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Are You A Rebel? BMW Malaysia Wants You For The New X2! [+Videos]

BMW Malaysia will introduce the much-anticipated BMW X2 in Malaysia this week. The first-ever Premium Compact Sports Activity Coupe from the premium automaker goes above and beyond any rival past and present in the segment, bringing new dynamism and sheer driving pleasure to set a new and bold definition of cool to the segment. On that note, BMW Malaysia is Looking for Rebels with the First-Ever BMW X2 – The Ones Who Dare to Be Bold, Loud, Strong and Different.

The First-Ever BMW X2 is slated to be introduced on 21^st March 2018 but the Newest Premium Compact Sports Activity Coupe from the premium automaker can now already be pre-booked online with a chance to win one of a kind and exclusive experiences.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “We look forward to further boost the BMW X range here with the extroverted BMW X2. Our newest Premium Sports Activity Coupe will stand out from the crowd in any setting and will set a very distinct impression on the roads around the country. The First-Ever BMW X2 is for the Cool Rebels, the ones who will break boundaries and challenge the status quo further.”

Have a look at just how much fun this new X2 Coupe from BMW is, thanks to this video from EVO Aurizn, who drove the car in Portugal recently… presenter Beng is a bit of a rebel herself actually, how apt!

The First-Ever BMW X2 can be pre-booked at app.bmw.com.my/x2 from 16^th March to 20^th March 2018 with a booking fee of RM3,000.00. Successful applicants will also be in the running to win One of a Kind and exclusive experiences from BMW Malaysia, such as an opportunity to travel to the BMW Alpine xDrive Driving Experience in New Zealand, a place at the BMW M Track Day at the Sepang International Circuit and a spot in the Advanced Module Course of the BMW Driving Experience at the Sepang International Circuit.

Grand Prize – BMW Alpine xDrive at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.

The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds is an award winning automotive proving ground located in the South Island of New Zealand. The facility is one of the key locations in the world for the winter testing of vehicles.

BMW Malaysia is offering successful customers who pre-booked their New BMW X2 online and financed their vehicles through BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia a chance to win a trip to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds, New Zealand, from 26th June to 28^th June 2018 for the BMW Alpine xDrive Experience. Check out the videos below:

The highlights of the programme include a helicopter ride from the Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown to the grounds, a full day BMW snow driving experience which includes drifting, slalom, technical hill descents, ice driving, drag racing, and hot laps with qualified BMW Driver trainers.

Additionally, should the winner finance their first ever BMW X2 with BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the premium automotive financing company will also provide the winner with its Assurance Shield Programme, a complete life insurance product for the vehicle owner with the addition of coverage for the financing of the vehicle.

Tobias Eismann, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia in explaining the Assurance Shield Programme further said, “The insurance offering is attached to the vehicle owner in his or her registered name and offers not only complete life insurance protection but also protection for the payment of the vehicle for the security of the spouse and the family in the event of unfortunate circumstances.”

First Runner-Up – BMW M Track Day: Also up for grabs is the chance to drive a selection of BMW M vehicles on the Sepang International Circuit in conjunction with the upcoming BMW M Track Day programme later in the year. Check out the action thanks to AutoBuzz in the video above…

Second Runner-Up – BMW Driving Experience: An introduction to more skillful driving on the Sepang International Circuit. The Advanced Module of the BMW Driving Experience combines technology and driving skills to assess and overcome potential hazards in an exhilarating driving programme created to share safety and responsible driving techniques as part of BMW Malaysia’s Safety 360⁰ Programme. Have a look at what’s in store for you thanks to the video above by EVO Aurizn.

Epic Finale Set As Toyota Gazoo Racing Comes To A Close For 2018! [+Video]

The inaugural Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival is building up to a climactic finale as the championship crown in each of the Vios Challenge categories remain up for grabs until the chequered flag is waved for the final time this season at the Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) in Kuala Lumpur.

The decider that will be held on March 24^th and 25^thwill see all three class races of the Vios Challenge go down to the wire as the search continues for the very first champions of the series. You can read our previous coverage of the TGR Johor Bahru Round here.

“The essence of one-make racing has been reflected in the results we see today in the Vios Challenge. Newcomers, privateers and seasoned professionals have all had their share of the spoils in the winner’s circle, providing motor racing fans with some of the best high-quality racing we’ve seen in the country,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor Mr Ravindran K.

The battles in the Sporting and Super Sporting classes will be the most keenly watched with numerous drivers in contention for bragging rights as well as a shot at the brand new Toyota Vios that is being offered as the champion’s prize for each category.

Nineteen-year-old sensation Brendan Anthony who did not join the first race in Batu Kawan, Penang has consistently chalked up points in his subsequent races and is now just four points behind the sporting class championship leader and namesake Brendon Lim.

