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Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed Concept: Open Two-Seater Without a Roof or Windscreen

In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the PureSpeed concept, an open two-seater performance car without a roof or windscreen. This radical design pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage and serves as a preview of the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Mythos series. The world premiere took place in Monaco on a floating pontoon, impressing racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

A notable feature is the HALO system, replacing the conventional A-pillar. Derived from Formula 1, it protects the driver’s head in accidents. The HALO is a bracket connected to the car’s body, aerodynamically optimised for safety. The concept includes specially designed helmets for an immersive Formula 1 experience. The interior features unique colours, equipment, and a custom IWC Schaffhausen clock on the dashboard.

The PureSpeed concept boasts a low silhouette and design elements inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. The visible carbon fibre parts contrast with the rounded shapes of the upper vehicle. Carbon fibre cladding on the wheels enhances aerodynamics, with closed rear wheel covers and open front wheel covers for optimal airflow and brake cooling.

The design includes a long bonnet, a low front end with a “shark nose,” and a wide lower air intake with AMG lettering. Transparent deflectors direct wind over the cockpit, while side-sill panelling and muscular rear shoulders merge into an elegant boot lid.

The paintwork, transitioning from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern, honours the victorious Mercedes car at the 1924 Targa Florio race. The number 10 on the front wings commemorates this historic win.

Limited to 250 units, it epitomises the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering a direct connection to the brand’s racing legacy and cutting-edge technology.

Kia Unveils the New EV3 Compact EV SUV – 201hp, 600km Driving Range

Kia has officially revealed the new Kia EV3, a compact EV SUV that combines bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, setting new standards in its segment. Drawing inspiration from the larger EV9 SUV, the EV3 offers a unique and immersive experience aimed at broadening the appeal of electric SUVs.

The EV3 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, blending the values of nature and modernity to create a dynamic and dramatic aesthetic. The front features vertical headlamps and an illuminated Kia logo, creating a wide, confident stance. The profile of the EV3 exudes strength and agility, with a sleek roofline transitioning into a hatchback-style tailgate. At the rear, the thick black trim line and simplified geometric rear lamps enhance the vehicle’s futuristic design.

The EV3 is available in nine body colours, including the exclusive Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The EV3 GT-line offers a more rugged appearance, with contrasting lower body trim and sportier design elements.

Inside, the EV3 offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people, with a focus on relaxation and functionality. The centre console features a sliding table and storage area, while a near-30-inch widescreen display provides seamless touch operation for climate control, entertainment, and navigation. The interior colours and materials are inspired by natural elements, with sustainable materials used throughout the cabin.

The EV3 is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and is available in Standard and Long Range variants, with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries respectively. Both models feature a 201hp electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h. The Long Range variant offers an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP), with fast-charging capability allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in approximately 31 minutes.

The EV3 includes a suite of advanced safety and driving assistance systems, such as eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects information on the windshield, minimizing driver distraction. The EV3 also features Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, enabling one-pedal driving for maximum energy efficiency.

The EV3 offers a range of connectivity and entertainment features, including Kia’s Premium Streaming service and in-car arcade games. The Harman Kardon audio system enhances the immersive experience. The SUVs AI Assistant, featuring generative AI, provides natural language interaction and supports travel planning, entertainment, and information search.

Kia’s global campaign for the EV3, ‘a moving power,’ emphasises the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The EV3 will be launched in South Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch in the second half of the year, with plans to expand to other regions thereafter.

Public Urged to Exercise Caution When Buying Used Imported Cars

The public is being urged to exercise caution when purchasing used imported cars to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous dealers. This warning comes from Ahmad Aliff A S Ahmad Shariffuddin, founder of SCRUT, who highlighted several common scams in the used car trade, such as odometer fraud, vehicles damaged in accidents, and cars affected by natural disasters like floods.

According to Sinar Harian, Ahmad Aliff pointed out that many dealers do not inform consumers about the true condition of the vehicle, even though it may look perfect externally without any visible flaws. He noted that attractive offers and unreasonably low prices often lure consumers into these deceptive deals. Ahmad Aliff emphasised that for decades, car buyers have been deceived by unscrupulous capitalists in the used vehicle market, and he advised consumers to be more savvy and thoroughly check the vehicle before proceeding with any transactions.

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Volkswagen to Unveil Golf GTI Clubsport at GTI Weekend

This weekend marks the start of a highly anticipated event for automotive enthusiasts as Volkswagen prepares to unveil the new Golf GTI Clubsport. Scheduled for the end of this month, this debut will take place in front of thousands of visitors at the ‘Ring Boulevard.’

The enhanced Golf GTI Clubsport is touted as the most powerful Golf with front-wheel drive, featuring a completely redesigned front end and revamped standard LED Plus headlights. Additionally, for the first time, the Volkswagen logo on the front will be illuminated.

The new model also boasts a large rear roof spoiler for maximum downforce and updated LED tail light clusters. The 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, reminiscent of the classic Detroit wheel from the fifth-generation Golf GTI, are a notable addition. Alternatively, buyers can opt for the 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels, which weigh only eight kilograms each, reducing unsprung mass and optimising performance.

