Global News Archives

Mitsubishi Motors Begins Production of Minicab EV in Indonesia

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has officially commenced the production of its new Minicab EV (known as L100 EV in Indonesia) at the PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia Mitsubishi Motors’ factory in Indonesia.

This kei-car class electric commercial vehicle is set to be available for purchase in Indonesia during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Minicab EV adopts a monobox design and incorporates an electric vehicle (EV) system that has proven successful in the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced EV. Notably, the drive battery is strategically positioned beneath the centre of the floor to preserve its spacious cargo area while maintaining a low centre of gravity, ensuring exceptional steering stability and a comfortable ride.

Mitsubishi Motors aims to contribute to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the last mile of commercial use by offering the Minicab EV. This move aligns with the growing global emphasis on achieving a carbon-neutral society and the increasing demand for sustainable business activities, particularly in the logistics and commercial EV sectors.

Moreover, as part of its strategic initiatives in the ASEAN region, Mitsubishi Motors plans to commence partial exports of the Pajero Sport midsize SUV from Indonesia. Currently produced in Thailand and exported to Australia, the Pajero Sport is expected to be partially exported from Indonesia starting in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. This move underscores Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to enhancing its presence in the ASEAN market and meeting the evolving demands of environmentally conscious consumers in the region.

The New Mini Countryman C Has A Top Speed of 212km/h

Mini has expanded its lineup with the introduction of two new models, the Mini Countryman C and Countryman S, each offering a distinctive blend of driving comfort, spacious interiors, and efficient engine performance.

The Mini Countryman C boasts an efficient 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing an output of 170hp. Accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 8.3 seconds, it achieves a top speed of 212km/h. With 280Nm of torque, the car ensures a lively and characteristic Mini driving experience. The integration of mild hybrid technology contributes to energy recovery during braking and supports the internal combustion engine during accelerations, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

On the exterior, it stands out with its increased dimensions, being 13cm longer and 8cm higher than its predecessor. The redesign includes an octagonal front grille, distinctive LED headlights, and optional new light signatures. The C-pillar seamlessly joins the stretched car roof, and Piano Black roof rails are now standard, enhancing the model’s versatility with options like roof racks or a Mini roof box. With a ground clearance of 202mm and a dynamic chassis, the Countryman C ensures safety and comfort even on uneven roads. Light-alloy wheels, ranging from 17 to 21 inches, complement the model’s aesthetics.

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The Aegis Concept Is A Neo-Renaissance-Inspired Masterpiece

A visionary group of automotive designers, including ex-VW designer Grigorii Butin, BMW Designworks member Quichen Lee, and others, have collaboratively brought forth the Aegis—a striking concept car marrying neo-Renaissance aesthetics with modern innovation. Born in the digital realm, this project serves as a tribute to the past while embracing the future’s advancements.

The Aegis, a sleek two-door sports car reminiscent in size of the Aston Martin Vantage, boasts a large, friendly grille at the front, accompanied by slender LED headlights and a refined bumper—eschewing unnecessary air intakes often found in contemporary sports cars. The front quarter panels, elegantly mirroring the wheel contours, add a touch of intrigue to the design. Smooth doors with flush handles and wheels featuring silver and carbon fibre accents further elevate the visual appeal.

A distinctive feature of the Aegis is its abundant use of glass, including a vast windshield, side windows, and an expansive glass roof covering the entire roof and rear hatch. While the practicality of a car with such extensive glass may pose challenges, its captivating visual impact is undeniable.

The interior of the Aegis is equally unique, featuring a futuristic steering wheel, a retro-themed instrument cluster reminiscent of a clock, and a minimalist dashboard devoid of visible air vents. The black leather-clad carbon fibre seats contribute to the overall avant-garde design.