Rally sensation Kenneth Koh managed to stay out of trouble in the third Vios Challenge event held in Medini City, Johor in January has scored two useful podium finishes. He is a mere 12 points off the leader’s tally of 75 points. With 20 points awarded for a win, Koh has every chance of snatching the trophy from the Anthony and Lim.

In the Super Sporting Class, Tengku Djan survived various incidents in both his races at Medini City, Johor to hold a slender four-point lead in the championship over nemesis William Ho.

William also enjoyed a good run in Johor as he came away with one win and a third place, moving him up to second with 72 points. Third in the class is M7 Racing Team’s Syafiq Ali who put in some brilliant performances in Johor and sits 16 points behind Djan.

In the Promotional Class, Shawn Lee chalked up wins in almost every race except for one in MAEPS. While he enjoys a commanding lead in the series, he could still be overhauled by the on-form Shukri Yahaya who trails by 18 points. A non-finish in any of the final races by the beat-boxer would easily level any advantage he currently enjoys.

Despite facing less pressure to prove their worth as racing drivers, celebrities including Danny Koo, Diana Danielle, Fattah Amin, Geraldine Gan, Janna Nick, Shukri Yahaya and Venice Min have all shown renewed determination in Johor. Their on-track challenges have shown no lack of quality and can be expected to spoil the party for Shawn.

Entrance to the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival’s Season 1 Finale remains free and there will be lots of activities, food, games and prizes throughout the weekend. To keep up to date on the developments of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge, members of the public should follow Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor on their homepage, FB and instagram. Check out the Drift Show at the JB round in January!

BIKES: Naza Premira Launches Vespa GTS SUPER 300! [+Video]

Boasting 21.2bhp and 22Nm of torque from a ‘Quasar’ liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 278cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine, Naza Premira, the official importers of Vespa scooters in the country has just launched the GTS Super 300! Here’s the walk-around video:

Still holding true to the unique and much-loved Vespa styling, the GTS 300 comes with a host of modern tech including a 4-stoke engine with immobilizer, Bike Finder, adjustable twin-shocks, 2-channel (front & rear) ABS, Anti-slip Regulation Traction Control, USB ports for charging, electronic remote saddle opening, LED headlight and single-arm front suspension.

Riding on 12-inch wheels, the GTS 300 weighs only 160kgs, and retails for RM28,202 on-the-road including insurance. Stay tuned for our review of this attractive new scoot coming soon! – Chris Wee.

Vespa GTS SUPER 300 Photo Gallery…

Lexus Malaysia Introduces New LS 500! [+Videos]

The Lexus LS was the first model introduced by the new premium brand in 1989, aimed squarely at taking on the German luxury car market, particularly the Mercedes-Benz W126, then dubbed ‘The Best Car In The World’. As the flagship of the Lexus range, the LS has always been a technological leader as well as setting and raising benchmarks in its class. Craftsmanship and refinement have been hallmarks of the LS as well as other Lexus models, complemented by the renown ‘Lexus Experience’ offered to owners and would-be owners…

Every Lexus LS is produced at the Lexus factory in Tahara, Japan, by only the most skilled personnel. Since 1989, four generations of the LS have been introduced; each designed to exceed the expectations of customers. Here’s the 360-degree walk-around video of the new LS during the launch recently:

Although initially developed with the American market in mind, the LS has since become a global model sold in 90 countries.

The fifth and latest generation was introduced at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, after having been ‘previewed’ as the LF-FC concept two years earlier. The new model was developed with the objective of exceeding expectations by delivering a new level of flagship luxury in every aspect. To achieve this, the Lexus team started totally from scratch by re-imagining what a flagship sedan should be, as if launching the brand all over again. See what that means from this video by EVO Aurizn…

Like the LC 500 coupe, the latest LS sits on the GA-L (Global Architecture―Luxury) platform which will be used for all rear-wheel drive models in coming years. The GA-L platform is the stiffest in Lexus history, setting the stage for enhanced handling, ride smoothness and cabin quietness.

For the Malaysian market, three variants of the LS are available – the LS 500 Luxury, LS 500 Executive and LS 500h Executive with a Lexus Hybrid Drive, and prices start at RM799,000. Customers have a choice of up to 11 exterior colours and 6 interior colours/trims (depending on variant).

This generation of the LS sees an all-new twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine specifically developed for the model. This engine has an undersquare design for improved thermal efficiency coupled with twin turbochargers, and has benefitted from the company’s technology developed for F1 racing. This new LS engine is indicative of the more dynamic approach being taken by Lexus, offering V8-level power in a more compact package with efficiency and refinement.

The new LS engine offers the output one would expect in a flagship sedan: 310 kW/415 hp with 600 Nm of torque, significantly higher than the previous naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, mated to a 10-speed auto transmission,.

The engine’s long stroke, optimized bore-to-stroke ratio, increased valve angle, straight intake ports and laser-clad intake valve seats developed using performance simulations based on F1 technology combine to yield world top-level high-speed combustion technology and thermal efficiency. The twin turbochargers were designed and produced in-house to control tolerances and quality.

