After seeing the jaw dropping Aston Martin Valkyrie making its first public debut at the recent 2019 British Grand Prix, the premium car manufacturer has released a short snippet of the car taking flight for the first time with its brethren in arms, the 1160hp Aston Martin Valhalla. (more…)
Although car companies are in the business of selling motor vehicles and being profitable for their shareholders, there are also time when they take time off from their business to do good deeds for society. Isuzu Malaysia, for example, recently formed a team to participate in the Kuching Marathon 2019 and raised funds for charity while doing so.
Team Isuzu, comprising management and staff of Isuzu Malaysia with members of the media, ran various distances in the event as part of their efforts to raise funds for local charity. “It was a tremendous effort by the team to participate in the marathon and to raise funds for charity. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this, particularly members of the media who have been extremely supportive of the cause,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.
Pledges by Isuzu dealers
The funds were partly raised through pledges by Isuzu dealers in Sarawak including Dai Max Automobile, KM Mobil and Rhino Motors who were also represented at the ceremony by Terry Tiong Ung Hung, Tan Kim Hoon and Amy Lim, respectively. Mr. Nakamura, accompanied by members of Team Isuzu, handed over mock cheques of the funds raised to Hope Place Kuching and Persatuan OKU Kuching.
International event
The Kuching Marathon is an annual road race competition which was inaugurated in August 2014. It consists of full marathon of 42 kms, half marathon of 21 kms, run of 10 kms and 5 kms, respectively. The route takes in Kuching’s picturesque Waterfront, the Fort, Astana, the cat statues, Tua Pek Kong and of course, Kuching’s most iconic building, the DUN. It is now an international road race recognized by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
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It’s taken 8 years for Marco Diez to realise his reimagined 1963 Jaguar E-Type Coupe, originally a stripped-down racing car that he regards as ‘one of most beautiful automobiles ever made’. On display this weekend at The Quail, a motorsports gathering during Monterey Car Week in California, the car was inspired by the legendary 1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe ‘49FXN’.
It was known as project ‘OWL226’ because of its California registration and was designed by Diez who painstakingly recreated the original body and drivetrain while refining the car’s fit, finish and interior.
Exacting process to have original appearance
Built in collaboration with Fast Cars Ltd. and UK coachbuilders RS Panels, the E-Type Low Drag Coupe was created through an exacting process that strove to replicate the construction and appearance of the original 49FXN as it would have looked when first designed.
The build process was so meticulous that many of the screws were machined specifically for the project, while the interior was built far above and beyond the elegant standards of a Jaguar roadcar of the day.
“Unveiling this car at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering was the culmination of nearly a decade’s work,” said Diez. “This Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe has been a passion project. I believe ‘49FXN’ is the one of most beautiful automobiles ever made, so to take inspiration from that and make it my own is a dream come true.”
Same powertrain as 1963 model
The Low Drag Coupe also features much of the same running gear as the original including a 3.8-litre straight-six competition engine – this one a modern example by Crosthwaite and Gardiner that produces 380 bhp. The car also features a unique ram-air intake to feed air to the side draft Weber carburettors, just like the original.
While the original was a stripped-down racing car, Diez sought to make this car equally as beautiful and tasteful on the inside as it is on the outside. The interior is almost entirely custom-made due to the unique dimensions of the Low Drag when compared to other E-Types. From bespoke gauges, custom seats and a custom roll-bar with integrated headrests to the custom-machined steering wheel and one-off air-conditioning system, the car is a wealth of fine details.
With a background in architecture and product design, Diez has curated a collection of refined and timeless automobiles, each with custom designs penned by himself. While each car retains its original spirit and overall character, details have been changed in an effort to reinterpret and aesthetically enhance the cars. ‘OWL226’ is just the first of many automobiles to come out of Diez Concepts.
There’s no denying the fact that the future of mobility has its foot firmly planted in electricity and more companies are coming up with their very own versions of the ultimate electric vehicle. One particular start-up company from Silicon Valley called Drako Motors has a slightly different vision in mind with their recently introduced 2020 Drako GTE, an electric four-door sedan with 1,200hp. (more…)
If you’re looking for the ultimate and rare supercar, McLaren Kuala Lumpur has just the option for you with their latest McLaren 720S Spider. Priced at RM1.218 million, there are only 3 units available for the Malaysian market and if you happen to buy one, we would like to be your best friends. (more…)
Each person has their special days – birthdays, anniversaries, etc – which they celebrate each year. But for all Malaysians, August 31 is celebrated by everyone to mark the day when the country became independent in 1957. Many companies have special activities or in the case of Proton, create something special for the occasion.
62 units for 62nd year
For this year’s 62nd Merdeka celebration, the Malaysian carmaker has created its first limited production SUV – the X70 Merdeka Edition. Only 62 units are available at RM126,100 each. Customers can choose from two exterior colour choices – Snow White or Flame Red.
The number of units available naturally coincides with the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Proton expects that all units will be taken up during August, especially since demand for the X70 continues to be high.
Similar spec level to Premium variant
Mechanically, the X70 Merdeka Edition is identical in specification to the Premium variant of the SUV. The exclusive items are the exterior styling package and some additional interior trim.
For the exterior, a signature paint finish called Quartz Black has been added to the roof and A-pillar. Door visors have also been added all-around together with a rear bumper scuff plate and, as a finishing touch, a customised Merdeka Edition emblem has been mounted on the tailgate.
Unique numbered emblem for each unit
Inside, there are exclusive floormats, a mat in the cargo area and a special numbered Merdeka Edition emblem to identify each unit uniquely. The Nappa leather seats and glass roof along with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) found on the Premium variant are all present in the Merdeka Edition.
“The Proton X70 Merdeka Edition was born out of Proton’s desire to celebrate Malaysia’s Merdeka anniversary month. We are extremely thankful for the support Malaysian car buyers and the Malaysian government have shown to Proton, so this is the company’s way of creating a special version of the Proton X70 as a small gesture of thanks to all Malaysians,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
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Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom in Malaysia to see the various models available
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