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Toyota Unveils 2025 GR Corolla with New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Toyota has once again pushed the boundaries of performance with the introduction of the 2025 GR Corolla, featuring the new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). This latest model is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to both manual transmission enthusiasts and those who prefer a focus on handling.

Following the GR Corolla’s initial reveal in 2022, Toyota’s Akio Toyoda, known as MORIZO, challenged his team to innovate further. The result is the first GR Corolla equipped with the advanced DAT, designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience inspired by track testing.

The new GR Corolla, tested rigorously on renowned circuits like Fuji International Speedway, boasts an increase in engine torque from 370Nm to 399Nm This enhancement, coupled with refined suspension components, promises an impressive driving performance.

Exterior and Interior Upgrades

The GR Corolla features a redesigned front bumper to accommodate optional cooling components while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the car sports a darker, sportier aesthetic with new trim finishes, enhancing the tactile experience for drivers.

GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

The 8-speed DAT is a standout feature, offering rapid gear shifts and optimised performance. Unlike previous models, the DAT uses sophisticated control software to sense driver inputs—such as brake and accelerator usage—to predict the optimal timing for gear shifts. This technology aims to provide a driving experience akin to that of professional racers.

Performance Enhancements

For 2025, the GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre G16E-GTS engine, delivering 300hp and 399Nm of torque. To ensure the engine and transmission remain at peak performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler is standard, with a sub-radiator available as an option on higher grades.

The car’s suspension has been upgraded with rebound springs and improved rear coils to enhance traction and stability during dynamic driving. The GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, offers three drive modes—Normal, Gravel, and Track—allowing drivers to adjust torque distribution for various driving conditions.

Standard Features and Availability

The 2025 GR Corolla will come equipped with front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) for superior cornering performance. Additionally, launch control has been incorporated to facilitate powerful acceleration from a standstill.

Toyota plans to make the new GR Corolla available at dealerships this Winter, with further details on pricing and specifications to be released later in the year. The latest model aims to attract both seasoned driving enthusiasts and those seeking an exhilarating sports car experience.

All-New Proton e.MAS7 Previewed – Scheduled To Go On Sale by End Of The Year

Proton has officially introduced its eagerly awaited electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS7, marking a significant milestone in the Malaysian automaker’s EV journey. Set to redefine the electric SUV segment, the e.MAS7 combines cutting-edge technology with impressive performance, positioning itself as a sophisticated addition to Proton’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.

The Proton e.MAS7 represents a significant advancement in Proton’s electric vehicle lineup. Co-developed with Geely, this project involved 230 Proton engineers and designers and required 700,000 man hours and 10 million kilometres of testing. The e.MAS7 is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), an evolution of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). This platform integrates the battery into the car’s body shell, enhancing rigidity and overall performance. Proton brands this as the Global Modular Architecture (GMA), which aligns with the GEA but is marketed under a different name.

Performance and Battery

The e.MAS7 features a front-mounted electric motor generating 218PS and 320Nm of torque. It achieves a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h. The vehicle offers two battery options: a 49.52 kWh battery with a range of up to 440km CLTC and a 60.22 kWh battery providing up to 530km CLTC (WLTP is around 420km). The battery technology includes Geely’s Aegis short blade LFP cells, which promise up to 3,500 cycles or approximately 1 million kilometres of driving. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Design and Features

While the exact design remains under wraps, the e.MAS7 draws design cues from the Geely E5, featuring slim headlamps, air curtains, flush door handles, and full-width taillights. The interior is expected to resemble that of the E5, equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch infotainment display, and advanced driver assistance systems. A Proton-specific app will offer telematics and integrate with charging networks.

Market Position and Pricing

The e.MAS7 falls into the C-segment SUV category, measuring 4,615mm in length, 1,901mm in width, and 1,670mm in height. It is positioned between models like the BYD Atto 3 and smart #1, and the Tesla Model Y in terms of size. Pricing in Malaysia will depend on whether the vehicle is fully imported or locally assembled.

Availability

The Proton e.MAS7 is slated for order starting December 2024, with initial availability across 29 dealerships nationwide.

With its advanced technology, competitive range, and innovative design, the Proton e.MAS7 is poised to make a significant impact in the Malaysian EV market.

Volvo Car Malaysia Unveils “A Volvo Made for You” Showcase

Volvo Car Malaysia is set to host a unique event titled “A Volvo Made for You,” celebrating the customisation potential of its fully electric models. This exclusive showcase will take place at the Sentul Depot in Kuala Lumpur from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, featuring a range of special offers and accessory upgrades.

The event, running daily from 10 am to 6 pm, will spotlight Volvo’s C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric models. Visitors will experience these models as canvases for personal expression, enhanced by exclusive one-off offers and complimentary accessory upgrades.

