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Be the Next Bond: Revamped Aston Martin Vantage Now in Malaysia from RM2.37 Million

When we hear the name James Bond, Aston Martin definitely comes to mind. Now, even though we may not know who the next actor is to fill the shoes of Daniel Craig as Agent 007, we do know which is the latest Aston Martin to be launched here in Malaysia.

The revamped Aston Martin Vantage was unveiled in February of this year and has made its way to the Malaysian market. To afford this, your pockets must be as deep as Bond’s. Starting from RM2,3700,000 with duties & taxes and before options & customisations, this elevated Vantage could be yours.

The new Vantage boasts a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine at its core, now tuned to produce an impressive 665PS, a substantial increase of 153PS from its predecessor and 800Nm of torque. This power boost is achieved through meticulous adjustments, including new camshafts, enlarged turbos, and a modified compression ratio. Additionally, three extra heat exchangers and an enlarged oil cooler manage coolant and charge air temperatures more effectively, ensuring optimal engine performance.

Paired with the trusted 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, power is sent 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 contribute to the Vantage’s rigidity, with a revised underbody and repositioned front cross-member boosting torsional stiffness. A lighter and stiffer strut brace and improved rear rigidity further enhance chassis stiffness, allowing the new Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers to optimize handling and ride quality.

Software refinements 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 complemented by a high-performance braking system featuring front 400mm steel rotors with six-piston calipers 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 exudes sleek elegance, with clean lines and a spacious feel. Comfortable and supportive seats enhance the driving experience, while standard features include an 11-speaker audio system. Audiophiles can opt for the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins system with 15 speakers and 1,170W of power.

The Vantage also boasts Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with online connectivity. Enhanced navigation includes real-time traffic updates and dynamic routing, while wireless Apple CarPlay ensures seamless smartphone integration.

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

Despite these extensive enhancements, the essence of the Vantage remains unchanged – a timeless two-door GT car delivering a captivating driving experience.

For further customisations that extend beyond the extensive catalogue of optional accessories, Qby Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation services limited only by the imagination.

The new Aston Martin Vantage is now available for booking in Malaysia, as mentioned above, with a starting price of RM2.37 million before options and customisation. The retail price includes a three- year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage. This complements the Aston Martin ownership experience with vehicle lifetime protection for total peace of mind, subject to terms and conditions.

Economist Warns of Negative Impact of Fuel Price Volatility on Economic Growth

Economist Niaz Asadullah cautioned against the potential negative effects of fuel price volatility, including trader speculation and anticipated inflation, which could hinder economic growth.

According to FMT, he warned that powerful syndicates might exploit uncertainties, destabilising the market further, while the anticipation of future inflation could impact consumer spending and producer decision-making, affecting economic stability.

Niaz also highlighted the risk of delaying essential reforms if the government fails to adjust fuel prices promptly, potentially jeopardising pro-poor programs and undermining the goals of the Madani framework.

He emphasised the need for carefully sequenced subsidy cuts to allow both producers and consumers time to adapt, urging the government to improve policy communication to avoid confusion and panic among citizens and industry stakeholders.

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RapidKL to Add Over 300 New Buses

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced plans to enhance connectivity by increasing the number of buses on the road.

RapidKL has initiated tenders for adding over 300 new buses, while Prasarana aims to procure approximately 400 vehicles this year. Loke highlighted the importance of expanding bus fleets as a more viable option compared to overhauling mid-life buses.

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Transport Ministry and HRD Corp Join Forces to Train Lorry Drivers

The transport ministry is collaborating with the human resources ministry through an initiative by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to address the shortage of lorry drivers in Malaysia, according to FMT. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook highlighted the challenges posed by this shortage to various industries nationwide.

Loke mentioned that industries are currently facing a shortage of thousands of drivers and emphasised the need to train better drivers.

The collaboration with HRD Corp aims to utilise its funding mechanism to provide training for lorry drivers. This initiative will be complemented by the MyLesen program, which will subsidise the training and licensing costs for lorry drivers.

While urging industry players to collaborate with the transport ministry to facilitate job opportunities for trained drivers, Loke emphasised that the ministry will not intervene in determining wage structures, as these are determined by market forces. He noted that experienced drivers can earn around RM3,000, emphasising the potential for skilled drivers in the industry.

Porsche Taycan Recalled For Faulty Cells in Battery That Might Ignite

Porsche has confirmed the recall of several thousand electric Taycan models due to risks associated with their batteries potentially catching fire. The recall was initiated after identifying faulty cells in some batteries that could short-circuit and ignite.

Initially, 858 Taycans were recalled in January, but further checks revealed that additional vehicles could be affected. Porsche has now determined that 2,936 Taycans show anomalies requiring changes to the modules in their batteries. Another 4,522 Taycans have yet to be inspected and will need to be brought to repair shops for verification.

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ATM Redefines Commercial Vehicles with Foton eAumark Electric Truck Launch

Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), the sole distributor of Foton Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), Foton Auman, and JMC vehicles in Malaysia, is making strides to revolutionise the domestic logistics landscape with the official launch of three new trucks at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024.

Leading the lineup is the 2024 Foton eAumark, the first pure-electric light-duty truck officially available in Malaysia. This electric truck embodies all the key qualities that define the Foton Aumark, with the added benefit of pure electric propulsion for cleaner and more sustainable performance. The launch of the eAumark aligns with the commitment of ATM and its parent company, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, to fulfil Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in line with Malaysia’s shift towards green mobility.

The Foton eAumark boasts impressive specifications, including a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 154hp and over 900Nm of torque. Equipped with an 81.14kWh iron-phosphate battery, it offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 200km. The electric powertrain is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and offers 10kW of power to an ePTO port for attaching external equipment.

In addition to the eAumark, ATM introduces the 2024 Foton Aumark S Euro 4, which complies with Euro 4 emission standards mandated by the Malaysian government. Available in four- and six-wheel configurations, it features updated powertrains to meet Euro 4 and B20 biodiesel compatibility for improved operational efficiency.

Completing the lineup is the 2024 Euro 4 JMC Vigus Pro White Series 4×2, the latest variant in the JMC Vigus Pro product range. Powered by a 2.0-litre Puma four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, it offers modern amenities and high utility as an urban workhorse.

The Foton eAumark is priced at an introductory RM238,000 and comes with a comprehensive warranty, while the Foton Aumark S Euro 4 starts from RM98,400 and is backed by an industry-leading six-year/300,000km warranty. The JMC Vigus Pro White Series 4×2 is priced from RM89,999 and comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty.

All three models will be on display at Booth M14 at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024 until May 11, 2024. Interested parties can visit a showroom or contact the respective hotlines for more information.