Month: October 2022

The MotoGP Sepang round finally made its return in 2022 after three years and the turnout was actually very decent.

Despite all the things that are currently happening (and have happened) in the country from COVID-19, natural disasters like flashfloods, and preparations for the next general election, the 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia manage to attract over 163,000 fans from around the world – 163,567 to be exact. Hats off to them.

*Image credit: MotoGP

Over 88,000 attended Sunday’s race day

The three-day weekend started a bit slow on Friday as predicted with 21,015 race fans flocking the Sepang International Circuit to witness the practice sessions as well as explore the vast mall area with brands on display like Petronas, Givi, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, and more.

Saturday saw a more promising figure of 53,937 attendees which showed a good sign despite the less-than-desired ticket sales just a few months back. Sunday closed off with a very respectable 88,615 fans who positioned themselves around the circuit to support their favourite teams and riders.

*Image credit: MotoGP

MotoGP Sepang 2022 not far off from 2018’s record

When you compare the 163,657 figure of the 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia with the MotoGP Sepang round and its record-breaking 169,827 attendees, it shows that the MotoGP scene is still very strong despite the post-Valentino Rossi era.

There’s also the fact that we’ve missed the MotoGP races in the past three years, so fans were eager to get their two-wheel motorsports fixed sooner than later. And what a show they received – a win by Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia and his future teammate, Enea Bastianini? What a nail-biter!

*Image credit: Asia Talent Cup

And our very own Hakim Danish winning the Asia Talent Cup Race 2? It was truly a wonderful weekend to hear the national anthem being played with a Malaysian rider on the highest podium spot.

 

Tesla jokes notwithstanding, the Porsche Taycan is a ludicrously fast car, especially in its most potent (but nonsensically named) Turbo S guise, but Zuffenhausen is apparently hard at work on something even faster. 

Photos of a more hardcore Taycan have been snapped by spy photographers around the Nurburgring where the prototype EV was seen undergoing performance testing. The development of the car seen here with its prominently large rear wing is also coinciding with the Taycan’s first facelift, scheduled to be unveiled some time in 2023.

Back to the extra fast one, there’s plenty of speculation that Porsche is keen on cementing the crown of fastest fully electric vehicle to lap the Nordschleife from Tesla, which used an early unit of a Model S Plaid to achieve the currently standing individual lap record. 

Technically, the Taycan Turbo S still holds the official record with a time of 7:33 taken as an average of 2 laps. The Tesla, meanwhile, achieved a best single lap time of 7:30.909, and that 3 second margin is the final nugget that’s keeping Porsche awake at night (probably).

This has also led to the assumption that this ‘Taycan GT2’, so to speak, will be lighter (thanks to a construction with more CFRP components) and significantly more powerful than the Turbo S, likely utilising three electric motors much like the Model S Plaid – 1 up front, 2 at the rear axle. 

Apart from the very obvious rear aero, the car also boasts a revised front splitter and rear diffuser package alongside a set of wheels that look to be more favourable to weight saving and improved heat dissipation from the carbon ceramic brakes, indicated by the yellow callipers. 

We’re not sure if the car will receive an all-new suspension setup or retain the 3-chamber air springs that, while extremely competent in normal-to-spirited driving, comes with a sizeable weight penalty. 

Other creature comforts will also likely have to be axed to achieve the Taycan’s expanded performance targets, chiefly being to beat the Tesla’s best individual lap time of 7:30.909 seconds. 

Either way, it looks like we’re in for a newer and improved range of what most agree is the best all-round performance electric vehicle on the market capped off by a very quick range-topping variant. A slight price increase is also expected, though not exactly celebrated, to compensate for the rumoured bump equipment level and feature set across the entire range. 

We’ll bring you more coverage on that as it comes to light, especially when it concerns anything to do with a Malaysian premiere. 

BMW Malaysia has introduced a new variant to their flagship SUV, the 7-searter X7, giving the previous sole Pure Excellence variant a little company, and priced from RM701,000. 

This doesn’t alter the actual specifications, though, as they’re both flavours of the locally assembled xDrive40i that features a powertrain that pairs a 3.0-litre (B58) turbocharged inline-6 petrol engine mated with a ZF 8-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. Power and torque remain level at 340hp and 450Nm.

Cosmetic alterations are the name of the game here, as they are with any BMW equipped with the M Sport package. To that effect, BMW has fitted the X7 with 22-inch 758 M Alloy wheels and a more aggressive aero kit. 

Personally, we’re rather glad that the local X7 offering hasn’t yet succumed to the facelift and it’s pseudo-Hyundai multi-tier headlight/DRL fascia that’s already coming in the form of the newest 7 Series and fully electric i7.

