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Proton To Showcase S70 R3 Racing Car at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Proton is set to showcase its latest motorsport innovation, the Proton S70 R3, at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Selangor (MAEPS). This new racing car marks a significant milestone for Proton R3, the brand’s motorsport division, as it returns to the Sepang 1,000km (S1K) endurance race for the first time since 2019.

Proton’s Motorsport Legacy

Proton R3’s latest creation continues the company’s storied history in motorsports. The legacy began with the original Proton Saga in rally and circuit competitions and has grown through the years with multiple successful models. Proton R3 has an impressive track record, boasting five victories at the S1K race, including a remarkable streak of three consecutive wins from 2017 to 2019.

Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, highlighted this heritage, stating, “Proton has a long history in motorsports, starting with the original Proton Saga. Our involvement ramped up with the inception of Proton R3 in 2003. We have competed and won in various competitions up to a global level with models as varied as the Proton Satria, Waja, Suprima S, Iriz, and the latest version of the Saga. Now, with the Proton S70 R3, we are adding another milestone to our legacy, marking not only the return of the Proton name to the S1K event but also the first racing car based on a model jointly developed by Proton and Geely.”

The All-New PROTON S70 R3

The Proton S70 R3 represents the latest in racing car technology and design from Proton R3. The show car displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow features the newest aerodynamic package tailored specifically for racing. The S70 R3 is currently in development and is expected to compete fiercely in the upcoming S1K endurance race, with Proton set to campaign two units of this new model.

Being a race car that marks Proton’s return to the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K), you can expect it to be very different from the road going car. The interior will be devoid of any comforts such as air-conditioning and any forms of entertainment. In its place you can expect light weight racing and safety materials such as lightweight sports bucket seats, full racing harnasses and a fire retardant system, among others.

However, the biggest change will be the engine. Based on our understanding of the rules of S1K, the regulations do not allow the use of a three-cylinder engine. So in its place might be a Geely built four-cylinder engine instead.

We will get more information and confirmation and photos once we see the car tomorrow.

Exclusive Promotions at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

In addition to the unveiling of the Proton S70 R3, Proton is offering exciting promotions and rewards for attendees at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024:

Exclusive Gifts: Attendees who book a Proton model on the spot will receive gifts such as sunshades, toll readers, and wireless chargers for selected models.
Special Promo: A special promotion is available for bookings made at the Autoshow, with registration by June 30, 2024. This includes two years of free service maintenance for the X50, X70, and X90 models, and a RM500 cash voucher for the Proton S70, Saga, and Persona.
Test Drive Lucky Spin: Participants who test drive a Proton model will have the chance to spin a lucky wheel and win exclusive Proton merchandise.

With the return to the S1K race and exclusive promotions for Autoshow attendees, Proton continues to strengthen its presence in the automotive and motorsports industries.

Malaysia Withdraws as Host of 2024 Formula E-Prix Grand Finale

Malaysia has announced its withdrawal as the host of next year’s Formula E-Prix grand finale, citing substantial upfront financial demands from the championship’s owner. The decision follows escalating tensions between Formula E and its local partner, Sports Tech Holdings, due to increased rights fees and unexpected commercial charges.

According to FMT, The conflict intensified when Sports Tech opted to move the event from the Kuala Lumpur City Circuit to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), a decision that Formula E opposed. Sports Tech CEO Wan Agyl Wan Hassan explained that the switch was necessitated by technical difficulties with the city street circuit. However, the financial implications of hosting the event at SIC proved insurmountable.

While the exact financial demands from Formula E remain undisclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement, the decision to withdraw marks a significant setback for Sports Tech, which had been in advanced stages of planning to revive the E-Prix in Malaysia after a decade-long hiatus.

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Volkswagen Golf R Officially Priced at RM332,990, Inclusive of VAP – 320PS, 400Nm of Torque

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the official sale of the locally assembled Golf R, priced at RM332,990. This price includes the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which offers owners 5 years of maintenance, an unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

The Golf R comes with the “R Performance Package” as standard, which features a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, and specialised “Drift” and “Special” driving modes. The “Drift” mode prioritises torque to the rear wheels for controlled slides, while the “Special” mode is tailored for optimal performance on backroads and the demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife racetrack.

Under the hood, the Golf R is powered by a 2.0TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 320PS and 400Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h. The car’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring ensures stability and traction.

The exterior of the Golf R is distinguished by its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. It is available in three colours: Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, and Pure White. The interior boasts R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats with iconic R styling, and an R performance steering wheel with blue backlit R button and shift paddles.

New features include a Head-Up Display (HUD), a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and automatic high beam assist. The Golf R also includes IQ.DRIVE technology and advanced driver assistance systems such as Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist.

The Golf R will be showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow from May 22 to May 26, 2024, at MAEPS in Serdang. Also on display at the Volkswagen booth in Hall 2 will be the all-new Touareg R-Line 4MOTION and Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.

