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Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Launched – RM626k

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is an impressive addition to the luxury electric vehicle segment, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, performance, and comfort. Here are some key highlights:

Performance and Range

Power and Acceleration: The EQS 450 4MATIC SUV boasts a rated output of 360hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Electric Range: With a range of up to 673km (WLTP), the EQS SUV offers both impressive acceleration and long-distance capability.

Drivetrain and Suspension

Electric Drive Train: The vehicle uses a highly efficient electric drive train (eATS) on both the front and rear axles, with a Torque Shift function that optimally distributes torque.

Suspension: The EQS SUV features a four-link axle at the front, a multi-link suspension at the rear, and AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+. It also offers rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability.

Safety and Assistance Features

Advanced Safety: The EQS SUV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Driving Assistance Package Plus, URBAN GUARD Plus, and a 360° camera.

Charging Capabilities

Charging System: The EQS SUV offers AC charging up to 22 kW and DC fast charging up to 200 kW, with quick charging times of 6 hours and 15 minutes (0%-100% SOC) for AC and 31 minutes (10%-80% SOC) for DC.

Interior and Infotainment

Luxurious Interior: The vehicle includes multicontour front seats, a third row, and climatised front seats with three-stage ventilation and heating. The MBUX Hyperscreen integrates the instrument panel into a single widescreen display, while the MBUX Augmented Reality Head-up Display offers 3D navigation and driving assistance.

Entertainment: Rear passengers enjoy THERMOTRONIC climate control, touch displays, and the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. The cabin is equipped with a Dolby Atmos® sound system and Burmester® surround sound for an immersive audio experience.

Exterior Features

Exterior Design: The EQS SUV’s AMG Line Exterior includes a Black Panel radiator grille, 22-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, and illuminated running boards.
Lighting: The DIGITAL LIGHT with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and a panoramic sliding sunroof enhance visibility and ambiance.

Pricing and Availability

Price: The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV is priced at RM 625,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia. Delivery is set to commence from September 2024 onwards.

This model showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to delivering luxury, performance, and innovation in the electric vehicle market.

Pininfarina Unveils Exclusive Open-Top Battista Targamerica

Italians have long been renowned for their mastery in crafting convertibles, and the new Pininfarina Battista Targamerica is a testament to this legacy. Debuting at Monterey Car Week, this bespoke open-top version of the electric hypercar is a stunning addition to Pininfarina’s illustrious portfolio.

The Targamerica is a one-off creation commissioned by a discerning client who already owns a Battista coupe. While the B95 Speedster was Pininfarina’s first convertible, the Targamerica marks the inaugural open-top version of the Battista. This special edition raises questions about why the Battista wasn’t initially offered as a convertible.

Remarkably, the Targamerica went from concept to reality in just one year, following the client’s commission at last year’s Monterey Car Week. Its striking silver with blue accents pays homage to the Ferrari Testarossa Spider—a unique convertible created in 1986 for Fiat heir Gianni Angelli. Noteworthy features of the Targamerica include a custom rear decklid and distinctive doors, as well as an integrated cigar humidor between the seats, catering to the client’s appreciation for cigars.

The Battista, the flagship model of Automobili Pininfarina—a division of India’s Mahindra based in Germany—is built on the Rimac Nevera’s platform. It boasts a staggering 1,900hp from its four electric motors, making it a formidable contender in the hypercar arena.

The Targamerica will be showcased at The Quail on Friday, with the client set to take delivery afterward. While Automobili Pininfarina has not disclosed plans for additional Battista convertibles, the Targamerica’s debut suggests that this may not be the last of such exclusive models.

2025 Proton X70 Officially Launched From RM98,800

Proton has officially launched the latest version of the Proton X70, which brings several notable upgrades and refinements to the SUV market. This new model builds on the strengths of its predecessor while offering enhancements in performance, design, comfort, and connectivity.

Under the hood, the new X70 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177PS at 5500rpm and 255Nm of torque at 1500rpm. This engine includes improved combustion efficiency for cleaner emissions and enhanced performance. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) have been reduced, providing a quieter driving experience. Advanced thermal management optimises engine temperatures, reduces friction, and improves fuel efficiency through new transmission settings. Software updates in the Engine Management System (EMS) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) further refine fuel consumption and overall efficiency.

