Subaru Motorsports USA today officially revealed “Project Midnight,” the fastest and most powerful WRX ever built, set to make its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-14. Inspired by the record-breaking “Airslayer” Gymkhana car, Project Midnight is designed with a singular focus on achieving outright speed, further pushing the boundaries of the WRX platform.
Building on the legacy of Airslayer, which was based on a 2020 Subaru WRX STI and gained fame for its viral stunts in Gymkhana 2020, Project Midnight takes performance to new heights. Airslayer’s notable achievements included a 230-foot jump with active rear wing control, setting records at events like the Mt. Washington Hillclimb and Car & Driver Magazine’s Lightning Lap. However, Airslayer was a versatile performer built for various challenges. Project Midnight, in contrast, is reimagined for pure tarmac speed, piloted by the experienced Subaru Motorsports USA driver Scott Speed, known for his diverse racing background from Formula 1 to rallycross.
Despite efforts to rationalise diesel subsidies, the government continues to shoulder a substantial burden, amounting to RM10 billion annually, as disclosed by the Finance Ministry in a parliamentary written reply.
Breakdown of Subsidies
According to NST, the ministry revealed that this annual subsidy includes RM4 billion earmarked for the public transport and logistics sectors. Diesel prices are maintained at RM1.88 per litre for 10 types of public transport vehicles and RM2.15 per litre for 23 types of logistics vehicles.
In addition, RM3.3 billion is allocated for diesel users in Sabah and Sarawak, who benefit from the RM2.15 per litre rate. Fishermen receive RM1.2 billion in subsidies, with diesel priced at RM1.65 per litre. Another RM1.8 billion is provided through the cash assistance programmes Budi Individu and Budi Agri-Komoditi.
The Bugatti W16 Mistral marks a significant milestone as the first open-top model from the brand since 2015 and the swan song for the legendary W16 engine. This car is now entering its final evaluation phase, underscoring Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of excellence and performance.
An Engineering Marvel
At the core of the Mistral lies the ultimate iteration of the W16 engine, complemented by meticulously refined aerodynamic features and a completely reengineered monocoque. Achieving a top speed exceeding 420km/h while maintaining unparalleled performance, acoustic excellence, and luxury is a feat of engineering precision.
Bugatti’s dedication to the highest standards of performance, safety, and durability has driven an exhaustive testing program for the Mistral. Every aspect of its design has been rigorously evaluated to create Bugatti’s ultimate roadster.
Stringent Safety and Performance Testing
The Mistral has successfully undergone stringent crash tests, ensuring occupant protection in the event of a collision. These tests, essential for homologation in various markets, comply with international safety standards for North America and Europe.
Following aerodynamic evaluations in October and rigorous dynamometer testing of the W16 engine and transmission, Bugatti is now conducting a series of tests to assess the Mistral’s performance under various driving conditions. These tests cover safety, emissions, endurance, and drivability.
Endurance and Durability
The road tests for the Mistral are comprehensive, with Prototype 2 having already covered 32,000 km. These tests span diverse terrains, from high altitudes to sea level, and heavy traffic conditions. Looking ahead, Bugatti plans to add another 5,000 km on the track, pushing the total distance to 40,000 km – a milestone not often reached by modern Bugatti customer cars.
One of the most challenging aspects of the testing process is verifying the Mistral’s top speed. Finding a suitable track to safely reach over 420 km/h presents a logistical challenge. However, Bugatti remains confident in the Mistral’s ability to break records and exceed expectations.
A New Benchmark
“We are planning to run the final high-speed test on one of the few tracks worldwide that allow us to run the test safely. Once we have access to that track, achieving the top speed will no longer be a problem,” said Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac.
Bugatti’s commitment throughout the Mistral’s development has been to deliver a car that not only meets but exceeds performance standards. The W16 Mistral sets new benchmarks for safety, reliability, and luxury in a hyper sports roadster. With the Mistral nearing the end of its testing journey, production at the Molsheim Atelier is expected to begin later this year.
In a monumental celebration of its 15-year journey, Rimac Automobili has revealed the exclusive 15th Anniversary Edition of the Nevera, a hypercar that redefined the limits of electric performance. Only nine bespoke examples of this record-breaking vehicle will be produced, each meticulously crafted to mark Rimac’s trailblazing achievements since its inception.
