Category: Auto news

Koenigsegg has unveiled the Client Specification Gemera, and the stats are insane.

Some of the specs for the Koenigsegg Gemera were shared together with the Gripen Atelier – the ‘birthplace’ for the Gemera from design, production, office, and even showroom space. 

Regarded as the first ever four-seater ‘megacar’ in the world, the Gemera is said to offer the perfect balance between efficiency, power, and drivability. And boy oh boy, does it have a lot of power to deliver – over 1 megawatt to be exact.

Firstly, Koenigsegg took the Light Speed Transmission (LST) from the already ultra-impressive Jesko and developed it even further specifically for the Gemera and it’s called the Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT).

This is then paired with the brand’s new “Dark Matter” E-Motor that produces 800hp and 1,250Nm of torque. Together with the LSTT four-wheel drive system and the Dark Matter E-motor as well as the 2.0-litre twin-turbo three-cylinder engine, the Gemera has the ability to punch out a 1,400hp and 1,850Nm of torque.

 
If that’s not enough to get you excited, Koenigsegg also announced an even more powerful version of the Gemera called the Gemera HV8 or ‘Hot V8’. This version is fitted with the same V8 engine from the Jesko and together with the Dark Matter e-motor, the output shoots up to 2,300hp and 2,750Nm of torque.

In other words, the Gemera HV8 will be the most powerful and extreme production car on the planet Earth. Production will start in 2024. Insanity. INSANITY.

 

The Michelin Brand Experience returns to the Sepang International Circuit following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

This time around, the main stars of the three-day extravaganza were the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 as well as the Michelin SUV+. We had a go during the first day of the Michelin Brand Experience to, well, experience what both the new Pilot Sport 5 and Primacy SUV+ had to offer.

To highlight the capabilities of its two new tyre offerings, the Michelin Brand Experience was basically divided into four different categories – road comfort test, wet braking, gymkhana, and on-track performance.

The combination of four was selected to highlight not only the comfort of the Pilot Sport 5 and Primacy SUV+, but also how much they’ve evolved over the years as well as how well they perform in a multitude of different driving scenarios.

We set off on the first part of the day with the noise and comfort test. The testbed was a couple of Toyota Fortuners fitted with the Michelin Primacy SUV+ as well as a set of rubbers from its closest competitors.

It was a short drive around the outside of the Sepang International Circuit, but it was enough to showcase the Primacy SUV+’s comfort and quietness using a sound level meter or decibel meter. At 30km/h, the Michelin Primacy SUV+ was on average 5dB quieter than the competitor. At one point, we even registered closer to 10dB.

It might not look like a lot, especially at such slow speeds, but you can basically imagine the gap in comfort and tyre noise once it reaches highway speeds.

Next, we were brought to the wet braking test segment where we got to test out both the Pilot Sport 5 and Primacy SUV+ in terms of braking performance in the wet. Fitted to a bunch of Mercedes-Benz vehicles (courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia) the test was simple – drive as fast as possible and brake as hard as possible upon reaching the wet portion of the straight.

On average, the brand new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5 managed to brake to a complete stop at around 25 metres. That’s 5 metres shorter than its closest competitor. What’s even more amazing was the fact that the tests were replicated using a different set of used tyres for both the Michelin and the competitor, and the result was around 27 metres for the used Pilot Sport 5 and over 36 metres for the used competitor brand.

The same can be said about the Primacy SUV+ which managed to outperform its closest competitor by about 2 metres when tested as brand new and used. Unsurprisingly, the Pilot Sport 5 outperformed its competitors in both the low-speed gymkhana session as well as the on-track high-speed handling segment.

In essence, Michelin was able to ‘evolve’ the Pilot Sport 4 into the Pilot Sport 5 by offering the same levels of grip and performance for both wet and dry conditions but also increasing its longevity as well maintaining that performance until the end of the tyre’s life cycle.

It’s a similar story for the Primacy SUV+ and both of them come with the Premium Touch sidewall design to further elevate its style to match with premium vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz models presented during the Michelin Brand Experience.

In short, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Primacy SUV+ excel in style as well as substance. If you’re looking for a set of rubbers that perform great in different driving conditions but you also want something that looks luxurious, you can’t go wrong with these two.

 

Volvo is working hard on its first all-electric MPV and several news portals have reported its first sighting in China.

According to CarNewsChina, the brand’s first EV MPV will most likely make its official global debut at the end of 2023 and the vehicle itself has been spotted in China. Why China?

Judging by the looks, the EV MPV does bare a lot of visual similarities with the Zeekr 009, an all-electric MPV from Geely’s premium electric automotive brand. It is also said that both models will share the same SEA platform (Sustainable Experience Platform) produced by Geely.

If that’s the case, then the dimensions for Volvo’s first-ever electric MPV will also be somewhat the same as the Zeekr 009 at 5209mm/2024mm/1858mm together with a 3205mm wheelbase. In other words, this is probably going to be the biggest passenger car from Volvo yet.

From the outside, we can similar-looking headlights from the Volvo EX90 despite most of the exterior being covered by camo stickers. The insides are purely lavish thanks to those modern and plush-looking seats with the 2-2-3 seating configuration, also similar to the Zeekr 009.