The exterior design of the X70 has been refreshed with a new hood, fender, front bumper, and grille featuring an infinite weave diamond pattern with a chrome finish. It also includes LED headlamps with 47 LEDs for better illumination, a redesigned rear bumper, and new two-tone alloy wheels. A power tailgate with auto-open functionality enhances convenience.

Inside, the X70 now includes a 3-point shift lever, a new steering wheel, and a multicolour ambient lighting system with 72 colour options and three modes: single, breathing, and multicolour. Premium variants come with Stone Grey upholstery and Nappa leather seats.

The SUV boasts an advanced suite of safety technologies, including Walk Away Auto Lock, Nearby Auto Door Unlock, a 360 Camera Display, and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold. It features 13 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Centering Control.

NVH improvements include reduced gear whine and smoother operation from the new 7-Speed EVO300 Transmission. Enhanced insulation and noise suppression throughout the vehicle contribute to a more premium feel.

The upgraded infotainment system features a 12.3-inch screen with 1920×720 resolution, powered by a dual quad-core processor with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. The Proton Link app allows remote control of engine, windows, locks, and air conditioning. The “Hi Proton” voice command system manages various functions, while connectivity includes 3 USB Type-A ports and 2 USB Type-C ports, along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The new Proton X70 is available in Marine Blue (Flagship), Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red, and White.

Pricing for the four available variants are RM98,800 for thE 1.5 TGDi Standard, RM110,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Executive, RM123,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Premium and RM126,800 1.5 TGDi Premium X.

Early birds (first 3,000 customer) get RM7,000 cash rebate, trade-in overtrade support for RM2,800 and upgraded Proton insurance programme. Standard packages consist of 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, six times free labour service, financing interest rates from 2.4%PA and Proton insurance programme.

Proton Saga Achieves Record Sales as It Celebrates 39 Years

As the Proton Saga marks its 39th year of continuous production, the iconic Malaysian car has reached a significant milestone, recording 7,855 units sold last month. This impressive figure represents the highest single-month sales for the Saga since October 2013. Year-to-date (YTD) sales have risen by 8.8% compared to the previous year, totalling 42,693 units and setting the stage for a strong sales year ahead.

First introduced on July 9, 1985, the Proton Saga has now surpassed 2 million units in sales, affirming its status as the most popular model from a Malaysian automotive brand. The Saga’s enduring appeal lies in its reliability and affordability, qualities that have resonated with customers for nearly three decades.

Enhancing the Saga with Geely

Proton is actively collaborating with its partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), to explore enhancements to the Saga model. This partnership, which has been in place for years and strengthened by the recent establishment of the Proton R&D Centre in China, aims to build on the existing platform and introduce new model improvements.

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The Refreshed Toyota MR2 to Have Porsche-Like Power?

Toyota is reportedly preparing to reintroduce the iconic MR2 with a fresh, modern twist. According to Japan’s Best Car, Toyota is developing a new “mid-engined 4WD” vehicle that could bring back the MR2 nameplate, renowned for its sporty performance and distinctive design.

The upcoming MR2 is expected to feature a robust 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 400hp and 542Nm of torque. This powertrain will be paired with an all-wheel-drive system reminiscent of the GR-Four in the GR Corolla, marking a notable departure from the MR2’s traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration. Historically, the “R” in MR2 stood for “Rear,” reflecting its original rear-drive layout.

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Toyota Brazil Offers Bulletproof Armour for Added Protection

In Brazil, Toyota is offering an unusual but intriguing option for customers looking for added protection: armoured Corollas.

Through a new partnership with local armouring experts Avallon, Carbon, Evolution Blindagens, and Parvi Blindados, customers can now have their Corolla sedan, Corolla Cross SUV, Hilux pickup, or SW4 (Fortuner) SUV armoured. This service is available for both new and used models (from the 2020 model year onward) before delivery.

Customers can arrange for their vehicle to be sent to their chosen armouring company via their local Toyota dealership. The armouring process involves reinforcing the bodywork with specialised materials and installing thicker windows to provide protection against small firearms, bats, and metal pipes.

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Smart Malaysia Expands with New Dealership in Johor Bahru

Smart Malaysia has announced the grand opening of its second dealership in Johor Bahru, a move aimed at enhancing the accessibility of electric vehicles (EVs) in the southern region of Malaysia. The new dealership, smart Johor Bahru 2, will be operated by AG Autoworld (EV), marking a significant milestone in smart Malaysia’s efforts to expand sustainable transportation options and foster community engagement.

