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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces the New CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe – RM518,888

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé, unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, continues the brand’s legacy of blending sportiness with elegance. Combining elements from both the C-Class and E-Class, this two-door coupé exudes a powerful presence and timeless sophistication.

From every angle, the CLE Coupé makes an emotional statement, showcasing a harmonious blend of coupé proportions and modern design language characterised by Sensual Purity. Flowing surfaces with seamless transitions and distinctive character lines contribute to its sculptural appearance, while the forward-leaning front section, low-slung bonnet, and striking Digital Light headlights emphasise its athletic yet elegant demeanour.

The AMG Line exterior, featuring the Night Package, adds expressive black design elements to enhance the car’s sporty appeal along with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Inside, the focus is on the driver, with a striking 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch central display positioned for optimal visibility and accessibility. The interior boasts meticulous attention to detail, with premium materials like Artico man-made leather in a Nappa look and a sophisticated mixed fabric-look finish.

Exclusive features include a multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, avant-garde sports seats with integrated headrests, and dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. The CLE Coupé offers enhanced convenience and connectivity with the MBUX infotainment system, MBUX Interior Assistant, and Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, it produces 259PS and 400Nm of torque. It also has a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid ISG system with 23PS and 205Nm and power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of safety and assistance systems, the CLE Coupé is equipped with Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Parking package with Memory Parking Assist, among others.

Priced at RM518,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology, reaffirming its position as a leader in the segment.

Ferrari 12Cilindri – Mid-Front-Mounted Naturally Aspirated V12, 819hp, 633Nm Torque

Ferrari continues its tradition of blending heritage and cutting-edge technology with its latest offering, the 12Cilindri, which succeeds the 812 Superfast. Unveiled in Miami, the focus is squarely on its 12-cylinder engine.

Powered by a 6.5-litre, 65-degree V-12 engine, the 12Cilindri churns out an impressive naturally aspirated 819hp at 9,250rpm and 677Nm of torque at 7,250rpm, with a redline set at a staggering 9,500rpm. Remarkably, Ferrari achieves this without hybrid assistance, meeting emissions standards solely through internal combustion.

The engine shares similarities with the one found in the 812 Competizione, featuring titanium connecting rods and a unique valvetrain system. Noteworthy is the Aspirated Torque Shaping system, which electronically modifies the torque curve in the third and fourth gears.

Mated to the engine is an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, mounted at the rear for optimal weight distribution. Shifts are promised to be 30 per cent quicker than the 812 Superfast, aided by taller 21-inch tyres and shortened gear ratios. Performance figures are staggering, with a 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds for the coupe and a slightly slower 0-100km/h time of 2.95 seconds for the convertible, both achieving a top speed exceeding 340km/h.

The design of the 12Cilindri takes cues from the Roma, with technical detailing and homages to classic Ferrari models like the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

The interior style takes its inspiration from the Prancing Horse’s dual-cockpit architecture. In recent years, that layout was used for the Ferrari Roma and Roma Spider as well as the Ferrari Purosangue. The Ferrari 12Cilindri’s cabin has an almost-symmetrical structure comprising two modules for driver and passenger and offering an astonishing standard of comfort and involvement in the driving experience.

The design of the Ferrari 12Cilindri’s interior sees it split into three different levels – the first, dominated by the upper part of the dash, continues around to blend into the door panel trim. Next is the central area while the third includes the footwells and seats. Each level is clearly defined, heightening the dual-cockpit effect through the colour and material combinations. These are used to create either an elegant or sporty look for the seats and other features. Ferrari’s signature luxury and performance are flanked on the Ferrari 12Cilindri by a focus on environmental sustainability – extensive use has been made of sustainable materials such as Alcantara containing 65% recycled polyester.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri introduces a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) comprising three displays that raise the Ferrari V12 berlinetta onboard experience to new heights. All of the main functions can be controlled from the central 10.25” touchscreen capacitive display within reach of both driver and passenger. This is flanked by a 15.6” driver display showing all of the driving and vehicle dynamics information. Lastly the passenger is always completely involved in the driving experience thanks to an 8.8” display that ensures they feel like a genuine co-driver.

Chassis control systems include Side Slip Control 8 and independent four-wheel steering, enhancing agility and handling. Wheel sizes have been upgraded to 21 inches, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires.

Pricing for the 12Cilindri starts at $423,000 (RM2,002,164) for the coupe and $466,000 (RM2,205,694) for the convertible, positioning it as a high-end, exclusive offering from Ferrari.

Direct Lending partners with Tan Chong Motor to Introduce a Shariah-compliant Auto Service Financing Plan

Direct Lending, a prominent Malaysian digital lending platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (Tan Chong) to introduce a Shariah-compliant, fully digital auto service financing plan at Nissan Service Centres across the nation.

