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Belfield Tunnel Officially Opens, Enhancing Access to Merdeka 118 and Easing City Traffic

Visitors heading to Merdeka 118 can now enjoy smoother, more efficient access with the official opening of the Belfield Tunnel. Developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Berhad (PMVSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the new tunnel is set to significantly improve connectivity to Menara Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest tower, while helping to alleviate congestion on key roads in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre.

Stretching just over one kilometre, the Belfield Tunnel is Malaysia’s second double-storey tunnel, designed exclusively for vehicles entering and exiting the Merdeka 118 precinct. By providing an alternative route, the tunnel aims to streamline traffic flow and ease congestion in surrounding areas.

“We are pleased to open the Belfield Tunnel, a vital link that will make visiting Merdeka 118 and its surrounding landmarks, including Stadium Merdeka, more convenient than ever,” said Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, CEO of PMVSB. “Our goal is to offer a seamless and stress-free journey into the city, ensuring easier access for everyone. With parking facilities for up to 8,000 cars, we look forward to welcoming visitors from all walks of life—whether they are business professionals, shoppers, or tourists—to experience all that Merdeka 118 has to offer once fully open.”

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Toyota Commits to Manual Transmissions and Combustion Engines

Toyota remains committed to preserving the manual transmission experience, ensuring that enthusiasts who prefer the tactile engagement of self-shifting gears can continue to find it in the brand’s lineup. Currently, models such as the GR86, GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla all feature six-speed manual transmissions paired exclusively with petrol power. For now, Toyota has no plans to abandon this formula, with a strong focus on catering to driving purists.

According to reports, Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to delivering enthusiast-oriented vehicles. Hanley expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for cars that prioritise driving engagement, especially those powered by internal combustion engines with manual gearboxes.

“There is still room to satisfy dyed-in-the-wool performance car lovers,” Hanley said, emphasising that combustion engines and manual transmissions “will be around for a long, long time.”

Hanley made it clear that Toyota’s performance-oriented GR sub-brand will continue to lead the charge in this space. With an existing portfolio already offering several manual-equipped models, GR remains the natural home for future petrol-powered performance cars. Hanley hinted at exciting developments within the GR lineup, referencing the Yaris M Concept, which features a mid-engine configuration. This concept has fuelled speculation that Toyota could soon revive the legendary MR2, signalling perhaps the most promising indication of its return in recent years.

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Audi Unveils New A6 Avant with Advanced Technology, Enhanced Efficiency, and Timeless Design

Audi has officially introduced the latest generation of the A6 Avant, marking a new era of sophistication, innovation, and performance for the iconic estate. With a renewed focus on sleek aesthetics, advanced technology, and improved efficiency, the new A6 Avant combines timeless styling with exceptional aerodynamic performance, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.25—the most efficient ever recorded for a combustion-engine Avant in Audi’s history.

The design of the new A6 Avant has been carefully refined to balance elegance with athleticism. The exterior features a clean, functional design language, complemented by extensive aerodynamic enhancements. At the front, large air curtains and controllable cool-air intakes optimise airflow, while a sporty roof spoiler and aerodynamic panels positioned alongside the rear window further reduce drag. The rear of the vehicle is dominated by a bold diffuser, flanked by distinctive quattro blisters that emphasise the Avant’s muscular stance. Together with an elongated hood and long wheelbase, these design elements create a harmonious blend of dynamic proportions and refined styling.

Powering the new A6 Avant is Audi’s advanced MHEV Plus mild hybrid technology, which improves both performance and efficiency. Customers can choose between a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder engine producing 204PS and a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder engine delivering 367PS. Central to the MHEV Plus system is a 48-volt battery, a belt alternator starter (BAS), and a powertrain generator (PTG) equipped with integrated power electronics. This system allows the A6 Avant to operate in fully electric mode during low-speed city driving and parking situations, while also providing up to 230Nm of additional torque and recovering energy during deceleration. These features contribute to a smoother driving experience and reduced carbon emissions.

