Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, has announced the organization of the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia for the second consecutive year, aimed at young talents.
There are three age categories in which sim racers aged 10 to 24 years old are eligible to participate in this challenge.
Three knockout rounds will determine the fastest racers who qualify for the next round, with the final round taking place concurrently with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race on June 8, 2025.
Online registration will be open from March 20 to April 16 via the website https://pescm.porsche.com.my/, where each participant will be required to select a Porsche Centre location should they qualify for Round 2.
For 2025, the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia will utilize the RaceRoom Racing Experience platform on Steam, featuring the racetracks used by the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
The first qualifying round (10-minute time trial) will be conducted online and at Porsche Centres across Malaysia from April 12 to April 20, where participants may choose to join the challenge from their homes.
Round 2 will take place at the following locations:
Porsche Centre Ara Damansara: April 26-27, 2025
Porsche Centre Johor Bahru: May 3-4, 2025
Porsche Centre Penang: May 10-11, 2025
Porsche Centre Sungai Besi: May 17-18, 2025
In Round 2, each participant will receive a personal coaching session, followed by a 10-minute practice session.
The top 10 participants from each category who achieve the fastest lap times at each Porsche Centre will advance to the final qualifying round on May 25-26, 2025, at Bangsar Shopping Centre.
The top 10 finalists from each category will progress to the final round, which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit on June 8, 2025, using a sprint race format virtually at the Sepang International Circuit PETRONAS.
Three racers who secure a podium finish during the final championship will have the opportunity to experience driving a real Porsche on the Sepang circuit.
Winners under the age of 18 will be able to share this meaningful experience with a parent or guardian.
The Porsche Macan has entered its second generation with the launch of this compact SUV in early 2024.
Like it or not, if you are interested in acquiring an entry-level SUV from Porsche, you will only be presented with the entirely electric Macan lineup.
This move is quite bold for Porsche, considering that the Macan was previously the best-selling model from the brand, surpassing its larger sibling, the Cayenne, globally.
The Porsche Macan EV—does it offer another EV experience just like any other electric vehicle on the road? Or does it still retain the distinctive Porsche identity?
Recently, we were invited by Porsche Malaysia to experience the driving dynamics of the Macan EV, specifically the Macan 4 variant, which carries a price tag of RM445,000.
Specifications
The Porsche Macan 4 is powered by two electric motors, producing 387 PS and a torque of 650 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.2 seconds.
The top speed is limited to 220 km/h, which is quite fast for an EV.
With a 100 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack, the Macan 4 can travel up to 613 km on a full charge.
The Macan EV also supports AC charging at 11 kW and DC charging up to 270 kW, enabling owners to charge the SUV’s battery in just 21 minutes (from 10% to 80%).
Exterior
Compared to the first-generation Macan, the Macan EV boasts larger dimensions (+58 mm in length, +11 mm in width, +26 mm in height), accompanied by a longer wheelbase (+86 mm).
These changes contribute to a more robust appearance, as well as a more spacious and comfortable cabin (which we will discuss later).
Moreover, we can describe the exterior design of the Macan EV as a larger Taycan, featuring stylish LED daytime running lights, a sporty roofline, and a full-width LED rear light strip.
Unlike the Taycan, entering and exiting the Macan cabin is easier, aided by the large frameless door openings.
Cabin
If the exterior resembles the Taycan, the layout of the Macan EV’s cabin is not significantly different from that of Porsche’s electric sedan.
For the Macan 4 variant we tested, it is equipped with a curved 12.6-inch digital cluster display, a 10.9-inch central screen, and an impressive head-up display featuring augmented reality technology.
What we appreciate about the Macan EV’s cabin is the similar driving experience to that offered by the Taycan sedan.
The steering wheel retains its round shape, complete with a rotary knob for changing driving modes and a small gear knob located adjacent to the central screen, along with separate climate control buttons positioned on the center console.
This means you no longer need to dive into the infotainment screen menu just to lower the temperature or increase the airflow.
A unique feature of the Porsche Macan EV is the presence of an analog-digital clock perched on the dashboard—a detail that many luxury car manufacturers have overlooked.
Practicality
As mentioned earlier, practicality is the main highlight of the Macan EV—especially when compared to the Taycan sedan.
In addition to easier entry and exit, the seating provided is also quite comfortable, holding the driver and front passenger securely, especially when this electric vehicle is pushed a bit aggressively.
The larger dimensions contribute to a more spacious and comfortable cabin, allowing for more headroom and legroom.
However, it is unfortunate that rear passengers may have to sit somewhat upright.
Most importantly, the Macan EV still offers a cargo space of 540 liters, or up to 1,348 liters when the second-row seats are folded down.
