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Your Toyota Can be Stolen in Just 30 Seconds

Johor police have exposed a car theft syndicate that can steal luxury vehicles in just 30 seconds, despite these vehicles being equipped with alarms and immobiliser systems. Johor police chief M. Kumar detailed the syndicate’s operations and the significant arrests made during a statewide operation targeting vehicle theft syndicates, according to Malay Mail.

Key Details of the Syndicate’s Modus Operandi

Targeted Vehicles: The syndicate focuses on luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles, which are sold on the black market in a neighbouring country.

Operational Tactics:
- The syndicate operates in pairs to steal high-end vehicles.
- They use an electronic programmer to start modern vehicles without a key.
- A jammer device is employed to disable the vehicle’s GPS and alarm system within 30 seconds.
Duration of Activity: Initial investigations reveal that the syndicate has been active for five to six months.

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New Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: Why It Is One of the Safest Pick-Up Trucks!

“You talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?”

There are plenty to choose from in this age of skin-deep looks and iffy performance. Take for example an actor who has it all in the pretty department, only to act like a block of wood when push comes to shove.

Why are we telling you this? Because the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has everything in the looks department by looking all aggressive, and backed-up with by lots of ground clearance, generous cargo capacity, and powerful engine to match regardless of challenging urban and off-road situations.

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Honda’s Strategic Shift Towards EV Production in China

Honda Motor has announced significant changes to its manufacturing operations in China. This strategic move aims to increase electric vehicle (EV) production, responding to growing competition from Chinese brands in the world’s largest automotive market.

Major Changes in Production Facilities

Closure of Joint Venture Plant with GAC:
- Honda will shut down a factory operated in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), a state-owned Chinese automaker.
- This plant, primarily manufacturing the Accord sedan, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles and has been operational for nearly 20 years.
- The closure is scheduled for October.

Production Halt at Joint Venture Plant with Dongfeng:
- Vehicle production will be suspended at another factory operated through Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng, another major Chinese automaker.
- This facility has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles and will cease operations in November.

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Chevrolet Unveils the Corvette ZR1: The Most Powerful V8 American Production Car Ever

Chevrolet has officially introduced the latest iteration of its high-performance legend, the 2025 Corvette ZR1. With the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker and a suite of cutting-edge technologies, the ZR1 aims to redefine supercar standards in both coupe and convertible forms.

Powertrain and Performance

The heart of the Corvette ZR1 is the 5.5L LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine, which generates an astonishing 1,064hp at 7,000 rpm and 1,122Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, according to SAE guidelines. This makes it the most powerful factory-produced Corvette engine ever.

The ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 346km/h on the racetrack and can complete the quarter-mile in less than 10 seconds. A carbon fibre aero package provides over 544kg of downforce at top speed, enhancing stability and performance.

The ZR1 revives the iconic split rear window, a design element that pays homage to Corvette history while providing functional benefits like increased heat extraction. The ZR1’s exterior design includes a carbon fibre roof and unique aluminium wheels. An optional carbon-fibre wheel design reduces unsprung mass by 19.4kg.

The cockpit features unique ZR1 badging, a specific stitch pattern, and a boost gauge, marking the first factory turbocharged Corvette. Customisation options include new exterior and interior colours, racing stripes, and seat belt colours.

The LT7 engine is a continuation of the LT6’s Gemini V8 architecture, significantly enhanced with twin turbochargers. Engineers optimised every system for boosted performance rather than simply adding turbochargers to the existing LT6 engine.

Unique Features:

Head castings with unique ports and larger combustion chambers.
Optimised valve train timing and lift profile for forced induction.
Completely new intake system tailored for twin turbochargers.
Dual, ported shroud, ball bearing, mono-scroll (76 mm) turbochargers with electronic wastegates.
Advanced anti-lag engine calibration for responsive performance.

Transmission: The ZR1’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been upgraded with:

Enhanced input shafts and gear capacity.
Improved oil management for higher vehicle capability.
Increased control valves to handle the higher clutch clamp load required by the LT7.

Aerodynamic Innovations

The ZR1 features a range of aerodynamic improvements, including a flow-through hood for increased front downforce and carbon fibre side ducts for cooling the rear brakes. The optional ZTK performance package adds high-downforce elements like a rear wing and front dive planes, further enhancing track performance.

Production and Availability

Production Timeline: The Corvette ZR1 will enter production in 2025 at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, US. Pricing and availability details will be announced closer to the production date.