We’re guessing that the interior equipment will be at the level of modern-day electric Volvos with a huge dose of premium finishes, enhanced comfort, and of course, top-of-the-line safety features renowned to the Volvo brand.

No news on the powertrain just yet, but if that too is similar to the Zeekr 009, we can expect the power output to be north of 550hp and close to 700Nm of torque. The Zeekr 009, in particular, carries 544hp and 686Nm of torque on tap.

The driving range is also currently in the dark for the Volvo EV MPV, but the Zeekr 009 has two different battery options – 116kWh that offers over 700km of range and an even bigger 140kWh unit that pushes the all-electric driving distance to over 800km.

Despite the similarities, we can expect a bigger price tag for the Volvo EV MPV. The price range for the Zeekr 009 in China right now sits from 499,000 – 588,000 yuan (RM322k to RM380k) and we can already tell that the Volvo EV MPV will be higher than that. Stay tuned for more updates.

 

The upcoming state elections are just around the corner and parties in Terengganu are gunning for interest-free motorcycle loans should they win.

Which party are we referring to? Barisan Nasional (BN).  And also, PAS. According to Harian Metro, Terengganu’s UMNO state chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Said, youths in the state will be promised an interest-free motorcycle loan should they win in the state.

An RM5,000 motorcycle loan will be offered where only RM4,500 is required to be paid off while the RM500 balance will be subsidised by BN. As for the mechanics, no other details have been shared just yet.

On the PAS side of things, Sinar Harian reported more or less the same thing, apart from the interest-free motorcycle loans being offered to those with a maximum salary of RM4,000. If PAS wins there, this will be one of their promises to be delivered within the next five years.

Apart from the interest-free motorcycle loans, BN is also gunning for improving the state of education by providing laptops and e-books for fellow students. PAS also has its own plans to get the votes in via its 10 promises under its manifesto to secure the win in 2023.

 

Apart from the launch of the highly anticipated Honda WR-V, Malaysians will be treated to another hotly anticipated launch from Honda Malaysia this year in the form of the latest and newest Honda CR-V.

Honda Malaysia has announced plans to introduce four new vehicle models in 2023, one of which is likely to be the highly anticipated sixth-generation Honda CR-V.

The new CR-V was first unveiled in Thailand earlier this year and has been generating a lot of buzz locally, especially when a few of their test CR-V cars have been spotted on our local roads.

Picture credit: WapCar and KeVin Leong

As highlighted by WapCar recently, an observant Facebook user named KeVin Leong captured a photo of a heavily camouflaged Honda CR-V, presumably somewhere in Pahang.

Interestingly, similar camouflaged units were also sighted around Muadzam Shah in the southern region of the state. This isn’t the first time the all-new CR-V has been spotted on Malaysian roads, as another sighting occurred in March.

Picture credit: Autospinn

In Thailand, the latest CR-V is available in five different variants with two powertrain options with the prices for these variants falling between THB 1.419 million(RM186k) and THB 1.729 million (RM227k).

Thai customers can choose between a turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC engine (192 PS/240 Nm) or a 2.0-litre two-motor i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid (Combined 185 PS/335 Nm).

Picture credit: Autospinn

Noteworthy features in the Thai-spec CR-V include:

9-inch infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
8-speaker audio system
LED headlights
Honda Sensing as standard.

The convenience and safety suite includes:

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
 Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-speed Follow (ACC with LSF)
Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).

It is expected that the prices of the all-new CR-V in Malaysia will be dearer compared to the previous generation, following the prices revealed in Thailand.

This increase can also be attributed to the weakening Malaysian ringgit, but we’re pretty sure enthusiasts in Malaysia are eagerly awaiting nonetheless for the official launch of the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, as it promises to deliver a host of exciting enhancements.

With the imminent launch of Tesla in Malaysia next week, there is growing anticipation about the potential benefits it may bring to the country.

One individual, who has been advocating for Tesla’s presence in Malaysia since the announcement of their arrival, believes that the impact of having Tesla goes beyond just introducing their cars to the market.

Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, emphasizes that the collaboration between Malaysia and Tesla extends to various sectors, not limited to electric vehicles (EVs).

Zafrul Aziz reveals that a call is scheduled between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of Tesla, before the week concludes.

“There is more than just the EV sector that we are talking about in this potential collaboration,” he explains as reported by Bernama.

Picture credit: CNBC

The aim is to attract greater investment commitments not only in the automotive sector but also in other sectors that Malaysia can promote effectively. These efforts were highlighted during the soft launch of the International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) 2023, where Zafrul Aziz addressed reporters.

Tesla, renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing EVs, is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA. The official unveiling of Tesla in Malaysia will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 20, marking its official debut in the country.

In the meantime, Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, the group CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), expresses his hope that Tesla will participate in the upcoming IEMS 2023, scheduled to be held on October 4-6.

He aspires for IEMS 2023 to secure RM4 billion in green technology and sustainability-focused investment prospects, surpassing the RM3 billion achieved during the previous year’s event.