This is ample space for storing items, such as groceries during early-month shopping trips.
The absence of an internal combustion engine in the front provides a frunk (front trunk) of 84 liters—extra space for use if the rear cargo area is already filled.
Driving Experience
The Macan 4 comes equipped with two electric motors, meaning it features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
With precise and quick throttle response, the 387 PS and 650 Nm of power can easily deceive the driver into thinking they are handling an SUV weighing over 2 tons.
What makes the Macan EV significantly better is its sharper and more precise handling, offering more feedback that communicates directly with the driver, making the driving experience feel more assured.
Driving the Macan EV often reminds me of the experience with the Taycan and Taycan Cross from some time ago.
Finally, the Macan 4’s suspension—even without the adaptive air suspension found in the Macan 4S and Macan Turbo—still provides a good balance between sporty handling and comfort for everyday use.
It remains stable on straight highways and does not make the driver feel uneasy when encountering winding roads.
Extra: Experience Losing Control at Sepang
After enjoying a drive across several highways, we were taken to the Driving Experience Center (DEC), located right next to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Here, two sessions were provided: a slalom session with a high-speed handling session, along with another session to test driver skill on a hydraulic skid plate.
For a vehicle branded as Porsche, it was not difficult for us to maneuver the Macan EV through the slalom course.
The precise and sharp steering feedback, combined with the effective throttle pedal that controls power delivery from the battery to the wheels, and the suspension’s effectiveness in keeping the SUV stable during minimal body roll—even when driven aggressively—contributed to this ease.
However, during the second session, we experienced a loss of control in a Porsche valued under half a million for the first time.
This was the opportunity for the Porsche Macan EV to demonstrate the effectiveness of its stability control system when faced with a sudden loss of grip.
In my first attempt, I could manage the SUV’s loss of control at low speed, but I failed in my second attempt, which was conducted at a higher speed.
Why did I fail? Because the Macan EV I was handling hit the ‘barrier wall’ represented by a row of water fountains.
Despite feeling dissatisfied, it was a valuable lesson learned.
For drivers who are cautious like myself, the likelihood of experiencing a loss of control on the road is nearly zero.
However, such situations can still occur, especially when faced with heavy rain and slippery roads.
This underscores the need for every driver to possess the knowledge and skills to handle their vehicle in emergency situations.
Who Is the Macan 4 Suitable For?
Among the four main Macan variants offered in Malaysia, we believe the Macan 4 is more suitable for those looking to venture into owning a Porsche SUV.
While it features a twin electric motor setup, the power of 387 PS and 650 Nm is not excessively high; it remains reasonable and easy to control for a daily-use vehicle.
Furthermore, the standard AWD system not only contributes to handling and stability at high speeds, but it also ensures the required grip for all four wheels in various weather conditions and road surfaces.
With a range of 613 km and a reasonably light foot on the accelerator, you wouldn’t need to stop frequently to charge the Macan 4, even for trips that exceed two marhalahs.
Most importantly, for an electric SUV, the Macan 4 still manages to offer a balance between dynamic and sporty driving while not sacrificing comfort and practicality for everyday use.
Specifications of Porsche Macan 4
Configuration: Two electric motors
Power: 387 PS/650 Nm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 220 km/h
Battery pack: NMC 100 kWh
Range: 613 km
DC charging: 270 kW, 10-80% in 21 minutes
AC charging: 11 kW, 0-100% in 10 hours
Price: RM445,000
Porsche Malaysia, through Sime Darby Auto Performance, has launched the latest variant of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé 2025 for the local market.
As a locally assembled model (CKD), it is also the second model to be produced here and the first to be assembled for regional export.
The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 519 PS and 750 Nm of torque, which is 49 PS more powerful than the Cayenne E-Hybrid model.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 263 km/h.
The 26 kWh battery pack allows for a zero-emission driving range of up to 90 km without using a drop of petrol.
Standard features on the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé include an adaptive air suspension system complete with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), HD Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, and special color options in Carrara White Metallic, Chromite Black Metallic, and Dolomite Silver Metallic at no extra cost.
Inside the cabin, this model is equipped with a GT Sports steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package complete with a Porsche Design clock, a Bose Surround Sound audio system, a cabin air ionization system, 14-way adjustable seats with memory function, and sunshades for the rear windows.
There is also a new 12.6-inch curved cluster screen, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the gear shift lever is now positioned on the left side of the steering wheel on the dashboard.
Furthermore, buyers can choose leather upholstery in black or Bordeaux Red and can opt for the Rear Seat Entertainment feature that includes two additional screens for rear passengers.