Aligned with its commitment to offering Nissan car owners a seamless experience at their service centres, Tan Chong customers can now undergo financial eligibility checks and document validation via the online platform, enabling immediate financing compared to conventional options. This initiative aims to provide peace of mind for car owners by offering increased flexibility in managing their car service and repair expenses, with a repayment period of up to 12 months.

The application process is streamlined into three simple steps: applicants fill in their details, submit their identification card along with the last three months’ bank statements, and finalise the process by making the first payment, setting up monthly payments, and signing the financing agreement—all completed digitally via smartphone.

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The New Porsche Panamera is Available to Order Now – Starting from RM1.3 Million

The third-generation Porsche Panamera embodies the fusion of luxury and sportiness, with significant enhancements across design, performance, and technology.

One of the standout features is the Porsche Active Ride suspension system, which strikes a balance between comfort and performance, ensuring a smooth ride while maintaining the car’s dynamic driving characteristics. Coupled with the optional rear-axle steering, the Panamera offers superior handling and agility on the road.

Under the hood, the 2.9-litre V6 turbo engine has been revamped to deliver 353PS and 500Nm of torque – an increase of 23PS and 50Nm compared to its predecessor. This results in improved acceleration and top speed. Combined with the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the Panamera achieves impressive performance metrics, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

The exterior design reflects the Panamera’s sporting character, with modern updates that enhance its visual appeal and aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the driver-centred control concept ensures intuitive access to essential driving functions, while the optional passenger display integrates the co-pilot into the driving experience seamlessly.

The latest driver-centred control concept is also featured in the new Panamera. An ideal balance between digital and analogue control elements, the Porsche Driver Experience control concept positions the input and output elements essential for driving along the driver’s axis. The gear selector lever is located at the left of the steering wheel. The mode switch for the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving programmes and the assistance control stalks are also directly accessible to the driver. This means that they don’t need to take their eyes off the road in order to adjust the drive programmes and assistance systems.

An optional passenger display closely integrates the passenger into the driving experience. The 10.9-inch screen displays vehicle performance data on request. It also allows operation of the infotainment system and supports video streaming while the car is in motion. In order to avoid distracting whomever is behind the wheel, the passenger display cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.

The digital experience is further enriched by the integration of the driver’s personal ecosystem through the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), offering enhanced connectivity and usability. Advanced assistance systems, including standard Matrix LED headlights and traffic sign recognition, elevate safety and convenience for the driver.

With its comprehensive standard equipment and extended range of features, the new Porsche Panamera sets a new benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. Available for order starting from RM1,300,000, it represents a compelling choice for discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

The USMCA Conundrum: Mexico’s Dilemma with Chinese Automakers

The recent developments in Mexico regarding its relationship with Chinese automakers underscore the complex dynamics at play in the global automotive industry and the shifting landscape of international trade.

With pressure from the United States, Mexico has put meetings with Chinese carmakers on hold, reflecting concerns about potential circumvention of tariffs and the implications for North American EV production under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This move highlights the growing influence of geopolitical considerations on trade policies and industry dynamics.

The Biden administration’s stance against allowing Chinese automakers to flood the market with vehicles perceived as a threat to national security aligns with broader efforts to protect domestic industries and strategic interests. As Mexico navigates these pressures, it faces the challenge of balancing its economic relationships with the US and China while safeguarding its own interests and maintaining its position within the global automotive supply chain.

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Automobili Pininfarina Unveils Bruce Wayne-Inspired Electric Vehicles

Automobili Pininfarina has collaborated with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Relevance International to create a collection of bespoke pure-electric vehicles inspired by DC’s Bruce Wayne. These cars, named the B95 and Battista, come in two distinct trims which are Gotham and Dark Knight, reflecting different aspects of Wayne’s persona.

The Gotham trim embodies Bruce Wayne’s civilian sophistication, featuring tan leather upholstery with bespoke quilting and tan stitching. The Gotham Battista sports an Argento Vittorio gloss paint finish with a Nero Torino gloss paint Goccia roof, while the Gotham B95 has matching wheels and detailing.

On the other hand, the Dark Knight trim represents Wayne’s use of technology in his fight against Gotham City’s criminal underworld. It features black Alcantara and leather upholstery with black and gold duo-tone contrast stitching. The Dark Knight Battista comes in Nero Profondo gloss paint with a Nero Torino ‘Goccia’ roof, while the Dark Knight B95 matches with ceramic-polished rims.

Both the B95 and Battista models are powered by a high-capacity 120kWh lithium-ion battery and four motors, generating 1,900hp and accelerating from 0-100km/h in less than two seconds. The interiors feature new door and roof designs with curved glass to lighten the interior ambience. Additionally, the vehicles boast Wayne Enterprises-inspired HMI display enhancements and unique exterior detailing, such as Wayne Enterprises logos and aluminium chassis and door plates.

While the pricing for these Batman-themed special editions has not been disclosed, the standard Battista starts at $2.2 million, while the B95 is priced at $4.8 million.