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The BMW Group has unveiled the BMW Concept Skytop at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an esteemed event by Lake Como that highlights historic cars and motorcycles. This unique, open two-seater exudes an elegant, sporty design, merging warm monochromatic colours and exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship to create a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture.

The Concept Skytop’s exterior features athletic and organic proportions with a sleek, muscular build. Taut surfaces and minimalistic lines guide the eye towards the rear, creating a dynamic appearance enhanced by integrated winglets replacing traditional door handles and precise lamellas on the light-alloy wheels. Signature design elements include a prominent bonnet and an iconic BMW shark-nose design with an illuminated kidney grille, leading to a retracted rear section.

A striking spline runs from the bonnet through the interior to an aluminium trim on the tailgate, echoing the legendary BMW Z8 roadster. Advanced lighting technology is showcased through custom-developed LED headlights with milled aluminium carriers, consolidating all lighting functions into a single, slim profile. The rear lights’ flat and defined shape complements the vehicle’s clean design. Unique features such as a leather-finished roll-over bar, side fins on the B-pillar, a fully retractable rear window, and removable roof parts that can be stored in the luggage compartment add to its distinctive appeal.

Inside, the Concept Skytop is a testament to luxurious craftsmanship. Brogue-style leather surfaces create a sense of opulence and spaciousness, with the reddish-brown leather contrasting against the muted silver exterior paintwork for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Artful details, such as crystal applications embedded in the cockpit, further enhance the luxurious feel. The interior surfaces were crafted at BMW’s traditional saddlery in the Dingolfing plant. Similar to the BMW Z8, the Concept Skytop houses BMW’s most powerful V8 engine, ensuring performance that matches its dynamic design.

The BMW Concept Skytop showcases BMW’s dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. With its meticulous design and luxurious features, this concept car pays tribute to motor racing and elegant design, standing out as a highlight at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It offers a glimpse into the future of exclusive and dynamic BMW vehicles, reaffirming BMW’s commitment to innovation and luxury in automotive design.

In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the PureSpeed concept, an open two-seater performance car without a roof or windscreen. This radical design pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage and serves as a preview of the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Mythos series. The world premiere took place in Monaco on a floating pontoon, impressing racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

A notable feature is the HALO system, replacing the conventional A-pillar. Derived from Formula 1, it protects the driver’s head in accidents. The HALO is a bracket connected to the car’s body, aerodynamically optimised for safety. The concept includes specially designed helmets for an immersive Formula 1 experience. The interior features unique colours, equipment, and a custom IWC Schaffhausen clock on the dashboard.

The PureSpeed concept boasts a low silhouette and design elements inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. The visible carbon fibre parts contrast with the rounded shapes of the upper vehicle. Carbon fibre cladding on the wheels enhances aerodynamics, with closed rear wheel covers and open front wheel covers for optimal airflow and brake cooling.

The design includes a long bonnet, a low front end with a “shark nose,” and a wide lower air intake with AMG lettering. Transparent deflectors direct wind over the cockpit, while side-sill panelling and muscular rear shoulders merge into an elegant boot lid.

The paintwork, transitioning from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern, honours the victorious Mercedes car at the 1924 Targa Florio race. The number 10 on the front wings commemorates this historic win.

Limited to 250 units, it epitomises the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering a direct connection to the brand’s racing legacy and cutting-edge technology.

Kia has officially revealed the new Kia EV3, a compact EV SUV that combines bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, setting new standards in its segment. Drawing inspiration from the larger EV9 SUV, the EV3 offers a unique and immersive experience aimed at broadening the appeal of electric SUVs.

The EV3 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, blending the values of nature and modernity to create a dynamic and dramatic aesthetic. The front features vertical headlamps and an illuminated Kia logo, creating a wide, confident stance. The profile of the EV3 exudes strength and agility, with a sleek roofline transitioning into a hatchback-style tailgate. At the rear, the thick black trim line and simplified geometric rear lamps enhance the vehicle’s futuristic design.

The EV3 is available in nine body colours, including the exclusive Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The EV3 GT-line offers a more rugged appearance, with contrasting lower body trim and sportier design elements.

Inside, the EV3 offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people, with a focus on relaxation and functionality. The centre console features a sliding table and storage area, while a near-30-inch widescreen display provides seamless touch operation for climate control, entertainment, and navigation. The interior colours and materials are inspired by natural elements, with sustainable materials used throughout the cabin.

The EV3 is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and is available in Standard and Long Range variants, with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries respectively. Both models feature a 201hp electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h. The Long Range variant offers an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP), with fast-charging capability allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in approximately 31 minutes.

The EV3 includes a suite of advanced safety and driving assistance systems, such as eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects information on the windshield, minimizing driver distraction. The EV3 also features Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, enabling one-pedal driving for maximum energy efficiency.