Of particular noteworthy mention are the cost-option “Kiriko” Glass door-panel inserts. Only a handful are crafted each month and four panels replete with hand-woven fabric inserts will set you back almost RM100,000. No, that’s not a typo.

For the FULL details on the new Lexus LS 500 click this: PRODUCT INFORMATION – Lexus LS500 (Word)

For the FULL Lexus LS brochure in PDF, click here: LS 500 FMC E-Brochure-ALL-FA

Lexus LS 500 Photo Gallery… (some additional launch photos by Fairuz “Subsy” Tiberius)

Lamborghini Urus Officially Launched In Malaysia [+Videos]

Automobili Lamborghini recently held the APAC premiere of its new Lamborghini Urus in Malaysia at the Alya Sime Darby showroom. The event will mark the Urus’ first appearance in Malaysia, and the region.

Its global premiere was at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese in December 2017. Touted as the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle (SSUV), the Urus carves a new niche for the brand in the luxury segment, setting new benchmarks across performance, driving dynamics and design.

The Urus was built upon a visionary approach that combines the Lamborghini DNA with the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. Here’s the promo video played at the recent launch:

The Urus also elevates the SUV to an unprecedented level – to be a Super SUV – with its power, performance, design, driving dynamics as well as daily usability in a range of environments.

“The Urus is expected to drive significant sales volume in 2018. Feedback from our customers has been very positive and some have already placed orders for the first allocation of units in 2018″ said Andrea Baldi, General Manager of Lamborghini Asia Pacific.

Marcus Chye, Chief Operating Officer of Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur added, “Malaysian buyers are some of the most discerning in the world. We are confident that they will appreciate the Urus as a true Lamborghini in design, dynamics and emotional excitement. All this while offering a new dimension in everyday ease of use and comfortable luxury”.

Here’s the full launch video plus 360-degree walk-around:

Lamborghini Urus SSUV Stuff That Matters…

Design, performance, driving dynamics and driving emotion – pure Lamborghini DNA
Suitable for everyday driving in a range of environments
4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine with 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque for maximum performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and top speed 305 km/h
4WD system with active torque vectoring and four-wheel steering for perfect handling
440mm Carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization for maximum safety and comfort
Up to six different driving modes + EGO mode available via ‘Tamburo’ driving dynamics selector

Here’s the official Urus promo video from Automobili Lamborghini, and for more info log on to www.lamborghini.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1pEPoYi8Y

A word from Automobili Lamborghini…

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 4 December 2017 – Automobili Lamborghini launches its third model the Lamborghini Urus, the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, and creates a new niche in the luxury segment with benchmarking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability.

“The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments,” says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers.”

The Urus features a 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.

The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available.

Urus: a multi-faceted personality

The Lamborghini Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers. Its low-line coupé styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies.

The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments. The Lamborghini Urus has a dual personality: it is multi-dimensional. It can be specified to be as sporty or as elegant as the owner wishes, and can equally be used as a daily luxury drive or provide an exhilarating super sports experience.

Lamborghini Urus Photo Gallery…

Happy 80th Birthday Volkswagen Beetle!

Eighty years. Yup, that’s how long the VW Beetle has been around. It’s one of the most iconic cars in automotive history – recognised and loved by many for its distinct shape, which really hasn’t changed much in eight decades, and rich heritage.

This year, the Beetle celebrates its 80th birthday, and Volkswagen Malaysia (VPCM) is celebrating with a nationwide dealer celebration and everyone is invited. The nationwide birthday celebration will take place on the 17th of March, Saturday at all authorized Volkswagen dealers from 11am till 5pm.

Visitors at the party will be able to test drive the Beetle Sport 1.2TSI (above & below) and enjoy fun themed activities and refreshments for the whole family. Those who take part in the test drive will also stand a chance to win a lucky draw price of a LEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen Beetle at the dealership. Check out our review of the Beetle Sport here.

The Beetle Sport is priced from RM147,888 and is available in a variety of colours that will delight owners – Bottle Green (above), Pure White, Tornado Red, Blue Silk, Dark Bronze and Habanero Orange.

The Beetle comes with paddle shifters, cruise control, 2-zone Climatronic air-conditioning system, 6.5” Composition media with touch screen display with App-Connect, leather trim “Vienna” seats with front seat lumbar support, bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

A 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI engine with an output of 105PS with a maximum torque of 175Nm under the hood mated to 7-speed DSG automatic transmission ensures an exhilarating ride with every drive.

Customers can enjoy a rebate of RM5,000 for a Beetle, as well as cash rebates of up to RM15,000 on other Volkswagen models. All Volkswagen models registered from the 1st of January 2018 also come with a 3-year (or 45,000km, whichever comes first) free maintenance package.

For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my