Icons never die, they just become better with time. That cannot be truer for an iconic brand like Mini.
Effectively under the BMW Group’s stewardship since 1994, Mini has come a long way. If you have been living in a cave for the past 40 years, you may be surprised to see what the brand has now become. (more…)
Malaysia is set to welcome a new airline, Ascend Airways Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which plans to begin operations with two Boeing B737-800s and four B737 MAX 8s by the end of 2025. Unlike previous Malaysian start-up airlines that struggled to compete against national carrier Malaysia Airlines and low-cost giant AirAsia, Ascend Airways will take a different approach by focusing on aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) services for passenger and cargo transport.
Backed by UK-based Ascend Airways, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), the airline benefits from the support of the world’s largest ACMI provider. ASG, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and oversees 16 businesses covering various aviation sectors, including cargo operations, ground handling, aircraft leasing, maintenance, and digital media.
As part of the ASG network, Ascend Airways Malaysia aims to enhance the country’s aviation industry by offering reliable ACMI services to airlines, tour operators, charter brokers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The airline’s website indicates that it intends to bridge service gaps in the Malaysian aviation sector by providing flexible short-term and long-term leasing options.
Michelin Malaysia has introduced the Michelin Primacy 5 for passenger cars and crossovers of all engine types, emphasising its tagline, “Confidence Made to Last.” As a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Michelin Primacy 4, this new model incorporates key innovations that enhance performance while reducing environmental impact.
Prichapakorn Dangrojana, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, highlighted the tyre’s improved durability and efficiency, particularly in response to the increasing demands of modern vehicles, including hybrid and electric models. He explained that these vehicles exert greater stress on tyres due to their higher horsepower and weight, necessitating a tyre that delivers extended wear life, reduced rolling resistance, and sustained wet grip performance.
Michelin’s commitment to innovation is evident in the Primacy 5, which has been specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of Malaysian motorists. With a growing preference for larger SUVs and electric vehicles in the region, Dangrojana emphasised that the new tyre offers superior value by providing enhanced safety, longevity, and a quieter driving experience.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve found himself in an unusual predicament at Milan’s Malpensa Airport while en route to Australia for the season opener. The 1997 title winner was trapped inside a toilet cubicle for 30 minutes before resorting to kicking down the door to escape.
Villeneuve shared the bizarre ordeal with his followers on Instagram, posting a picture of himself looking unimpressed inside the grey cubicle. He revealed that he had been stuck for 20 minutes while airport security struggled to free him. With a touch of sarcasm, he described the experience as “very impressive” and noted that the toilet flushed every 30 seconds, making for an unpleasant wait.
Nissan is on the brink of a leadership overhaul as reports indicate that CEO Makoto Uchida is set to resign within the week. According to sources, Uchida’s departure comes as the company continues to struggle financially and faces mounting pressure from increasing competition, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.
Since taking over in 2019, Uchida has led Nissan through a turbulent period following the high-profile exit of former CEO Carlos Ghosn. However, his inability to secure a merger with Honda, a move that was initially seen as a potential solution to Nissan’s ongoing challenges, has reportedly contributed to his departure. Internal sources suggest that significant personnel changes are expected, including at the top level. Among those being considered as potential successors are Chief Financial Officer Jeremie Papin, Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinos, and Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier. It remains uncertain whether the next CEO will be appointed on an interim or permanent basis.
Discussions between Nissan and Honda earlier this year over a potential merger fell apart due to disagreements regarding the structure of the partnership. Honda had proposed making Nissan a subsidiary rather than an equal partner, a condition that Nissan executives strongly opposed. With Uchida now on his way out, there is speculation that Nissan may be more open to reconsidering Honda’s investment, though a full subsidiary arrangement remains uncertain. Sources within Nissan suggest that talks are likely to resume with a focus on securing financial support while maintaining some degree of autonomy.
Born in the land of the Rising Sun, the Toyota Supra is not just a car, it’s an emotion, its culture and a testament to power. Over the years, the Supra has undergone several generations of development, each bringing advancements in technology, design, and engineering.
Originally introduced in 1978 as a variant of the Toyota Celica, the Supra quickly evolved into a standalone model, earning a reputation for its blend of reliability and high performance.
From its early days as a sleek, rear-wheel-drive coupe to its legendary status in the 1990s with the turbocharged fourth-generation (A80) model, the Supra became a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence. After a hiatus in the early 2000s, the Supra made a triumphant return in 2019, rekindling its legacy with a modern twist.
