foresight. They empower our customers to lead their markets with commercial vehicles that boast reliability, efficiency and a design tailored to the Southeast Asia region’s demanding climate and terrain,” explained Aleksander Rabinovitch, Chief of the Commercial Vehicle Business Network Unit at ZF Aftermarket.

NEWS

Tamiya showcases real-life Lunchbox monster van at Shizuoka Hobby Show

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As fans of vehicle toys, we often imagine what it would be like to drive that car in the real world. One way to make this a reality is by producing the vehicle in a 1/1 scale size.

This is exactly what Tamiya did recently. The toy manufacturer unveiled a full-sized Lunchbox to be showcased at the Shizuoka Hobby Show 2024, which took place recently.

No technical details were disclosed, but this monster van bears a striking resemblance to the 1/12 scale radio-controlled (RC) version.

The real Lunchbox comes in the iconic yellow color, with a front bumper bar, chrome grille and exhaust, “Vanessa’s Lunchbox” graphics on the side, and even a wheelie bar at the back, mirroring the RC version.

What’s most amusing is the battery pack found underneath the chassis, even though the actual truck surely runs on a petrol engine.

The only difference is the tires, which are not the giant monster truck ones. Instead, the real version uses regular off-road tires, and its chassis looks like a four-wheel-drive (4WD) drive when looking at the front and rear axles.

The 1/12 scale RC version is rear-wheel-drive (RWD) with a motor at the back. Despite this, the real version retains its height, ensuring that Tamiya RC fans will recognize it immediately.

Tamiya has previously produced a full-sized Monster Beetle model, and an external company once offered the Wild One MAX buggy.

NEWS

CAM Kingo introduced with 6AT gearbox, greener new engine

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CAM Kingo has been introduced to the Malaysian market with its latest version, the 6AT. Imported by R&A Marketing, a subsidiary of the Sendok Group, the van was unveiled at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024 (MCVE 2024).

The CAM Kingo 6AT features a 6-speed automatic transmission, claimed to be the first in its class. Additionally, it is equipped with a Euro 5 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that generates 145hp and 400Nm of torque, an increase from the previous version’s 350Nm.

The Kingo 6AT’s engine also boasts a 20,000km service interval, indicating less frequent servicing compared to other vans in the market. It is backed by a warranty of six years or 200,000km.

The 6-speed automatic transmission in the new Kingo comes with three modes: automatic, manual, and sport. It also includes special logic for smooth gear changes, high and low temperature control, as well as hill ascent/descent control.

The van is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, along with ABS and EBD. It comes with 16-inch rims and 215/75 tires.

The new CAM Kingo 6AT is available in two configurations, accommodating 15 and 18 seats. Each seat is equipped with a three-point seatbelt, and every row features USB sockets and air conditioning vents.

External standard features include power side mirrors with LED turn signals, projector headlights with DRL, fog lights, high-mount third brake light, and a rearview mirror with a demister function.

Meanwhile, the interior comprises a 10-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth and USB, six speakers, a reverse camera, and a parking sensor.

The CAM Kingo 6AT is available at RM144,800 for the 15-seat variant and RM164,800 for the 18-seat variant.

NEWS

2024 Aston Martin Vantage arrives in Malaysia with RM2.37 million price tag

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JUST months after its global debut, the 2024 Aston Martin Vantage is now launched for the Malaysian market, with a starting price of RM2,370,000 excluding options and customisation.

Similar to its predecessor, Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill makes its way into the new Vantage, but thanks to various upgrades, it now churns out 665 PS and 800 Nm.

The substantial increase (155 PS and 115 Nm to be exact) in output was achieved through the adoption of modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger turbos, and increased cooling.

With the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, the Vantage accelarates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 325 km/h.

The Vantage’s bonded aluminium structure is now stiffer and more engaging thanks to additional underbody stiffening components, and optimised front body cross member and front engine cross brace.