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Why You Should Test Drive the New Jaecoo J7 PHEV

When it comes to choosing your next family SUV, the array of options available can leave you feeling overwhelmed about which brand and model truly stand out. Especially in these days and age, where a new model hits the market on a near monthly basis.

But to help you make a purchase decision, we are here to tell you that the new Jaecoo J7 Plug-in-Hybrid (PHEV) is one that demands to be experienced firsthand. From its refined driving dynamics to its efficiency, cutting-edge technology and safety features, the J7 PHEV is designed to impress.

Here’s why you should book a test drive today and see for yourself what makes this SUV stand out.

Refinement You Need to Feel to Believe

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV redefines what it means to drive in comfort. Its hybrid powertrain ensures a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The absence of engine noise and vibrations when driving in EV mode creates a serene driving environment that you truly need to experience to appreciate.

Unmatched Efficiency for Long-Distance Travel

One of the standout features of the J7 PHEV is its exceptional fuel efficiency and impressive range. Powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid-specific engine, this SUV prioritises fuel economy without compromising performance.

In fact, the J7 PHEV recently proved its endurance by completing a 1,200 km journey from Singapore to Hat Yai, Thailand, on a single charge. This remarkable feat highlights its capability as a reliable companion for road trips, offering significant fuel savings and reducing your carbon footprint.

It also takes away any range anxiety and allows you to go on spontaneous trips at any time without worrying about recharging as you can rely on the internal combustion engine to get you to your destination.

Power That Excites

Don’t let its focus on efficiency fool you – the J7 PHEV delivers impressive power when you need it. The hybrid powertrain provides a seamless blend of electric and petrol power, offering a responsive and exhilarating driving experience. With 342hp and 525Nm of torque, it’s built for both daily commutes and long journeys. Whether you’re overtaking on the highway, getting up to speed or simply love to feel the gentle shove into the seat, the J7 PHEV’s performance will leave you impressed.

Spaciousness Your Family Will Love

Bring your family along for the test drive and let them experience the J7 PHEV’s spacious interior. With ample legroom, headroom, and a 500-litre boot capacity (expandable to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded), this SUV is perfect for family adventures. Despite housing a large battery pack, Jaecoo has cleverly optimised space, ensuring practicality without compromise.

Safety Features That Watch Over You

Safety is at the core of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV. Equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, this SUV is designed to keep you and your loved ones protected. Features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring ensure that the J7 PHEV always has an eye on the road.

Additional safety highlights include:

Intelligent Evasion System (IES) for avoiding collisions
Rear Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking
Driver Attention Monitoring to prevent fatigue
Eight airbags and a 360-degree camera system for all-around protection

Cutting-Edge Technology for a Connected Drive

The J7 PHEV is packed with tech features that enhance convenience and entertainment. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.8-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen provide a modern and intuitive interface. With wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system, every journey is as enjoyable as it is connected.

Peace of Mind with Comprehensive Warranties

The J7 PHEV is priced at RM158,800, a figure that makes it an absolute steal considering the premium features and advanced technology it offers, especially when compared to its competitors in the market.

In addition to that, Jaecoo backs the J7 PHEV with confidence, offering a seven-year engine warranty (up to 150,000 km) and an eight-year warranty on the battery, power motor, and controller unit (up to 160,000 km). The battery warranty even includes a 1-to-1 exchange if its state of health (SOH) falls below 70% during the warranty period.

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is more than just an SUV—it’s a statement of refinement, efficiency, and innovation. From its spacious interior and powerful hybrid engine to its advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology, this vehicle is designed to exceed expectations.

Don’t just take our word for it. Book a test drive today and experience the Jaecoo J7 PHEV for yourself. Bring your family along, keep an eye on the fuel consumption, and feel the power and safety features in action. Once you drive it, you’ll understand why the J7 PHEV is the better choice for modern families.

Click here to book your test drive.

Hyundai Files “N Sport” Trademark, Hinting at BMW-Inspired Performance Line

Once viewed as an underdog in the automotive world, Hyundai has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades—and it shows no signs of slowing down. Now, it appears the Korean automaker is preparing to expand its performance offerings even further, taking a page directly from BMW’s playbook. A recent discovery revealed that Hyundai has filed a trademark for the name “N Sport” at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, suggesting a new model line is on the horizon—positioned between everyday variants and high-performance N models like the Ioniq 5 N.