Behind those wheels are uprated M Sport brakes with its distinctive blue finished callipers to match the blue highlights in the headlight cluster from the BMW Laserlight array. 

Inside, the X7 M Sport looks identical to the Pure Excellence variant though we can pick out some of the sportier trim peppered around the cabin. It’s a very subtle contrast as both variants have predominantly black interior colour schemes, at least in these supplied images.

However, buyers will have a choice of specifying their Vernasca leather upholstery in Cognac or Coffee as well as black, which we definitely recommend exploring. Speaking of colours, for the exterior, the X7 M Sport xDrive40i can be had in Black Sapphire, Arctic Grey, Mineral White, and Manhattan Metallic. 

Other goodies equipped with the X7 Pure Excellence such as its adaptive 2-axle air suspension, BMW Cockpit Live Professional digital instrument cluster with 12.3-inch central touchscreen, Panoramic Glass Sky Roof, Harman/Kardon surround sound system, and twin 10.2-inch rear seat entertainment screens.

On the safety front, BMW’s Driving Assist with Active Cruise Control + Start & Stop function, Active Protection, and 360-degree camera are all also included as standard. 

As with its other models, BMW offers the X7 with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. However, opting for the 5-year ‘extended’ warranty and service package sends the final asking price to RM728,800. 

Complaints have been coming in from all over that Malaysians keen on heading back to their hometowns to participate in voting during the 15th General Elections have faced drastically increased ticket prices. We’ve been here before.

After the election date was confirmed yesterday to be on November 19th, a Saturday, it was fully expected that travel services would be bombarded by voters trying to secure transportation. Many took to social media to show just how much their once affordable flight ticket has suddenly doubled or more. 

Bernama reports that in response to this, Transport Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong said the Malaysian Avaition Commission (MAVCOM) will step in to regulate ticket prices, taking appropriate action against any airlines that are found to have raised prices against set conditions. 

“Based on the dynamic pricing mechanism for any airline in the world, the earlier it (the ticket) is booked, the cheaper it is and the closer to a date or event, the price will be higher,” he said when met at the launch of the Taxi4U application at the Land Public Transport Agency’s (APAD) central region office here today.

Besides air travel, bus operators and inter-state rail tickets will also see a sudden influx of customers all fighting to reserve their seats during that crucial travel period. 

It goes without saying that the week leading up to and following November 19th will see increased highway congestion as well, so be sure to choose a safe travel time and make all the necessary preparations should you be behind the wheel. 

This is especially important as voting day lands on at a time that’s dangerously close to when the Northeast Monsoon is predicted to start. Rampant floods seen in late 2021 and early 2022 and the resulting devastation are definitely occurrences that nobody wants to see repeated come election time or otherwise. 

Also make sure your car has special perils insurance protection if you’re willing to brave the roads during flood/election season.  

Sport bike 250cc paling berkuasa di dunia, Kawasaki ZX-25R bakal dilancarkan di pasaran Malaysia pada pertengahan 2023!

Berita baik ini telah diumumkan oleh CEO Modenas, Datuk Roslan Roskan di booth Kawasaki di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang sempena dengan MotoGP Malaysia dan pelancaran beberapa model baharunya di pasaran Malaysia. 

Kawasaki ZX-25R Tiba Pertengahan 2023 Dengan Lencana Modenas

Menurut Datuk Roslan, jentera garang idaman ramai ini bakal dilancarkan secara rasmi pada pertengahan tahun 2023.

Ketika ini, Modenas dan Kawasaki masih berbincang dan belum memutuskan sama ada model ini bakal ditawarkan dalam bentuk CBU atau CKD, namun Datuk Roslan menegaskan bahawa model ini besar kemungkinan akan diperkenalkan dalam bentuk CKD.

Tambah beliau, mengikut perjanjian kerjasama antara Kawasaki dan Modenas, setiap model Kawasaki yang dipasang di sini bakal dilencanakan semula dengan lencana Modenas, seperti yang berlaku pada Modenas Ninja 250 dan Modenas Z250.

Motor ini juga dikatakan bakal ditawarkan dalam beberapa pilihan varian, menandakan ia mungkin bakal hadir dengan varian standard serta varian SE.

Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat sedikit perubahan dilakukan pada bahagian ekzos motosikal ini bagi mematuhi piawan serta regulasi yang ditetapkan oleh kerajaan Malaysia.

Harga Kawasaki ZX-25R

Datuk Roslan berkata ketika ini, masih belum ada anggaran harga yang bakal ditawarkan pada motosikal ini. Di pasaran Thailand, model ini dijual pada harga 299,000 baht atau (RM36,922).