Improved mounting stiffness for the dampers on both end makes the car more precise, while new intelligent adaptive dampers offer immense range of control and speed of response t0 sharper its dynamics.

The Vantage features 21-inch forged alloy five-spoke wheels as standard, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres measuring 275/35 R21 (103Y) front and 325/30 R21 (108Y) rear.

Hidden behind the wheels are 400 mm front and 360 mm rear cast iron disc brakes. Buyers can upgrade these to Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) that offer reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800 °C, alongside a reduction of 27 kg in unsprung weight.

Inside, the interior has been fully redesigned with a digital-forward cockpit as the centrepiece. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and a standard 390W 11-speaker audio system.

Audiophiles can opt for the optional Bowers & Wilkins 1,170W audio system with 15 speakers, including 3D headline speakers and a subwoofer.

According to Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur, the retail price includes a three-year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage.

 

NEWS

Proton sales up 17.1% in April as S70 builds momentum

PROTON has announced its sales performance for April 2023, which saw the national car manufacturer recording sales of 11,025 units for the domestic and export markets.

The figure represents a 17.1% increase compared to the 9,415 units achieved in April last year.

Sales for the first four months of 2024 have also increased to 50,175 units, higher than the 49,702 units sold from January to April 2023.

Total industry volume (TIV) for the Malaysian automotive market meanwhile also grew for the same period to an estimated 59,100 units and a cumulative total of 261,345 units for the year.

Proton’s market share is estimated at 18.7% in April alone while year-to-date market share is forecast to be at 19.2%, maintaining its second position in the overall national automotive sales ranking.

According to national automaker, the X50 years, regained the top spot for B-segment SUVs despite growing competition from the market with 1,642 units sold in April.

Meanwhile, the S70 continues to lead the C-segment sedan sales with 1,635 units sold last month, resulting in cumulative sales of 7,463 units for 2024.

The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model, recording sales of 5,031 units in April, with year-to-date sales up 8.8% to 23,278 units.

The X70 came in at 552 units, while the Persona and X90 recorded sales of 1,429 units and 312 units, respectively. Iriz added 424 units to its April sales volume, making the total sales to date1,958 units.

“The slowdown in automotive sales in April, where TIV shrank by 16.8% compared to March 2024, can be attributed to the long holiday period as OEMs, dealerships and other members of the local automotive ecosystem took time off to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Year to date, Proton export sales volume has surged 38.5% to 835 units as compared to 603 units registered in the same period last year.

Leading the export sales chart is the Saga with 427 units sold year-to-date, an increase of 16% from 368 units from the same period last year. The X50 came in second with 176 units sold while the S70 recorded 89 units in Brunei, its only export market.

NEWS

Auto China 2024: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV shown, to launch in Q4 this year

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BESIDES the Omoda 7, Chery also introduced its flagship SUV model, the Tiggo 9 PHEV, at the Auto China 2024.

Looks-wise, the Tiggo 9 PHEV is evidently not a huge departure to h0w the Tiggo 8 Pro looks like, but as a flagship model in its lineup, it has a bigger footprint.

It measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, 1,741 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm, making it 88 mm longer, 65 mm wider, and 36 mm higher than the Tiggo 8 Pro.

There are also some design elements that help the Tiggo 9 PHEV stand out including the Saturn Ring hexagon grille, dynamic body lines, and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels.

Inside, the unit showcased in Beijing features two-tone cream and blue leather upholstery, as well as 3D stitching on the seats. It is equipped with a digital instrument panel and a 15.6-inch HD 2.5K touch display.

The ‘heart’ of the Tiggo 9 PHEV is the 2.0-litre turbo engine pumping out 235 hp and 385 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine is combined with a 3DHT electric motor that provides an additional 221 hp.

The ICE-electric motor combo results in a fuel consumption level of around 5.2 liters per 100 km based on the WLTC cycle and a driving range of up to 1,400 km.

In addition to the PHEV, the Tiggo 9 will also have a petrol variant, but details regarding this variant have not yet been announced. Both will be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.