Customers attending the Malaysia Autoshow can take advantage of special promotions, including savings of up to RM36,000. Additionally, those who purchase an Arteon will enjoy free scheduled maintenance for the first 7 years of ownership. There is also an opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid luxury holiday for two at the Banjaran Hotsprings Wellness Retreat in Ipoh, Perak, by booking any Volkswagen model at the autoshow. This promotion is available nationwide until May 31, 2024.

Secondary GPS Tracker Recovers a Stolen Pickup Truck

When R. Kaviyarasan purchased a brand new four-wheel-drive truck last October, he installed a second global positioning system (GPS) tracking device for added security. This decision proved invaluable when, four months later, his pickup truck was stolen from his house in Taman Saujana Puchong in the early hours of the morning, according to The Star.

The thief, demonstrating expertise, disabled the pre-installed GPS tracking system in just over three minutes. The monitoring company for this system only notified Kaviyarasan about an hour after the device was deactivated. However, the second GPS device, which was concealed and installed by Kaviyarasan, promptly alerted him to suspicious movements. The vehicle’s location was displayed on a satellite map on his smartphone.

Kaviyarasan asked a family member to lodge a police report while he began tracking the vehicle using the GPS on his phone. Initially, he saw the truck speeding away and then stopping at a gated residential area in USJ12, Subang Jaya. Despite alerting the police and searching the area, the truck was not found.

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New Mini John Cooper Works to Make Debut at 24 Hours of Nurburgring

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.

Project Rambo: Aston Martin’s Secret Off-Road SUV Project

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.

90 Years of Jaguar: Special Edition F-PACE Showcases Legacy and Future

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.

Malaysia Expands Open Payment Toll System to Six More Highways

Starting in September, six additional highways in Malaysia will implement the open payment toll collection system (SPT). This expansion is part of an effort to make toll payments more convenient and efficient for motorists, allowing payments to be made using credit and debit cards in addition to the existing Touch ’n Go, SmartTag, and RFID options.

According to Bernama, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that these six highways will join the 12 highways that have already been using the SPT system since its launch last year. This inclusion will bring the total number of lanes equipped with the SPT system to 35. The highways that will adopt the system include:

1. North-South Expressway (PLUS/Thailand-Singapore, 770 km)
2. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH, 23 km)
3. Linkedua Highway (Singapore-Malaysia, 47 km)
4. Grand Saga Highway (Cheras-Kajang, 11.5 km)
5. Grand Sepadu (North Port-Bukit Raja Klang, 17.5 km)
6. Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE/North to South KL, 30 km)

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Honda Malaysia Sold 28,700 Units of the City Hatchback Since 2021

We all know how good and popular Japanese cars are here in Malaysia, especially Honda’s. Ever since the launch of the City Hatchback in 2021, Honda Malaysia has managed to sell 28,700 units of it.

The overall Honda sales for the first quarter (Q1) 2024 reached 21,500 units, a 23% increase in Q1 of 2024, compared to Q1 2023.

Due to the City hatchback’s popularity, Honda Malaysia has introduced the new facelift City Hatchback and has targeted to sell 900 units a month. Due to the high demand, we can see them achieving this.

The pricing for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S variant, RM90,900 for the E variant, RM95,900 for the V variant, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS variant.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot. The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

Fourth-Generation Bentley Continental GT Features the Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain

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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English

Proton To Showcase S70 R3 Racing Car at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Proton’s Motorsport Legacy

The All-New PROTON S70 R3

Exclusive Promotions at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Malaysia Withdraws as Host of 2024 Formula E-Prix Grand Finale

Volkswagen Golf R Officially Priced at RM332,990, Inclusive of VAP – 320PS, 400Nm of Torque

Secondary GPS Tracker Recovers a Stolen Pickup Truck

New Mini John Cooper Works to Make Debut at 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Project Rambo: Aston Martin’s Secret Off-Road SUV Project

90 Years of Jaguar: Special Edition F-PACE Showcases Legacy and Future

Malaysia Expands Open Payment Toll System to Six More Highways

Honda Malaysia Sold 28,700 Units of the City Hatchback Since 2021

Fourth-Generation Bentley Continental GT Features the Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain

Proton To Showcase S70 R3 Racing Car at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Malaysia Withdraws as Host of 2024 Formula E-Prix Grand Finale

Volkswagen Golf R Officially Priced at RM332,990, Inclusive of VAP – 320PS, 400Nm of Torque

Secondary GPS Tracker Recovers a Stolen Pickup Truck

New Mini John Cooper Works to Make Debut at 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Project Rambo: Aston Martin’s Secret Off-Road SUV Project

90 Years of Jaguar: Special Edition F-PACE Showcases Legacy and Future

Malaysia Expands Open Payment Toll System to Six More Highways

Honda Malaysia Sold 28,700 Units of the City Hatchback Since 2021

Fourth-Generation Bentley Continental GT Features the Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain

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