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Ford has once again teamed up with M-Sport’s road-going division, MS-RT, to introduce the highly anticipated Ranger MS-RT, signalling a significant addition to the European pickup market. Set to be available at Ford Pro dealerships, this customised pickup is slated to hit European roads later this year, sparking considerable excitement among enthusiasts.

Drawing inspiration from the Ranger’s racing counterparts in Asia, the Ranger MS-RT boasts a bold and aggressive stance. With its redesigned front end featuring distinctive bodywork, honeycomb grille, and integrated splitter, the pickup commands attention on the road. Its widened body by 82mm and flared arches amplify its presence, making a powerful statement. At the rear, a purposeful diffuser and subtle ducktail spoiler add to its aerodynamic profile, enhancing its sporty allure.

Enhancing its performance credentials, the Ranger MS-RT features specially tuned, firmer suspension, lowering the ride height by 40mm for improved handling dynamics. Rolling on 21-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, it delivers both style and performance.

Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, describes the Ranger MS-RT as the “ultimate street truck,” offering a unique proposition in the European pickup segment. Despite its sporty character, it maintains its practicality, retaining a one-tonne load-carrying capacity and 3,500kg towing capabilities. Under the hood lies a robust 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering 236bhp and 600Nm of torque to all four wheels through a seamless 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside, the cabin blends luxury with sportiness, featuring faux leather upholstery accented with special blue stitching and MS-RT badging. The ‘sports steering wheel’ with a blue 12 o’clock marker enhances the racing-inspired ambiance, ensuring an engaging driving experience.

With its fusion of performance, style, and practicality, the Ranger MS-RT is poised to captivate pickup enthusiasts across Europe.

The fully electric Mini Cooper offers a modern, eco-friendly driving experience while staying true to the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. As part of the revamped Mini model lineup, the Mini Cooper E is presented in four redesigned trims, each offering its unique appeal. The Classic Trim, for instance, showcases expressive body colours and contrasting roof finishes, with the iconic Mini three-door model appearing particularly striking in Sunny Side Yellow, paired with a contrasting white roof and mirror caps.

Inside the Classic Trim, the cockpit surfaces are adorned with two-tone black and blue knit material, creating a stylish contrast against the high-quality synthetic leather seats made of Vescin, available in grey or black with a perforated houndstooth pattern.

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Mercedes-AMG is set to captivate enthusiasts with the unveiling of a stunning special model for the A 45 S 4MATIC+, aptly named the “Limited Edition”. The price for the extensive additional equipment is €14,280.00 (RM73,176.85) and will hit the market in April 2024, with the offer extending until the end of the year.

The defining feature of the “Limited Edition” is its exclusive paintwork in “AMG green hell magno”, a striking colour previously unavailable for the compact class. Adorned with eye-catching foiling featuring the AMG logo and prominent “A 45 S” lettering on the doors, as well as the AMG crest on the bonnet, this edition rides on matte black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design. Yellow accents highlight the rim spokes, complemented by glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos. Adding to its allure, the “Limited Edition” boasts refined details such as an exclusive fuel cap with the AMG logo and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms onto the ground upon entering and exiting the car.

Enhancing its appeal further, three equipment packages elevate the “Limited Edition”. The AMG Night Package features striking black and high-gloss black design elements, including the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines, along with thermally insulating dark-tinted window surfaces from the B-pillar. The AMG Night Package II is highlighted by darkened struts on the radiator trim and black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, as well as exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars in the wheel hub caps. The AMG Aerodynamics Package, developed in the wind tunnel, includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to increase contact pressure and enhance driving characteristics at high speeds.

Inside, the “Limited Edition” showcases distinctive design elements, including black AMG performance seats upholstered in a combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre, accented by yellow decorative stitching. The AMG performance steering wheel, aluminium trim elements with AMG pattern, and illuminated AMG door sills further elevate the interior ambiance. Completing the upgrades are AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow decorative stitching.

Under the hood, the A 45 S 4MATIC+ packs a punch with its 421hp output, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 270km/h. The AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine offers spontaneous response, while the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control enhances dynamic driving with its variable distribution of driving force between the front and rear axles, as well as selectively between the left and right rear wheels.

Audi enthusiasts are in for a treat as the brand teases the highly anticipated new Audi S3, accompanied by camouflaged photos showcasing both the Sportback and Saloon variants. Powered by a robust 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, the S3 promises nothing short of an exhilarating driving experience, boasting 328hp and 420Nm of torque at your command.

