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Porsche has ushered in a new era for the iconic 911 sports car with the introduction of the new 911 Carrera GTS, marking the debut of a street-legal 911 equipped with a super-lightweight performance hybrid system.

The 2025 Carrera GTS model combines the classic rear-mounted flat-six engine of the 911 with an electric motor and an electric turbocharger, resulting in an impressive output of 532hp and 608Nm of torque. Scheduled for release before the end of the year, this hybrid setup represents a significant upgrade from previous iterations.

Under the hood, the Carrera GTS features a new 3.6-litre flat-six engine, offering 478hp and 569Nm of torque—an increase of five hp compared to its predecessor. The hybrid system enables Porsche to replace the twin-turbo setup with a single electric turbocharger, equipped with a 14.7hp motor for rapid response and minimal turbo lag. Additionally, a 32.6hp traction motor and a small 1.9-kWh battery contribute to enhanced performance across the rev range while maintaining optimal air-fuel ratio.

Despite a weight increase of 46kg, attributed partly to added standard equipment such as rear-wheel steering, the Carrera GTS delivers remarkable acceleration, clocking a sub-3-second 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds—a first for a Carrera model. New active aerodynamic flaps at the front, along with styling tweaks to the fascias and updated wheel options, further enhance performance and aesthetics.

Meanwhile, the base Carrera model receives updates including turbos and intercoolers from previous GTS and Turbo models, resulting in a nine-hp increase in power.

Inside, the Carrera GTS boasts an all-new, all-digital gauge cluster, replacing the analog tachometer, while still prioritising essential driving information. For the first time, the 911 has a fully digital instrument cluster. The 12.6-inch curved display fits seamlessly into the new control and display concept and can be extensively customised. It offers up to seven views, including an exclusive Classic display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is still operated via the high-resolution central display with a 10.9-inch screen.

Both the base Carrera and Carrera GTS models receive facelift updates for 2025, with pricing increases across the board. The base Carrera starts at $122,095 (RM573,571), while the Carrera GTS is priced at $166,895 (RM784,030), reflecting the enhanced performance and advanced technology offered by these revamped models.

Nissan, renowned for its innovation in electric vehicles (EVs), is poised to advance electrified mobility with its pioneering e-POWER technology. Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, unveiled the exciting potential of e-POWER to visitors and car buyers at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

The e-POWER drive system represents a breakthrough unique to Nissan, utilising a petrol engine and a Lithium-ion battery to power an electric motor that exclusively propels the wheels. Functioning akin to an electric car, e-POWER delivers instantaneous torque and boasts lower tailpipe emissions and running costs compared to traditional combustion engines—all without requiring external charging. Additionally, e-POWER incorporates regenerative braking to help maintain battery levels.

Nissan e-POWER stands out as an innovative and award-winning electric-drive powertrain, integrating an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Notably, the wheels are solely propelled by the high-output motor, akin to an EV, offering immediate throttle response and impressive torque delivery. Recognised as the “Technology of the Year” by the Automotive Researchers & Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) in 2021, the e-POWER system underscores Nissan’s commitment to technological advancement.

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Peugeot Malaysia recently celebrated a significant milestone by delivering the first batch of the all-new Peugeot 408 to 9 proud owners in Malaysia. The vehicle handover ceremony took place at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, where the delighted owners received their brand-new Peugeot 408, marking the culmination of their orders placed since mid-April.

The all-new Peugeot 408 has garnered widespread acclaim and sparked considerable interest, with over 300 bookings received and counting since the commencement of order-taking. Impressively, 60% of these bookings are for the GT variant, while 22% are for the Premium variant and 18% for the Allure variant. This overwhelming response underscores the car’s unique position in the market, defying traditional categorisation and meeting diverse preferences.

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Toyota’s motorsport and sports car division, Gazoo Racing, is doubling down on its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, reaffirming its commitment to maximising the potential of combustion engines. GR President Tomoya Takahashi emphasised the division’s stance, asserting that ICE vehicles can coexist with efforts to reduce carbon emissions. “The enemy is carbon, not internal combustion engines,” Takahashi remarked, encapsulating Toyota’s perspective on ICE vehicles.

Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota has no immediate plans to introduce a performance EV under the GR brand. This decision raises questions about the fate of the FT-Se concept car, which boasted impressive performance figures but remains without a clear production path.