Inside, the Golf GTI Clubsport is equipped with a newly developed multifunction leather sports steering wheel and an intuitive infotainment system designed to keep the driver focused on the road. The vehicle also features a new voice assistant, IDA, integrated with ChatGPT. Performance-wise, the turbocharged engine’s power and torque are managed by an electronically controlled front differential lock, with the optional DCC adaptive chassis control available for enhanced driving dynamics. The Special driving profile tailors the car’s systems to the Nürburgring Nordschleife’s unique characteristics, ensuring maximum performance on this iconic track.

The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, used by Max Kruse Racing in the 24-hour race, showcases the potential of the new model. Built on the production GTI platform by Volkswagen Motorsport, the race car is powered by a 348PS 2.0-litre turbocharged engine using bioethanol fuel E20, developed by Shell. This fuel, made with 40% renewable components, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional bioethanol fuels.

With a top speed of 270km/h and a weight-to-power ratio of 3.36 kg/PS, the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h delivers outstanding performance. The turbocharged engine generates 450Nm of torque, and the efficient E20 fuel ensures excellent power output. The driver lineup includes experienced racers like Benny Leuchter and Johan Kristoffersson, both with notable achievements at the Nürburgring.

The GTI Weekend will also feature a nostalgic element, with three first-generation classic Golf GTIs participating in the ADAC 24h Classic at the Eifel track. These cars, from the KWL Motorsport team celebrating its 45th anniversary, include a 1981 Golf GTI 16S Oettinger, a 1978 Golf GTI Kamei, and a 1980 Golf GTI with the ’50 years of Golf’ logo, all adding to the excitement and historic significance of the event.

Malaysian Automotive Market Faces Slowdown After Promising Start in 2024

Despite a robust beginning to the year, experts are anticipating a slowdown in the Malaysian automotive market’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) in the months ahead. The surge in consumer demand and festive season purchases that fuelled the industry’s momentum in the first four months of the year is expected to wane as 2024 progresses.

In 2023, Malaysia witnessed a record-high TIV of nearly 800,000 units, setting a benchmark for the industry. The positive trend continued into 2024, with the TIV for the first four months (4M24) growing by 8% to reach 260,236 units, compared to 240,417 units in the same period in 2023, as reported by The Star.

Angeline Chin, an analyst at TA Research, attributes the strong performance in April to the traditional spike in sales during the Hari Raya festive season. However, she anticipates a gradual slowdown in sales moving forward, with consumers adopting a cautious stance, particularly regarding electric vehicles (EVs).

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WTCA Unveils GAC AION Y Plus Electric Crossover – 204PS, 490km NEDC Driving Range

WTCA, a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and the exclusive distributor of GAC AION electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, has officially introduced the 2024 GAC AION Y Plus all-electric crossover model to the Malaysian market. The unveiling took place during the Press Day of the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, organised by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics & loT Institute (MARii) at MAEPS, Serdang.

Available in ‘Elite’ and ‘Premium’ variants, the GAC AION Y Plus marks WTCA’s debut in the EV segment with accessible price tags of RM119,800.00 (Elite) and RM135,800.00 (Premium). Malaysian consumers can choose from seven vibrant exterior colour options and five interior colour choices, providing a total of 35 combinations to suit individual preferences.

Both the Elite and Premium variants share the same front-mounted e-motor rated at 204PS and 225NM that drive the front wheels. This setup grants the GAC AION Y Plus with respectably zippy performance as demonstrated by its 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. Crucially, the e-motor is also endowed with versatility thanks to the offer of up to four selectable driving modes, including an ‘i-Pedal’ single-pedal driving mode.

For its exterior design, the GAC AION Y Plus merges both trendy SUV elements with a dash of high-tech intelligence. Key design touches include Angel Wing LED headlights, Skyline through-type LED taillights, powered stow-away door handles, a panoramic sunroof present across both variants, as well as 17-inch (Elite) and 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheels design.

Underpinning the AEP 2.0 dedicated EV platform, said construct also houses GAC’s innovative 63.2 kWh Magazine Battery 2.0. With each full charge, this lithium iron phosphate (LFP) type battery is capable at delivering up to 490km (NEDC) of driving range. As for charging, the both 6.6 KW AC (Type 2) and up to 80 kW DC fast-charging (CCS2) inputs are accepted.

The GAC AION Y Plus presents a spacious cabin packed with premium amenities and features tailored to diverse urban lifestyles. Its six-way power-adjustable driver seat ensures comfort, while the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation offers essential vehicle information at a glance. Keyless entry adds convenience, complemented by automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents and a built-in PM2.5 air filter for a pleasant interior environment.

Entertainment and connectivity are handled by a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, boasting Apple CarPlay functionality. The Premium variant elevates the experience with driver seat ventilation, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Ambient lighting with music mode enhances the cabin’s ambiance, while split-folding rear seats expand cargo space up to 1,200 litres.

Safety features include six airbags, ABS, VDC, HHC, 360-degree View Monitor, and TPMS, standard across both variants. The Premium variant further enhances safety with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, including ACC with Stop & Go function, FCW, AEB, LDW with LKA, and TJA.

The firm spent the last four months establishing its network of 21 new showrooms and service centres nationwide, and more are set to become operational within this year.