In a historic feat, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD has firmly etched its name into the annals of automotive performance by becoming the first American car to conquer the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. This iconic track, known as the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, witnessed the Mustang GTD achieve an impressive lap time of 6:57.685, driven by Multimatic Motorsports’ ace driver Dirk Müller.
This groundbreaking achievement places the Mustang GTD among the elite ranks of production sports cars, boasting the fifth-fastest lap time ever recorded at the Nurburgring. The car, which draws on over 800hp, demonstrates not only raw power but also advanced engineering finesse.
The Aston Martin Valhalla represents a monumental achievement, seamlessly blending Formula 1-inspired technology, extraordinary performance, and stunning design. Now in its advanced stages of development, this mid-engine hybrid supercar sets a new benchmark for the iconic British marque, redefining the boundaries of automotive innovation.
As the first series-production mid-engine supercar in Aston Martin’s history, the Valhalla breaks new ground on multiple fronts. It is also the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, showcasing an unprecedented level of technical sophistication. At its heart lies a bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine, the most powerful V8 ever created by Aston Martin, delivering an astonishing 817hp. This internal combustion powerhouse is augmented by three electric motors, collectively boosting the car’s total output to an extraordinary 1,064hp. The hybrid powertrain offers the versatility of a dedicated EV mode, allowing the Valhalla to cover up to 13km of pure electric power at speeds of up to 128km/h. The state-of-the-art 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which incorporates an e-motor and an electronic rear differential, ensures seamless power delivery and dynamic all-wheel-drive performance.
The Valhalla’s performance figures speak volumes about its engineering excellence. With a predicted acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds from 0 to 100km/h and a top speed of 349km/h, it is engineered to deliver exhilarating speed and precision. These capabilities are further enhanced by an active aerodynamic system that generates up to 1,322 pounds of downforce at 239km/h, ensuring exceptional stability and control. A selection of drive modes—Sport, Sport+, and Race—allows drivers to tailor the driving experience, with Race mode offering unrestrained performance for those seeking the thrill of the track. Aston Martin’s Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control system harmonizes the suspension, brakes, steering, and torque vectoring, resulting in unparalleled handling and responsiveness. The car’s Formula 1-inspired pushrod front suspension and five-link rear setup, both mounted to aluminium subframes, are designed to maximize agility and performance.
Engineered for precision, the Valhalla is built on a lightweight carbon monocoque chassis, which enhances rigidity while keeping its dry weight to just 3,648 pounds. The braking system, equipped with six-piston Brembo callipers and the largest carbon ceramic discs ever used on an Aston Martin, ensures remarkable stopping power. Additionally, specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres mounted on 21-inch rear and 20-inch front wheels provide exceptional grip and performance, making the Valhalla as capable on the road as it is on the track.
Visually, the Valhalla is as striking as it is functional, with a design that merges aerodynamic efficiency with sheer beauty. Its dramatic butterfly doors open to reveal a cockpit that is both minimalist and race-inspired. Exposed carbon fibre, an F1-style steering wheel, digital displays, and carbon bucket seats emphasize the car’s focus on performance. Despite its track-ready nature, the Valhalla does not compromise on luxury, offering features such as satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Alcantara trim, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, blending comfort with cutting-edge technology.
Limited to just 999 units, the Valhalla will enter production in the second quarter of 2025. Although pricing has not been disclosed, its exclusivity and groundbreaking performance promise to position it as a landmark in the hybrid supercar segment.
Jaecoo Malaysia is ushering in an exciting 2025 as the first locally assembled C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe rolled off the production line at the Shah Alam assembly plant today. This milestone positions Jaecoo to begin customer deliveries of the C9 SUV Coupe as scheduled in January 2025.
C9 SUV Coupe Variants and Features
The C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe will be available in two configurations:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)
Powered by a robust 2.0 TGDI inline four-cylinder petrol engine, the C9 delivers an impressive 257hp and 400Nm of torque. The 2WD variant offers three driving modes, tailored for city and light off-road usage, while the AWD variant expands versatility with seven driving modes, including settings for urban commutes, sporty drives, and challenging terrains.
