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McLaren Pays Tribute to Ayrton Senna with Unique Liveries Inspired by His Legacy

McLaren recently unveiled a strikingly colourful Senna adorned with a special paint job, aptly named the Senna Sempre livery, paying homage to Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. Although this eye-catching car isn’t available for purchase, Amalgam, renowned for its model-making expertise, offers collectors the opportunity to own a meticulously crafted 1:8-scale replica capturing every vibrant detail.

Amalgam’s latest creation exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, a hallmark of the UK-based company. While replicating intricate details in small-scale models is impressive, the Senna Sempre’s unique paintwork, including Senna’s iconic dot-matrix face on the rear fenders, showcases Amalgam’s attention to detail.

For McLaren’s MSO team, hand-painting the full-size car posed a significant challenge. While Amalgam hasn’t disclosed its process for scaling down the livery, crafting each 1:8 Senna replica required an astonishing 3,000 hours for design and manufacturing. Additionally, meticulous hand assembly adds another 300 hours to the process. Beyond the captivating exterior, the replica features a meticulously detailed interior visible through its open doors, offering a glimpse of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 engine beneath the cover. Behind the Pirelli-clad wheels lie “massive” McLaren brakes with cross-drilled rotors, further enhancing the model’s authenticity.

McLaren will showcase the special Senna Sempre at the Monaco Grand Prix, alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren MCL38 Formula 1 cars sporting similar liveries. This particular Senna, a pre-production one-off from McLaren’s heritage collection, serves as a captivating display piece. However, Amalgam plans to produce 30 scale replicas for enthusiastic fans and collectors alike.

If you’re considering adding this exquisite replica to your collection, you will have to invest real-car money, with pricing in the United States starting at $21,385 (RM100,680).

New Lexus LM Launched in Malaysia: Four-Seater, Seven-Seater Variants – Starting From RM1.228 mil

Ever since its grand entrance into the automotive scene in 2019, the Lexus LM has been the epitome of luxury mobility, setting the gold standard in its class. Branded as the ‘Luxury Mover’, the first-generation Lexus LM resonated deeply with discerning consumers seeking a vehicle that not only offered elevated transportation but also embodied comfort and luxury at its finest.

The Lexus LM made its mark upon release in China and several East Asian markets, including Malaysia. Combining flagship limousine qualities with the spaciousness of an MPV, it exemplifies Lexus’s premium luxury brand image.

The Lexus LM’s appeal lies in its design and sophisticated features, extending Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality principles. Focused on impeccable comfort and passengers’ well-being, it sets a high bar for customers seeking class-leading vehicles to meet lifestyle and mobility needs.

Since its debut, the luxury MPV has achieved impressive sales, with 16,114 units sold globally, including 2,788 units in the East Asian region and 32 units in Malaysia. With the launch of the new flagship model in Malaysia, these numbers are expected to rise.

The new Lexus LM, available in two variants in Malaysia, caters to customers’ needs while enhancing the chauffeured luxury experience. Customers can choose between the four-seater Lexus LM500 or the seven-seater LM350h.

Both variants feature self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring quiet operation and refined driving performance with high efficiency. The LM500h features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder in-line Turbo Hybrid petrol engine with Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive, delivering 371hp and 460Nm of torque, coupled with impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the LM350h comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line full Hybrid engine, delivering power to the front wheels and striking a balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency.

The new Lexus LM exhibits a bold presence with attention to detail in its exterior design. Standout features include a redesigned frontal appearance with a new Spindle Body grille and 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium Wheels. It is available in four exterior colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.

Inside, the Lexus LM offers comfort and opulence, with premium materials and thoughtful appointments. The cabin provides a modern, serene environment with minimalist aesthetics, allowing occupants to utilise the space as a living area or mobile office.

Additional interior features include a built-in thermistor for the steering wheel, an independent glass roof with integrated sunshade, and individual multi-operation panels for rear passengers. The LM500 variant features a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual-screen functionality.

The new Lexus LM350h and Lexus LM500h are priced from RM1,228,000 and RM1,468,000, respectively, reaffirming Lexus’s commitment to delivering excellence in luxury mobility.

Lamborghini Huracan Successor Will be Equipped with a Hybrid Twin-Turbo V8 Engine

The Lamborghini 634, codenamed as the successor to the Huracan and set to join the High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) lineup, will boast a twin-turbo V8 engine coupled with a hybrid system featuring three electric motors and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox recently introduced on the Lamborghini Revuelto. Specifically optimised for the new model, this configuration promises a maximum output exceeding 887hp.

This all-new engine marks a clean-sheet design from Sant’Agata Bolognese, aimed at surpassing the performance and driving emotion of the current Huracán range. The twin-turbo V8 inherits the renowned linearity of progression from the Lamborghini V10 while incorporating the high power and specific torque typical of a new-generation turbocharged engine.

With a displacement of 4.0 litres, the twin-turbo V8 achieves an exceptional specific power output of 197hp/litre. It delivers a maximum power of 788hp between 9,000 and 9,750rpm, with a redline set at 10,000rpm—a figure usually reserved for racing engines. The engine also generates a maximum torque of 730Nm between 4,000 and 7,000rpm, offering an exhilarating progression akin to that of a racing engine, thanks to seamless integration with the electric unit.

The rear electric system, purpose-built for the new V8, is positioned between the combustion engine and the dual-clutch gearbox. It incorporates the inverter and the axial electric unit, capable of delivering high torque and power values, with a peak torque of 300Nm and 147hp at 3,500 rpm, all while maintaining compact dimensions and low weight.

