In a recent alarming incident, a woman narrowly escaped an apparent abduction attempt by an e-hailing driver. The victim, an employee en route to an event, recounted her harrowing experience, highlighting significant safety concerns associated with e-hailing services.
The incident occurred last Wednesday, as the employee, Neera, opted for an e-hailing service to reach her destination after taking the Subang Jaya LRT train. As reported by NST, Neera attempted to make a cash payment, but the driver remained unresponsive, leaving her feeling uneasy.
The situation escalated as the driver veered into an obscure route and drove past an empty building. Distressed and sensing danger, Neera called emergency services (999) for help. Despite assistance from customer service officers, the driver maintained silence, heightening Neera’s fear. In a brave act of self-preservation, Neera decided to jump out of the moving vehicle near the empty building, seeking refuge and safety.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival has undoubtedly cemented its reputation as the premiere one make race series in Malaysia. Over six seasons, TGR has provided fans with thrilling wheel to wheel racing where professionals, celebrities as well as amateur drivers compete to be crowned champion of the series at the end of the season.
The series requires teams to compete in a race spec Toyota Vios with all cars having the same state of tune. To level the playing field, drivers who are particularly quick are required to have weight ballasts that slow down their cars.
In the six seasons of racing, the Toyota Vios has been the mainstay of the series. Teams fork out about RM100,000 to buy a race prepared Toyota Vios and this also gives the access to two seasons of racing.
As season six draws to a close, UMW Toyota Motors took the opportunity to officially unveil next season’s race car.
Based on the latest generation Toyota Vios, the new race car shares the same concept as the old – with a stripped out interior and a six-point roll cage that not only offers safety for the driver but also adds stiffness to the car that gives it more agile handling.
Besides the roll cage, the new Vios also sports a new platform that adds further rigidity. This combined with new aerodynamic enhancements make the Vios more planted in corners, improves responsiveness and also provides faster lap times as compared to the previous generation race car.
The new Vios challenger is still powered by the same 1.5-litre engine producing 106PS and 138Nm of torque. The power figures are the same as the street car but the biggest difference is the transmission. While the road going model uses a CVT gearbox, the race car sends power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Vios also includes a new race exhaust manifold, exhaust mid-section and muffler, a limited slip differential and race tuned suspension.
Season seven of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will continue next year and interested parties can get in touch with the management of the series at 60163673300.
The complete list of modifications to the Toyota Vios is offered in the table below:
In the realm of exceptional and exclusive collector’s items, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport stands tall, limited to a mere 77 units, it’s a beacon of distinctive design and raw performance. A fusion of high-performance competition aesthetics and modern design elements, the Rennsport pays homage to Porsche’s rich motorsport history without being confined to a retro look. Built on the fundamental performance factors of the original GT3 model, the 911 GT3 R Rennsport continues to prioritise function while captivating the senses in an exceedingly emotional and attractive manner.
Aesthetics and Craftsmanship
Crafted by Grant Larson and Thorsten Klein from the Style Porsche team, it exhibits a powerful presence. Larson states that this model is a logical successor to the modern Porsche 935, drawing on the current 911 GT3 R of the 992 generation. Although elements like the bonnet and roof are shared with the standard GT3 R, nearly all other body components have been meticulously redesigned. The visual enhancements include a widened stance, a lower profile with beautifully designed wheels, and meticulous attention to proportions to create a spectacular visual appeal.
Distinctive Design Elements
The distinct design elements of it begin at the front, where aerodynamically optimized geometry meets striking aesthetics. The air intake and outlet panels of the front wheel arches boast a radically modified shape, giving a more self-assured appearance. Notably, the exterior mirrors have been replaced by a digital equivalent – a system comprising three cameras integrated into the vehicle’s outer skin, providing improved visibility.
Honda, a long-time player in the hybrid car realm, is venturing further into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) with the upcoming 2024 Honda Prologue. This marks a significant step for Honda, known for its environmentally conscious automobiles, as it delves deeper into full electrification. The Prologue, a Honda Passport-sized crossover, is Honda’s substantial foray into the EV market.
Power and Platform
The 2024 Honda Prologue will share the Ultium platform and battery with electric GM models like the Chevrolet Blazer EV. However, Honda is confident that its unique suspension tuning, styling, and cabin design will distinguish the Prologue and appeal to potential customers. The SUV will boast an 85.0-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a manufacturer-estimated range of 482km for the most efficient versions.
The Prologue will be available in single- and dual-motor variants, with the all-wheel-drive version generating 288hp and 451Nm of torque, promising a satisfying performance.
Bentley, renowned for its luxury vehicles, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to be the epitome of diversity among luxury car manufacturers worldwide. The company has revealed the ‘Belonging Bentayga,’ a bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrid hand-painted with intricate artistry, showcasing skylines and landmarks from iconic cities across the globe.