Walau bagaimanapun, memandangkan ia bakal membawa lencana Modenas dan dipasang di sini, harganya bakal menjadi lebih ‘menarik’ menurut Datuk Roslan.

Spesifikasi Kawasaki ZX-25R

Enjin: 4st,4 silinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
CC: 249.8
Kuasa maksimum: 34.5 kW (46 PS) / 15,500 rpm
Kuasa maksimum dengan Ram Air: 35.2 kW (47 PS) / 15,500 rpm
Tork maksimum: 22 Nm / 12,500 rpm
Transmisi: 6 kelajuan
Klac: basah, multi-disc
Suspensi: depan – Telescopic fork (upside-down), belakang – Horizontal Back-Link Swing Arm
Brek: single disc, (277 mm hadapan, 186 mm belakang)

Agak-agaknya berapa harga yang bakal diperkenalkan pada pengendali motosikal prestasi 250cc ini di Malaysia kelak?

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the official distributor of Kawasaki here in Malaysia, has officially introduced four 2022 big bike models at the MotoGP 2022 round in Sepang.

Available from November 2022 onwards, these four big bikes are none other than the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX sport-tourer, Versys 1000 SE adventure-tourer, Z900RS modern-retro roadster, and the Ninja ZX-10R manic crotch rocket priced from RM71,400 to RM112,600.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX – RM71,400

Starting with the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX, this sport-tourer is said to offer the best of both worlds when it comes to sporty riding as well as great touring capabilities. Powered by a 1,043cc inline-four DOHC engine, this baby produces 140hp and 111Nm of torque.

Other highlights include electronic throttle valves, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, selectable Power Modes, Kawasaki Traction Control, assist and slipper clutch, electronic cruise control, and more. Price? RM71,400 (OTR excluding insurance, road tax, and registration).

2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE – RM81,900

If you prefer something that’s a bit more on the adventure side in terms of design, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE might suit you better. Offering higher levels of comfort and versatility, the Versys 1000 has been enhanced for 2022 with better engine flexibility and chassis nimbleness for a more ‘fun-to-ride’ riding experience.

Using the same 1,043cc four-cylinder unit as the Ninja 1000 SX, the Versys 1000 SE has be tuned to produce 118hp and 102Nm of torque. Spec-wise comes with a few extras such as the Kawasaki Quick Shifter, Cornering Lights, dual throttle valves, and more. Price? RM81,900 (OTR excluding insurance).

2022 Kawasaki Z900RS – RM63,800

A modern-retro roadster conversation can be complete without mentioning the Kawasaki Z900RS. This muscular roadster offers a more classic yet timeless design and feel paired with Kawasaki’s know-how in terms of technology as well as performance.

Fitted with a 948cc inline-four DOHC engine, the Z900RS produces a more modest but still exciting 110hp and 98.5Nm of torque. Priced at RM63,800 (OTR excluding insurance), the Z900RS is a more affordable machine to own as it comes with a number of riding aids like the Kawasaki Traction Control, assist and slipper clutch, and ABS.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – RM112,600

Speed freaks and track day junkies can forget the rest and jump straight to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. This crotch rocket has proven itself to be a worthy superbike in several high-profile race series around the globe, including six WorldSBK titles.

It’s essentially a race bike that has been fitted with side mirrors and proper tyres to make it a road-legal machine. Power comes from its 998cc inline-four engine that produces a whopping 201hp and 111Nm of torque paired with a kerb weight of only 207kg. This superbike can be yours for RM112,600 (OTR excluding insurance).

All of these models are on display at the Kawasaki Malaysia booth (except for the 2022 Ninja ZX-10R, the one on display is actually the 2021 model, but EMOS has confirmed that they’ll bring in the 2022 model) all weekend in conjunction with the 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia which is happening from 21-23 October 2022 at the Sepang International Circuit. Also, there’s the highly-anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R on preview as well, positioned on a dyno.

Repco Malaysia made a huge impact during the first-ever CarTell Track Attack Vol. I earlier this month, but who are they and what do they do?

As one of the main sponsors for the CarTell Track Attack event, those who were present that night got to take home thousands of Ringgit worth of Repco Performance Lubricants as they gave away a truckload’s worth of goodies and freebies which included full-sized cans of its premium engine oil plus more.

On that note, let’s dive in a bit deeper to get to know the brand that is Repco Malaysia (Repco is short for ‘Replacement Parts Company’) and why their slogan is  “High Performance Lubricant Oil with Proven Quality, Premium Engine Oil with Wallet-Friendly Price.”

