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Porsche Malaysia introduces three bespoke 911 GT3’s

The Porsche GT3 does not need an introduction, it is probably the epitome of performance in its segment. Engineered to be raw, wild yet tameable, the 911 GT3 promises unparalleled performance to the discerning few. And it is about to get even better for those interested to buy one in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the company behind brand Porsche in Malaysia, introduced three unique GT3’s exclusively for the Malaysian market, and these are – Meissen Blue, Signal Green and Riviera Blue.

These new colours were ordered by SDAP through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a department within Porsche that specialises in bespoke modifications for their owners. And this means that there is a very good chance that whoever ends up buying these cars, will probably be the only person with such a colour in Malaysia, the region, and though there is a lesser chance of it happening, but maybe even the world.

These unique GT3’s don’t only offer a special colour, but according to a press release sent out by SDAP, also offer a mixture of high-quality materials such as leather interior package featuring extended alcantara detailing. And nothing shouts performance than the colour red, and that is exactly the colour adorning the instrument dials, seat belts and the Sport Chrono stop watch, all of which are painted in a colour Porsche calls Guards Red. The cars also feature illuminated carbon door sill guards and body-guard air vents.

Just to recap, the Porsche 911 GT3 offers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.86 kg/hp with an overall weight of 1,430kg. The car transfers all of its 500hp to the rear wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK), and even with a full tank of fuel, the GT3 demolishes the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds, on to a top speed of 318km/h. But if you opt for the manual transmission, the GT3 sees off the 0-100km/h run in 3.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 320km/h.

And just for your information, the 4.0, flat-six engine is the same engine that powers the 911 GT3 Cup race car.

Full press release: Sime Darby Auto Performance unveils three exclusive and unique 911 GT3

Riviera Blue

Signal Green

Meissen Blue

Mugen to build motorcycle engines?

Think of a motorcycle engine builder, and there is a very good chance that Mugen will not be the first to come to mind. In fact, powerhouses such as S&S and even Polaris are the first companies that come to mind. Mugen is usually associated with Hondas, actually, very mad Hondas. Hardcore, modified beyond the point of horsepower recognition type of Hondas. In Malaysia at least.

Mugen is also a specialised engine builder that supplied engines to Formula 1 teams like Lotus, Ligier and even Jordan, with whom the company achieved a 1-2 finish in Spa-Francorchamps in 98.

But the truth is, Mugen has been dabbling in motorcycles for a while now. In the 70s, the company, which was founded by the son of Soichiro Honda, created a prototype engine called the MRV1000. It was a 1000cc engine featuring twin-carburettors, but it never made production.

And then, in 2012, Mugen collaborated with Honda to produce an all-electric superbike to race in the Isle of Man TT. The legendary race has a class for all-electric superbikes called TT Zero, in which the Mugen-Honda powered superbikes have been dominant ever since. And just for your information, the average speed of Mugen-Honda electric bikes have increased from 165km/h in 2012, to 192km/h in 2015.

Now though, the company seems quite serious about dabbling into proper internal combustion engines for motorcycles with its latest engine concept called the MRV1400.

Showcased at the recently concluded Tokyo Motorcycle Show, the new engine concept is a 1400cc engine featuring a similar layout to its ancestor, with distinctive pushrod tubes and a separate transmission.

At the show, the engine was showcased next to a drawing of a sleek naked roadster, with Mugen even going as far as requesting show-goers for feedback on whether or not it should build the new MRV1400. Interestingly the new engine also features Keihin carburettors, but in these days of strict emission standards, it is unlikely that a carburettor engine will meet emission regulations. Sadly, Mugen will need fuel injectors if it wants its engine to see the light of day.

So what about production? The company says that even if the engine does make it to full-time production, it will not happen before 2020, and it will take even more time for the engine to make it into a full-fledged production motorcycle.

VIDEO: BIMS 2018 – Bangkok International Motorshow First Walk-Around Video!

I’ve literally just stepped through the doors of the Bangkok International Motorshow 2018 having collected my media pass at the press centre, and BIMS 2018 hasn’t officially begun yet, but here’s the first of many videos to come!

This is by no means the whole show, not by a long-shot, I haven’t even scratched the surface of what’s in store at IMPACT Challenger Muang Thong Thani in the outskirts of Bangkok. It’s the largest pillar-less hall in SEA, and definitely a sight to behold.

The official opening ceremony is set for tomorrow morning, 27th March 2018, and the show runs from 28th March to 8th April. Stay tuned for a lot more to come!

Leona Chin Takes Podium in MINI Challenge Asia Series!

2018 is starting well for local racer-gal Leona Chin. Following her placing as second overall in the Renault Clio Cup China Series in 2016 and a 1 year hiatus, she’s back at it again in the newly-launched MINI Challenge Asia Series. This one-make race featuring the MINI F56 JCW – a 255hp, sequential gearbox equipped race car based on the road-going F56 JCW.