Zeekr Unveils Revolutionary Golden “Brick” Battery

In a pioneering move, Zeekr has introduced its cutting-edge lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, named the Golden “Brick” Battery. This groundbreaking battery is hailed as the world’s first mass-produced LFP battery with a volume utilisation exceeding an impressive 80%. The Zeekr 007 sedan will proudly showcase this revolutionary battery technology, setting new standards for safety and performance.

The Golden Brick Battery has undergone rigorous testing, including exposure to extreme cold (-45°C) for 8 hours, immersion in a 1000°C fire, and physical stress tests. Remarkably, the battery exhibited resilience and functionality even after these extreme conditions.

With a compact “sandwich structure,” ultra-thin separators, and an integrated tray design, the battery achieves a remarkable volume utilisation of 83.7%. This optimised design ensures maximum efficiency and space utilisation.

The battery boasts a peak charging power of 500 kW, with a maximum charge rate of 4.5C. Charging from 10% to 80% can deliver an impressive 500 km range in just 15 minutes, making it a game-changer in electric vehicle technology.

Zeekr has gone above and beyond to demonstrate the Golden Brick Battery’s safety features. A series of tests, including underwater submersion for 48 hours, exposure to a 1000°C fire, and a -45°C freeze for 8 hours, showcased the battery’s resilience. Further tests involved subjecting it to a 22-ton roller and dropping the 710kg battery from a 10-meter height, with no signs of fire, smoke, or explosions.

The Zeekr 007 sedan, equipped with the Golden Brick Battery, is poised to hit the roads on December 27. This car marks a significant leap forward in electric vehicle technology, promising an unparalleled combination of safety, efficiency, and performance.

Honda Launches e:N1 EV Production in Thailand, Malaysia soon?

The launch of Honda’s e:N1 electric vehicle (EV) production line at the Prachinburi factory in Thailand marks an exciting development for the electric car market in the region.

The Honda e:N1 is an all-electric vehicle based on the e:N Architecture F EV platform, sharing similarities with the HR-V. The electric car features a single motor setup producing 204PS and 310Nm of torque.

As Honda introduces the e:N1 in Thailand, there is anticipation that the EV might make its way to other markets in the region, including Malaysia.

The positive reception of Honda models in Malaysia, coupled with the growing interest in electric mobility, positions the e:N1 to perform well in the market. Malaysia is expected to receive details about the Honda e:N1’s launch in the first quarter of 2024, and production in Thailand may facilitate the initial phase before considering local production based on demand.

Speaking of positive reception, Honda Malaysia recently launched the all-new Honda CR-V here and it already has over 2000 bookings.

Electric Range Rover Nears Production as JLR Conducts Rigorous Testing

The upcoming electric Range Rover, based on the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA Flex) platform, is inching closer to production and release. The electric SUV is expected to retain the luxurious design of its gas-powered and plug-in hybrid counterparts, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on electrification. Sharing the MLA Flex platform allows the electric Range Rover to maintain its off-road capabilities, a hallmark of the Range Rover lineup.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has initiated rigorous testing for the electric Range Rover, subjecting prototypes to various conditions, including extreme temperatures and challenging terrains. The electric SUV is designed to handle off-road adventures, consistent with the capabilities of traditional internal combustion engine Range Rovers.

Key details, such as battery sizes and estimated driving range, are yet to be officially disclosed. However, the electric Range Rover will feature an 800-volt architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging. The batteries and electric motors for the model will be produced at JLR’s Wolverhampton factory in the UK, while the final assembly will take place alongside the regular Range Rover in Solihull, UK.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Dragging ICA Officer at Woodlands Checkpoint

The incident at Woodlands Checkpoint highlights the seriousness of breaching regulations at border crossings and the potential legal consequences. The three-quarter tank rule, requiring vehicles to have a minimum of three-quarters of fuel when leaving Singapore via land checkpoints, is a standard procedure to ensure vehicles have sufficient fuel for their journeys.

According to The Straits Times, The refusal of the motorist to comply with the ICA officer’s instructions and the subsequent acceleration, dragging the officer along, resulted in injuries and the driver’s arrest. The charges of causing hurt by a rash act underscore the gravity of such actions, emphasising the need for motorists to cooperate with checkpoint authorities.