A Celebration in Copper
The first of these exclusive units, finished in a new shade of copper with matte paintwork, will debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This unique colour choice not only symbolises celebration and energy but also reflects the material’s widespread use in electrical cables. The vehicle also features a striking fully visible carbon fibre split, providing a gloss contrast in both texture and colour.
Distinctive Design and Luxurious Interior
Each of the nine Nevera Anniversary Edition hypercars includes an exclusive dual-colour alloy wheel design, special 15 Years Anniversary badging, and a distinctive Rimac pattern that resembles a circuit board running the length of the car. The interior continues the celebratory theme with copper anodised switchgear and painted surfaces. The cabin, available in bold black or pristine white, features seats with contrasting copper leather and the number ’15’ embossed into the headrests. Special one-of-nine and ‘2009-2024’ scripts adorn the armrest, adding a unique touch to this special edition.
Unparalleled Performance
The Rimac Nevera is renowned as the world’s most powerful production car, having set 27 performance records last year alone. Key to its unprecedented speed is an advanced battery system, powertrain, and software, all developed in-house by Rimac. The hypercar’s front and rear powertrains, each comprising two individual motors, deliver power to each wheel independently. At the rear, a 1MW dual inverter provides 603hp and 900Nm per motor, while the bespoke front powertrain ensures optimal power and control. All systems are managed by Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2, controlled by an NVIDIA Pegasus-based supercomputer calculating outputs 100 times per second.
From Dream to Reality
Since its incorporation, Rimac has evolved from a one-man dream to a conglomerate employing over 2,200 people across four European countries. The Rimac Group now encompasses Bugatti Rimac, Rimac Technology, and Rimac Energy, demonstrating the brand’s extensive growth and innovation in the automotive industry.
Exclusive Ownership
The Rimac Nevera 15th Anniversary Edition is priced at €2,350,000 (RM11,923,698), inclusive of all options and bespoke luggage that matches the interior. This highly exclusive hypercar not only represents the pinnacle of electric vehicle engineering but also a piece of automotive history. The first unit will take on the iconic hill climb at Goodwood, where the Nevera Time Attack edition set the Production Car record in 2023 with a time of 49.32 seconds.
Peugeot Malaysia, in collaboration with KL Fashion Week 2024 (KLFW 2024), is offering fans and customers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of driving the all-new Peugeot 408 and enjoy the most stylish fashion show in town. The partnership features two on-ground campaigns that combine the excitement of a test drive with the glamour of KL Fashion Week.
Test Drive & Win KLFW 2024 Tickets
From July 9 to 27, visitors who test drive the all-new Peugeot 408 at any authorised dealership will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Kit Woo Show on July 31 or the Design to Sustain Finale on August 2 during KL Fashion Week. To enter, customers need to complete an online form after their test drive, automatically entering them into the running to win one of 50 pairs of tickets to the KLFW 2024 shows. Winners will be announced on Peugeot Malaysia’s Facebook and Instagram pages and contacted directly.
Lexus Malaysia has made a bold entrance into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e Luxury. This model represents Lexus’ first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle (BEV), merging sustainability with personalised Luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
As the first BEV developed from the start to be fully electric, the Lexus RZ draws on the brand’s long experience in electrified mobility. The new model aligns with the global Lexus electrification journey, which is contributing to a carbon-neutral society by aiming to offer 100% BEVs globally by 2035. Lexus’ “More Than Electric” emphasises this promise, setting the precedence for a range of Luxury EVs and HEVs from the brand that will make a positive impact on the planet and society.
Proton showcased its dedication to advancing Malaysia’s automotive industry through talent development during the National Training Week (NTW) 2024. Held at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on 29 and 30 June, the event was organised by HRD Corp under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Resources to promote cutting-edge skills and lifelong learning.
Strategic Focus on Youth and Talent Development
At the heart of Proton’s participation in NTW 2024 was a clear message: the development of talent is critical to achieving the company’s goal of becoming a global leader in the automotive industry. Proton has crafted seven strategic thrusts, with “Talent Development” standing out as one of the pivotal priorities.
This strategic focus aims to tackle multifaceted business challenges by nurturing staff experiences and cultivating homegrown leaders. Aligning with the Human Capital department’s 10-year strategic roadmap, Proton is committed to investing in human capital growth and enhancing capabilities. This is underscored by significant investments and strategic initiatives such as the Proton Young Talent (PYT) programme. Launched in 2018, this fast-track career development initiative offers young talents multifunctional job rotations and project-based assignments to accelerate their skills. The programme has hired 178 young talents, with 143 currently serving the company.