For those unfamiliar, Hyundai currently offers N-Line packages across several models, mirroring what brands like Mercedes-Benz (AMG Line), Audi (S-Line), and BMW (M Sport) already provide. These trims typically focus on sportier styling cues, borrowing design elements from full-fledged performance cars without making major mechanical changes. Think aggressive bumpers, unique wheels, and subtle interior tweaks.

Occasionally, these packages go a bit further with minor upgrades to the suspension or steering, but the core formula remains: offer a sporty appearance and badge appeal without sacrificing daily drivability or drastically increasing costs.

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Bugatti Tourbillon Ushers in a New Era of Aerodynamic Mastery

In June 2024, Bugatti unveiled the Tourbillon, its next-generation hyper sports car, during a highly anticipated World Premiere in Molsheim. True to Bugatti’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation, the Tourbillon stands as a technological masterpiece—nowhere more evident than in its groundbreaking aerodynamic design. In the latest episode of A New Era, Bugatti’s world-class engineers and aerodynamic experts reveal the meticulous process behind creating one of the most aerodynamically advanced road cars ever conceived.

For Bugatti’s engineering team, led by Chief Vehicle Engineer Paul Burnham, the challenge was clear: surpass the already exceptional aerodynamic efficiency of the Chiron, a car that once held the title of the world’s fastest. “The Chiron was already a low-drag car,” Burnham explains, “but with the Tourbillon, we knew we had to go even further.”

Bugatti’s pursuit of aerodynamic perfection began early in development with months of advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, allowing engineers to analyze airflow and drag virtually. But to move from theory to reality, Bugatti’s experts gathered at a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility in Italy nearly 15 months before the Tourbillon’s official reveal.

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The Maserati MC20 Coupe Set a 318km/h New Autonomous World Speed Record

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano—Italy’s largest scientific-technological university—has partnered with Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida to embark on a groundbreaking high-tech initiative during the renowned competition’s stop in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This project is part of MOST, Italy’s National Center for Sustainable Mobility, which focuses on advancing research, innovation, and infrastructure for scalable, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Returning to the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Indy Autonomous Challenge aimed to push the limits of autonomous technology. The LLF, famed for NASA’s Space Shuttle landings, boasts one of the world’s longest runways at 15,000 feet, now serving as a vital hub for aerospace and autonomous innovation.

The PoliMOVE-MSU team, part of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) division of Politecnico di Milano, developed the cutting-edge AI driver software that powered the autonomous Maserati MC20 Coupé. Guided entirely by artificial intelligence and without a human behind the wheel, the MC20 achieved a record-breaking 318km/h, surpassing the previous world record of 310km/h, also set by the same team in 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar.

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PRO-NET Celebrates Milestone with Delivery of 1,000th Proton e.MAS 7 EV

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has marked a significant achievement with the delivery of its 1,000th unit of the e.MAS 7, the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV). This milestone underscores the growing momentum of EV adoption in Malaysia and highlights Proton’s dedication to making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience.

The e.MAS 7 has seen an enthusiastic reception from Malaysian consumers, reflecting the strong trust placed in Proton’s vision for sustainable transportation. Since its official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the e.MAS 7 has gained popularity across a broad range of customer segments, signaling increased confidence in EVs as a practical and future-ready choice.

Beyond delivering vehicles, PRO-NET has focused on creating a smooth and convenient transition to electric mobility. The appeal of the e.MAS 7 lies in its combination of affordability, practicality, and a comprehensive support ecosystem that assists owners throughout their EV journey. Key components of this ecosystem include the Live Integrated Charging Map, which provides real-time access to over 2,000 charging points across the country, as well as accessible charging infrastructure and a suite of advanced safety and connectivity features. These elements ensure that e.MAS 7 owners can embrace electric driving with confidence and ease.