Thanks to recent enhancements, the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine receives a notable boost, delivering an additional 23hp and 20Nm of torque. This ensures abundant power for dynamic drives, with robust pulling force and spirited acceleration available across a wide RPM range from 2,100 to 5,500rpm. Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes a mere 4.7 seconds, with the top speed gracefully capped at 249km/h.

Adding to the excitement, the turbocharger receives a pre-boost, ensuring rapid and smooth power delivery. Whether cruising or gently accelerating, the turbocharger maintains a steady spin, guaranteeing a consistent stream of power. Moreover, with the throttle valve remaining open during high-performance moments, drivers can anticipate enhanced engine responsiveness.

The extended duration of the throttle valve’s openness translates to accelerated torque delivery, resulting in an even livelier engine response, particularly noticeable in dynamic mode or with the new dynamic plus profile engaged.

Equipped with a torque splitter, the Audi S3 promises enhanced agility and stability, complemented by larger brakes and performance tyres to elevate handling prowess. Furthermore, a sportier transmission featuring Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission adds to the driving thrill, promising seamless gear shifts and heightened performance on every journey.

More information will be available when the Audi S3 makes its official debut.

Honda enthusiasts have been granted a tantalising glimpse into the future with a short video teaser of the upcoming CR-V FCEV, scheduled for its debut in 2024. While still shrouded in camouflage, this hydrogen-powered rendition of the beloved SUV hints at enhanced functionality thanks to the integration of a battery pack.

Upon its anticipated arrival later this year, the Honda CR-V FCEV is poised to make history as North America’s first production vehicle to combine a battery pack with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This innovative fusion equips the SUV with the flexibility to be charged akin to a conventional EV when access to a hydrogen pump is scarce.

This groundbreaking feature alleviates the CR-V FCEV’s dependence on the limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, while its bi-directional charging capability empowers owners to harness stored battery power for various electronic devices, as showcased with a coffee maker in the teaser video.

Although specifics such as battery capacity and hydrogen tank size remain undisclosed, driving range details are eagerly anticipated. Nonetheless, the new powertrain, developed in collaboration with General Motors, promises significant cost savings compared to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, while boasting double the durability.

Visually, the fuel-cell EV flaunts a redesigned front end, characterised by a sleeker grille and enlarged bumper intakes, setting it apart from its gasoline-powered counterpart, the CR-V. Notable alterations include the addition of a charging port on the front fender and distinct clear taillight clusters.

Production of the Honda CR-V FCEV is slated to take place at the Marysville plant in Ohio, with distribution plans encompassing not only North America but also the Japanese market. As anticipation mounts, enthusiasts eagerly await further revelations about this pioneering SUV poised to redefine automotive innovation.

Aston Martin, renowned for its iconic Vantage model, unveils an updated iteration of its revered two-door GT car after 74 years of craftsmanship. The latest generation, introduced in 2018, undergoes a substantial update, focusing on significant mechanical enhancements alongside aesthetic refinements. Beyond surface-level changes, Aston Martin aims to deliver a refreshed appearance coupled with elevated performance that resonates with enthusiasts.

At the heart of the new Vantage lies a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre V8 engine, now tuned to deliver an impressive 656hp, marking a substantial increase of 153hp from its predecessor. This power surge is not merely the result of heightened boost pressure but stems from meticulous adjustments, including new camshafts, enlarged turbos, and a modified compression ratio. Furthermore, three additional heat exchangers and an enlarged oil cooler manage coolant and charge air temperatures more effectively, ensuring optimal engine performance.

The powertrain is mated to the trusted 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, transmitting power to the rear wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential. With a shortened final drive ratio of 3.083:1, the new Vantage achieves swifter acceleration while maintaining an impressive top speed of 325km/h and a blistering 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds.

Structural enhancements bolster the Vantage’s rigidity, with a revised underbody and repositioned front cross-member contributing to increased torsional stiffness. Additionally, a lighter and stiffer strut brace enhances chassis stiffness, complemented by improved rigidity at the rear. These modifications pave the way for the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers to optimise handling and ride quality.

Software refinements further enhance performance and driver engagement, with Aston Martin fine-tuning traction management modes, launch control system, and electronic power steering. The result is a dynamic driving experience on twisty roads, complemented by a high-performance braking system featuring front 400mm steel rotors with six-piston callipers and rear 360mm rotors with four-piston callipers. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option, shedding unsprung weight for improved agility and handling.

Inside, the Vantage cockpit is sleek and elegant, with clean lines and a spacious feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, designed for an enjoyable driving experience. Standard features include a 11-speaker audio system, while audiophiles can opt for the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins system with 15 speakers and 1,170W of power.

