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The fully electric Mini Cooper offers a modern, eco-friendly driving experience while staying true to the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. As part of the revamped Mini model lineup, the Mini Cooper E is presented in four redesigned trims, each offering its unique appeal. The Classic Trim, for instance, showcases expressive body colours and contrasting roof finishes, with the iconic Mini three-door model appearing particularly striking in Sunny Side Yellow, paired with a contrasting white roof and mirror caps.

Inside the Classic Trim, the cockpit surfaces are adorned with two-tone black and blue knit material, creating a stylish contrast against the high-quality synthetic leather seats made of Vescin, available in grey or black with a perforated houndstooth pattern.

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Mercedes-AMG is set to captivate enthusiasts with the unveiling of a stunning special model for the A 45 S 4MATIC+, aptly named the “Limited Edition”. The price for the extensive additional equipment is €14,280.00 (RM73,176.85) and will hit the market in April 2024, with the offer extending until the end of the year.

The defining feature of the “Limited Edition” is its exclusive paintwork in “AMG green hell magno”, a striking colour previously unavailable for the compact class. Adorned with eye-catching foiling featuring the AMG logo and prominent “A 45 S” lettering on the doors, as well as the AMG crest on the bonnet, this edition rides on matte black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design. Yellow accents highlight the rim spokes, complemented by glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos. Adding to its allure, the “Limited Edition” boasts refined details such as an exclusive fuel cap with the AMG logo and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms onto the ground upon entering and exiting the car.

Enhancing its appeal further, three equipment packages elevate the “Limited Edition”. The AMG Night Package features striking black and high-gloss black design elements, including the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines, along with thermally insulating dark-tinted window surfaces from the B-pillar. The AMG Night Package II is highlighted by darkened struts on the radiator trim and black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, as well as exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars in the wheel hub caps. The AMG Aerodynamics Package, developed in the wind tunnel, includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to increase contact pressure and enhance driving characteristics at high speeds.

Inside, the “Limited Edition” showcases distinctive design elements, including black AMG performance seats upholstered in a combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre, accented by yellow decorative stitching. The AMG performance steering wheel, aluminium trim elements with AMG pattern, and illuminated AMG door sills further elevate the interior ambiance. Completing the upgrades are AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow decorative stitching.

Under the hood, the A 45 S 4MATIC+ packs a punch with its 421hp output, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 270km/h. The AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine offers spontaneous response, while the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control enhances dynamic driving with its variable distribution of driving force between the front and rear axles, as well as selectively between the left and right rear wheels.

Audi enthusiasts are in for a treat as the brand teases the highly anticipated new Audi S3, accompanied by camouflaged photos showcasing both the Sportback and Saloon variants. Powered by a robust 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, the S3 promises nothing short of an exhilarating driving experience, boasting 328hp and 420Nm of torque at your command.

Thanks to recent enhancements, the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine receives a notable boost, delivering an additional 23hp and 20Nm of torque. This ensures abundant power for dynamic drives, with robust pulling force and spirited acceleration available across a wide RPM range from 2,100 to 5,500rpm. Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes a mere 4.7 seconds, with the top speed gracefully capped at 249km/h.

Adding to the excitement, the turbocharger receives a pre-boost, ensuring rapid and smooth power delivery. Whether cruising or gently accelerating, the turbocharger maintains a steady spin, guaranteeing a consistent stream of power. Moreover, with the throttle valve remaining open during high-performance moments, drivers can anticipate enhanced engine responsiveness.

The extended duration of the throttle valve’s openness translates to accelerated torque delivery, resulting in an even livelier engine response, particularly noticeable in dynamic mode or with the new dynamic plus profile engaged.

Equipped with a torque splitter, the Audi S3 promises enhanced agility and stability, complemented by larger brakes and performance tyres to elevate handling prowess. Furthermore, a sportier transmission featuring Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission adds to the driving thrill, promising seamless gear shifts and heightened performance on every journey.

More information will be available when the Audi S3 makes its official debut.

Honda enthusiasts have been granted a tantalising glimpse into the future with a short video teaser of the upcoming CR-V FCEV, scheduled for its debut in 2024. While still shrouded in camouflage, this hydrogen-powered rendition of the beloved SUV hints at enhanced functionality thanks to the integration of a battery pack.

