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BMW M has unveiled a special edition of its high-performance M4 CS, created in collaboration with nine-time motorcycle world champion and current BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, produced in a limited run of just 46 units, is a tribute to Rossi’s legendary career and iconic racing number. Manufactured at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the exclusive model is available in two design variants: Sport and Style, both featuring distinct colour schemes and signature elements inspired by the Italian racing legend.

The special edition M4 CS pays homage to Rossi’s illustrious career, with the number 46 prominently displayed on the doors and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. Rossi himself played a key role in the design process, ensuring that his signature aesthetic and personal preferences were reflected in both variants.

The Sport version is finished in Marina Bay Blue metallic, contrasted by a large number 46 in Tanzanite Blue metallic on both sides. The Style variant adopts a matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic exterior, with the 46 displayed in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic. Yellow accents—a signature colour associated with Rossi—are applied to the M kidney grille outline, a single V spoke on the forged M light-alloy wheels, the brake callipers, and an accent stripe over the door frames of the Sport model. The carbon-fibre roof, which is hand-painted, features a large VR46 logo in yellow, along with Rossi’s signature. The tailgate is also adorned with the VR46 lettering.

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Kia Corporation has officially introduced the EV4, unveiling both the saloon and hatchback variants ahead of the brand’s second Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain.

Designed to broaden the appeal of Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup, the EV4 targets a diverse audience with its modern styling and advanced technology, catering to lifestyle-focused consumers eager to embrace innovation. The model underscores Kia’s commitment to expanding the possibilities of automotive design while balancing practicality and aesthetic appeal.

The EV4 saloon features a sleek, low-slung front profile with a long-tail silhouette, embodying a fresh interpretation of the traditional sedan. Meanwhile, the EV4 hatchback is positioned as a nimble and versatile all-rounder, boasting a distinctive and clean design tailored for various driving environments.

A Design Rooted in Innovation

The EV4’s styling is guided by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, blending sharp, distinctive lines with bold, technical details to create a harmonious contrast rarely seen in the compact EV segment. The model showcases Kia’s vision for the next generation of electric saloons, moving beyond conventional silhouettes to establish a unique identity in an increasingly uniform EV market.

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Volvo owners in China have raised concerns over the authenticity of the Bowers & Wilkins audio systems installed in their vehicles, following reports of discrepancies in branding and construction.

The issue came to light when a Volvo S60 owner discovered a peculiar detail in the Tweeter-on-Top centre speaker of his vehicle. Instead of the renowned “Bowers & Wilkins” logo, the speaker was labelled as “Bovvers & VVilkins,” with two “V” characters replacing the letter “W” in both words. The owner, suspicious of the odd spelling, confronted the dealership, which dismissed the issue, claiming there was no typographical error. Images of the mislabelled speaker surfaced in Chinese media outlets further fueling concerns.

According to reports, the S60 owner had taken his vehicle to the dealership to have its original Bowers & Wilkins sound system replaced, though the reason for the replacement was not specified. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio package is an exclusive option in certain Volvo models, including the top-tier S60 Ultra in the U.S., where it is priced at $3,200 (RM14,095).

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The Malaysian government generated RM45.9 million from the sale of special vehicle registration numbers in 2024, with half of the revenue directed towards transport-related initiatives aimed at assisting low-income groups.

According to the Transport Ministry, the funds were raised through bids for exclusive plate series such as “GOLD,” “FFF,” “EV,” “PETRA,” and “MADANI.” In a Parliamentary reply to Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, the ministry stated that all proceeds from these sales were channelled into the Consolidated Fund under the Finance Ministry. Of the total amount collected, 50 per cent was allocated to the Transport Ministry to support various programmes designed to benefit underprivileged communities.

As reported by Malay Mail, among the initiatives funded by this allocation is the MyLesen programme, which covers the cost of driving tests for B2 motorcycle licences, Goods Driving Licences, and permits for e-hailing and taxi drivers. The revenue has also been used to provide free helmets for both adults and children as part of efforts to improve road safety.

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Mercedes-Benz has officially announced that a smaller version of the iconic G-Wagen is in development. The confirmation came during an investor-relations presentation, though the German automaker has yet to disclose details regarding powertrains, design, or a release timeline.

Speculation has been mounting that the “Baby G-Wagen” will feature an all-electric powertrain, potentially utilizing technology derived from the current electric G-Class. However, Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed whether the smaller off-roader will be EV-exclusive.