The MINI Challenge Asia Series sees the world-renowned MINI one-make race series making it’s way to Asia, with the hopes that it will eventually grow in scale to match that of the series 17 years history in the UK.

Over the course of the weekend, Leona proved she could tangle with some of the best drivers in the region. Two notable opponents were Nobuhiro Murata, a Japan Super GT driver, and Nattanid ‘Kat’ Leewatanavalagul, current best female driver from Thailand. For this round, Leona is racing under Team GreatDrive – a well-established Hong Kong based automobile importer.

The first leg of the series was held at Zhuhai International Circuit – a track that Leona is familiar with herself given her past racing experience in China. During free practice Leona managed to clock a time just 1 second off the top spot. The field was separated by 16 seconds, with the top 5 drivers placing within 7 seconds of each other. Murata did not manage to finish qualifying as he went off the track during his session.

When it came time to race, Leona’s competitor pulled slightly ahead during Race 1, she finished the race with a 4^th place standing, just half a second behind Takaya Tsubobayashi. For Race 2 the positions were shuffled once again., and Leona took the opportunity to overtake Tsubobayashi for a 3^rd place finish, just 1 second behind Nobuhiro Murata. During the race she also managed to set a fastest lap time of 1:54.188, roughly half a second quicker than Henry Lee Jr. who took victory over the weekend.

Following the end of Race 1 and 2, Leona felt positive about the outcome and the coming races. “I would like to thank GreatDrive for giving me the opportunity to compete in this round of MINI Challenge Asia Series. The car performed well during both races, really easy to drive and light on its feet.” she said. “It’s a nice step up from the Clio cup car I raced 2 years ago. I’m looking forward to the next round on the 16^th and 17^th June, which also be at Zhuhai International Circuit.”

Leona Chin has been involved in cars and motorsports since her teenage years. She has had experience in various levels of motorsports, competing both within Malaysia and overseas as well, along with off-track exploits such as Gymkhana, Autocross, Rallying and – most notably of all – drifting.

She currently has roles both as a driver and a manager for teams in various series, and is continuously honing her skills and looking for new challenges.

Ferrari Challenge Race Driver Zen Low Aiming To Better His Performance In The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Asia Pacific 2018

Seasoned race car driver, Zen Low, is geared up to improve on his 2017 third-place finish for the coming 2018 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli APAC season. Malaysia’s first driver to compete at the wheel of the 488 Challenge in the one-make series was re-appointed to race for team OneApps NAZA Aylezo this year. Brimming with confidence, he is all set for the 2018 Series, which kicks off in Melbourne over this weekend of March 22-25 in conjunction with the 2018 Formula 1 season opener.

Zen Low made his stellar debut last year, doing Malaysia proud with eight podium finishes out of a total of 13 races. His performance earned him a total of 163 points and an impressive third place overall in the top tier Trofeo Pirelli category.

Remarking on Zen’s return in the new season, Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA World Group Executive Chairman, said, “It was such a thrill to see Zen Low do so well in his first season. With his wealth of experience and devotion to his craft, he is certainly one of Malaysia’s top drivers and we have much to look forward to as we support him in the coming season.”

“After getting a taste of the competition and gaining experience in last year’s season, I’m even more motivated this time round. Passion, strength and determination form the recipe for success and I’m ready to top that podium,” said Zen Low.

Zen Low is racing for the entire 2018 season and is once again competing in the Trofeo Pirelli category under the race number of 69 and team name OneApps NAZA Aylezo. Zen has an established career as one of the most passionate and successful race drivers in Asia. An adroit businessman with a keen interest and natural talent for racing, he founded Aylezo Motorsport in 2009. Over the years, Zen has participated in multiple motorsport events both locally and regionally, including competitions such as the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (2009 & 2010), the Gulf 12 Hours 2012, Asian Le Mans Series (2013 & 2016), Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo (2013, 2014 & 2016), GT Asia 2015, Sepang 12 Hours (2015 & 2016) and Bathurst 12 Hours 2017.

This season, the Ferrari 488 Challenge makes a glorious return to the track. As the first model in this competition to be equipped with a turbo engine, the Ferrari 488 Challenge is the most powerful car in the history of one-make series. Derived from the Ferrari 488 GTB, the V8 3.9-litre engine – winner of the International Engine of the Year Award in 2016, delivers a forceful 670hp.

Ferrari Challenge was established as a one-make series in 1993, bringing together complete track novices and drivers with prior competition experience. The series spans three regions: North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Ferrari Challenge uses a multi-class format; drivers are grouped under Trofeo Pirelli, Coppa Shell, Coppa Shell AM, Ladies’ Cup and Gentlemen’s Cup. Events are FIA approved, ensuring an exceptionally high standard of organization and safety for all involved.

The 2018 competition will flag off in Melbourne (22-25 March) and travel on to Hampton Downs, New Zealand (12-15 April), Shanghai, China (24-27 May), Fuji, Japan (28 June-1 July) and Suzuka, Japan (23-25 August) before making its way to Singapore (14-16 September). Finally, the Ferrari Challenge will finish off in Monza (1-4 November) for the Finali Mondiali.