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Expanding upon the success of the 11th generation Civic, crowned the 2022 North American Car of the Year, the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic introduces more style, enhanced technology, and significantly more power, particularly with the available two-motor hybrid powertrain. Positioned as the flagship model, the new Civic hybrid, available in sedan or hatchback configurations, is anticipated to achieve an EPA combined fuel economy rating approaching 50 mpg1, thanks to its integration of the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid system.

The 2025 Civic will be offered in four trim levels, starting with the LX (sedan only) and Sport, and featuring the hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid variants. These new hybrid-electric models are projected to constitute approximately 40% of Civic sales, marking a pivotal step in Honda’s electrification strategy.

The new Civic hybrid-electric trims boast remarkable performance, featuring an anticipated combined 200hp and an impressive 315Nm of torque, making them the most potent non-Type R Civics ever produced. This enhanced power output, coupled with exceptional EPA fuel economy ratings, ensures quick and effortless acceleration. The Linear Shift Control enhances the driving experience by simulating the rev feel of a conventional drivetrain shifting gears under acceleration, resulting in even quicker performance than the outgoing 1.5L turbo-powered Civic.

Honda’s two-motor hybrid system optimises efficiency without compromising dynamic performance or interior space. Tailored for the Civic, this system delivers a sporty driving experience, incorporating two powerful electric motors. Furthermore, the new Civic hybrids offer four levels of regenerative-braking deceleration via selector paddles on the steering wheel, allowing for precise control during deceleration.

To enhance Civic’s renowned fun-to-drive spirit and ride comfort, the ride and handling dynamics of the hybrid models have been fine-tuned with unique spring and damper tuning, along with specially developed tires. Moreover, hybrid trims boast the lowest NVH levels in the Civic lineup, featuring a robust noise reduction package that includes Active Noise Control on all hybrids and wheel resonators on Sport Touring trims.

Continuing its commitment to affordability, Civic LX and Sport trims are powered by a responsive and efficient 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, while Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims benefit from Honda’s potent yet efficient two-motor hybrid system. Drivers can seamlessly switch between selectable drive modes—Econ, Normal, and Sport (Sport and hybrid trims only)—to optimise the driving experience for various conditions. The Sport Touring Hybrid models also introduce a new Individual mode, enabling customisation of the driving experience.

In terms of design, every 2025 Honda Civic receives exterior enhancements, including a more aggressive front fascia and grille, along with darker taillights for a sharper appearance in the sedan model. The more-powerful hybrid-powered trims feature a distinct body-coloured headlamp garnish and front lower spoiler, further accentuating their sporty aesthetic. Additionally, all Sport trims retain dark trim and black 18-inch wheels, with a new machine-finished wheel design exclusive to the top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid.

Introducing four new exterior colours—including Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, Blue Lagoon Pearl (exclusive to Civic sedan), and Sand Dune Pearl (exclusive to Civic hatchback)—further enhance the visual appeal of the 2025 Civic.

Inside, the Civic’s interior is refreshed, offering a simple yet clean design. All hybrid models now feature a grey interior colour, while the Sport Hybrid includes standard amenities such as a moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate controls. The Sport Touring Hybrid adds premium touches like leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and advanced technology, including a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a wireless smartphone charger. Additionally, all Civic models come standard with front USB-C ports.

The top-line Sport Touring Hybrid integrates Google built-in for the first time in a Civic, offering access to apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play. This feature enhances the driving experience with personalised and connected functionalities, supported by a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan.

Safety remains a top priority for Honda, with the 11th-generation Civic equipped with advanced active and passive safety technology as standard across all trim levels. This includes Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to enhance occupant protection in various frontal collisions, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems.

Civic’s driver and passenger front airbags are engineered to minimise the risk of severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions, with innovative designs aimed at reducing rotation. Furthermore, all Civic models come equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, featuring Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Additionally, all Sport models are now equipped with Blind Spot with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Applications for the Bantuan Subsidi MADANI (BUDI MADANI) Program, targeting private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers, and commodity planters, will commence tomorrow.

Under this program, eligible recipients will receive monthly assistance of RM200, aligning with the diesel subsidy implementation.

Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Second Finance Minister, clarified that private diesel vehicle owners meeting specific criteria can apply under the BUDI Individual category. On the other hand, small-scale farmers and commodity planters are eligible to apply under the BUDI Agri-Commodity category.

To qualify for the BUDI Individual category, applicants must be Malaysian citizens who own registered private diesel vehicles with valid road tax. These vehicles should not be classified as luxury vehicles and must be under 10 years old. Additionally, the individual or their spouse’s annual income should not exceed RM100,000.

Applications can be made at https://budimadani.gov.my.

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