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Italians have long been renowned for their mastery in crafting convertibles, and the new Pininfarina Battista Targamerica is a testament to this legacy. Debuting at Monterey Car Week, this bespoke open-top version of the electric hypercar is a stunning addition to Pininfarina’s illustrious portfolio.

The Targamerica is a one-off creation commissioned by a discerning client who already owns a Battista coupe. While the B95 Speedster was Pininfarina’s first convertible, the Targamerica marks the inaugural open-top version of the Battista. This special edition raises questions about why the Battista wasn’t initially offered as a convertible.

Remarkably, the Targamerica went from concept to reality in just one year, following the client’s commission at last year’s Monterey Car Week. Its striking silver with blue accents pays homage to the Ferrari Testarossa Spider—a unique convertible created in 1986 for Fiat heir Gianni Angelli. Noteworthy features of the Targamerica include a custom rear decklid and distinctive doors, as well as an integrated cigar humidor between the seats, catering to the client’s appreciation for cigars.

The Battista, the flagship model of Automobili Pininfarina—a division of India’s Mahindra based in Germany—is built on the Rimac Nevera’s platform. It boasts a staggering 1,900hp from its four electric motors, making it a formidable contender in the hypercar arena.

The Targamerica will be showcased at The Quail on Friday, with the client set to take delivery afterward. While Automobili Pininfarina has not disclosed plans for additional Battista convertibles, the Targamerica’s debut suggests that this may not be the last of such exclusive models.

Proton has officially launched the latest version of the Proton X70, which brings several notable upgrades and refinements to the SUV market. This new model builds on the strengths of its predecessor while offering enhancements in performance, design, comfort, and connectivity.

Under the hood, the new X70 features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177PS at 5500rpm and 255Nm of torque at 1500rpm. This engine includes improved combustion efficiency for cleaner emissions and enhanced performance. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) have been reduced, providing a quieter driving experience. Advanced thermal management optimises engine temperatures, reduces friction, and improves fuel efficiency through new transmission settings. Software updates in the Engine Management System (EMS) and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) further refine fuel consumption and overall efficiency.

The exterior design of the X70 has been refreshed with a new hood, fender, front bumper, and grille featuring an infinite weave diamond pattern with a chrome finish. It also includes LED headlamps with 47 LEDs for better illumination, a redesigned rear bumper, and new two-tone alloy wheels. A power tailgate with auto-open functionality enhances convenience.

Inside, the X70 now includes a 3-point shift lever, a new steering wheel, and a multicolour ambient lighting system with 72 colour options and three modes: single, breathing, and multicolour. Premium variants come with Stone Grey upholstery and Nappa leather seats.

The SUV boasts an advanced suite of safety technologies, including Walk Away Auto Lock, Nearby Auto Door Unlock, a 360 Camera Display, and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold. It features 13 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Level 2, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Centering Control.

NVH improvements include reduced gear whine and smoother operation from the new 7-Speed EVO300 Transmission. Enhanced insulation and noise suppression throughout the vehicle contribute to a more premium feel.

The upgraded infotainment system features a 12.3-inch screen with 1920×720 resolution, powered by a dual quad-core processor with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. The Proton Link app allows remote control of engine, windows, locks, and air conditioning. The “Hi Proton” voice command system manages various functions, while connectivity includes 3 USB Type-A ports and 2 USB Type-C ports, along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The new Proton X70 is available in Marine Blue (Flagship), Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red, and White.

Pricing for the four available variants are RM98,800 for thE 1.5 TGDi Standard, RM110,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Executive, RM123,800 for the 1.5 TGDi Premium and RM126,800 1.5 TGDi Premium X.

Early birds (first 3,000 customer) get RM7,000 cash rebate, trade-in overtrade support for RM2,800 and upgraded Proton insurance programme. Standard packages consist of 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, six times free labour service, financing interest rates from 2.4%PA and Proton insurance programme.

As the Proton Saga marks its 39th year of continuous production, the iconic Malaysian car has reached a significant milestone, recording 7,855 units sold last month. This impressive figure represents the highest single-month sales for the Saga since October 2013. Year-to-date (YTD) sales have risen by 8.8% compared to the previous year, totalling 42,693 units and setting the stage for a strong sales year ahead.

First introduced on July 9, 1985, the Proton Saga has now surpassed 2 million units in sales, affirming its status as the most popular model from a Malaysian automotive brand. The Saga’s enduring appeal lies in its reliability and affordability, qualities that have resonated with customers for nearly three decades.

Enhancing the Saga with Geely

Proton is actively collaborating with its partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), to explore enhancements to the Saga model. This partnership, which has been in place for years and strengthened by the recent establishment of the Proton R&D Centre in China, aims to build on the existing platform and introduce new model improvements.

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Toyota is reportedly preparing to reintroduce the iconic MR2 with a fresh, modern twist. According to Japan’s Best Car, Toyota is developing a new “mid-engined 4WD” vehicle that could bring back the MR2 nameplate, renowned for its sporty performance and distinctive design.

The upcoming MR2 is expected to feature a robust 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 400hp and 542Nm of torque. This powertrain will be paired with an all-wheel-drive system reminiscent of the GR-Four in the GR Corolla, marking a notable departure from the MR2’s traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration. Historically, the “R” in MR2 stood for “Rear,” reflecting its original rear-drive layout.

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In Brazil, Toyota is offering an unusual but intriguing option for customers looking for added protection: armoured Corollas.

Through a new partnership with local armouring experts Avallon, Carbon, Evolution Blindagens, and Parvi Blindados, customers can now have their Corolla sedan, Corolla Cross SUV, Hilux pickup, or SW4 (Fortuner) SUV armoured. This service is available for both new and used models (from the 2020 model year onward) before delivery.

Customers can arrange for their vehicle to be sent to their chosen armouring company via their local Toyota dealership. The armouring process involves reinforcing the bodywork with specialised materials and installing thicker windows to provide protection against small firearms, bats, and metal pipes.

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Smart Malaysia has announced the grand opening of its second dealership in Johor Bahru, a move aimed at enhancing the accessibility of electric vehicles (EVs) in the southern region of Malaysia. The new dealership, smart Johor Bahru 2, will be operated by AG Autoworld (EV), marking a significant milestone in smart Malaysia’s efforts to expand sustainable transportation options and foster community engagement.

Established in 1999, AG Autoworld (EV), now rebranded as smart Johor Bahru 2, is strategically located at 17&18, Jalan Tebrau, Kampung Wadi Hanna, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. With a history of excellence and numerous accolades, AG Autoworld recently received prestigious awards at the Proton 2024 Dealer Conference & Recognition Awards, including the Gold Award and top honours in Sales Volume and B&P Performance.

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