The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé is now available for order at nearby Porsche Centres (Ara Damansara, Sungai Besi, Penang, and Johor Bahru), with a starting price of RM728,000.
“Since establishing our local assembly facility in Malaysia in 2022, Porsche has reached several key milestones that highlight the importance of this market. In just one year, more than 1,000 locally assembled Cayennes have been delivered to Malaysian customers, a clear indication of the strong demand and the trust placed in the Porsche brand,” said Mr. Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
“In 2024, we marked another significant achievement with the launch of the first regionally assembled Cayenne for Thailand, reinforcing our commitment to becoming a strong assembly partner to Porsche in this region. Building on this momentum, we are excited to launch a second model, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé in Malaysia for our customers,” Mr Hunter continued.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the first 911 Turbo model, Porsche introduces a lineup of up to 12 sneaker designs for enthusiasts to own.
All 12 sneaker designs are produced through a collaboration with the sportswear manufacturer Puma, with each model limited to 911 units.
In line with the theme, two models from the sneaker collection have historical significance and are inspired by iconic Porsche models.
For instance, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker design is based on the legendary Porsche model presented to Louise Piëch on her 70th birthday.
Crafted using full-grain leather, the Turbo No. 1 sneaker features a metallic silver exterior with a red/blue tartan pattern inside, reminiscent of the interior trim of the first 911 Turbo model.
On the other hand, the Turbo 930 sneaker design pays tribute to Dr. Ferry Porsche’s turbo model from 1976.
The Turbo 930 sneaker showcases nubuck leather in Oak Green Metallic color with a green tartan pattern on the interior lining.
For the local market, the Turbo No. 1 and Turbo 930 sneakers in the exclusive polar blue color will be available starting from August 29, 2024, at all Porsche Centers, limited to only 150 pairs.
Buyers will also receive additional shoelace sets and an exclusive black Porsche Puma sports bag.
The 9th, 10th, and 11th rounds of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia have recently concluded on August 11th.
It witnessed local team Sime Darby Racing Team representing Porsche Malaysia competing on home soil for the second consecutive year in the PRO category.
Round 9
In the 9th round, Mathys Jaubert (TORO Racing) clinched the first position despite Porsche Junior 2024 driver Alessandro Ghiretti leading after a few initial corners.
This marked Jaubert’s first victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, with Marco Giltrap (Team Porsche New Zealand) and Rodrigo Dias Almeida (R&B Racing) taking the next two spots.
In the Pro-Am class, Bao Jinlong continued his dominant performance, securing the fourth spot overall.
Meanwhile, in the Am category, Eric Kwong (Bergwerk Motorsport) outpaced Munkong Sathienthrakul (EBM) to claim the top spot.
Round 10
The night race saw a total of 29 cars navigating the Sepang circuit.
Dylan Pereira (Team Shanghai Yonda BWT) grabbed his first win of the season, while Liu Kai Shun (R&B Racing) surpassed Bao Jinlong to celebrate his first Pro-Am victory.
The positions in the Am class shifted as Sathienthirakul managed to beat Eric Kwong by a slight margin.
Round 11
The final race of the weekend introduced an endurance format for the first time, with challenging wet weather conditions.
Nazim Azman from Sime Darby Racing Team initially secured third place but received a post-race penalty for contact while overtaking Ragginger, allowing the Porsche Holding driver to claim a podium finish.
In the Pro-Am class, Kai Shun displayed prowess by securing his second win of the race, while a fierce battle between Eric Kwong and Sathienthirakul saw the Bergwerk driver reclaiming the top spot from the EBM driver.
With five races remaining, Ghiretti maintains a 20-point lead in the championship ahead of closest rival Jaubert.
Bao holds a comfortable lead in the Pro-Am class, while in the Am category, Eric Kwong leads Munkong Sathienthirakul by 21 points.
The 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will return for rounds 12 and 13 at the Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore, as a supporting race to the Singapore Grand Prix.
In addition, the 2024 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia took place, featuring three main categories (Junior Dreamers, Young Dreamers, and Driven Dreamers), where each participant was given the opportunity to drive the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) on the virtual PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
At the same time, Porsche Malaysia also showcased several models of the 911, including the 911 S/T, 911 Dakar, and the racing machine 911 RSR.
Porsche Malaysia, through Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), recently organized the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia 2024 competition in conjunction with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) event to be held at the Sepang International Circuit next month.
The competition is open to all Malaysian citizens and aims to identify the top 10 simulation racers through the fastest lap time format.
There are three age categories being contested: 10-14 years, 15-17 years, and 18 years and above, where each participant is given the opportunity to pilot the 911 GT3 Cup race car generation 992 using the Assetto Corsa platform.
