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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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Shinji Aoyama, Honda’s Global Executive Vice President, has revealed that the company is planning to produce a sporty electric vehicle in the coming years, potentially reviving the legendary NSX nameplate. Speaking at a media roundtable during Monterey Car Week, Aoyama hinted at the possibility of this new electric sports car being launched between 2027 and 2028.

“We are going to introduce the sports model in 2027 or 2028,” Aoyama stated. “We may not call it NSX. It’s kind of an NSX type of vehicle,” according to a report.

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Mercedes-AMG is marking a significant milestone in motorsport history this year by celebrating 130 years of racing excellence under the iconic three-pointed star. The celebration pays tribute to the first-ever automotive competition, held on July 22, 1894, from Paris to Rouen, where a Daimler-licensed engine claimed victory.

To commemorate this anniversary, Mercedes-AMG introduced the highly exclusive GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, which debuted at the Automotive Week in Pebble Beach, California. This limited-edition car, created under the theme “Racing Legend Remastered,” bridges two legendary eras of motorsport by blending cutting-edge racing technology with the timeless design of 1950s racing cars. With a potent engine, this non-homologated model is the most powerful GT3 vehicle ever produced in Affalterbach, and it stands as the final GT3 version to feature a naturally aspirated engine. Only 13 units of this collector’s item will be available worldwide.

Performance and Aerodynamics: Advanced Features

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport goes beyond the standard homologation requirements, allowing the iconic 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine to be further refined. Without the constraints of an air restrictor and equipped with a specialised exhaust system, the engine now produces an impressive 680hp. The car’s aerodynamics have also been enhanced, resulting in a 15% increase in downforce compared to the base GT3 model. This improvement comes from a redesigned front splitter, new air outlets in the front wings, modified side skirts, an upgraded underfloor, and a re-engineered rear diffuser.

A wider rear wing, combined with the innovative Drag Reduction System (DRS) inspired by Formula 1® and DTM Class 1, allows the car to achieve top speeds exceeding 315km/h. This system adjusts the main rear wing element to reduce drag at the touch of a button, with active front-floor elements ensuring the aero balance is maintained. The braking system, featuring carbon brake discs, further contributes to weight reduction and performance, making the Edition 130Y Motorsport model lighter and more agile than its homologated counterparts.

Power delivery is managed through a sequential six-speed racing transmission with modified gear ratios, while the transaxle transmission is mounted on the rear axle for enhanced stability. Fully adjustable 4-way motorsport shock absorbers and advanced safety features, including a carbon fibre safety cell, five-point harness, steel roll cage, and a comprehensive fire extinguishing system, round out the vehicle’s high-performance package.

Track Record: Setting New Standards

After two years of meticulous development and rigorous testing, Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon showcased the exceptional capabilities of the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia on February 17, 2024. Driving a prototype, Gounon shattered the GT car lap record by an impressive 2.074 seconds, clocking in at 1 minute and 56.605 seconds on the 6.213km circuit.

Design: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Drawing inspiration from the legendary 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 racing sports car, the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport features a design that honours the past while embracing the future. The special edition boasts a unique silver paint finish reminiscent of the iconic Silver Arrows, with blue rhombuses on the front wings and a colour-accented radiator grille harkening back to historic racing victories.

The car is equipped with lightweight 18-inch magnesium rims and extensively incorporates carbon fiber elements, blending classic design cues with modern racing technology. Inside, the connection between tradition and innovation continues, with the interior drawing aesthetic inspiration from the 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 models. This is evident in the blue checkered seat upholstery and brown leather headrests and door loops, while advanced technologies like the Bosch DDU 10 cockpit display enhance driver control and experience.

Exclusivity: A Complete Package for Collectors

Each of the 13 GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport models comes with an extensive and bespoke delivery package. This includes a specially designed vehicle cover, a full set of personalised racing gear co-created with Mercedes-AMG’s official partner PUMA, and a custom helmet from BELL. Additionally, buyers receive a stylish bag matching the car’s seat cover design and a 1:8 scale model of the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport. To certify the vehicle’s authenticity, an exclusive, personalized certificate is included, further cementing its status as a prized collector’s item.

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, the sportiest model in the Maybach brand’s history, introduces a refined blend of luxury and performance. This open-top two-seater debuts with two curated design concepts: the Red Ambience, featuring an obsidian black metallic and Manufaktur garnet red metallic finish, and the White Ambience, with obsidian black metallic contrasting against Manufaktur opalite white magno.

The exterior and interior of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 are meticulously crafted with the Maybach pattern as a cohesive design element. The car’s interior is adorned with sustainably tanned, crystal white Manufaktur Exclusive Nappa leather and gleaming silver chrome trim.

This luxurious ambience is complemented by the illuminated brand-specific chrome-finished radiator grille and Maybach lettering, along with a distinctive bonnet featuring a chromed fin.

The car’s performance is powered by a 4.0-litre biturbo engine delivering 585hp, paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Enhanced driving and acoustic comfort are ensured through noise-optimised exhaust systems, extensive insulation, and a comfort-oriented suspension setup.

In conjunction with the launch, Maybach Icons of Luxury will offer an exclusive collection inspired by the vehicle’s materials and colours. This collection, available in boutiques and online, includes a leather jacket, sneakers, a scarf, a tote bag, and a dog bag, all designed to complement the opulent style of the Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series.

The market rollout of this luxurious model begins in Europe in the spring of 2025, with other markets to follow.

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