Goodyear recently hosted a regional event commemorating its impressive 125-year history in motion. During this event, the company unveiled four premium product lines specifically designed for the Asia Pacific region. These product lines represent Goodyear’s continued dedication to innovation and excellence in the tyre industry.
The event also served as a platform for Goodyear to showcase its remarkable journey of technological exploration over the past century and a quarter. Goodyear has consistently pushed the boundaries of tyre technology, and its enduring legacy is a testament to its commitment to driving advancements in the industry.
Mahindra recently released a brief video showcasing a trio of fully electric SUVs undergoing high-speed testing on the oval track at its proving grounds in Chennai, India. These electric SUVs reached a top speed of 200km/h during the testing.
It’s worth noting that while these prototypes achieved a top speed of 200km/h during testing, production models of electric vehicles (EVs) typically have electronically limited top speeds to prioritise efficiency and extend range. Manufacturers often strike a balance between performance and range when setting these limits.
The electric SUV models from Mahindra, known as the XUV.e8, XUV.e9, and BE.05, were initially previewed in concept form a year ago, introducing Mahindra’s new styling language referred to as “heartcore.” In recent sightings of camouflaged prototypes, these models bear a resemblance to the original concept renderings, although there have been some adjustments for production.
BMW’s decision to eliminate the monthly fee for heated seat activation in their models highlights the intricate challenges automakers face as they navigate the shifting automotive landscape and changing consumer expectations.
The concept behind BMW’s subscription model was to provide software-based services that could be remotely activated or deactivated, giving customers the flexibility to tailor their vehicles to their preferences without requiring a new vehicle purchase. This approach, often referred to as over-the-air updates, aligns with the growing trend of making cars more digitally versatile.
However, the heated seats subscription became a focal point of customer discontent. Many BMW owners found it unreasonable to pay an additional monthly fee for a feature that was physically present in their vehicles. The sentiment among consumers was that they were essentially being charged twice for something they already owned.
In February 2023, Italian car maker Bizzarrini provided a tantalizing preview of their forthcoming Hyper GT, the Giotto. Six months later, after conducting thorough aerodynamic assessments that confirmed the efficacy of Giugiaro’s design, Bizzarrini has now unveiled comprehensive images of the Giotto, offering the public an in-depth look at this hypercar.
Additionally, the company has shared some information about the exclusive V12 powertrain that will propel the Giotto, building anticipation for its official launch.
The Giotto, which bears the name of the company’s founder and engineering virtuoso, Giotto Bizzarrini, is a product of design collaboration between Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio at GFG Style, located in Turin, Italy. This collaboration marks the renewal of a brand partnership that was first established six decades ago. At that time, a young Giorgetto, during his tenure at Bertone, contributed to the design of the original and iconic Bizzarrini 5300 GT.
Porsche is commemorating ’60 Years of the 911′ with an unusual sculpture at the Open Space in the centre of Munich.
Porsche created an outdoor display space shaped like its iconic 911 model during an event. Within this expansive presentation area, which covers an impressive 1,000 square meters, Porsche showcased a diverse collection that included a mix of modern and classic models.
Visitors have been drawn to it for taking selfies or simply admiring its imposing presence. The reusable roof construction, which mimics the shape of the iconic sports car, pays homage to the enduring legacy of the 911. It was exactly 60 years ago when the Porsche 911 made its debut at the IAA, further emphasising the significance and nostalgia associated with this model.
Volkswagen is ramping up its commitment to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) with the introduction of the ID.X Performance concept car. This concept is part of Volkswagen’s broader electrification strategy, which includes performance-focused models like the ID.GTI and GTX variants.
The ID.X Performance concept is based on the ID.7 sedan but deviates significantly from its standard counterpart in terms of appearance and performance.
It showcases several distinctive design elements and features, highlighting its sporty and performance-oriented character.
Firstly, the front end of the concept car undergoes a dramatic transformation, marked by a large black grille positioned at the base of the front bumper. This bold grille design exudes a strong and aggressive visual presence. Additionally, matching vents are strategically placed at each corner of the front fascia, contributing to the car’s sporty appearance and possibly aiding in aerodynamics.