More exciting information about Ferrari Malaysia may be obtained at http://www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia. Follow @ferrari.malaysia on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and NAZA Italia.

BIMS 2018: 10th Bangkok Used Car Show Announced!

Grand Prix International (GPI) Public Company Limited, the organisers of the Bangkok International Motorshow (BIMS) have announced “The 10^th Bangkok Used Car Show” is a go! With the Support of “Krungsri Auto” and the “Association of Used Cars” have guaranteed the Quality of Every Used Car Sold under the recent signing of a MOU.

Mr. Jaturont Komolmis, Chief Operation Officer (COO) of Grand Prix International Public Company Limited and the organizing Chairman of “The 10^th Bangkok Used Car Show” revealed that, for over a decade, the company has been continuously determined to promote the show for used cars industry to be equivalent to the international standard through quality guaranteed by the dealer and providing special campaign, which even better than or equivalent to buying a new car.

With the professional organizing standard and the quality guarantee for all cars, BANGKOK USED CAR SHOW is therefore an event that’s being trusted by many leading car companies, used car entrepreneurs and consumers.

“Thailand is one of the leading automotive industry of the world. Every year, the volume of new car sales is a huge number. Therefore, the circulation of used cars in the market is subsequently huge too. We have been anticipating that the used car market in Thailand is a high potential market because there is a group of consumers who prefer high value products and do not want to spend a lot of money on a brand new car. So Grand Prix came up with an initiative idea of hosting the Bangkok Used Car Show. The show was held in 2009 for the first time, and has been serving as the trading center for used car ever since.” Mr. Jaturont said.

Mr. Jaturont also added that the proof of organizing quality and reliability for the customers of the show is MOU signed by and between the steering organizer and every used car company to guarantee the quality of every used car sold at the show.

Moreover, this year “Krungsri Auto” has been supporting the show as the main sponsor for five years consecutively. Krungsri Auto will have its booth set up at the show to accommodate the customers in offering a used car loan that allows consumers to own a used car easily through its special campaign.

Mr. Pairote Cheunkrut, the Head of Krungsri Auto Group, the Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited said “This is our 5^th year as the main partner of the Bangkok Used Car Show and to work in collaboration with Grand Prix and used car companies.”

This year, Krungsri Auto joins the show with “Krungsir Used Car” special campaign, which offers a low down payment rate with up to 84-month installment plan. To strengthen customers’ trust, the warranty for car parts is extended to the maximum of 2-years or 70,000 km. (Krungsri Auto Extended Warranty), being offered at an attractive rate starting from 17,000 THB. Plus get free a Krungsri Auto umbrella and a chance for a lucky draw to win many more prices when the applied loan is approved at the show. Even more special, the repeat customers will also get free a petrol voucher worth 1,000 THB.

Mr. Wisut Hemapanpairo, the Chairman of the Association of Used Car revealed that, the 10^th Bangkok Used Car is the big event of the year. The show plays a vital role in stimulating the sales of quality used cars, and is a key factor that urge individual entrepreneur to develop their products and services. This will in turn result in the used car profession being trusted and accepted by all related parties as well as to allow the used car market to grow and develop correctly in an appropriate way.

The used car market continues to grow in accordance with the expansion of Thailand’s economy. Consumers have been giving importance to product and service quality and standard as well as the social responsibility a used car company has for the community. This is a key growth factor for used car market, because consumers recognize it as worthy for buying a used car.

For 2017, the total value of the used car market is approximately 136 billion Baht or equivalent to about 450,000 used cars sold. The market growth rate is around 7%, compared to 2016.

Mr. Wisut also added that the used car market in general is expected to grow about 5 – 7% in 2018. The growth is said to be benefitting from the 13% of new car growth, which result in a bigger volume of used car added to the market. The popular segments are still those of the 3-4 years old Eco Cars and SUVs, which appreciated by the majority of people more and more.

There are over 14 used car companies participating this year’s show. Together they will bring more than 100 models to sell on the entire exhibition space. Some of the dealers are BMW PREMIUM SELECTION, MASTER CERTIFIED USED CAR, MINI MILLENNIUM AUTO, TPM AUTO RICH, TNP USED CAR, YO RACHADA, J MOTOR TRADE, BEST SERVICE, AMORN WARRANTY By BENZ AMORN RATCHADA, Khun X’s Car By AUTO MASTER, Rod Sethi Car, CARMANA, etc. Moreover, Lamina, the leading car window films and accessories also participate the event with special promotions for the customers.

The 10^th Bangkok Used Car Show will be held from April 2 to April 8, 2018; Weekdays: 12.00 – 22.00 Hours; Weekends and Public Holidays: 11.00 – 22.00 Hours at IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 2- 4, IMPACT Muang Thani. The admission ticket is available at 20 Baht only. For more information, please visit www.bangkokusedcarshow.com