Special Offers and Accessory Packages

During the showcase, customers purchasing a new C40 or XC40 Recharge Pure Electric can take advantage of additional offers, including cash rebates of up to RM25,000. Alternatively, they can opt for the Volvo ‘Made for You’ accessory package valued at RM43,000. This package includes integrated running boards, a sleek hubcap kit, 20” rims and tyres, an illuminated tailgate scuff plate, and a digital interior rearview mirror to further refine the models’ appearance and functionality.

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Proton Achieves Strong Sales Performance in July

Proton has marked a robust start to the second half of 2024 with impressive sales figures, posting a total of 15,103 units sold in July across both domestic and export markets. This surge represents a notable 37.3% rebound from the previous month, which was impacted by a planned plant shutdown for operational improvements. July’s sales volume is the highest recorded since September 2022, reinforcing Proton’s solid position as the second-largest automaker in Malaysia.

Year-to-date (YTD) sales up to the end of July have reached 88,799 units. The total industry volume (TIV) for July is estimated at 73,761 units, reflecting a 27.1% increase over the previous month. Proton’s market share for July has risen to 20.5%, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in the automotive sector.

The Proton Saga, a longstanding favourite in Malaysia, led the sales charge in July, achieving its best monthly sales performance in over a decade. With 7,855 units sold, the Saga reached its highest sales figure since October 2013. Year-to-date sales for the Saga stand at 42,693 units, representing an 8.8% increase compared to 2023 and positioning the model for a standout year.

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2025 Proton X70 Previewed – Exterior and Interior Improvements, Now With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The latest iteration of the Proton X70 has arrived, bringing a host of enhancements and updates that position it as a formidable contender in the SUV market. This new model builds on its predecessor’s strengths while incorporating significant improvements in performance, design, comfort, and connectivity. Here’s an in-depth look at what the new Proton X70 has to offer.

Performance Enhancements

The new Proton X70 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 177PS at 5500rpm and a peak torque of 255Nm at 1500rpm. This impressive performance is supported by several key improvements. The engine benefits from enhanced combustion efficiency, which results in cleaner emissions and better overall performance. Efforts have been made to improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics at low speeds, contributing to a quieter and more refined driving experience.

Advanced thermal management systems help maintain optimal engine temperatures, while reduced friction within the engine enhances efficiency. Additionally, the new transmission with smaller gear ratios for the 3rd through 6th gears lowers engine RPM during regular driving, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine load. Enhanced software calibration in the Engine Management System (EMS) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) further optimises fuel consumption and overall efficiency. These enhancements help the new X70 achieve a balanced blend of power and efficiency, making it a standout performer in the 1.5-litre engine category.

Design Upgrades

The new Proton X70 introduces several design upgrades that enhance its visual appeal and functionality. The exterior features a new hood and fender, a redesigned front bumper, and a new grille with an infinite weave diamond pattern and chrome finish, giving the vehicle a bold and powerful look. The LED headlamps, equipped with 47 pieces of LEDs, offer improved illumination and a modern aesthetic. The rear of the vehicle also benefits from a redesigned bumper, and the new alloy wheels, available in two-tone finishes, come in various sizes depending on the variant. A new power tailgate with nearby auto open functionality adds convenience.

Inside, the X70 has been updated with a new 3-point shift lever similar to the X90, an improved steering wheel, and a multicolour ambient lighting system with 72 colour selections and three modes: single, breathing, and multicolour. For the interior, Premium X and Premium variants offer Stone Grey upholstery and Nappa leather seats.

Safety Features

The new Proton X70 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. These include Walk Away Auto Lock and Nearby Auto Door Unlock features for enhanced security and convenience, a 360 Camera Display for better manoeuvring, and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold for improved safety. The SUV also includes 13 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Centering Control, providing extensive driver assistance and safety.

NVH Performance

Addressing NVH concerns, the new X70 features several improvements. Gear whine has been minimised compared to the previous generation, resulting in a quieter cabin. The new 7-Speed EVO300 Transmission offers smoother operation, and enhanced insulation and improved processes contribute to a more premium feel, with better noise suppression throughout the vehicle, including reduced air conditioning compressor noise. These improvements position the new Proton X70 as competitive in terms of NVH performance within its segment.

Connectivity and Technology

The X70’s infotainment system has been upgraded with a new 12.3-inch screen offering a resolution of 1920×720, powered by a dual quad-core processing unit with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The Proton Link app allows remote control of the engine, windows, locks, and air conditioning settings. The “Hi Proton” voice command system manages windows, sunroof, AC, navigation, and music streaming. Connectivity options include 3 USB Type-A ports and 2 USB Type-C ports. The infotainment head unit now comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Colours

The new Proton X70 is available in a range of attractive colours, including Marine Blue (Flagship), Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red, and White.

Yesterday, Proton announced that it is now accepting pre-launch bookings for the highly anticipated 2025 Proton X70 and is offering an attractive early bird package for customers who book the 2025 Proton X70. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact Proton sales advisors or visit the nearest Proton 3S and 4S showrooms to secure their bookings with a deposit of RM500. The booking window remains open until further notice.