The Artistic Endeavor
The ‘Belonging Bentayga’ is adorned with various skylines and renowned buildings from cities such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, each side representing a different continent. This unique art piece, displaying 29 different landmarks, is a creation of Stephen Wiltshire MBE, a British architectural artist and autistic savant celebrated for his extraordinary ability to recreate landscapes from memory.
In an ambitious display of environmental commitment and technological innovation, Porsche is set to showcase the promising potential of eFuels at the renowned Rennsport Reunion 7. This event is the world’s largest gathering of Porsche enthusiasts.
This milestone marks the first time synthetic fuel is used in Porsche models at a large-scale event in the United States, as eFuels will power various Porsche demo lap vehicles appearing on the track and Cayenne media shuttles transporting media guests to and from local hotels, as well as prototype 356 number one.
eFuels Unleashing New Possibilities
eFuels, hailed as a game-changer in sustainable energy solutions, are crafted from water and carbon dioxide, utilizing renewable energy sources. This innovation has paved the way for powering combustion engines while maintaining a substantially net CO₂ neutral usage. The production of eFuels captures an amount of CO₂ equivalent to the emissions generated during the vehicle’s operational phase, underlining the eco-friendly nature of this groundbreaking technology.
Rennsport Reunion 7, a significant event celebrating Porsche’s racing heritage, is currently taking place in California. To mark this occasion, Porsche has unveiled a special and extraordinary automobile – the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport.
This model, while not street-legal or compliant with GT3 competition standards, is a, well we call it a monster and remarkable machine designed for the track.
The 911 GT3 R Rennsport is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre flat-six engine, borrowed from the GT3 race car. However, it’s not built to GT3-class specifications, allowing it to produce a formidable 611hp. The engine is tuned to run E25 fuel and features bespoke pistons, camshafts, and a higher compression ratio. It’s a powerhouse capable of reaching an impressive 9,400 RPM.
Back in March of this year, Kia revealed its 2024 EV9 model and it is packed with tons of features including level-three autonomy and clever aerodynamics that reduce drag and thus increase range.
Kia America made an announcement regarding the upcoming 2024 Kia EV9, their premier three-row SUV electric vehicle (EV). This new model, positioned as the brand’s flagship in the EV segment, will begin at a competitive base price of $54,900 (RM258,469). The introductory variant, the EV9 Light RWD, boasts essential features, including DC fast-charging capability, ample seating for up to seven passengers, and SynTex leather-trimmed seats.
Moreover, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and offers an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat equipped with heating and ventilation. The heart of the EV9 lies in its seamless permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, delivering a robust performance with 215hp and 349Nm of torque.
BMW created a buzz in March by announcing the commencement of production for the second-generation X2 by year-end. Recently, a teaser video has offered the first official glimpse of this crossover coupe, internally known as “U10,” displaying its sleek and unique design compared to the X1.
The video highlights the X2’s elegant profile, underscoring its prominently sloped roofline, a distinctive characteristic of this model. The upcoming X2 is noticeably larger than its forerunner, aligning with the size growth seen in the latest X1. Given the new X1’s length of 177.2 inches, a similar dimension can be anticipated for the X2.
BMW’s expansion into the electric vehicle realm has seen the introduction of two new combustion engine variants integrated with eDrive 48-volt mild hybrid technology: the 530e and 550e xDrive. These variants mark a strategic fusion of traditional combustion engines with BMW’s cutting-edge eDrive technology.
In the case of the 530e sedan, a potent combination of a four-cylinder petrol engine and BMW’s eDrive technology delivers a robust 299hp. Impressively, this amalgamation provides an electric range extending up to 103km, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly options without compromising power.
On the other hand, the 550e xDrive sedan boasts a formidable in-line six-cylinder engine, generating a substantial 489hp. Even in its electric-only mode, this model can achieve an impressive range of up to 90km, showcasing BMW’s dedication to providing diverse options within the hybrid spectrum.
Integral to these plug-in hybrids is the eDrive system, integrating an electric motor within an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. This innovative setup enables exceptional fuel efficiency, aligning with BMW’s dedication to sustainability and reduced emissions.
To enhance the overall balance and storage capacity of the 5 Series, the lithium-ion battery, with an impressive usable energy content of up to 19.4 kWh, is strategically positioned within the car’s underbody. This placement optimises weight distribution and enhances the driving experience.
Moreover, the battery’s convenience is further emphasised by its rapid charging capability, allowing a full charge in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Additionally, adaptive recuperation technology enables the recovery of energy while driving, enhancing overall efficiency.
Both the 530e and 550e xDrive models boast a range of standard equipment, including distinctive 19-inch light alloy wheels and BMW’s IconicSounds Electric. The latter feature adds an acoustic dimension to the electric driving experience, providing feedback matching accelerator pedal movements and elevating the overall driving experience.
These models are part of BMW’s eighth-generation 5 Series platform, reflecting the brand’s holistic approach to mobility solutions that encompass both traditional combustion engines and a dynamic shift towards electrification, as evidenced by the all-electric i5 introduced earlier this year.