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Unless you have lived under a rock the whole time, you are most likely familiar with Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB). But, just for the sake of it, let us refresh your memory. 

RWB, or Rauh-Welt Begriff, is a Japanese automotive tuning company specialising in Porsche models. Founded in the 1990s by Akira Nakai, RWB is renowned for its distinctive wide-body kits and aggressive, race-inspired designs. 

Nakai, a self-taught mechanic, gained global recognition for his unique approach to modifying Porsches, particularly older 911 models, blending Japanese craftsmanship with a raw, hand-built aesthetic. Each RWB build is tailored to the owner’s preferences, often featuring exaggerated fenders, custom wheels, and a lowered stance. The brand has a cult following and is celebrated for its artistry and individuality in the automotive world.

You will not simply see any of these on the roads because of how unique they are. Most are kept as showpieces or only displayed during car exhibitions. Recently, RWB Collective Malaysia allowed us to get up close and personal with a few of the models from their collection. 

Hosted at Tanamekar, PJ, RWB Collective showcased four unique models that are for Malaysia starting with the Hyakka Ryoran, Yugata, Mirai Yosouzu and finally the Yamato Nadeshiko. These are not new creations as they have been around since 2014.

The Hyakka Ryoran

The Hyakka Ryoran, based on the Porsche 993, is the fourth RWB in Malaysia. This was completed by Akira Nakai in 2015 and the name translates to “ A Profusion of Flowers,” which symbolises beauty and elegance. 

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The BMW Group is ushering in a new era of electric mobility with its sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company provided insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems, all of which will benefit the upcoming Neue Klasse models. The first Neue Klasse vehicle is set to enter series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary.

Key Technological Advancements

  • Energy Master Intelligent Control Unit: Developed and produced at Plant Landshut, this unit manages energy distribution, power supply, and battery operation.
  • High-Voltage Battery with Cylindrical Cells: A new battery design promises a technological leap, offering a 30% increase in charging speed and range.

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Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Allianz General) and BikesRepublic.com partnered to introduce the first-ever Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Malaysian Motorcycle of the Year (MMOTY) Awards. The inaugural event was recently held at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Subang, setting the stage for what is expected to become an annual recognition of the best motorcycles and key industry players in Malaysia.

Allianz General served as the title sponsor for the MMOTY Awards, marking its expansion into motorcycle industry recognition after more than a decade of involvement in the Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Awards. According to Allianz General CEO Sean Wang, the event aims to honour motorcycle manufacturers’ achievements while providing riders with greater insights into the diverse range of motorcycles available in the market.

A total of 12 motorcycle awards and four industry awards were presented at the event. The most prestigious title, Malaysian Motorcycle of the Year Overall Champion, was awarded to the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, which also secured victories in the Touring Bike of the Year and Malaysian Motorcycle Personality of the Year categories.

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GWM Malaysia is thrilled to announce the winners of the ‘Drive Further, Win Bigger’ GWM Haval H6 HEV Fuel Efficiency Challenge. These winners have pushed the limits of their own vehicles to achieve top mileage by driving on one full tank. The champion of this challenge, Koh Hui Min from Kelantan has achieved an outstanding score of 1,204 km. This remarkable feat highlights the GWM Haval H6 HEV’s exceptional fuel efficiency over long distances. 

Here are the top six winners who successfully pushed the limits of the challenge:

  • Koh Hui Min (1,204 km) 
  • Lee Keat Teng (1,127 km) 
  • Hasif Radzi (1,120 km) 
  • Teh Harn Jian (1,102 km) 
  • Tan Cheng Yang (1,101 km) 
  • Mohd Syarizal bin Mohd Noor (1,077 km) 

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BMW Group Malaysia continues to drive the future of electrified mobility with the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. In collaboration with multiple Charge Point Operators and strategic partners, this initiative underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring seamless EV ownership and user experience across Malaysia.

New EV Charging Facilities

In 2024, BMW Group Malaysia successfully introduced four new EV charging facilities in Putrajaya in partnership with Gentari and DC Handal. Additionally, two new charging stations have been established in Kuala Lumpur through collaborations with ChargeEV and ChargeSini.

The latest BMW-supported public charging locations include:

  • IOI Putrajaya Management Office, Putrajaya (DC Handal)

    • One 22 kW AC Charger – RM0.90/kWh
    • Six 240 kW DC Chargers – RM1.50/kWh
  • Pulse Grande Hotel, Putrajaya (DC Handal)

    • Two 47 kWh DC Chargers – RM1.00/kWh

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