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Audi Bids Farewell to R8 with Limited-Edition “Japan Final Edition”

Audi has marked the end of an era for the R8 in most global markets with a special farewell edition limited to just 8 units—the Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition. Based on the V10 Quattro, this model pays homage to Japan with its exclusive design featuring the country’s main colours: white, red, and gold. The exterior showcases an Ibis White Matte finish, carbon fibre aero components, black Audi emblems, and 20-inch alloy wheels in a matte bronze hue.

The interior is characterised by black upholstery with Alabaster White accents and diamond stitching. Each of the 8 units comes with individually numbered door sills and “Japan Final Edition” lettering. The V10 engine, likely making its final appearance, generates 612hp and 580Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.

The Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition is priced at ¥35,080,000 (RM1,150,698), reflecting its exclusive status and limited availability. Buyers of this special edition will receive a commemorative piece of VIN Art, featuring the engraved chassis number of their respective cars.

Although the V10 R8 bids adieu, there are speculations about a potential return for the nameplate in the form of a high-performance electric vehicle. Audi is reportedly working on an electric platform designed for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars, suggesting the possibility of an electric successor to the iconic mid-engined R8 in the future.

The limited-edition R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition serves as a symbolic farewell to the V10-powered R8, offering a unique and exclusive model for collectors and enthusiasts. The anticipation of a potential electric successor aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification, hinting at Audi’s commitment to high-performance electric sports cars in the future.

LEVC Introduces Airbus-Inspired Electric Minivan: The L380

Geely-owned LEVC, renowned for its TX London taxi, is set to unveil a new model in China – the LEVC L380. This fully electric minivan draws inspiration from the Airbus A380, emphasising spaciousness and comfort. The exterior design subtly incorporates lines reminiscent of the A380, aligning with the minivan’s single-box proportions.

The LEVC L380 features a front with a full-width LED bar, bumper-mounted headlights, slim intakes, and a generous windshield. The profile showcases flush door handles and large windows, maintaining a clean and straightforward appearance. The vertically cut tail is highlighted by full-width taillights with futuristic LED graphics.

Available in 6-seater or 8-seater configurations, the interior offers a flexible layout. Interior shots reveal a fourth row with foldable seats that can be stowed under the boot, along with a sliding third row that prioritizes either legroom or additional boot space.

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Mercedes-AMG’s Most Powerful SL Ever: The SL63 S E Performance

Mercedes-AMG introduces the SL63 S E Performance, marking the pinnacle of the SL lineup with a powerhouse performance. With a potent combination of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and AMG’s Electric Drive Unit, the roadster boasts an impressive 816hp and a massive 1,420Nm of torque. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 317km/h.

The SL63 S E Performance features a 400-volt, 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack designed by AMG for optimal power delivery. The battery provides 13km of pure electric driving, contributing to both performance and efficiency. The V8 engine alone delivers 612hp, while the electric motor adds 204hp.

AMG incorporates active aerodynamics adapted for the electrified powertrain, including a deployable element in the underbody and an extendable rear spoiler with five new angular positions. The aerodynamic enhancements not only optimise performance but also enhance stability and efficiency.

The braking system is equipped with ceramic composite brakes featuring bronze callipers, and the model rides on 20-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. The charge port flap on the rear bumper, E Performance fender badges, and distinctive twin tailpipes distinguish the SL63 S E Performance.

Inside, the roadster offers AMG sports seats, with optional performance buckets and one- or two-tone Nappa leather. The MBUX infotainment system is tailored with AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions.

The car comes standard with active rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, and AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active roll stabilisation. The regenerative braking system offers four levels of recoupment, with the option for one-pedal driving.

For customisation, the Mercedes Manufaktur program is available, offering a range of exterior and interior styling options, including unique Nappa leather treatments with diamond quilting.