The Vantage also comes with Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, which includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with online connectivity. Navigation is enhanced with real-time traffic updates and dynamic routing, making journeys smoother and more efficient. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.

Owners can interact with their Vantage through the Aston Martin app, which offers features like vehicle monitoring, location tracking, and community engagement. The app is free for the first three years and enhances the ownership experience.

Despite the extensive enhancements, the essence of the Vantage remains unchanged – a timeless two-door GT car offering a captivating driving experience. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q2 2024, with pricing details expected to be announced concurrently, enticing Aston Martin enthusiasts eager to experience the all-new Vantage firsthand.

Proterial, a Japanese metal materials maker formerly known as Hitachi Metals, has unveiled a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) motor technology. The company has developed a new alloy that it claims can significantly reduce power consumption by up to 5%, leading to the potential for smaller and faster motors.

The innovative amorphous alloy, processed into material for EV motor cores, boasts an impressive energy loss reduction of over 90% compared to the non-oriented electrical steel sheet commonly used in motors today.

With plans to commence mass production as early as 2025, Proterial has overcome various challenges in developing the alloy. The material is approximately five times stronger than traditional electrical steel sheets, which has posed durability issues for the tools used in its processing. Additionally, the alloy’s thinner composition has presented complexities in handling.

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Despite the discontinuation of the BMW i3 in 2022, the electric vehicle (EV) continues to enjoy popularity in the secondhand market. However, a recent revelation has shed light on the potentially daunting costs lurking behind the allure of these eco-friendly cars. One i3 owner was left reeling after receiving a jaw-dropping quote of $71,208 (RM339,163) for a new battery pack for their 2015 i3 REx. This amount not only exceeded the car’s initial value but also surpassed that of a brand-new BMW i5 eDrive40.

While EV battery replacements are known to come with hefty price tags, this particular figure appears especially exorbitant, even by BMW standards. Similar estimates for battery replacements have typically hovered around the $16,000 (RM76,208) mark, making the quoted amount all the more shocking.

BMW i3 EV 2022

Following the posting of this astronomical quote on Reddit, other i3 owners shared their eye-watering estimates, with one individual facing a bill of $30,000 (RM142,890). The inconsistency in quotes for the same job has raised eyebrows within the EV community.

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The automotive world bids farewell to an icon as the Audi R8, one of the most revered mid-engined supercars renowned for its high-revving, naturally-aspirated engine, prepares to roll off the production line for the final time. Initially slated for discontinuation by the close of 2023, recent developments confirm that production is still underway at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe factory, albeit with a definitive end in sight by the end of March.

Liza Kellner, spokesperson for Audi TT and R8, affirmed, “The last Audi R8 will leave the production line at the end of the first quarter of 2024, marking the end of an era for this iconic sports car at the Audi Böllinger Höfe site in Neckarsulm.” Kellner emphasised that Audi’s strategic focus on electrification, exemplified by the ongoing production of the all-electric Audi e-tron GT at the same facility, has led to the decision to retire the R8.

2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD

Explaining the shift in the discontinuation timeline, Kellner noted, “The statement regarding the R8’s discontinuation by the end of 2023 was made in 2019. Consequently, the adjustment of the actual end date by a few weeks is not unexpected.”

The Audi R8’s swan song comes in the form of the GT RWD, the final iteration introduced in most markets in late 2022. Limited to a production run of just 333 units worldwide, this model features a potent 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, churning out 612hp and 565Nm of torque, delivering exhilarating performance to the rear wheels. Additionally, Audi unveiled the R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition, a limited-run variant restricted to a mere eight units, further underscoring the R8’s iconic status.

As enthusiasts rush to secure their allocations of the Audi R8 before it fades into automotive history, the enduring appeal of this legendary supercar is evident. Last year witnessed Audi selling 631 new R8s across the United States, more than double the figures from 2022, reflecting the unwavering passion and admiration for the R8 among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

The Ministry of Transport is facing mounting pressure to address the issue of express bus operators raising fares during the Chinese New Year holiday, with calls for stringent action against those found guilty of price gouging.

NV Subbarow, Senior Education Officer of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), has urged the ministry to take decisive measures, including suspending the licenses of express bus services, in response to reports of exorbitant fare hikes. One such incident involved a couple who were charged over RM800 for a round trip from Gopeng, Perak to Johor Bahru (JB).

Subbarow highlighted that the passengers had to bear fares inflated by 270 per cent to 344 per cent above the usual rate of RM70 per passenger for a one-way trip.

Expressing disappointment and concern, Subbarow emphasised that passengers had purchased tickets online a month before Chinese New Year, only to be faced with significantly higher prices during their journey.

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