NEWS

This is a Subaru WRX wagon with a six-speed manual that you can’t buy

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Subaru has finally unveiled the combination package that many loyal fans have been eagerly awaiting; the WRX, wagon, and manual. This package comes in the form of the Subaru WRX Sportwagon.

However, as you read in the headline, we are unable to purchase it. The Subaru WRX Sportwagon is only offered in Mexico. Yes, it is not available in Japan or the United States either.

This high-performance wagon will soon be available for sale in Mexico, with bookings already underway.

The WRX Sportwagon is powered by a 2.4-liter boxer 4-cylinder turbo engine with an output of 271hp and 350Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Standard features of the wagon include power rear gate and rear seats with a 40/20/40 split fold. The Subaru WRX Sportwagon will be sold at a price of MX$819,900 (RM230k).

Are there many WRX wagon manual enthusiasts here? Is it possible for us to purchase it from Mexico and import it to Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Two Porsche Taycan Turbo GTs for Formula E safety cars

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has been chosen as the safety car for Formula E. Two of Porsche’s most powerful EV units will make their first public appearance at the Berlin race on the upcoming 11th and 12th of May.

Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, said: “Sustainability and electrification are crucial for Porsche, as evidenced through our motorsport activities – including the selection of the Taycan Turbo GT as the safety car.

“This is symbolic of what we learn from motorsport for various applications. In Formula E, it is crucial for electric sports cars, such as energy management.

“This is another reason why the Taycan has been enhanced in various aspects recently,” he said.

This new Taycan Turbo GT comes with more power and driving range, as well as faster charging capabilities. It has broken several records at the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca tracks.

With the Weissach package, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 305 km/h.

The Attack Mode unleashes up to 120 kW of additional power. This technology is derived from the Porsche 99X Electric, the Formula E car that won the recent championship.

For the first time, two versions of these EV cars will shoulder the safety car duties. The first car is the Taycan Turbo GT in Purple Sky Metallic, while the other is in Shade Green Metallic.

NEWS

Ferrari 12Cilindri: A powerhouse with disappointing name

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THE Ferrari 12Cilindri, while packing a punch with its powerful engine, falls short in the nomenclature department. The name does not do justice to its remarkable performance.

The 12Cilindri proudly boasts a 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, generating an impressive 819hp and 678Nm of torque.

Placed in a front-mid configuration with a characteristic long front hood, it embodies the classic Ferrari aesthetic. The front-mid configuration, positioned ahead of the cabin but behind the front axle, ensures optimal balance.

This V12 unit has a longstanding heritage, dating back to the Enzo. Remarkably, the 12Cilindri achieves stringent standards without hybrid assistance or electrification. This allows the engine to deliver its peak power with unadulterated sound and force.

The V12 engine incorporates Aspirated Torque Shaping technology, utilizing electronics to modulate torque delivery in gears three and four. Paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox located at the rear for weight distribution, it boasts a 30% faster gear shift compared to its predecessor, the 812.

Ferrari claims the 12Cilindri accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and achieves 200km/h in under 7.9 seconds. The Spider variant, slightly less swift, accomplishes 0 to 100km/h in 2.95 seconds and reaches 200km/h in 8.2 seconds. Both models boast a top speed exceeding 340km/h.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is equipped with advanced chassis control systems, including Side Slip Control 8, four-wheel steering, a choice of 20 or 21-inch rims, and Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires. The chassis is also 15% stiffer than its predecessor, the 812.

As expected, the 12Cilindri comes with a high price tag, retailing at USD423,000 (RM2.006 million) for the coupe and USD466,000 (RM2.209 million) for the Spider. Given Ferrari’s high demand for V12 engines, these models are likely to be quickly sold out.

In conclusion, while the Ferrari 12Cilindri impresses with its power and performance, its nomenclature may not reflect its true capabilities. However, it is anticipated that the allure of Ferrari’s V12 engines will continue to drive strong consumer demand.