Supplying world-class lubricants & engine oils since 1976

Repco Malaysia is not the ‘new kid on the block’ when it comes to the manufacturing of top-quality engine oils and other vital auto fluids – Repco Performance Lubricants. In fact, they’ve been engaged in the wholesale business since 1976, distributing to local retail spare parts stores.

46 years of experience have transformed them into one of the world’s most iconic brands in the automotive lubricants industry and also Malaysia’s First Choice Brand for car lubricants and spare parts.

Repco Malaysia strives to provide customers with the lowest possible prices of high-quality selected products and the best services. They ensure that customers may use top-grade performance lubricants and premium parts in their vehicles while keeping them safe on the road.

Its entire range of products is sold on the Shopee Mall – Repco Malaysia Official Store (https://shopee.com.my/repcomalaysia.os) where anyone can browse through and purchase some of its best-selling products at different volumes with no hassle. The one that’s selling like hotcakes with repeated purchases from customers is the Repco Reptec 1 Fully Synthetic and it’s not just here in the country, but also in other markets like China, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and several European countries. Its PAO+Ester additive, specially design for continental cars to help the vital components of modern and high-performance engines to stay clean, maximizes engine power, and protected against harmful engine deposits. 

What makes it special is of course the Repco Turbo Diesel Plus Fully Synthetic that contains the CK-4 additive – an advanced anti-wear formula that offers a wide variety of benefits to your engine internals such as:

Pushrod wear protection
Oxidation protection
Injector screw wear protection
Filter plugging, sludge, and soot handling protection
Overall wear protection

They were the first ones to introduce CK-4 additive in Malaysia, and it’s suitable for all Turbocharged or normally aspirated diesel engines of heavy-duty vehicles (Truck, 4×4 Pickup truck, 4-Wheel car) operating under the most severe conditions whatever the seasons and guarantees exceptional protection against bore polishing.

Other product ranges include ATF oil, Gear oil, Coolant, Grease, Hydraulic oil, Additives, Car care products, and more.

Repco Malaysia is also known for its DOT 3 & DOT 4 brake fluids

Apart from the popular engine lubricant range, Repco Malaysia is also known for its brake fluids. Available in a selection of DOT 3 and DOT 4 formulations, the Repco 500 DOT 4 in particular offers heavy-duty braking performance paired with prolonged component life and loaded with inhibitors to prevent corrosion.

Repco Malaysia is also the main distributor for some of Malaysia’s automotive brands that have essentially become household names such as NGK Spark Plugs, APM Shock Absorbers, Bosch products (Wipers, Oil filters, etc), and Osram bulbs as well as the importer of Gen Sealed Beams. They also have their own in-house brand for driveshafts, fuel pumps, and plug cables called Autopro.

Quite a high-profile list, eh? To know more, head over to the Repco Malaysia Official Store on Shopee Mall (https://shopee.com.my/repcomalaysia.os) or visit www.repcomalaysia.com for all the information needed for both customers as well as dealers who are interested to sign up as authorised partners. For any general inquiries please contact them at 03-6275 8686.

Proton akan memberikan jaminan lanjutan selama satu tahun untuk semua kenderaan Pra-Milik Bertauliah Proton (PCPO) bagi memberikan ketenangan fikiran kepada pembeli.

Lanjutan waranti ini berkuatkuasa serta-merta ke atas semua kenderaan PCPO yang dijual melalui cawangan kereta terpakai Proton. Program Waranti Lanjutan PCPO (PCPO-EW) ini ditaja jamin oleh Allianz General Insurance.

Lanjutan Waranti Setahun Untuk PCPO

Proton mengalu-alukan Allianz sebagai rakan kongsi insurans dalam usaha mereka untuk memberikan jaminan tambahan kepada pelanggan kenderaan PCPO agar dilindungi daripada kos yang tidak dijangka akibat kegagalan mekanikal untuk bahagian enjin dan transmisi

Di bawah program ini, bahagian enjin dan transmisi yang didapati rosak semasa penggunaan biasa akan dibaiki atau diganti untuk tempoh 25,000km atau 12 bulan.

Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton, Roslan Abdullah berkata dengan jumlah jualan Proton yang meningkat sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, Proton telah melihat peningkatan yang sama dalam transaksi jual beli atau tukar beli.

Dengan mengutamakan kepuasan pelanggan, Proton memberi jaminan kepada pelanggan mereka untuk memastikan pemilikan kenderaan PCPO adalah pengalaman yang memuaskan dan setanding dengan jenama lain,” tambah Roslan.

Unit Pengurusan Kereta Terpakai Proton (UCM)

Sejak penubuhannya pada 2019, unit Pengurusan Kereta Terpakai (UCM) PROTON telah memperkenalkan prosedur operasi dan menyediakan latihan kepada pemeriksa kereta terpakai untuk menguruskan transaksi di setiap cawangan.

