Supercar makers love one-off builds and unique models, whether it be Bugatti, Ferrari or Porsche, there are plenty of these “art pieces” around. Lamborghini too has released quite a number of unique builds and the Italian powerhouse recently presented the “Opera Unica” Huracán Sterrato; influenced by the vivid blues of Sardinia’s seas and skies. A unique crystal-effect paint was used to create this one-off work of art.
In addition to commemorating Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, the one-of-a-kind Huracán Sterrato also highlights the company’s extraordinary skill in developing distinctive colours and paint techniques over decades.
The most potent AMG C-class, the C63, sacrificed the V-8 for a turbocharged hybridised four-cylinder engine, and the impending E63, the next top-of-the-line E-class, will get by with an inline-six plug-in hybrid system. Some claim that this isn’t competitive enough to compete with the twin-turbo inline-six BMW M3 and the upcoming hybrid twin-turbo V-8 BMW M5.
According to reports, Mercedes-Benz has said that the V8 is returning, and not only to the C63. Also allegedly receiving V8 power again is the E63. To comply with EU7 emissions regulations, the eight-cylinder is now undergoing modifications. The 831hp AMG GT63 S E Performance and the 791hp AMG S63 both employ this engine, and both of those cars pair it with a hybrid system.
If the moniker “K3” is unfamiliar to you, it is the name by which the Forte and Cerato are known in various regions. Reports indicate that the 2024 K3, rather than being a straight replacement for the smaller Rio Sedan, is a successor.
2018 Kia Rio 1.4 EX
A single teaser photograph of the new model’s tail light has been released by Kia in the run-up to the release. We can see from the picture that it features Kia’s new design language, similar to the EV9 and Seltos SUV.
Malaysians first saw the introduction of the BMW i and BMW M Performance models including the i4 M50 and the BMW XM in the first part of 2023. But it does not stop there.
Officially making its global debut in 2022, the all-electric BMW iX M60 SAV has been unveiled by BMW Malaysia in conjunction with the M4NTAP Festival 2023.
Few cars define the passion for driving like Honda’s iconic Type R. Some of the cars that can be put into the same category include creations by BMW’s M division, Mercedes AMG, Audi’s RS, Nissan’s Nismo, Toyota’s GR, and a few others.
While all those brands mentioned above might be fierce competitors, the one thing that all of them share is the ability to stir emotions. While their parent companies create cars for general transportation, the sub-divisions are more than just a means of transport, they are meant to create a connection between the car and one’s soul.
The Type R started off life as just that, a division meant to make one of Honda’s most iconic models into something that would seize the world – the Honda NSX Type-R. Or otherwise known as the Ferrari killer.
Back in the 80s and 90s, Ferrari made cars that were amazing to look at, but not so great to drive and worse to own (besides the F40). And it is quite safe to say that the NSX shook up the Maranello based establishment (with due credit to Nissan’s GTR of course).
Honda had the legendary Ayrton Senna on their side when the late Brazilian raced for the Mclaren-Honda Formula One team, which whom he won three World Championships with.
Senna had his way with the NSX and helped to improve the handling and overall dynamics of the car, most notably at the Suzuka circuit in Japan, which is owned by Honda.
Honda later created a wilder version of the NSX, christening it the Type R, which made the NSX Type R the first of its kind. This was the beginning of what would later command a cult like following of the Type R brand.
Type R models are generally treated to a distinct weight loss program that includes a lack of sound insulation. The entire air-conditioning system will also be removed for earlier models (Honda realized this was not practical and re-installed it in later year models), as well as the complete removal of the power steering system. The glass around the car was also generally thinner for specific Type R cars. This resulted in lighter cars that were a joy to drive.
Some of the icons from the Type R family includes the NSX Type R, the Integra Type R and of course, the Civic Type R.
But not all of them were greats though. Honda thought it would be a good idea to offer an Accord Type R but that turned out to be the least exciting of all Type R models. There is also the Civic FN2R which is considered quite ‘soft’ when compared to other JDM and Asia specific models. Good thing then that those two were only offered for the European market.
One of the greatest Type R’s is the Civic FD2R. With a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine producing 225PS and 215Nm of torque, the car came with a slick-shifting short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox. This combined with an 8,400rpm rev limit and semi-slick Bridgestone tyres, made the car feel like a race car for the road.
The FD2R is a true icon of the Type R family and one that will always be remembered with affection. Honda faced an uphill task to create a successor. With the rising demand for efficient and cleaner engines, it simply was not feasible to continue to build naturally-aspirated engines.
So, Honda had to step into the world of forced-induction and created a turbocharged successor to the FD2R, much to the dismay of Type R fans around the world since a naturally-aspirated engine was considered a hallmark of all Type R’s.
The FK8R is the spiritual successor to the iconic FD2R, but in reality, the two are only connected with each other in name and not so much in spirit.
There are things that the two share though, such as the short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, the large rear wing, and a driving experience that will shake your internals. But the method of delivering that experience is vastly different.
While the FD2R will engage your attention by keeping you fixated as the engine screams, demanding that you bang home every gear ratio until the car reaches its electronically programmed 180km/h top speed. The FK8R on the other hand requires that you pay attention to the speedo meter, because it has a tendency of piling on speed without you knowing it. It is clinical yet refined in its power delivery.
