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The Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar incorporating Formula 1™ technology, has once again set a new record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On September 23, 2024, DTM driver Maro Engel achieved an officially recorded lap time of 6:29.090 minutes, beating his previous record by over five seconds. This makes the AMG One the first road car to break the 6:30-minute barrier on the demanding 20.832-kilometre track.

The AMG One’s hybrid system, consisting of One combustion engine and four electric motors, produces 1,063 hp and reaches a top speed of 352km/h. The hypercar utilises advanced aerodynamics, a Formula 1™-inspired energy recovery system, and the four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) to optimise performance. During his record lap, Engel relied on techniques such as “lift and coast” to maximise battery energy for crucial moments, simulating Formula 1™ energy management.

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Toyota has announced a delay in the start of production for its first US-made electric vehicle (EV), pushing the launch from late 2025 to early 2026. This will affect the manufacturing of a three-row, battery-powered SUV at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. However, the Japanese automaker remains committed to its EV strategy, planning to introduce up to seven fully electric models in the US within the next two years.

Despite the delay, Toyota is on track to begin production of another all-electric SUV at its Princeton, Indiana factory later in 2026. These efforts are part of Toyota’s broader goal to sell 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2026. To support this, the company is also constructing a lithium-ion battery plant in North Carolina, expected to begin operations in 2025.

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In a recent decision by the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal, a used car dealer was ordered to cover the full cost of replacing a compressor in a customer’s hybrid car. Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli emphasised that it is the dealer’s duty to ensure the used cars they sell are in good working condition.

According to The Star, the claimant, N. Kalaivane, was awarded RM7,500, which the dealer must pay directly to a workshop in Taman Daya, Johor Baru, for the compressor replacement and associated services.

Kalaivane and her husband had purchased a German-brand hybrid car from a dealer in Kajang, Selangor, in February 2024. Despite the dealer’s promise to service the car before delivery, the air-conditioning system failed shortly after she returned to Johor Baru.

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Bentley has expanded its portfolio of daily supercars with the introduction of Mulliner versions of the fourth-generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. These models, developed by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, build upon the performance-focused Speed models, adding enhanced luxury, options, and technology.

Continental-GT

Exterior Highlights:

  • Signature Mulliner ‘Floating Diamond’ grille with chrome surround, chrome lower grilles, and chromeware.
  • Satin Silver mirror caps or optional gloss black (via Mulliner Blackline).
  • Unique 22” wheels in Tungsten Grey or gloss black, with self-levelling Bentley Mulliner wheel badges.
  • Mulliner-specific features, including ‘cut crystal’ reflector headlamps, red-tinted tail lamps, and welcome lights with Bentley wing animations.
Continental-GTC

Interior Features:

  • A curated cabin with three-colour combinations, bespoke embroidery, and a Mulliner diamond perforation pattern on hand-stitched seats.
  • Enhanced wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions.
  • Exclusive Mulliner branding on keys, presented in a handcrafted box matching the car’s interior configuration.
  • Comfort Seat Specification for all Flying Spur seats and front seats in Continental models.
Flying-Spur

Powertrain:

  • A new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0L V8 engine and a 190PS electric motor, delivering a total of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque.
  • The hybrid setup allows up to 80km of electric range (Continental GT) and a fully replenished battery in as little as 2¾ hours.
  • Performance-focused features, including a dual valve damper system and air springs, offer a refined balance of handling and comfort.
Continental-GT

Customisation and Technology:

  • Available in a palette of 101 colours, with bespoke paint-matching options.
  • The most advanced electrical architecture in the luxury segment, offering semi-assisted driving features and an integrated My Bentley App Studio for digital services.
Continental-GTC

Bentley Mulliner remains the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, offering custom design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive world.

A mechanic, Muhamad Zamzam Mohd Razali, was fined RM5,000 by the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court for failing to comply with a tribunal order to pay RM6,750 to a lecturer. The fine stems from a case two years ago, where the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM) had ruled in favour of the lecturer after the mechanic failed to complete vehicle repairs as promised.

The case was prosecuted by the Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), led by Prosecuting Officer Muhammad Ridzuan Abd Rahim. Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan delivered the verdict, and the court found Muhamad Zamzam guilty under Section 117(1) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.

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Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has announced a major shift in the automaker’s strategy, aiming to leave behind the era of dull, mainstream cars like the Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta. While these models were once popular, they failed to justify continued investment. Instead, Ford is focusing on iconic vehicles that inspire excitement, such as the Mustang GTD and various Raptor off-road models.

Farley envisions a future where Ford’s lineup is dominated by cars that enthusiasts love and mainstream vehicles that offer higher profit margins, like the Ford Puma compact crossover. With its appealing design and versatility, the Puma represents the kind of higher-priced, more profitable mainstream car Ford wants to build. The production of the Fiesta has already ceased, and the Focus will follow by 2025.

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