IEMS 2023 anticipates the participation of around 400 exhibitors from 40 countries, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands. The event is expected to draw 40,000 visitors, further emphasizing the significance of this international showcase.

Ever since the Honda FL5 Civic Type R was globally launched back in July last year, Malaysians have been wondering when it’ll arrive here.

It seems that a few units have been spotted onboard a trailer being transported somewhere here in Malaysia. Its arrival is not really surprising considering the fact that it was recently launched in Thailand.

The price tag, however, had quite the opposite effect – 3,990,000 baht or around RM516,000. In other words, you need to cough up over half a million Ringgit to own the FL5 Civic Type R in Thailand. Hopefully, the price tag won’t be as dramatic here in Malaysia.

The FL5 was labelled as the most powerful Type R ever thanks to its KC20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 330PS and 420Nm of torque. The result? A car that has set the record for the fastest production street-legal front-drive car around Nurburgring Nordschleife.

The fact that the FL5 Civic Type R also came with enhanced bodywork, aerodynamics, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres, optimised six-speed manual transmission,  upgraded shift gate pattern, helical-type LSD, lighter flywheel, and rev-match system do indeed help to carry Honda’s Type R badge to newer heights.

Looking at the timeline, our best-educated guess in terms of its official launch would be somewhere within the final quarter of 2023. The FL5 is indeed an interesting car, but what about the price tag? Stay tuned for more updates.

 

Exciting news awaits Toyota enthusiasts as UMW Toyota is set to give the ever-popular Corolla Altis the sporty GR treatment, judging by the evidence on their website.

If you can’t believe it, all you have to do is navigate to Toyota.com.my and head to the Corolla page, and brace yourself for a thrilling discovery. Just click on “View Estimated Price List,” at the bottom and behold!

As of the date stated on the new price list (3rd July 2023), it appears that the Toyota Corolla might soon be available as a GR Sport if you throw a bit more money at the 1.8G model. For an additional RM5,000, you will unlock a world of GR-ness as an exclusive upgrade for the Corolla 1.8G model, priced at RM147,800.

So, what does this GR Sport Package entail? The upgrade includes the striking GR Sport Design Bumper, eye-catching GR Sport Alloy Wheels, an interior adorned with GR Sport Interior Finishing, and a suspension specially tuned for that ultimate sporty performance—yes, you read that right, GR Sport Suspension Tuning.

Picture of the Corolla GR Sport in Thailand

However, as of now, you won’t find any actual photos of the Toyota Corolla with the GR Sport kit, anywhere on the website. It seems like UMW Toyota is treating us to a tantalizing teaser ahead of the official unveiling of this Corolla with the GR Sport kit.

The GR Sport treatment would elevate this beloved model to new heights of performance and style. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling addition to the Toyota family prepares to steal the show on the roads.

Chery Malaysia recently launched their highly anticipated SUVs and reiterated its ambitious plan to manufacture up to 30,000 vehicles annually for both the domestic market and exports.

However, the company acknowledges that achieving this goal will require some time.

During the launch event, Chery Malaysia’s President, Shawn Xu, explained that they are currently in the initial phase of their plan.

With only two models available and a limited dealer network comprising 31 outlets, they need to rapidly expand their sales and production capabilities. Xu stated that a third model is in the pipeline, which they anticipate will help them approach their target volume.

In line with their growth strategy, Chery announced their intention to introduce the Omoda 5 EV and the Tiggo 7 Pro in 2024. These new models are expected to generate increased demand and contribute to Chery’s overall production volume.

However, specific details about the timeline for reaching the annual target of 30,000 vehicles were not provided. Regarding export activities, Chery plans to establish Malaysia as its regional hub for right-hand drive vehicles, catering to Southeast Asian and Oceania markets.

Xu emphasized that alongside expanding their Malaysian operations, efforts to localise parts supply are underway in preparation for export. While no precise timeline was given, Chery aims to begin exporting RHD vehicles by the second quarter of next year.

Xu further elaborated that Chery aims to enter all major RHD markets worldwide, including Thailand, various regions in South America, and even the United Kingdom. This ambitious plan necessitates the establishment of RHD production facilities to meet the substantial demand for cars in these markets.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that he will be meeting with Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk next week. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss potential investment opportunities in Malaysia.

According to Utusan’s report, the Prime Minister shared that Elon Musk has expressed interest in discussing the possibility of increasing his investments in the country.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Address to the Negeri Sembilan Civil Servants event, he stated, “Elon Musk has requested a meeting with me next week to discuss his potential commitment to further investment in Malaysia.”

Anwar emphasized the importance of managing the country’s economic approach, focusing on increasing domestic investment and attracting foreign investment.

He highlighted recent meetings with Japanese investors who expressed interest in expanding their investments and the historically high levels of investment from China.

“This is crucial because without investment, unemployment will increase, the economy will not grow, and industries such as restaurants and hotels will be affected,” Anwar added.

The meeting between Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk signifies Malaysia’s efforts to attract more foreign investments and stimulate economic growth. The discussions hold the potential for significant developments in the country’s investment landscape.