The current Toyota Supra, known as the A90 (and A91 for later variants), marks a thrilling chapter in the model’s storied history, blending modern engineering with nostalgic design cues. Unveiled in 2019, this fifth-generation Supra was developed in collaboration with BMW, sharing its platform and engine with the Z4 roadster. Which has led to people calling it the “BMW Supra.”
While this partnership sparked some debate among purists, the result is a car that delivers exceptional performance, agility, and cutting-edge technology.
Unleash the Power
The A90 GR Supra is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 388PS and 500Nm of torque. It also offers a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in some markets, catering to a broader audience. The car features a rear-wheel-drive layout, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, ensuring exceptional balance and agility. This allows the Supra to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds!
The power delivery is smooth yet explosive, with a satisfying growl from the exhaust that intensifies as you push the car harder. The Supra’s rear-wheel-drive layout and weight distribution make it an absolute joy to drive.
The chassis is stiff, the steering is precise, and the suspension strikes a fine balance between sporty firmness and everyday comfort. Whether you’re carving through winding roads or cruising on the highway, the GR Supra feels planted and responsive. After all, this was made to go up against Nissan’s Godzilla, the GTR, a rivalry that has been around for ages.
We cannot tell you exactly how fast we went in this beast but all we can say is, “The chicken was still warm.” If you are unfamiliar with that line, a quick Google search will show you why that was Jeremy Clarksons most popular line amongst the car guys.
A Nod to the Past, a Leap into the Future
The GR Supra’s design is a masterclass in blending heritage with modernity. Its double-bubble roof, muscular rear haunches, and ducktail spoiler are clear nods to the beloved A80 Supra of the 1990s.
Yet, the A90 stands on its own with sharp, aggressive lines, a low-slung stance, and aerodynamic details that scream performance. The front grille and LED headlights give it a futuristic edge, while the rear’s wide hips and taillights evoke a sense of raw power. It’s a car that turns heads everywhere it goes, whether you’re a Supra fan or not.
Inside, the GR Supra’s cabin is a blend of sportiness and modern luxury. The driver-focused layout puts all controls within easy reach, and the seats offer excellent support during spirited driving. While the interior shares some components with its BMW Z4 cousin, Toyota has added its own touches, such as Supra-branded details and a unique dashboard design.
The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a premium sound system. The digital instrument cluster provides all the essential information in a clean, modern layout. If you have ever owned or driven a BMW, these infotainment controls should not be an issue. If you are new to it, just play around with it for a few minutes and you will get the hang of it.
However, the cabin’s compact size and limited visibility may not suit everyone. If you are tall and big just like this writer, the low roofline might be an issue getting in and out of the car, making you look less sexy while doing so. Still, these are minor trade-offs for a car designed with performance in mind.
Driving Pleasure
The GR Supra is not just about straight-line speed; it’s about the overall driving experience. The car feels agile and nimble, with a level of feedback that makes every drive engaging. The turbocharged engine provides ample torque across the rev range, and the exhaust note is addictive without being overly intrusive. Although I wished that the exhaust note was a little louder for a small car with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine.
On twisty roads, the Supra shines. Its precise steering and well-tuned suspension inspire confidence, allowing you to push the car to its limits while feeling completely in control, even though it is a rear-wheel-drive car. The optional adaptive suspension further enhances the ride, adapting to different driving conditions with ease.
The GR Supra’s collaboration with BMW has been a point of contention for some enthusiasts. While the shared platform and engine have undoubtedly contributed to the car’s performance and refinement, some argue that it dilutes the Supra’s Japanese identity. However, Toyota has worked hard to infuse the Supra with its own character, and the result is a car that feels distinct and true to its heritage.
Living up to the Supra Name
For enthusiasts who grew up idolising the A80 Supra, the A90 is a dream come true. And for a new generation of drivers, it’s a gateway to the world of high-performance sports cars. The GR Supra isn’t just a revival—it’s a reaffirmation of Toyota’s commitment to performance and a reminder that the spirit of the Supra is alive and well.
The Toyota GR Supra is a modern classic in the making, blending heritage, innovation, and pure driving joy into one unforgettable package.
Would we buy one?
The simple answer is yes. Why? Well because we are fanboys of nameplates such as the Supra and Skyline, so owning these cars would feel just right. As long as Toyota keeps doing it right, we will keep buying them, and as for the A90 Supra, Toyota did it right.
If you have deep pockets and a burning passion for the Supra, the prices start from RM645,000 for the manual transmission and the auto transmission variant that we tested is RM655,000.
Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-six-cylinder
Power: 388PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 5000rpm
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Top speed: 249km/h
Price (As tested): RM655,000
We like: Power and handling
We don’t like: Small interior and low roofline
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