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BMW Malaysia Unveils All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive and New Locally Assembled BMW 520i

BMW Malaysia has introduced two new models to their premium sporty sedan lineup: the All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive and the new locally assembled BMW 520i. These models were unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, alongside the All-New BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport and the First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport.

All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive

The All-New BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a significant addition to BMW’s electric vehicle lineup, featuring a range of design, interior, performance, and technology highlights that emphasise its sporty and modern aesthetic. The M Performance kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow exterior package, and 21-inch aerodynamic wheels from the BMW individual line contribute to its sleek design. Additional features include vertical LED strips in the headlights, a coupé-like silhouette, and slender LED taillights, creating a distinctive appearance.

Inside, the luxurious interior includes a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display, complemented by the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655 Watts output, enhancing the driving experience. The electric powertrain delivers 601hp and 795Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h. The high-voltage battery offers a range of up to 516km (WLTP).

Technological advancements include the BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and Digital Key Plus with UWB radio. The Driving Assistant Professional provides advanced driver assistance with features like Distance Control with Stop & Go and Steering and Lane Control Assistant. Efficiency is optimised with adaptive recuperation, heat pump technology for interior heating and cooling, and a new Max Range function. The vehicle supports 22kW AC charging for flexibility in home and public charging. Exterior and upholstery options include colours like Black Sapphire Metallic and Mineral White Metallic, with premium upholstery options such as Leather Merino Black / Atlas Grey.

New Locally Assembled BMW 520i

The New BMW 520i shares a similar design language with its electric counterpart and includes a sleek, sporty exterior with a coupé-like silhouette, and new 19-inch aerodynamic wheels. The interior features a two-spoked steering wheel, BMW Curved Display, illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, and wireless charging tray.

Performance-wise, the vehicle is powered by the B48 4-cylinder engine in a 48V mild hybrid form, delivering 208hp and 330Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 230km/h. Technological features include the Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Lane Departure Warning system, enhancing driving safety and convenience.

Exterior and upholstery options include colours like Black Sapphire Metallic and Mineral White Metallic, with luxurious upholstery options such as Veganza Perforated with Quilted Black.

BMW Malaysia remains committed to providing premium vehicles that cater to diverse customer preferences while maintaining high standards of performance, efficiency, and luxury. The introduction of these new models at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 underscores BMW’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction in the Malaysian market.

The estimated pricing (on the road without insurance) for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is RM480,000 and RM340,000 for the BMW 520i.

Proton To Showcase S70 R3 Racing Car at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Proton is set to showcase its latest motorsport innovation, the Proton S70 R3, at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Selangor (MAEPS). This new racing car marks a significant milestone for Proton R3, the brand’s motorsport division, as it returns to the Sepang 1,000km (S1K) endurance race for the first time since 2019.

Proton’s Motorsport Legacy

Proton R3’s latest creation continues the company’s storied history in motorsports. The legacy began with the original Proton Saga in rally and circuit competitions and has grown through the years with multiple successful models. Proton R3 has an impressive track record, boasting five victories at the S1K race, including a remarkable streak of three consecutive wins from 2017 to 2019.

Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, highlighted this heritage, stating, “Proton has a long history in motorsports, starting with the original Proton Saga. Our involvement ramped up with the inception of Proton R3 in 2003. We have competed and won in various competitions up to a global level with models as varied as the Proton Satria, Waja, Suprima S, Iriz, and the latest version of the Saga. Now, with the Proton S70 R3, we are adding another milestone to our legacy, marking not only the return of the Proton name to the S1K event but also the first racing car based on a model jointly developed by Proton and Geely.”

The All-New PROTON S70 R3

The Proton S70 R3 represents the latest in racing car technology and design from Proton R3. The show car displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow features the newest aerodynamic package tailored specifically for racing. The S70 R3 is currently in development and is expected to compete fiercely in the upcoming S1K endurance race, with Proton set to campaign two units of this new model.

Being a race car that marks Proton’s return to the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K), you can expect it to be very different from the road going car. The interior will be devoid of any comforts such as air-conditioning and any forms of entertainment. In its place you can expect light weight racing and safety materials such as lightweight sports bucket seats, full racing harnasses and a fire retardant system, among others.

However, the biggest change will be the engine. Based on our understanding of the rules of S1K, the regulations do not allow the use of a three-cylinder engine. So in its place might be a Geely built four-cylinder engine instead.

We will get more information and confirmation and photos once we see the car tomorrow.

Exclusive Promotions at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

In addition to the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3, Proton is offering exciting promotions and rewards for attendees at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024:

Exclusive Gifts: Attendees who book a Proton model on the spot will receive gifts such as sunshades, toll readers, and wireless chargers for selected models.
Special Promo: A special promotion is available for bookings made at the Autoshow, with registration by June 30, 2024. This includes two years of free service maintenance for the X50, X70, and X90 models, and a RM500 cash voucher for the Proton S70, Saga, and Persona.
Test Drive Lucky Spin: Participants who test drive a Proton model will have the chance to spin a lucky wheel and win exclusive Proton merchandise.

