Growing up in Malaysia during the 1980s and 1990s, Proton sedans were a common fixture in many households, known for their affordability, reliability, and practicality. These cars, proudly made in Malaysia, often served as the first vehicle for families and were passed down to younger generations as children grew up and needed a means to commute to college or work. Proton’s legacy, now more than 40 years strong, continues as the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with a remarkable 3.85 million units sold to date.
This legacy is built on iconic models such as the Proton Saga, Proton Wira, and Proton Waja, with some even serving as police cars in Humberside County, UK. Proton has also introduced newer models, such as two generations of the Proton Persona, the Proton Prevé, and the latest addition, the Proton S70, which was launched in November 2023.
The Proton S70 has quickly become a favorite in the C-sedan category, achieving 14,877 sales as of September this year. With an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January, it leads the segment, particularly in Selangor, Johor, and Penang. However, the biggest success story remains the Proton Saga, with over 2 million sales since its launch in 1985. Over three generations, the Saga has evolved significantly, with improvements in safety, design, performance, and comfort.
Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced that the government is considering implementing a two-tiered pricing system for RON95 petrol subsidies. However, the exact mechanism is still under discussion, with input from various stakeholders, including the Petrol Dealers Association.
Rafizi explained that earlier proposals involved providing cash payments to families, which would not have involved petrol stations or a tiered pricing system. The current deliberations focus on determining how best to redirect subsidy savings, whether through cash payments or direct subsidies to benefit the 85% of the population who are expected to continue receiving subsidies.
Sony Group and Honda Motor are collaborating to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the development of autonomous driving features for their joint electric vehicle (EV) venture, Honda Mobility. Their luxury EV brand, Afeela, will debut in Japan and the U.S. by 2026, featuring AI-driven autonomous capabilities.
The AI in these vehicles will continuously improve self-driving functionality through software updates, potentially once or twice a year. The initial AI systems are expected to support Level 3 autonomy, allowing for autonomous driving on highways and under specific conditions. This level of autonomy means the car can handle driving tasks while still requiring human intervention in certain scenarios.
BMW’s Neue Klasse concepts have given enthusiasts a preview of the brand’s future design direction, but it turns out that this influence will not be limited solely to its electric vehicles. According to Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design, the design language showcased in the Neue Klasse sedan and X crossover concepts will be carried across the entire range, including combustion engine models.
Van Hooydonk emphasised that both petrol-powered and electric BMWs will adopt these new design cues, with subtle differences in their design elements and proportions to distinguish them. This is part of a broader strategy to offer modern, cohesive styling across all BMW vehicles, allowing customers to choose between internal combustion or electric drivetrains without feeling they are choosing between different aesthetics.
When the diesel subsidies were removed, everyone expected the pick-up truck segment to take a significant hit. While pick-up trucks are great workhorses for all industries, a significant slice of the segment bought pick-up trucks for lifestyle purposes. Whether it was for hiking, fishing or for general use, pick-up trucks are a great companion.
So, when the subsidies were removed, the sales of pick-up trucks were expected to slow. And while some did off-load their trucks or cancelled their planned purchase, the segment did not slow down as drastically as expected. In fact, the segment is still vibrant, just not as before. (more…)
The police have detained 14 cars as part of an illegal racing operation that took place over two days, focusing on the Bandar Baru Kijal business area. The operation, led by the Kemaman District Police, came in response to complaints from local residents about the noise and disturbances caused by the gatherings. The site was identified as a hotspot where groups not only engaged in racing but also played loud music.
According to Kemaman District Police Chief, Superintendent Hanyan Ramlan, the illegal activities had become increasingly frequent over the past four months, prompting the police to intensify their monitoring efforts. During the operation, the Kemaman District Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division detained the 14 vehicles, which were then taken to the police station for further investigation. Some of these vehicles were found to have been modified beyond permitted specifications.
Porsche is celebrating 25 years of the GT3 by unveiling the 2025 911 GT3, the latest iteration of its iconic sports car. This updated 992.2 model retains the hallmark features that have made the GT3 so revered, including its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 502hp and revs to 9,000 rpm. Remarkably, it remains purely powered by internal combustion despite stringent emissions regulations, incorporating two gas-particulate filters and four catalytic converters to meet modern standards.
To maintain its performance edge, the GT3 has received several mechanical upgrades, including hotter camshafts from the GT3 RS, new throttle bodies, revised cylinder heads, and new oil coolers. For those who enjoy the manual experience, the 6-speed manual transmission now has a shorter final drive, addressing complaints about the long gearing in previous manual 911s. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available.
Enhanced Aerodynamics and Suspension
Borrowing some aerodynamic lessons from the GT3 RS, the front suspension now features suspension links with an aerofoil shape, improving both downforce and brake cooling. The lower mounting point for the front wishbone helps reduce dive under braking, while the new headlight design allows for larger aerodynamic inlets. At the rear, updates to the diffuser and engine cover help balance the front downforce improvements.
Performance Tyres and Wheels
The 255/35ZR20 front tyres and 315/30ZR21 rear tires enhance performance, particularly in wet conditions, with a track-focused, stickier tire option available. The new standard wheels shave off 1.4kg of unsprung weight, contributing to overall performance gains.
Weissach and Touring Packages
The Weissach Package, previously exclusive to Porsche’s RS models, is now available for the GT3. This includes carbon-fibre components such as the roof, anti-roll bars, and mirror caps, as well as the option for lighter magnesium wheels.