Performance Highlights

First Lap Success: On its first lap at the Milford Proving Ground’s MRC test track, the ZR1 recorded a faster peak speed than the production C7 ZR1.
Quarter-Mile Performance: The ZR1 achieved a sub-10-second quarter-mile time on its first launch.
Nürburgring Performance: All four test drivers exceeded 322km/h on their first laps at the Nürburgring.

The new Corvette ZR1 is set to challenge the world’s best supercars, combining unprecedented power, advanced engineering, and iconic design. As Chevrolet pushes the boundaries of performance, the ZR1 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Proton Expands Stamping Facilities in Tanjong Malim

Proton has officially commenced a significant expansion of its stamping facilities with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new E and F stamping lines. This expansion is part of the company’s strategic plan to relocate the production of the Proton Saga from Shah Alam by 2026.

Investment and Infrastructure

A substantial investment of RM253 million has been allocated for this project, which aims to increase the volume of parts stamping at the Tanjong Malim facility. This move is designed to support Proton’s overall production growth and accommodate the introduction of new models in the future. The new stamping lines follow the inauguration of the D-Line stamping plant on March 14, 2023, by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Enhanced Production Capacity

During the ceremony, Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong, emphasised the importance of the new lines for the company’s expansion plans. “The addition of the parts stamping E and F-Line is critical to Proton’s future volume expansion plans as it gives us more flexibility to ramp up our production and meet market demand. For the whole of 2023 and up to June 2024, our Tanjong Malim plant has stamped out 6,067,064 components, of which 395,211 are from the new D-Line, and this number will grow exponentially when production for the Proton Saga is relocated here in 2026,” he said.

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Neta X SUV Officially Launched With Prices Starting From RM119,888

Neta has officially introduced the Neta X battery-electric SUV in Malaysia, presenting three variants: the 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury and 500 Luxury. This launch marks a significant step in expanding the electric vehicle market in the region.

Performance and Powertrain

The Neta X is equipped with a single front-mounted motor that delivers 163PS and 210Nm of torque. This powertrain allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under 9.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 150km/h. The SUV offers two battery options:

400 Variants: A 52.49 kWh battery providing a range of 401km.
500 Variants: A 64.14 kWh battery offering a range of over 480km.

Charging times are approximately 9 hours for the 52.49 kWh battery and 11 hours for the 64.14 kWh battery using AC charging. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 30 minutes.

Suspension and Driving Modes

The Neta X features MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear for suspension, ensuring a smooth ride. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/60R18 tyres. The SUV offers multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and a one-pedal driving mode, complemented by an Auto Hold function for added convenience.

Exterior Features

Externally, the Neta X boasts:

LED headlamps, tail lamps, DRLs, and a rear fog lamp.
LED high-mount brake lamp.
Panoramic sunroof.
Roof rack.
Heated, auto-folding mirrors with turn signals.
Rain-sensing wipers.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Neta X features:

LED reading lights and luggage compartment light.
15.6-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, real-time navigation with location services, OTA software updates, voice control, online music playback, and Bluetooth connectivity.
An eight-speaker sound system for a premium audio experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Neta X is well-equipped with safety and driver assistance features:

Comfort Variants: Regular cruise control.
Luxury Variants: Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane change assist with blind spot detection, door opening warning, rear cross traffic alert, full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, and an emergency lane keeping system.

Colours and Upholstery Options

The Neta X is available in five exterior colours: Pearl White, Sky Grey, Jet Black, Glacier Blue, and Amber Brown. Interior upholstery options include brown or black.

Customer Benefits

5yr/150,000km warranty
8yr/160,000km battery warrantyUntil 31st July
Double booking value
Free wallbox or 2500kW ChargEV credits
2yrs/40,000km free maintenance

Pricing

400 Comfort – RM119,888

400 Luxury – RM127,888

500 Luxury – RM135,888

Neta X Warranties:

EV High Voltage Part Warranty: Covers the vehicle controller assembly, motor controller assembly, drive motor assembly, battery pack assembly, resolver, high voltage relay, and BMS system for up to 8 years or 180,000 km, whichever comes first.
General Part Warranty: Covers parts for up to 5 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.

Special Financing

Affin Bank is offering a special financing rate as low as 2.20% and a priority lane to expedite the approval process within 6 hours of receiving completed applications for NETA EV.

The Neta X, with its combination of performance, advanced features, and customer benefits, aims to make a significant impact in Malaysia’s electric vehicle market.