Moving to the rear of the ID.X Performance, a carbon fibre diffuser serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It enhances the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and potentially increasing downforce. The use of carbon fibre also adds a touch of high-performance, racing-inspired style to the rear design.
V10 engines were last used in the championship in 2006, just before the FIA outlawed them. Teams shifted to V8 engines from 2007 through 2013, and starting in 2014, they have been using the modern 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engines.
To comply with the FIA’s directive that all championships attain carbon neutrality by 2030, Formula 1 will employ “drop-in” 100% sustainable fuels in 2026.
The head of Red Bull Racing offered his opinions on Honda’s return, pointing out that the company had momentarily departed Formula One in 2020 as they switched their attention away from internal combustion engines.
The hybrid technology used in Formula 1 will continue to be used through the end of the decade despite persistent criticism from drivers and fans. A chance for change was offered by the revised power unit requirements for 2026, but the governing board decided to continue with a modified version of the current V6 hybrid power unit.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, two prominent Formula 1 drivers, have voiced their concerns about the increasing weight of Formula 1 cars and the apparent contradiction with the sport’s sustainability initiatives.
Leclerc expressed his dissatisfaction with heavier cars, stating that he doesn’t favor their handling characteristics. He mentioned that he had the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car from 2003, and he could feel the significant difference in weight compared to modern cars. Lighter cars tend to handle more responsively and can be more agile, which can be preferred by drivers who prioritize handling and performance.
The Mazda CX-30 was introduced in 2019 as a model that sits in between the CX-3 and the CX-5. This made good sense for those who found the CX-3 to be too small and the CX-5 to be too big.
And before you ask why Mazda didn’t simply call it the CX-4, well the company already has a CX-4 model in its line-up but that is a China specific model. So to avoid confusion, it chose the easier route of calling the new model the CX-30 instead.
But why does the CX-30 need to exist at all when there is already a small SUV in Mazda’s line-up? The CX-3 is a small SUV while the CX-5 is better suited for family’s, so Mazda thought there may be room in between the models. And they may have been right.
But there’s the small issue of price. There are four variants of the CX-30 on offer, with prices starting from RM131,409 for the entry level model, up to RM161,409 for the flagship model. The model we tested here is the second best and is called the High+ (pronounced as high plus). It is priced at RM159,409, which may be a little difficult to stomach for such a small car.
However, Mazdas have never been known to be cheap, in the past two decades at least. They have however been known to be well-built, well-specified and well-engineered. And that is what the CX-30 has to offer.
But why would you want to spend so much on a small car when there are others that offer so much more for less? Cars like the Mazda CX-5, Honda HRV, Toyota Corolla Cross and even the Proton X70 are probably better buys in terms of spaciousness and overall features.
But that would be missing the point of the Mazda CX-30.
The Mazda may be small, but it packs a mighty punch. Newer generation Mazdas are some of the nicest cars to drive thanks to a technology called G-Vector Control (GVC).
But before delving deeper into the tech, it is worth noting that Mazda is a car company for enthusiasts, and builds cars that focus as much on driving pleasure as it does on passenger comfort and safety. Let’s not forget that this is the same car company that has built some of the greatest cars in the history of the automobile, cars like the MX-5 and RX-7.
At the very core of every Mazda built is the principle of ‘Jinba Ittai’ – the unison of horse and rider coming together as one. This is to give the rider complete control of the horse through the reins. And in a Mazda, the control comes through the steering wheel and tech like GVC.
The engineering behind the system is mind blowing, complex and will need an entire article by itself to explain. But for simplicity’s sake, the system works by maximizing steering input, making the car feel sharper and more eager to turn in. This also means that you only need minimal steering input to achieve the same result as you would in a car without GVC. The result is a car that feels more agile and responds to every input from the driver instantaneously.
The CX-30 High+ model also comes with steering mounted shifter pedals. This further adds to the sporty character of the CX-30 – giving you absolute control over the powertrain of the car and letting you decide which gear you want to be in when you go into full attack mode.