Upon its anticipated arrival later this year, the Honda CR-V FCEV is poised to make history as North America’s first production vehicle to combine a battery pack with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This innovative fusion equips the SUV with the flexibility to be charged akin to a conventional EV when access to a hydrogen pump is scarce.

This groundbreaking feature alleviates the CR-V FCEV’s dependence on the limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, while its bi-directional charging capability empowers owners to harness stored battery power for various electronic devices, as showcased with a coffee maker in the teaser video.

Although specifics such as battery capacity and hydrogen tank size remain undisclosed, driving range details are eagerly anticipated. Nonetheless, the new powertrain, developed in collaboration with General Motors, promises significant cost savings compared to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, while boasting double the durability.

Visually, the fuel-cell EV flaunts a redesigned front end, characterised by a sleeker grille and enlarged bumper intakes, setting it apart from its gasoline-powered counterpart, the CR-V. Notable alterations include the addition of a charging port on the front fender and distinct clear taillight clusters.

Production of the Honda CR-V FCEV is slated to take place at the Marysville plant in Ohio, with distribution plans encompassing not only North America but also the Japanese market. As anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await further revelations about this pioneering SUV poised to redefine automotive innovation.

Proterial, a Japanese metal materials maker formerly known as Hitachi Metals, has unveiled a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) motor technology. The company has developed a new alloy that it claims can significantly reduce power consumption by up to 5%, leading to the potential for smaller and faster motors.

The innovative amorphous alloy, processed into material for EV motor cores, boasts an impressive energy loss reduction of over 90% compared to the non-oriented electrical steel sheet commonly used in motors today.

With plans to commence mass production as early as 2025, Proterial has overcome various challenges in developing the alloy. The material is approximately five times stronger than traditional electrical steel sheets, which has posed durability issues for the tools used in its processing. Additionally, the alloy’s thinner composition has presented complexities in handling.

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Despite the discontinuation of the BMW i3 in 2022, the electric vehicle (EV) continues to enjoy popularity in the secondhand market. However, a recent revelation has shed light on the potentially daunting costs lurking behind the allure of these eco-friendly cars. One i3 owner was left reeling after receiving a jaw-dropping quote of $71,208 (RM339,163) for a new battery pack for their 2015 i3 REx. This amount not only exceeded the car’s initial value but also surpassed that of a brand-new BMW i5 eDrive40.

While EV battery replacements are known to come with hefty price tags, this particular figure appears especially exorbitant, even by BMW standards. Similar estimates for battery replacements have typically hovered around the $16,000 (RM76,208) mark, making the quoted amount all the more shocking.

BMW i3 EV 2022

Following the posting of this astronomical quote on Reddit, other i3 owners shared their eye-watering estimates, with one individual facing a bill of $30,000 (RM142,890). The inconsistency in quotes for the same job has raised eyebrows within the EV community.

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The automotive world bids farewell to an icon as the Audi R8, one of the most revered mid-engined supercars renowned for its high-revving, naturally-aspirated engine, prepares to roll off the production line for the final time. Initially slated for discontinuation by the close of 2023, recent developments confirm that production is still underway at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe factory, albeit with a definitive end in sight by the end of March.

Liza Kellner, spokesperson for Audi TT and R8, affirmed, “The last Audi R8 will leave the production line at the end of the first quarter of 2024, marking the end of an era for this iconic sports car at the Audi Böllinger Höfe site in Neckarsulm.” Kellner emphasised that Audi’s strategic focus on electrification, exemplified by the ongoing production of the all-electric Audi e-tron GT at the same facility, has led to the decision to retire the R8.

2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD

Explaining the shift in the discontinuation timeline, Kellner noted, “The statement regarding the R8’s discontinuation by the end of 2023 was made in 2019. Consequently, the adjustment of the actual end date by a few weeks is not unexpected.”

The Audi R8’s swan song comes in the form of the GT RWD, the final iteration introduced in most markets in late 2022. Limited to a production run of just 333 units worldwide, this model features a potent 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, churning out 612hp and 565Nm of torque, delivering exhilarating performance to the rear wheels. Additionally, Audi unveiled the R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition, a limited-run variant restricted to a mere eight units, further underscoring the R8’s iconic status.