The EV3 offers a range of connectivity and entertainment features, including Kia’s Premium Streaming service and in-car arcade games. The Harman Kardon audio system enhances the immersive experience. The SUVs AI Assistant, featuring generative AI, provides natural language interaction and supports travel planning, entertainment, and information search.

Kia’s global campaign for the EV3, ‘a moving power,’ emphasises the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The EV3 will be launched in South Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch in the second half of the year, with plans to expand to other regions thereafter.

This weekend marks the start of a highly anticipated event for automotive enthusiasts as Volkswagen prepares to unveil the new Golf GTI Clubsport. Scheduled for the end of this month, this debut will take place in front of thousands of visitors at the ‘Ring Boulevard.’

The enhanced Golf GTI Clubsport is touted as the most powerful Golf with front-wheel drive, featuring a completely redesigned front end and revamped standard LED Plus headlights. Additionally, for the first time, the Volkswagen logo on the front will be illuminated.

The new model also boasts a large rear roof spoiler for maximum downforce and updated LED tail light clusters. The 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, reminiscent of the classic Detroit wheel from the fifth-generation Golf GTI, are a notable addition. Alternatively, buyers can opt for the 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels, which weigh only eight kilograms each, reducing unsprung mass and optimising performance.

Inside, the Golf GTI Clubsport is equipped with a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and an intuitive infotainment system designed to keep the driver focused on the road. The vehicle also features a new voice assistant, IDA, integrated with ChatGPT. Performance-wise, the turbocharged engine’s power and torque are managed by an electronically controlled front differential lock, with the optional DCC adaptive chassis control available for enhanced driving dynamics. The Special driving profile tailors the car’s systems to the Nürburgring Nordschleife’s unique characteristics, ensuring maximum performance on this iconic track.

The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, used by Max Kruse Racing in the 24-hour race, showcases the potential of the new model. Built on the production GTI platform by Volkswagen Motorsport, the race car is powered by a 348PS 2.0-litre turbocharged engine using bioethanol fuel E20, developed by Shell. This fuel, made with 40% renewable components, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional bioethanol fuels.

With a top speed of 270km/h and a weight-to-power ratio of 3.36 kg/PS, the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h delivers outstanding performance. The turbocharged engine generates 450Nm of torque, and the efficient E20 fuel ensures excellent power output. The driver lineup includes experienced racers like Benny Leuchter and Johan Kristoffersson, both with notable achievements at the Nürburgring.

The GTI Weekend will also feature a nostalgic element, with three first-generation classic Golf GTIs participating in the ADAC 24h Classic at the Eifel track. These cars, from the KWL Motorsport team celebrating its 45th anniversary, include a 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger, a 1978 Golf GTI Kamei, and a 1980 Golf GTI with the ’50 years of Golf’ logo, all adding to the excitement and historic significance of the event.

The highly anticipated new Mini John Cooper Works is set to make its debut at this year’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring, one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. This gruelling event, taking place from June 1st to June 2nd, 2024, on the iconic Nurburgring-Nordschleife, will test the limits of drivers and their cars in a continuous 24-hour battle of speed, skill, and reliability.

The new petrol-powered Mini John Cooper Works will be unveiled in a unique camouflage designed by the Mini Design Team, paying tribute to the classic red and white motorsport colour schemes of the 1960s. This debut marks a significant milestone for Mini, as the John Cooper Works lineup will be available in both petrol and all-electric versions, showcasing Mini’s commitment to innovation while honouring its rich heritage.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Mini Cooper S’s historic victory at the 1964 Rallye Monte Carlo, the new racecar will feature the distinctive “37” logo, commemorating this landmark achievement. This emblem symbolises Mini’s enduring motorsport legacy.

The Mini John Cooper Works #317 will be entered by Bulldog Racing, a private racing team from Nurburg, competing in the SP 3T category. Dubbed the “Mini John Cooper Works PRO,” this Mini twin-power turbo racecar embodies the blend of Mini’s iconic design and reliability, along with Bulldog Racing’s track-proven expertise.

In addition to the new entry, Bulldog Racing will field the beloved black Mini John Cooper Works #474 with a manual transmission. This car demonstrated its capabilities by securing a podium finish at last year’s 24 Hours of Nurburgring in the VT-2 category, solidifying its reputation as a strong contender in endurance racing.

An unconfirmed report has surfaced, suggesting that Aston Martin is in the process of developing a new rugged off-road SUV with supercar-like performance. According to the report, this high-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle is drawing inspiration from iconic models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Rover Defender, and the Lamborghini LM002—a boxy off-roader introduced in 1986 and equipped with a 5.2-litre V12 engine from the Lamborghini Countach which was in the movie series Rambo, played by actor Sylvester Stallone. Therefore, internally, the project is reportedly called ‘Project Rambo.’

The source within Aston Martin indicates that while no final decision has been made, the company is currently assessing various design proposals. It is anticipated that this off-road SUV would share its platform with the DBX, Aston Martin’s first SUV, which has rapidly become the brand’s top seller. However, the new vehicle would feature enhanced off-road capabilities.