A crucial aspect of the design process was defining the sound profile to imbue the new powerplant with a distinctive character, enhancing the driver’s experience. The characteristics of the new V8 culminate in a crescendo, with volume and frequency peaking at high revs, complemented by vibrations transmitted to the chassis by the flat-plane crankshaft, creating a captivating sensory experience.

Scheduled for a 2024 launch, the Lamborghini 634 represents another milestone in the ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ program, driving Lamborghini towards progressive electrification of the range. This journey commenced in 2023 with the debut of the Revuelto and will continue with the unveiling of the Urus SE in April 2024.

SAIC Motor to Mass Produce Solid-State Batteries for EVs in 2026

SAIC Motor, the largest state-owned Chinese automaker, has announced a significant advancement in the development of solid-state batteries, which will be available in its electric vehicles (EVs) as early as 2026. This development positions SAIC ahead of other global car manufacturers, making it the first to bring this advanced technology to the mass market. The company’s portfolio includes brands such as IM, Maxus, Rising Auto, Roewe, Baojun, Wuling, Hongyan, Sunwin, and the British brand MG, which is known for models like the Cyberster EV roadster and the EX181 electric hypercar.

The first model to feature SAIC’s solid-state battery will be the IM L6, a competitor to the Tesla Model 3, set to launch in China this October. The IM L6 is advertised to have an impressive range of 998km on a single charge, thanks to its 900V ultra-fast charging solid-state battery developed in collaboration with Qingtao Energy, a subsidiary of SAIC. This move underscores SAIC’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge technology in the EV market.

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BMW Concept Skytop Unveiled: One of a Kind Luxury Open Two-Seater

The BMW Group has unveiled the BMW Concept Skytop at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an esteemed event by Lake Como that highlights historic cars and motorcycles. This unique, open two-seater exudes an elegant, sporty design, merging warm monochromatic colours and exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship to create a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture.

The Concept Skytop’s exterior features athletic and organic proportions with a sleek, muscular build. Taut surfaces and minimalistic lines guide the eye towards the rear, creating a dynamic appearance enhanced by integrated winglets replacing traditional door handles and precise lamellas on the light-alloy wheels. Signature design elements include a prominent bonnet and an iconic BMW shark-nose design with an illuminated kidney grille, leading to a retracted rear section.

A striking spline runs from the bonnet through the interior to an aluminium trim on the tailgate, echoing the legendary BMW Z8 roadster. Advanced lighting technology is showcased through custom-developed LED headlights with milled aluminium carriers, consolidating all lighting functions into a single, slim profile. The rear lights’ flat and defined shape complements the vehicle’s clean design. Unique features such as a leather-finished roll-over bar, side fins on the B-pillar, a fully retractable rear window, and removable roof parts that can be stored in the luggage compartment add to its distinctive appeal.

Inside, the Concept Skytop is a testament to luxurious craftsmanship. Brogue-style leather surfaces create a sense of opulence and spaciousness, with the reddish-brown leather contrasting against the muted silver exterior paintwork for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Artful details, such as crystal applications embedded in the cockpit, further enhance the luxurious feel. The interior surfaces were crafted at BMW’s traditional saddlery in the Dingolfing plant. Similar to the BMW Z8, the Concept Skytop houses BMW’s most powerful V8 engine, ensuring performance that matches its dynamic design.

The BMW Concept Skytop showcases BMW’s dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. With its meticulous design and luxurious features, this concept car pays tribute to motor racing and elegant design, standing out as a highlight at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It offers a glimpse into the future of exclusive and dynamic BMW vehicles, reaffirming BMW’s commitment to innovation and luxury in automotive design.

10 Things You Need To Know About The GWM Ora 07 Performance

GWM Malaysia introduced the Ora 07 just last month but back then it was introduced as a single variant. Now though, GWM Malaysia is building on that momentum with the introduction of the Performance variant that focuses on power and fun. Here’s 10 things you need to know about the latest variant.

1. The Ora 07 is GWM Malaysia’s second electric model after the Good Cat that was introduced in 2022.

2. The Performance model is focused on all-out performance and has dual motors fitted on either axle.

3. Owners will get to enjoy 402hp and 680Nm of torque while the acceleration to 100km/h in done in just 4.3 seconds while top speed is rated at 180km/h.

4. The Performance uses the same 83.5kWh ternary lithium battery pack as the Long Range model but because it is more powerful, it has a range of 550km on the NEDC cycle or 483km on the WLTP cycle.

5. As for charging, the Ora 07 can support AC charging of up to 11kW and DC charging of up to 88kW. This allows it to be recharged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It will take up to 15 hours to charge up the massive battery using AC charging.

6. In some markets, the Ora 07 is known as the Grand Cat or Lightning Cat.

7. The 07 also has a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load function that will let you power up some electrical appliances.

8. The 07 counts the Tesla Model 3 as one of its main rivals, but it is considerably bigger than the Tesla making it perfect for families.

9. Inside, you get a mega 12.3-inch infotainment system with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as a 11-speaker Infinity sound system.

10. The Ora 07 Performance is priced at RM189,800 and that includes a six-year or 150,000km warranty and an eight-year or 180,000km warranty for the battery and motor. GWM Malaysia is also offering a one-to-one battery replacement offer should the health of the battery drop below 70% during the warranty period.