Having said that though, the power figures are not exactly that impressive. The 2.0-litre engine makes 162hp at 6000 rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Power delivery takes time as is typical of a naturally-aspirated engine. Since most of the power is made at the upper end of the rpm bandwidth, you have to wring out the engine and wait for it to come alive.
But when it does come alive, that is where the CX-30 is at its finest. The combination of power and control makes it quite fun in corners. However, that joy is quickly let down by the torsion beam rear suspension that makes the rear feel unsettled.
On that point though, the CX-30 is not exactly a sports car, though it def feels great to drive, it does a better job as a daily commuter that keeps its occupants comfortable.
If you’re not familiar with Mazda cars, the interior might feel a little understated and minimalist. The interior of the CX-30 is the same. It is devoid of anything that will take your breath away.
Instead, what you get is a purposeful interior that prioritises the important things. The quality though is top notch. There’s plush leather and soft touch plastics everywhere around the interior, and this makes the interior feel more expensive than what it actually is.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and space is especially impressive for the front passengers. While the CX-3 can feel cramped, the CX-30 feels generous in terms of spaciousness.
The rear seats though still feel cramped. Taller passengers will be hard done to be comfortable and even toddlers in their Isofix mounted child seats may find their legs sandwiched in between the front seats.
To top it off, there is no USB port for rear passengers, not even an auxiliary power outlet.
And there in lays the problem with the CX-30. It may be a good-looking car that is fun to drive with a decent powertrain. But it is an expensive small SUV and does not quite prioritise the utility part of an SUV with its small-ish interior.
In fact, its sibling the Mazda CX-5 2.0G High may be the better buy than the CX-30 High+ from within Mazda Malaysia’s own stable of cars. The CX-5 2.0G High costs a little under RM157,000 and it has most of what the CX-30 High+ has to offer, including spaciousness.
Just like the CX-30, the CX-5 too is a fun car to drive and because of the taller ride height, it might just be better to drive for those who need to prioritise spaciousness, i.e. families.
However, in defense of the CX-30 High+, it does come with quite an impressive list of features such as an adaptive front-light system and adaptive LED headlamps that turns the light according to the angle of the steering wheel, there’s also a complete Advanced Safety Technologies that include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and a lot more. All designed to keep the driver and passenger safe in all situations.
So if the CX-30 High+ picks your curiosity but you find it expensive, perhaps the price of the entry level Standard model may be easier to digest. It does not have all that the High+ variant has to offer, but it is RM20,000 cheaper. Perhaps that might be the model to consider if the CX-30 is what whets your appetite. Otherwise, the CX-5 is the better buy.
Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre, DOHC, 16-Valve, 4-Cylinder with VVT
Less than a year ago, Porsche inaugurated its pilot eFuel plant, named Haru Oni, in Punta Arenas, Chile. This facility enables the production of synthetic fuel with a “near” CO2-neutral impact when used in petrol engines. The launch of this plant was commemorated by fueling a Porsche 911 ceremonially.
This synthetic fuel is created using a combination of water, carbon dioxide, and wind power. Chile was selected as the location for the plant due to its consistently windy climate, which allows the plant’s wind turbine to operate at maximum capacity for approximately 270 days each year. This is a significant improvement compared to just 80 days if Porsche had established the plant in Germany.
Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, has announced that the new Porsche Cayenne, designed exclusively for the Malaysian market, is now available for online ordering through a streamlined digital platform.
The new Porsche Cayenne has undergone significant design and technology enhancements, resulting in a more expressive appearance and advanced features.
The front end has been redesigned, featuring more pronounced and muscular wings, a refreshed hood, and technically appealing headlights that accentuate the SUV’s width. The rear end is characterised by three-dimensionally designed taillights, clean and uncluttered surfaces, and a new rear apron with an integrated number plate holder, contributing to a distinct and modern rear design. Plus, it comes with 20-inch Cayenne Design wheels.
Matrix LED Headlights are now standard, representing a significant lighting upgrade. These headlights utilise data from the SUV’s speed, camera, and navigation systems to provide optimal illumination. The high beam area is divided into 11 segments, allowing precise control of the lighting to avoid dazzling vehicles ahead or oncoming traffic, a technology known as matrix beam.