Unit tersebut juga bertanggungjawab memastikan perkhidmatan yang diberikan adalah selaras dengan paras yang ditetapkan oleh jenama itu. Kini, Proton mempunyai 36 cawangan yang menjual kenderaan PCPO dalam negara.

Kenderaan yang dijual di bawah program PCPO telah menjalani pemeriksaan menyeluruh 201 mata dan dijamin bebas daripada sebarang kerosakan banjir atau kemalangan besar.

Selain menikmati jaminan lanjutan 1 tahun yang meliputi enjin dan transmisi, pelanggan juga mendapat sekali perkhidmatan servis asas yang percuma  selepas 6 bulan dari tarikh pembelian.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari laman web khusus untuk kereta terpakai Proton di http://used-cars.proton/com

The Volvo EX90 EV inches closer to its official launch next month, and another teaser was released to showcase its new interior.

Labelled as Volvo’s next all-electric flagship SUV, the EX90 will feature and new and ‘progressive’ interior material called Nordico. Based on what Volvo has claimed, this Nordico material represents the brand’s core values as well as a new symbol of luxury – one that’s a lot more eco-conscious.

Moving with the times & maintaining Scandanavian qualities

According to Cecilia Stark, Senior Design Manager over at Volvo, “We’ve chosen materials based on our values. These choices leave behind old-fashioned automotive luxury and express our Scandinavian foundations. With the Volvo EX90 we take customer well-being as a design starting point.”

Representing the essential qualities of Scandinavian design (simplicity, well-being, and natural sources), the Volvo EX90 will reflect the brand’s sustainable ambitions with the use of textiles made from recycled material such as PET bottles and bio-attributed material from responsibly-managed forests in Sweden and Finland.

Certified wood panels & wool blend seats

Other materials that make up the interior of the Volvo EX90 are FSC™-certified wood panels with back-lighting and a wool blend seat finishing option to further push the brand’s sustainability efforts.

Speaking of recycled materials, around 50kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials will be used in the making of the Volvo EX90 EV’s interior. Other highlights include regenerated polyamide carpets, personalised in-car atmosphere or “rooms” that synchronise the interior deco and upholstery with the exterior colours, and more.

Can’t wait for 9 November 2022 to roll by to witness the official global launch of the all-electric Volvo EX90.

 

Bentley Kuala Lumpur has just launched their first-ever plug-in vehicle available in the country with the all-new Flying Spur Hybrid, which are available in Azure and Azure S trim levels starting from RM945,000. 

Mind you, that shade under a million is not inclusive of taxes, duties, and registration, so there’s still quite a bit of cash left to top up before the Bentley is actually yours. This car isn’t only the first electrified model to be offered by the British brand in Malaysia, but coincides with their 25th year of presence in the country. 

Under that bonnet we find a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 enginet that, on its own, produces 416hp and 550Nm paired with a 136hp electric motor for a combined output of 544PS and 750Nm. Despite it weighing over 2.4 tonnes, it crunches the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds. 

At the rear, the electricity reserves are stored within an 18kWh lithium ion battery that, in its engine-off EV Drive mode, can propel the car for up to 40 kilometers. Not only does the Flying Spur hybrid outgun Bentley’s first-ever hybrid offering, the Bentayga Hybrid, the sedan’s more efficient downsized engine and higher-capacity battery means there’s some impressive stats to back up the superlative performance and luxury.

Touted as the most efficient Bentley ever produced so far, the Flying Spur hybrid is claimed to be able to drive for some 800km before needing to refuel provided you also pair that with a fully charged battery. 
You might also notice that this engine and e-motor combo is eerily similar to that of another maruqe under the VW Group: Porsche. In fact, it’s essentially the same hybrid powertrain as the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, albeit with the V6 engine tuned to a higher output. 

In fact, they both share an Porcshe-developed 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which was first seen in a Bentley via the 3rd-generation Continental GT. 

Inside, the Flying Spur is pure class as you might expect. Bentley say that there are over 1 billion customisation permutations available a prospective customer during the order process, but you can be sure the car is soaked with fine materials and the best build money can buy. 

It won’t be long before the 4.0-litre V8 and brand staple 6.0-litre W12 engines are on their way out either, or at least subject to some electricfied assist or downsizing, or both. Rumours are already swirning about the W12 being canned entirely in favour of a new V8 PHEV.

However, if you were really keen on snagging up some of the first Flying Spurs for yourself, you might have to be patient as Bentley Kuala Lumpur says that they’re currently all sold out.