Embracing forced-induction has allowed Honda to offer much more power than previous generation Type R’s. The Civic FK8R produces 310PS and 400Nm of torque. It does the 0-100kmh in just 5.8 seconds and will not stop accelerating until it reaches its 272km/h top speed. That is just about 100km/h faster than previous generation models.
For reference sake, the NSX Type R, which is widely regarded as the greatest Type R ever produced makes just 290hp and 304Nm of torque. Though there are some reports suggesting that those numbers were under declared.
But before you start to think that the NSX Type R is slower compared to the FK8R, it is worth remembering that the project leader for the NSX Type R was once quoted as saying, “the idea behind the R was not to create a swan song rendition with a massive dose of additional power, but to go back to basics.”
And the ‘basics’ in mention means the removal of some of the items that add to the overall weight. As such the NSX Type R was a full 84kg lighter than the standard NSX and this resulted in an impressive power to weight ratio of 220bhp per tone. With the NSX Type R weighing in at 1,274kg, we will let you do the math.
On the topic of the FK8R, it is a sublimely different machine as compared to its predecessors. While the words of choice for older Type R’s would be aggressive, noisy, engaging with a borderline trashy drive character, the FK8R is more refined, friendly yet boisterous when the road allows, and yet as engaging as previous models. To put it simply and in modern language, the FK8R is what you get when a Type R has to take on the responsibilities of an adult.
The FK8R comes with adaptive suspension, which is a first in the history of the Type R. This and the electronic steering allow Honda to offer driving modes, of which the FK8R has three – Comfort, Sport and +R mode.
The +R mode is where the car is at its best, with the suspension set at its stiffest (not so great for passenger comfort), the steering wheel at its chattiest and power is delivered with no turbo lag.
And because of the forced-induction, you can even accelerate in fourth or fifth gear on the highway with the car responding immediately. Even the interior noise is at an acceptable level, while older Type R’s were notorious for being noisy.
This is not achieved by using heavy sound deadening material but with clever trick involving the triple exhaust tips. The two exhaust tips on the sides still work like any other exhaust, but the one in the centre gives the car its sporty sound. At low speed it gives it an aggressive sound which can be heard from the inside and out. But at higher speed such as on the highway, it channels air towards the outer two pipes to keep the interior quiet and comfortable.
This makes the FK8R incredibly well placed as a comfortable touring machine, which is something the other Type R models could never achieve.
The driving modes together with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine are the defining features of the FK8R. These features give it its character and its general purposefulness. But its four-seats, interior spaciousness and features like Apple CarPlay make it a family friendly machine, like a Doberman that always has the family’s best interest at heart.
Except that this time, that best interest in question is driving pleasure, of which the FK8R offers in abundance, and this singularity makes it a definite future classic.
In conjunction with the 2023 M4NTAP Festival, BMW Malaysia has unveiled the latest iteration of the compact high-performance coupé from BMW M, the new M2. It made its global debut back in 2022, replacing the F87 model.
The new M2, codenamed G87, features a new unframed kidney grille design with horizontal slats complemented by large, nearly square-shaped air intakes, that denote the high cooling requirements of the engine and brake system.
We are all aware of this tactic that was used before where carjackers would drive past you holding your number plate, indicating that it had fallen off and when you pull over, they hijack your car.
Well, it was unheard of for quite some time. However, NST reports that recently, a message warning women drivers of this old-fashioned practise has been making the rounds on social media, specifically WhatsApp.
According to this theory, the auto thieves would follow the victim’s car to a parking lot and wait for them to get out. After that, they take the licence plate off and wait for the victim to come back.
As soon as the victim drives off, they would once again trail the victim, try to pass them and hold out the dismantled licence plate as if they had found it. When you do pull over, these armed auto thieves will intimidate you before stealing your vehicle. Or according to the message, they might even kidnap you.
The WhatsApp message noted that because such a method is well-planned and executed quickly, it hardly ever arouses suspicion from other passing drivers.
The message also stated that it should be passed around to warn people about this tactic that is apparently making a comeback.
So far, there have not been any reports regarding this matter besides the ones that have happened in the past. A carjacking incident recently took place in June and three men were arrested, but this was due to money lending issues.
But for safety’s sake, we would like to warn drivers not to fall for this number plate tactic. If you happen to come across carjackers like these, just keep driving to the nearest police station where it is safe to get out and check on your vehicle.
Although it won’t be available until 2027, Toyota is considering extending its model lineup with a Corolla-based unibody truck. In the American market, the model will compete with the Ford Maverick and the more specialised Hyundai Santa Cruz in the compact truck market.
No company has yet dared venture into the compact truck segment in Malaysia, but with models becoming more popular elsewhere, and with pick-up trucks getting more expensive in Malaysia, there is just a glimmer of possibility.
A hybrid powertrain system for a potential future sports car has been patented by Mazda with the United States Patent Office (USPTO). A rotary engine, three electric motors, and a bank of interchangeable batteries are all described in the patent as part of the system. This innovative technique promises to increase the car’s range while preserving its lightweight construction.
With a sufficient electric driving range for commuting and the safety of an internal combustion engine (ICE) when the battery runs out, plug-in hybrids are a step towards full electrification for those who aren’t ready to embrace electric cars. Recognising this and in line with Toyota’s multi pathway move towards efficient mobility, Lexus has introduced the RX 450h+.
According to Lexus, the RX 450h+ has a combined fuel economy rating of 35 km/l and 56 km of all-electric driving range.