Hyundai Motor Group, currently the third-largest automaker globally behind Volkswagen and Toyota, is facing allegations from some of its US dealers who claim that the company inflated its sales figures through unethical practices. A new lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court accuses Hyundai of pressuring dealers to manipulate inventory codes meant for “loaner” vehicles to artificially boost sales numbers.
Allegations and Details
The lawsuit claims that Hyundai encouraged certain dealers to misuse these inventory codes, making it appear as if the vehicles were sold. When it came time to actually sell the vehicles, the dealers would rescind the coding. This practice allegedly allowed Hyundai to report higher sales figures both internally and externally.
Dealers who participated in this scheme reportedly received various rewards from Hyundai, such as purchasing vehicles at a lower overall cost, better allocation of new vehicles, and bonus cash incentives. These incentives provided a significant advantage to those dealers over their competitors.
Tesla’s upcoming software update, version 2024.26, is rumoured to introduce a range of new parental controls aimed at making driving safer for young drivers. According to reports from Not a Tesla App and Tessie, these features were released to employees on Wednesday and include a notable addition called “Night Curfew.”
Night Curfew and Parental Controls
The “Night Curfew” feature allows parents to set a curfew time, after which they will receive notifications on the Tesla mobile app if the vehicle is driven. This feature aims to help parents enforce bedtimes and ensure their teenagers are not driving late at night.
In a world where hypercars continually push the boundaries of performance and exclusivity, the Koenigsegg Chimera stands out as a singular masterpiece. This one-of-a-kind creation, owned by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, traces its roots to the Agera RS but has undergone extensive modifications, now featuring the Jesko’s engine and borrowing the simulated manual transmission from the CC850.
Top Gear had the exclusive opportunity to get up close with this bespoke machine. Not content with owning a 1-of-25 Agera RS, the former rally driver enlisted Koenigsegg to transform his prized possession into a truly unique car. Thus, the Chimera was born, equipped with a twin-turbo V8 that produces 1,280hp on petrol and an astonishing 1,600hp on E85.
A Lightweight Marvel
The Chimera impresses not only with its power but also with its weight. Compared to the Jesko, it is approximately 100kg lighter, tipping the scales at a remarkably low 1,295kg. This weight reduction enhances its performance, making it a formidable presence on the road.
Transmission Innovations
The Chimera features a nine-speed automatic transmission, similar to the Jesko, but with a twist. It incorporates a six-speed gated manual from the CC850, complete with a clutch pedal for added driver engagement. This unique setup allows the driver to artificially row their own gears and even stall the car, as demonstrated by Koenigsegg’s founder, Christian von Koenigsegg. Additionally, the Chimera is the only Koenigsegg to feature shift paddles behind the steering wheel, although the CC850 will also be available with this option soon.
CC850
Complex Engineering Feat
Fusing elements from three different Koenigsegg models into one car was no easy task, especially since the Agera dates back to 2010. The electronics had to be completely revamped to ensure seamless integration of new and existing components. The batteries were relocated, and the original cable harnesses were replaced to accommodate the advanced hardware.
A True Collector’s Item
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who also has a Jesko and a CC850 on order, is a long-term Koenigsegg client. The brand’s head honcho acknowledges that it might make more financial sense to buy a new car with such advanced features rather than modify an existing one. However, the uniqueness of the Chimera ensures there will never be another car quite like it. Koenigsegg remains open to creating bespoke vehicles for deep-pocketed buyers seeking something extraordinary.
The Perfect Name
The name “Chimera” is fitting, drawing inspiration from the mythical Greek monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. Koenigsegg’s latest gem is also a hybrid in its own right, blending elements from the Agera RS, Jesko, and CC850 into a seamless whole. While the Agera RS branding is gone, the VIN remains unchanged, preserving its legacy.
A Unique Legacy
Koenigsegg is not the first exotic brand to upgrade an existing car and give it a new name. Pagani has created numerous Zondas based on older models with more powerful engines, improved aerodynamics, and other enhancements. However, the Koenigsegg Chimera stands alone in its remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and bespoke craftsmanship, embodying the pinnacle of automotive innovation and exclusivity.