As enthusiasts rush to secure their allocations of the Audi R8 before it fades into automotive history, the enduring appeal of this legendary supercar is evident. Last year witnessed Audi selling 631 new R8s across the United States, more than double the figures from 2022, reflecting the unwavering passion and admiration for the R8 among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

While BMW’s M division may have taken a divergent path with the XM as its flagship offering, a sleek sports car named the BMW I16 was once in the pipeline. Unveiled on social media by BMW’s design chief, Domagoj Dukec, the I16 was positioned as the successor to the i8. However, despite its promising design and potential, the project met an unfortunate end, likely influenced by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dukec shared a series of sketches and photorealistic renderings of the I16, showcasing a design that blended the proportions of the BMW i8 with more refined styling cues from the 2019 BMW Vision M Next concept. The result was a visually appealing sports car that captured the essence of the classic BMW M1.

Featuring aggressive headlights, a sculpted kidney grille, and butterfly doors reminiscent of the i8, the I16 also incorporated modern touches like high-mounted side inlets in place of flying buttresses. At the rear, slim taillights, M1-inspired BMW emblems, and a triple rear windshield evoked a sense of performance and heritage.

Despite its cancellation, Dukec revealed that the I16’s development was completed in less than 12 months, leveraging the carbon monocoque chassis of the BMW i8 for its mid-engined layout and shared hardpoints. While details on the powertrain were scarce, reports suggested a plug-in hybrid setup with around 600hp and an EV-only range exceeding 100km.

Unfortunately, the I16 project came to an abrupt halt, with BMW opting to discontinue the i8 without a successor. Dukec hinted at the pandemic’s impact on the decision, noting that “the world changed in 2020,” leading to the project’s cancellation. Despite this setback, Dukec remains hopeful for the future, suggesting that there’s always a new project waiting around the corner.

Rowan Atkinson, renowned actor and comedian, finds himself embroiled in controversy following accusations that his commentary on electric vehicles (EVs) has contributed to sluggish sales in the UK. The allegations surfaced during a meeting of the UK’s House of Lords, where the environment and climate change committee discussed obstacles to the government’s plan to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

According to reports, the committee singled out Atkinson, citing a piece he authored in The Guardian in June 2023 as a significant factor in the downturn of EV sales. The think tank Green Alliance, presenting its findings during the session, labelled Atkinson’s article as detrimental to the cause and claimed it had been thoroughly debunked.

“Unfortunately, fact checks never reach the same breadth of audience as the original false claim, emphasising the need to ensure high editorial standards around the net-zero transition,” remarked the Green Alliance during the parliamentary session.

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Hyundai enthusiasts have reason to rejoice as the 2024 Elantra N receives a comprehensive array of updates aimed at elevating its driving experience. With an enticing starting price of $34,850 (RM166,356), including destination, the latest iteration of the beloved affordable sports sedan promises to deliver even more bang for the buck.

Priced just $835 (RM3,982) higher than its predecessor, the 2024 Elantra N finds itself comfortably positioned within the fiercely competitive affordable performance segment. While slightly edging out rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Subaru WRX in terms of cost, it remains a compelling option against contenders like the Toyota GR Corolla and the Honda Civic Type R.

Building upon its reputation for offering exceptional value, the Elantra N now comes packed with an array of upgrades that justify the modest price increase.

The most noticeable changes can be found at the front, where a refreshed bumper design and new headlights lend the sedan a more refined appearance. Not merely cosmetic, these updates enhance airflow to the radiator and braking system, ensuring improved cooling efficiency and consistent braking performance. Hyundai has also implemented thermal protection for the brake lines to prevent fluid overheating—a thoughtful addition for spirited driving enthusiasts.

Under the skin, the Elantra N benefits from mechanical enhancements aimed at enhancing handling and driving dynamics. A revised steering system with improved tolerances and a new universal joint enhances precision and feedback, while updated motor mounts work to reduce vibrations. Additionally, urethane bushings at the rear suspension mounting points contribute to a smoother ride.

Perhaps the most significant improvement comes in the form of standard 19-inch forged alloy wheels, shedding 14kg of unsprung mass compared to the previous model. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, these wheels offer increased grip and responsiveness, particularly in high-speed cornering scenarios.

Powering the 2024 Elantra N is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering a robust 276hp and 391Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, enthusiasts can opt for an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic for an additional $1500 (RM7,153).

With Hyundai dealers already receiving shipments of the 2024 Elantra N, prospective buyers are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their desired model. With its blend of performance, value, and enhanced driving dynamics, the Elantra N continues to uphold its reputation as a standout choice in the affordable sport sedan segment.

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