Chery Malaysia has launched its ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’, offering newly registered Chery car owners an exciting opportunity to win prizes worth over RM150,000. The campaign runs from 1 to 31 December 2024, celebrating the festive season by rewarding customers with exclusive prizes and special promotions.
Exciting Prizes Await
The lucky draw is open to customers who purchase and register their Chery vehicles during the campaign period. Eligible participants stand a chance to win various prizes, including:
Proton recorded 12,194 units in total sales (domestic and export) for November 2024, marking a 4.7% decrease compared to October. This aligns with the 4.1% contraction in Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) for the month. However, Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) sales reached 137,751 units, securing its position as the second most popular automotive brand in the country with an estimated 18.2% market share for November and 18.8% YTD.
Despite the monthly dip, Malaysia’s automotive sector remains robust, with an estimated 731,026 units sold YTD, about 10,000 more than the same period in 2023. The market is on course to surpass 800,000 units, setting a new annual record and establishing Malaysia as the second-largest passenger vehicle market in ASEAN for 2024.
Proton X70: Back on Top in the C-Segment SUV Category
November Sales: 1,065 units (+7.7% MoM)
YTD Sales: 7,536 units
The 2025 Proton X70, launched in August, features updated styling, upgraded ADAS Level 2 safety, and competitive pricing. It reclaimed the top spot among C-segment SUVs priced below RM130,000.
Proton X50: Undisputed King of B-Segment SUVs
November Sales: 1,911 units
YTD Sales: 21,033 units
Malaysia’s fastest-selling SUV continues its dominance since its 2020 launch.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Mitsubishi Motors) has achieved a significant milestone as the all-new Triton one-ton pickup truck secured the coveted Design Car of the Year award at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year awards. This recognition, which celebrates outstanding exterior and interior vehicle design, marks Mitsubishi Motors’ second consecutive win following last year’s honour for the Delica Mini kei-car.
The Triton was praised by the organising committee for its rugged yet sophisticated design, which embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ signature 4WD spirit while inspiring customers to embrace new lifestyles. Its bold Dynamic Shield front-end design and robust form harmonize perfectly with well-balanced proportions, even in its double-cab configuration.
Built on the “Beast Mode” design concept, the Triton exudes a commanding presence with its powerful and agile appearance. The Dynamic Shield design integrates a robust, three-dimensional front grille with prominent fenders and protective elements, highlighting both strength and sophistication.
Inside, the Triton showcases a driver-focused Horizontal Axis design for enhanced visibility and spatial awareness. Key features include:
Soft padding in strategic areas for passenger protection.
Geometric shapes and metallic accents for a high-contrast, modern cabin.
Glove-friendly switches and dials, catering to professional and rugged use.
Comfortable, sturdy elements like the steering wheel and door handles, designed under the Mitsubishi Touch approach.
Tracing its roots back to the Forte, first launched in 1978, the Triton has become Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic model. Over five generations, approximately 5.7 million units have been sold across 150 countries, solidifying its reputation as a dependable and versatile pickup truck.
The all-new Triton represents a complete overhaul, featuring upgrades to its interior, exterior, chassis, ladder frame, and engine. Developed under the concept of “Power for Adventure,” the model caters to both commercial users and adventure enthusiasts, supporting activities like water sports, winter sports, and outdoor excursions.
First unveiled in Thailand in July 2023, where it is produced, the new Triton debuted in Japan in February 2024. Mitsubishi Motors is now rolling out the model across 100 countries worldwide, further cementing its position as a top contender in the global one-ton pickup truck segment. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia officially launched the sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton in October 2024 with prices starting at RM101,980.
The Design Car of the Year award underscores Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to blending functionality, ruggedness, and aesthetic appeal, positioning the Triton as a standout in its class.