The DBX, which serves as the potential foundation for this new model, is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 697hp and 900Nm of torque, and it uses a nine-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. The new off-road SUV would likely leverage this powerful setup while incorporating additional features to tackle rugged terrains, aligning with the performance standards set by Aston Martin’s supercars.

Jaguar is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a special edition of the F-PACE luxury performance SUV, showcasing the brand’s legacy of design, performance, and innovation as it moves towards an all-electric future. This new version of the F-PACE is distinguished by a unique ’90 Anniversary’ badge and incorporates exterior details from the R-Dynamic trim. It features special body paints, tinted glass, and diamond alloy wheels in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

Inside, the F-PACE includes sports seats with contrast stitching, an ebony-trimmed roof, and aluminium inserts, along with advanced technology such as 3D surround-view cameras.

The available engines include 163PS and 204PS mild hybrid diesels, as well as a 404PS plug-in hybrid. However, the 400PS mild hybrid petrol and the supercharged V8 with 575PS and 700Nm of torque from the SVR variant are not included in this edition.

This special edition marks the end of the current F-PACE lineup as Jaguar prepares for its transformation into a fully electrified brand by 2025. The first step in this transformation will be the debut of a new GT model, based on a dedicated platform, which is expected to be unveiled as a concept later this year.

This anniversary edition not only celebrates Jaguar’s past achievements but also signifies its commitment to a sustainable, electrified future while maintaining the luxury and performance that define the brand.

Originally launched in 2002, the Continental GT played a pivotal role in Bentley’s resurgence, dramatically increasing sales and redefining the brand for the modern era. Inspired by the 1952 R Type Continental, the Continental GT adopted key design elements like the power line, the haunch, and the sloping roofline. This design ethos contributed significantly to its popularity and sales success.

The impact of the Continental GT on Bentley’s fortunes was immediate and profound. Annual sales soared from about 1,000 cars to over 10,000 within four years. The second generation, unveiled in 2010, introduced a W12 engine, followed by a 4.0-litre V8 option in 2012. The third generation, launched in 2018, was built on a new platform with a new engine, suspension, electrical architecture, and updated interior and exterior designs, setting a new benchmark in the luxury GT segment.

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Alfa Romeo is bidding farewell to the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models with a special edition send off featuring a unique red carbon weave interior. Named the “Super Sport” edition, these limited-run models pay homage to Alfa Romeo’s victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia with the 6C 1500 Super Sport. In a departure from tradition, the iconic Quadrifoglio logo features a black triangle instead of the usual white background for the first time in its 101-year history.

Both cars come adorned in an elegant Nero Vulcano metallic paint, although they are also available in a three-layer Rosso Etna finish. The Giulia and Stelvio Super Sport editions additionally offer the option of Bianco Alfa for the sedan variant. Opting for the sports sedan allows buyers to select a carbon fibre roof, while the Giulia Quadrifoglio is equipped with 19-inch wheels and the Stelvio rides on larger 21-inch alloys. Both models feature black brake calipers and an Akrapovic exhaust system with carbon fiber finishers. Carbon fibre elements extend to the mirrors and the Giulia’s front splitter.

However, the standout feature of these special editions lies within the cabin, where Alfa Romeo has introduced red carbon fibre accents on the dashboard, centre console, and door cards. This unique material creates a striking 3D effect that complements the red stitching on the seats. The headrests reveal the limited production numbers, with 275 examples of the Giulia and 175 units of the Stelvio slated for production globally.

In terms of pricing, the Giulia Super Sport starts at RM412,611 in the US, including destination charges, while the Stelvio Super Sport is priced at RM448,098.

The Kia EV6 has received a comprehensive update that aligns its styling with its newer siblings while enhancing its range and technological features. This facelift introduces adaptive LED headlights inspired by the larger Kia EV9, as well as the upcoming EV3 and EV5 models. The front grilles have been expanded to give the car a more aggressive look, and the rear end now features a gloss black panel split into three distinct segments with sharper edges, adding a sportier touch.

Inside the vehicle, although the overall layout remains familiar, the EV6 now boasts a different steering wheel and an updated frame for the dual screens. Kia has added a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. One notable change is the removal of the glossy piano black finish along the centre console, which had been a point of contention for some users.

Beyond these visible changes, the EV6 has been upgraded with second-row side airbags and thicker B-pillars to enhance body rigidity. The electric motors have been made quieter, and the ride comfort has been improved through tweaks to the shock absorbers. Additional sound insulation material around the rear motor further reduces noise levels. Over-the-air updates now extend beyond just the navigation system, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become standard features.

In terms of performance, Kia has replaced the old 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery with a larger 84.0-kilowatt-hour pack. This new battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at 350 kilowatts. The rear-wheel-drive EV6 Long Range variant now offers an increased range of 494km. The EV6 Long Range all-wheel-drive in Malaysia that was launched back in 2022 has a range of 506km based on the WLTP standard.

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