Established in 1999, AG Autoworld (EV), now rebranded as smart Johor Bahru 2, is strategically located at 17&18, Jalan Tebrau, Kampung Wadi Hanna, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. With a history of excellence and numerous accolades, AG Autoworld recently received prestigious awards at the Proton 2024 Dealer Conference & Recognition Awards, including the Gold Award and top honours in Sales Volume and B&P Performance.

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Chery Omoda 5 Achieves Prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

Chery Malaysia announced that the Chery Omoda 5 has earned a coveted 5-star rating in the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). This esteemed accolade highlights Chery’s unwavering dedication to safety and quality in its vehicles.

The ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 assessment protocol includes four key areas: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist Technology (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS). Each domain contributes to the overall score, with AOP covering 40 points, and COP, SA, and MS each contributing 20 points.

The Chery Omoda 5, marking its debut in the ASEAN NCAP evaluations, achieved a remarkable total score of 88.64 points, securing the prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating. The breakdown of the score is as follows:

Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 36.77 points
Child Occupant Protection (COP): 17.36 points
Safety Assist Technology (SA): 19.51 points
Motorcyclist Safety (MS): 15.00 points

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UMW Toyota Motor Announces Strong July Sales And New Launches

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has reported impressive sales figures for July 2024, with over 9,000 units sold, pushing the year-to-date total to more than 55,800 units. This surge in sales highlights the company’s strategic focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, driving successful initiatives and promotions.

In line with its growth strategy, UMWT recently expanded its Lexus lineup with the launch of two new models. The Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first fully dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the Lexus LBX, a new self-charging hybrid SUV aimed at the entry-level segment, reflect Lexus Malaysia’s commitment to a diverse electrification strategy. The ‘More than Electric’ campaign underscores their dedication to offering both hybrid and fully electric vehicles while redefining luxury with sustainability in mind.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, UMWT has launched the “Discover Merdeka Exclusives” promotion for August 2024. This initiative includes savings of up to RM8,000 on the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, with monthly instalments starting from RM1,058. Additionally, the Toyota Service Savers program offers convenient monthly instalments starting from just RM31.

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Zeekr Unveils Record-Breaking Fast-Charging Battery Technology

In a major leap forward for electric vehicle (EV) technology, Zeekr, a spin-off from Geely, has announced a groundbreaking upgrade to its super-fast-charging LFP battery. At its recent Tech Day event, the company showcased its 2025 model lineup, featuring a new version of its battery technology that promises to set a new industry benchmark.

The latest iteration of Zeekr’s LFP battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just ten and a half minutes, outpacing its predecessor, which took 13.5 minutes for the same charge. This significant improvement is attributed to advancements in the battery management system (BMS), which now includes enhanced capabilities for maintaining high charging speeds for extended periods.

Zeekr’s demonstration highlighted the new battery’s performance. Although the maximum charging speed was not disclosed, comparisons with the previous generation indicate that while peak speeds may not be higher, the new system sustains these speeds more effectively. The upgraded BMS also enhances performance in adverse weather conditions, enabling the battery to achieve the 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes even in temperatures as low as -10 °C

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English

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV Launched – RM626k

Pininfarina Unveils Exclusive Open-Top Battista Targamerica

2025 Proton X70 Officially Launched From RM98,800

Proton Saga Achieves Record Sales as It Celebrates 39 Years

The Refreshed Toyota MR2 to Have Porsche-Like Power?

Toyota Brazil Offers Bulletproof Armour for Added Protection

Smart Malaysia Expands with New Dealership in Johor Bahru

Chery Omoda 5 Achieves Prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

UMW Toyota Motor Announces Strong July Sales And New Launches

Zeekr Unveils Record-Breaking Fast-Charging Battery Technology

Putrajaya to See Rollout of Autonomous Electric Bus Service Trial

Study Reveals Mixed Reactions to Advanced Tech in 2024 Vehicles

Hoonigan Describes Bankruptcy as a “Strategic Transaction”

Japan to Boost EV Battery Production – Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda Involved

Proton Announces The Start Of CKD Operations For Saga In Egypt

Touch ‘n Go is Back with the Third Edition Hot Wheels Series Card

First Jaecoo 3S Dealership Opens Its Doors in Kota Kinabalu

JPJePlate Launch: Setting a National Standard for EV Plates in Malaysia

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade: Paint that Shifts Colours Based on Light

New BMW M5: Official MotoGP Safety Car

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