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The Mustang car world has been abuzz in recent months as Ford seeks to reimagine the future of the Mustang while pushing further into the electric vehicle market. With Chevrolet’s Camaro reportedly eyeing an electric four-door version, the Ford Mustang stands alone as the last of the traditional American pony cars, and Ford seems eager to explore new frontiers for its iconic model.

In recent dealer meetings in Las Vegas, Ford revealed potential new Mustang concepts, including a family-oriented four-door version dubbed the “Mach 4” and a rugged, off-road variant tentatively called the “Baja.” The Mach 4, displayed as a rendering, hints at Ford’s desire to broaden the Mustang’s appeal, while the off-road model, shown in a photo, could offer Mustang enthusiasts a fresh take on performance.

Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, has previously stated that any new Mustang variant must maintain the performance and attitude of the original. These dealer presentations suggest that the Mustang lineup could expand in unprecedented ways, catering to a more diverse range of consumers. However, it remains unclear which model is closer to production, though the photo of the “Baja” version suggests it may be further along in development.

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The Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) voiced strong opposition to the European Commission’s proposed import duties of up to 36% on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), calling the move unfair and likely to escalate trade tensions between China and the European Union.

In a statement released earlier today, the CCCEU expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the European Commission’s “protectionist approach,” accusing the bloc of undermining free trade principles. According to the group, such measures would ultimately damage the European electric vehicle industry’s competitiveness by stifling global collaboration.

“The European Commission’s unjustifiable use of trade tools to obstruct free competition in the electric vehicle market will weaken the resilience of the European EV sector,” the CCCEU stated. They warned that the protectionist stance could lead to strained relations between the EU and China, casting a shadow over future cooperation on green initiatives and global development.

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Rimac Automobili is taking a bold step into uncharted territory by developing a track-only hypercar with a unique, centralised seating position, as confirmed by CEO Mate Rimac in a recent interview with Motor1. This upcoming car represents a significant shift for the Croatian automaker, which has previously focused on two-seater electric hypercars designed for road use.

Rimac Nevera

According to Mate Rimac, the new track car will push the boundaries of performance, aiming to be faster than any race car on most tracks, including those used for Formula 1 and Le Mans. Unlike Rimac’s existing models, such as the Nevera, this car will feature a closed-canopy cockpit built on an entirely new platform, separate from the Nevera’s architecture.

The CEO hinted that the car might be unveiled later this year, with track events scheduled for next year. Despite its track-only design, the car won’t adhere to any existing racing regulations like those governing Formula 1 or Le Mans Prototype (LMP) cars. While safety will be a priority, Rimac emphasised that the vehicle will be designed without constraints, allowing for unprecedented performance capabilities.

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McLaren Kuala Lumpur has just unveiled the new McLaren Artura Spider, a remarkable open-top variant of the Artura that takes the brand’s high-performance, electrified supercar to new levels of excitement. This is McLaren’s first-ever convertible featuring a high-performance hybrid powertrain and the second model in the Artura lineup. The Spider introduces significant upgrades in power, performance, and driver engagement while adding the immersive experience of open-top driving.

Priced from RM 3,400,000 (including duties) before options, the Artura Spider is now available for order. The car’s design and engineering have been refined to ensure a balance of supercar dynamics, comfort for regular driving, and the near-silent electric-drive benefits in urban environments.

The Artura Spider’s design focuses on driver engagement, agility, and efficiency. It features a retractable hard-top that operates in just 11 seconds, enhancing the supercar’s exhilarating performance. The car weighs just 1,560kg, making it the lightest among its convertible competitors, with a power-to-weight ratio that optimises every aspect of its high-performance capabilities.

The vehicle is built on the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), providing a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the roof is removed. The hybrid powertrain includes a recalibrated 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 700PS and a compact E-motor, offering an electric range of 33km.

The Artura Spider can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds; 0-200km/h in 8.4 seconds; 0-300km/h in 21.6 seconds; maximum speed of 330km/h!

The Artura Spider’s performance is further enhanced by new powertrain mounts, revised suspension, and advanced Pirelli CyberTMTyre technology. The eight-speed transmission now offers faster gear changes, and the car includes various driving modes to suit different conditions, including an all-electric E-mode for urban driving.


Visually, the Spider retains the Artura’s signature design elements, with the addition of all-new buttresses and a carbon fibre retractable hard-top, which can be configured with an Electrochromic glass panel for added luxury. Artura Spider’s retractable one-piece hard-top operates electrically in just 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 50km/h and the electrochromic roof panel is optionally available.

Inside, the HD touchscreen infotainment system facilitates configuration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS); smartphone mirroring to support Apple CarPlayis standard and wireless charging for enabled mobile devices available as an option.

 

In addition to the standard interior, there are three further interior specifications: Performance, which has a more sporting aesthetic; TechLux, where the focus is on the technical luxury that the name suggests; and Vision, which displays a more avant-garde and adventurous look and feel. 

An extended palette of exterior paints, some of which are available on the Artura for the first time, is introduced for the new Spider; twenty Elite colours are offered in addition to the standard five colours, with a further eighteen MSO colours also available.

Every new Artura comes as standard with a five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty; a six-year, 75,000km battery warranty and a ten-year anti-perforation body warranty. These warranties can be extended. A three-year service plan is also included, as is a five-year roadside assistance package.

With the Artura Spider, McLaren has introduced a convertible that combines the best of its pioneering engineering with the sensory pleasures of open-top driving, offering a versatile and immersive supercar experience.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia is bringing the patriotic spirit of Merdeka and Malaysia Day to life with an exclusive ‘Merdeka Book & Win’ promotion, running from 15 August to 30 September 2024. This exciting offer is designed to reward GWM Ora electric vehicle (EV) owners with the chance to win luxurious travel vouchers worth up to RM30,000, allowing lucky winners to embark on tropical escapes or international adventures in style.

How to Participate: To join the promotion, customers simply need to visit any official GWM Malaysia dealership to book and register a GWM Ora Good Cat or GWM Ora 07 before 31 October 2024. Registered owners will then be entered into a lucky draw for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced an extension of counter-operating hours by one hour in selected states, starting today, to better accommodate customer needs.

The extended hours will apply on Mondays and Fridays at JPJ branches in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang, while in Johor, the extension will be on Sundays and Thursdays. These days have been identified as having high customer traffic.

The initiative to extend operating hours will be gradually implemented in other states as well. A Governance Committee will also be established to focus on improving the quality of JPJ services, particularly at counters, to continuously monitor and enhance government service delivery.

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