Touring
Simultaneously, Porsche has also launched the GT3 Touring Package, which removes the rear wing for a more understated appearance. It includes a Leichtbau (lightweight) package, featuring carbon-fibre suspension components, a body-colour carbon-fibre roof, and magnesium wheels.
Interior and Features
Inside, the GT3 shares many updates with the new 911 Carrera but keeps its ignition switch instead of the newer push-button start. New carbon-fibre bucket seats with folding backrests and optional heating are available, and for the first time, the GT3 Touring can be equipped with rear seats.
Touring
At its lightest, the 2025 GT3 weighs 1,419kg, impressively lean for a modern performance car.
The new 911 GT3 continues Porsche’s legacy of building thrilling, track-focused sports cars, and while it’s an evolution rather than a revolution, it’s a fitting tribute to 25 years of one of the most desirable 911 models.
Malaysia is one of seven countries participating in a unique test of the Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which involved an ultra-long-range driving marathon from Guangzhou to Wuhu, China, covering over 1,300km on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery. Alongside Malaysia, participants from Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom took part in this journey, aimed at demonstrating the vehicle’s impressive range and efficiency without needing to recharge during the trip.
Range and Performance
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV boasts a pure electric range of 106km (NEDC) and is equipped with Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) Technology. During the marathon, it exceeded its expected range, achieving 125.2 km in pure-electric mode—19.2 km more than its specifications. Additionally, the J7 PHEV features fuel consumption of just 5.99 litres per 100 km in a power-depleted state, underscoring its energy efficiency and capability to combat range anxiety in drivers.
Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have introduced the seventh generation of the Bobby-AMG children’s ride-on car, modelled after the AMG GT series sports car. This new version comes with significant design and ergonomic improvements to enhance the driving fun for young children. Available in two vibrant colours—Hyper Blue (with LED lighting) and Sun Yellow (without lighting)—the Bobby-AMG stands out with its realistic features and enhanced playability.
Key Design and Features:
Lighting Options: The Hyper Blue version includes LED lights for daytime running, tail lamps, and turn indicators, activated by a keypad in the cockpit. Both versions feature clear glass lenses for the headlamps and tail lamps, giving the toy a premium look.
Detailed Components: Unlike its predecessor, which used stickers for key design elements, this new model has a fully realised radiator grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser as individual parts, adding a touch of authenticity. Stickers for the AMG crest, Mercedes star, and satellite buttons are still included for added detailing.
Whisper Tyres: With Michelin-style design, these tyres ensure smooth, quiet rolling and good grip, making the ride comfortable for children. The rims are modeled after the AMG’s cross-spoke design in matte black.
The Ferrari F80 is set to become the brand’s new flagship hypercar, following in the footsteps of the LaFerrari. Featuring cutting-edge performance and technology, the F80 blends Ferrari’s iconic engineering with modern hybrid systems to rewrite hypercar history.
Powertrain and Performance:
Under the hood, Ferrari has introduced a revolutionary 3.0-litre hybrid V6, accompanied by three electric motors. The engine alone generates 900hp, while the combined output reaches a staggering 1,184hp, making the F80 the most powerful Ferrari ever built. The electric motors are positioned on both axles, providing added torque, and energy regeneration, and enhancing the driving experience through torque vectoring.
Thanks to its powertrain, the F80 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.15 seconds, and 0 to 201km/h in 5.75 seconds, with a top speed of 350km/h. The hybrid system utilises a cutting-edge 800-volt battery pack and the combination of advanced turbo technology and hybrid components results in almost no turbo lag.
Aerodynamics and Chassis:
The F80 features a sleek, lightweight carbon fiber and composite monocoque chassis, with active aerodynamic features drawn from Ferrari’s Formula 1 expertise. The aerodynamic package generates a remarkable 1,000kg of downforce at 250km/h, improving cornering stability and high-speed performance. Key elements include a pointed nose with Ferrari’s signature S-Duct, an active rear wing, and a massive diffuser, all working together to optimise downforce.
Design and Interior:
Designed by Flavio Manzoni, the F80 sports a futuristic yet retro-inspired design, with nods to past models like the Ferrari F40 and the Daytona. The car’s greenhouse is lower than the LaFerrari’s, and butterfly doors add flair. Inside, the cabin emphasises a driver-centric “1+” layout, featuring a bright red adjustable sport seat for the driver and a fixed passenger seat. A new flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel debuts in the F80 and is set to appear in future Ferrari models.
Driving Dynamics:
Ferrari has integrated several advanced technologies to optimise driving dynamics. The F80 features an active suspension system with spool-valve dampers that adjust continuously for optimal ride and handling. It also debuts Ferrari’s “Boost Optimisation” technology, which analyses the track layout during driving and delivers extra power at key moments. Drive modes include Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify, with each mode fine-tuning the balance between power delivery and energy recovery.
Braking and Safety:
To match its formidable speed, the F80 comes equipped with Brembo’s new CCM-R Plus brakes, which offer significantly better mechanical strength and thermal performance than traditional carbon brakes. Ferrari has also added advanced active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition, a rare inclusion in hypercars.
Price and Availability:
Priced at €3.6 million, the Ferrari F80 is not only the most powerful but also the most expensive Ferrari ever produced. Only 799 units will be built, with production beginning at the end of 2025 and continuing through 2027.
The Ferrari F80 represents a bold step into the future for the brand, combining exhilarating performance with cutting-edge technology and hybrid engineering.