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Volvo Car Malaysia Confirms Arrival of EX90 and New XC90 Flagship SUVs

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially confirmed the upcoming arrival of two highly anticipated models for fans of its flagship seven-seater SUVs. The fully electric Volvo EX90 and the newly facelifted Volvo XC90 are both set to enter the Malaysian market, with official launch dates to be announced soon through the brand’s website.

The Volvo EX90, first revealed globally in 2022, marks a significant milestone for the company as its most advanced and safest vehicle to date. Designed to prevent accidents rather than simply mitigate them, the EX90 features cutting-edge active safety technologies both inside and outside the vehicle. This flagship SUV is the first Volvo model equipped with lidar technology, as well as the first to incorporate the Volvo Cars Superset core computing system. Additionally, the EX90 has been engineered with hardware designed to support future fully autonomous driving capabilities.

Global deliveries of the EX90 began in late 2024, and Malaysia will be among the first markets in the Asia Pacific region to introduce the model, following its launch in Thailand. The EX90 will lead Volvo’s growing lineup of fully electric vehicles, which already includes the EX30, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, and EC40 (formerly known as the C40 Recharge Pure Electric).

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Stellantis Cancels Maserati Projects Following $1.59 Billion Write-Down Amid Sales Slump

Maserati’s ambitious resurgence, marked by the launch of the MC20 supercar, the new-generation GranTurismo, and the Grecale SUV, has been abruptly slowed as Stellantis reassesses the brand’s future. In an earnings call for the final quarter of the 2024 financial year, Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Doug Ostermann confirmed that the company had written down a $1.59 billion investment in Maserati. This figure includes the cancellation of several projects that were scheduled for launch, as noted in the company’s investor briefing.

Ostermann attributed the decision to a reassessment of Maserati’s electrification strategy, particularly concerning the brand’s performance in China. Stellantis had initially expected the Chinese luxury market to transition rapidly to electric vehicles. However, as these expectations were adjusted, so too were the financial forecasts for Maserati, prompting Stellantis to recalibrate its investment plans for the historic marque.

The announcement follows a challenging year for Maserati, which saw global sales plummet by 58 percent, falling from approximately 26,600 units to just 11,300. The sales decline has intensified scrutiny over Maserati’s long-term viability within Stellantis. In mid-2024, former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares warned that underperforming brands faced the threat of closure if they failed to generate profits. Tavares emphasized that Stellantis could not afford to support brands that did not contribute financially, reinforcing the company’s strict focus on profitability.

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English

Belfield Tunnel Officially Opens, Enhancing Access to Merdeka 118 and Easing City Traffic

Toyota Commits to Manual Transmissions and Combustion Engines

Audi Unveils New A6 Avant with Advanced Technology, Enhanced Efficiency, and Timeless Design

Why You Should Test Drive the New Jaecoo J7 PHEV

Hyundai Files “N Sport” Trademark, Hinting at BMW-Inspired Performance Line

Bugatti Tourbillon Ushers in a New Era of Aerodynamic Mastery

The Maserati MC20 Coupe Set a 318km/h New Autonomous World Speed Record

PRO-NET Celebrates Milestone with Delivery of 1,000th Proton e.MAS 7 EV

Volvo Car Malaysia Confirms Arrival of EX90 and New XC90 Flagship SUVs

Stellantis Cancels Maserati Projects Following $1.59 Billion Write-Down Amid Sales Slump

Malaysian Government-Owned ‘1M’ Number Plate Among UK’s Most Expensive, Valued Over RM5.7 Million

BHPetrol’s ‘Balik Kampung Dengan Selamat’ Program Ensures a Safe Hari Raya Journey

RM1.9 Billion Allocated for New Diesel and EV Buses

Government Announces 50% Toll Discount for Hari Raya

Nissan Confirms the GT-R’s Return, but Details Remain Unclear

Nissan Unveils New Models and Technologies for FY25 and FY26

Jaecoo J8 Previewed – Estimated Price from RM195k – RM220k

Tesla Bolsters Security Amid Rising Vandalism Concerns

Shell to Slash Costs and Boost LNG Focus in Strategic Shift

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: The Ultimate Grand Tourer

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