The first qualifying round took place earlier, where only the top 30 fastest racers were selected based on a five-lap time-trial format at the Buriram Circuit.
The second qualifying round recently took place at the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara on 27-28 July, where each participant received special racing guidance followed by a 20-minute practice session at the Suzuka Circuit.
The 10 finalists with the fastest lap times will advance to the final stage at the Sepang International Circuit on 9-11 August, concurrently with the PCCA 2024 race on the same dates.
There, all participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Sepang Circuit during a 30-minute free practice session, before attempting to secure pole position in a 15-minute qualifying session and the chance to earn an additional 10 race points for the overall standings.
We at Engear.tv also had the opportunity to participate in the second qualifying session recently held at the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara.
Before being allowed to ‘drive’, we were taken through a simulation racing guidance class by young racer Mika Hakimi, covering driving techniques to be applied on the Suzuka Circuit.
Additionally, participants were taught how to approach each corner within the circuit, starting from T1 all the way to the last corner, T18.
We were also given the chance to experience racing on simulation racing rig provided at the Porsche Centre Ara Damansara.
Although not achieving a faster lap time, the valuable experience gained throughout the day spent there will be unforgettable.
It was also satisfying to be able to try out the simulation racing rig setup, which is much more expensive than what the writer has at home. It is hoped that more events like this can be organized in the future to further enhance the esports scene in Malaysia.
The new third-generation Porsche Panamera has now arrived in Malaysia, brought exclusively by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP). This four-door sports sedan is offered at a starting price of RM1.3 million. Let’s see what you can get for this price.
This new Panamera is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine capable of producing 353PS and 500Nm of torque. This represents an increase of 23PS and 50Nm compared to its predecessor.
With this output, the 2024 Porsche Panamera can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 272km/h if given sufficient space.
In addition to being faster, braking performance has also been enhanced. Manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, this sedan is equipped with 360mm brakes with 6 pistons at the front and 330mm with 4 pistons at the rear. The electric booster in the braking system has been upgraded for better feel and precision.
The car features 19-inch rims wrapped in 265/45 tires at the front and 295/40 at the rear. The Panamera 2024 comes with a dual-chamber air suspension system with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. This system can absorb impacts from uneven roads while ‘holding’ the car body for dynamic driving on the track. Rear-wheel steering can also be added for more precise handling.
Externally, the 2024 Porsche Panamera is equipped with matrix LED headlights with 32,000 pixels each, providing precise illumination up to 600 meters.
Inside the cabin, the Panamera has a design that Porsche describes as “balancing digital and analog control elements”. Essential controls are placed within the driver’s reach, while the gear lever is now located on the steering column.
There are two main displays on the dashboard, a 12.6-inch curved screen in front of the driver, and a 12.6-inch touch screen in the center. Additionally, there is a third 10.9-inch screen in front of the front passenger.
Technological features in the Panamera include the MyPorsche app (iOS only), Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, massage seats, ambient lighting, Siri voice assistance, and enhanced driving assistance features.
Similar to Ferry Porsche 75 years ago who wanted to build his dream sports car, Krithin Paul Pereira also has a dream.
An artist, designer, and engineer, Krithin also has a deep interest in sports cars. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, he overcomes challenges every day and expresses his passion through unique artistic works.
After making an appearance during the launch of the Porsche Cayenne CKD a few months ago, Krithin is now collaborating with Porsche Malaysia for a special project. He painted the Cayenne on a T-shirt to raise funds for Amirs Therapy Gym – where Krithin receives treatment.
Porsche Malaysia first met Krithin at the opening of the Porsche Club Malaysia office in Sungai Besi. Later, Krithin was invited by Porsche Malaysia to several important events, including the CKD Cayenne assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, which is also the first Cayenne factory outside Europe.
Krithin’s work also attracted the attention and recognition of Porsche AG, and he received an invitation to visit the company’s factory in Stuttgart. Krithin had the opportunity to interact with designers and experience the sensation of driving the 911 GT3 on the Hockenheimring circuit.
“I would like to thank Porsche Malaysia for this opportunity. Amirs Therapy Gym holds a special place in my heart, where they help me build my physical and mental strength,” said Krithin.
“Despite facing various challenges in life, I always tell myself that I can do it because I am a limitless dreamer. And I also want to help others achieve their dreams in life,” he added.
Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, representing Porsche Malaysia, said: “Since I met Krithin, he has inspired us in many ways. We gave him the opportunity to be with us for the launch of the Cayenne in Malaysia and now we are excited to continue this journey to inspire others as well,” said Christopher.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