With the return to the S1K race and exclusive promotions for Autoshow attendees, Proton continues to strengthen its presence in the automotive and motorsports industries.

Malaysia Withdraws as Host of 2024 Formula E-Prix Grand Finale

Malaysia has announced its withdrawal as the host of next year’s Formula E-Prix grand finale, citing substantial upfront financial demands from the championship’s owner. The decision follows escalating tensions between Formula E and its local partner, Sports Tech Holdings, due to increased rights fees and unexpected commercial charges.

According to FMT, The conflict intensified when Sports Tech opted to move the event from the Kuala Lumpur City Circuit to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), a decision that Formula E opposed. Sports Tech CEO Wan Agyl Wan Hassan explained that the switch was necessitated by technical difficulties with the city street circuit. However, the financial implications of hosting the event at SIC proved insurmountable.

While the exact financial demands from Formula E remain undisclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement, the decision to withdraw marks a significant setback for Sports Tech, which had been in advanced stages of planning to revive the E-Prix in Malaysia after a decade-long hiatus.

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Volkswagen Golf R Officially Priced at RM332,990, Inclusive of VAP – 320PS, 400Nm of Torque

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the official sale of the locally assembled Golf R, priced at RM332,990. This price includes the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which offers owners 5 years of maintenance, an unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

The Golf R comes with the “R Performance Package” as standard, which features a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, and specialised “Drift” and “Special” driving modes. The “Drift” mode prioritises torque to the rear wheels for controlled slides, while the “Special” mode is tailored for optimal performance on backroads and the demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife racetrack.

Under the hood, the Golf R is powered by a 2.0TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 320PS and 400Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. The car’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring ensures stability and traction.

The exterior of the Golf R is distinguished by its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. It is available in three colours: Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, and Pure White. The interior boasts R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats with iconic R styling, and an R performance steering wheel with blue backlit R button and shift paddles.

New features include a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and automatic high beam assist. The Golf R also includes IQ.DRIVE technology and advanced driver assistance systems such as Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist.

The Golf R will be showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow from May 22 to May 26, 2024, at MAEPS in Serdang. Also on display at the Volkswagen booth in Hall 2 will be the all-new Touareg R-Line 4MOTION and Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.

Customers attending the Malaysia Autoshow can take advantage of special promotions, including savings of up to RM36,000. Additionally, those who purchase an Arteon will enjoy free scheduled maintenance for the first 7 years of ownership. There is also an opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid luxury holiday for two at the Banjaran Hotsprings Wellness Retreat in Ipoh, Perak, by booking any Volkswagen model at the autoshow. This promotion is available nationwide until May 31, 2024.

Secondary GPS Tracker Recovers a Stolen Pickup Truck

When R. Kaviyarasan purchased a brand new four-wheel-drive truck last October, he installed a second global positioning system (GPS) tracking device for added security. This decision proved invaluable when, four months later, his pickup truck was stolen from his house in Taman Saujana Puchong in the early hours of the morning, according to The Star.

The thief, demonstrating expertise, disabled the pre-installed GPS tracking system in just over three minutes. The monitoring company for this system only notified Kaviyarasan about an hour after the device was deactivated. However, the second GPS device, which was concealed and installed by Kaviyarasan, promptly alerted him to suspicious movements. The vehicle’s location was displayed on a satellite map on his smartphone.

Kaviyarasan asked a family member to lodge a police report while he began tracking the vehicle using the GPS on his phone. Initially, he saw the truck speeding away and then stopping at a gated residential area in USJ12, Subang Jaya. Despite alerting the police and searching the area, the truck was not found.

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New Mini John Cooper Works to Make Debut at 24 Hours of Nurburgring

The highly anticipated new Mini John Cooper Works is set to make its debut at this year’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring, one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. This gruelling event, taking place from June 1st to June 2nd, 2024, on the iconic Nurburgring-Nordschleife, will test the limits of drivers and their cars in a continuous 24-hour battle of speed, skill, and reliability.

The new petrol-powered Mini John Cooper Works will be unveiled in a unique camouflage designed by the Mini Design Team, paying tribute to the classic red and white motorsport colour schemes of the 1960s. This debut marks a significant milestone for Mini, as the John Cooper Works lineup will be available in both petrol and all-electric versions, showcasing Mini’s commitment to innovation while honouring its rich heritage.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Mini Cooper S’s historic victory at the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo, the new racecar will feature the distinctive “37” logo, commemorating this landmark achievement. This emblem symbolises Mini’s enduring motorsport legacy.

The Mini John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by Bulldog Racing, a private racing team from Nurburg, competing in the SP 3T category. Dubbed the “Mini John Cooper Works PRO,” this Mini twin-power turbo racecar embodies the blend of Mini’s iconic design and reliability, along with Bulldog Racing’s track-proven expertise.

In addition to the new entry, Bulldog Racing will field the beloved black Mini John Cooper Works #474 with a manual transmission. This car demonstrated its capabilities by securing a podium finish at last year’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring in the VT-2 category, solidifying its reputation as a strong contender in endurance racing.