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If you happen to be at the Karma Automotive flagship store in Newport Beach, California, they’re now accepting cryptocurrency like Bitcoin as a form of payment. The company’s main focuses are creating super luxurious electric supercars and high-tech incubators for the rich and famous. (more…)

Following the launch of the new Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup EDC by TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the Renault Sport Track Day made a comeback with a twist – it was run as a night session at the Sepang International Circuit. During the session, a total of 30 Renault Sports owners tested their personal skills and car performance as they tried to complete as many laps as possible within the allocated time.

Renault Track Day 2019

With safety being a top priority for TCEC and Renault, only experienced drivers were allowed to drive on the track by themselves while first-time track drivers were accompanied by a professional instructor.

TCEC also conducted a timed run of the Megane R.S. 280 Cup EDC. The new model bettered the previously recorded lap time of the Megane R.S. 265 Cup by 3 seconds – 2:38  vs 2:41.

Renault Megane R.S. 280 cUP

BHPetrol

About the Megane R.S. 280 Cup
Having set a benchmark in the world of high-performance hatchbacks, the Megane R.S. is officially back in Malaysia in its latest form. Available with the Cup chassis, it now comes with a 6-speed automatic Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available as an option.

Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup

New features and technologies include the 4CONTROL 4-wheel steering system – a world first-in-segment technology that further improves cornering efficiency; 4 rally-inspired hydraulic compression stops to all shock absorbers; a new 4-cylinder 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that delivers maximum power of 280 ps/390 Nm; and a new Torsen mechanical and limited-slip differential.

Another new feature is the 5-door variant in place of the previous 3-door one. The new signature colour is Orange Tonic but if you don’t like it, you can still ask for the classic Liquid Yellow finish.

Renault Megane R.S. 280 cUP

The new Megane R.S. 280 with a manual gearbox retails at RM279,888 while the EDC-equipped variant will require RM299,888 (both prices without insurance included). Each new unit from TCEC comes with a 3-year/100,000-km warranty (whichever comes first).

For more information about the new Megane R.S. 280 Cup and other Renault models available in Malaysia, visit www.renault.com.my.

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BHPetrol

Fans of the Japanese kei-cars will be familiar with the Daihatsu Copen, a compact model like a miniaturised roadster. Like the Suzuki Cappuccino, it was mainly for the Japanese domestic market although there were exports. The original Copen was on sale from 2002 to 2012 and then there was a lapse of 2 years before the second generation appeared in 2014. There was a rumour that, some years back, Perodua had asked Daihatsu to consider selling it in Malaysia but it was probably not feasible from the volume point of view (especially if it was a CBU import subjected to high taxes).

 

Daihatsu Copen
Daihatsu Copen

Copen GR Sport

First ‘GR’ developed sportscar
The second generation continues to be on sale but now Toyota has adopted the model and got TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to further develop it. It is the first sportscar that is ‘GR’ developed, drawing on the knowledge and experience gained through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motor sports activities.

The move is probably with strong ‘guidance’ from Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who must like the little 2-seater convertible sportscar. Ever since becoming President, he has been trying hard to rekindle the passion for cars among the younger generation.  So a car like the Copen GR Sport, as the model will be known, might attract interest, especially with a pricetag that starts (in Japan) from 2,380,000 yen (around RM92,000).

Copen GR Sport

Enhanced driving dynamics
Toyota does not make minivehicles, leaving that segment to Daihatsu, so it has nothing like the Copen GR Sport in its line-up. But more importantly, its driving dynamics have been enhanced by Toyota GAZOO Racing so it would be even more appealing and satisfying to the enthusiast driver.

Copen GR Sport

Specifically, development has focused on body rigidity and suspension tuning. Optimal body rigidity balance has been achieved by adding the front brace and changing the shape of the centre brace. The suspension spring rate was optimized for the body rigidity, requiring time and effort and in combination with a dedicated shock absorber, a smooth ride with supple movement, and the feeling of the tyres gripping the ground was pursued. The BBS forged-aluminium wheels are exclusively designed for the Copen GR Sport.

In addition, the electric power steering is specially tuned for the Copen GR Sport, taking into account its size and weight (980 kgs). The aim of the engineers has been ‘ to offer the pleasure of being able to use the engine power to the max because it is a minivehicle, and the superior comfort of controlling the vehicle at will, which is like a lightweight sportscar in everyday life’.

Copen GR Sport

Copen GR Sport

The engine is the same type as in the Daihatsu Copen, a 660 cc 3-cylinder long-stroke unit powering the front wheels. With turbocharging and an intercooler, the power output is 64 ps/92 Nm and customers can choose to have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT.

Design prioritizes functionality
The front face uses the ‘Functional MATRIX’ grille, which is the GR icon, with horizontal and vertical elements key to the design. A large opening lower grille contributes to improved cooling performance and an under-spoiler-shaped front bumper contributes to improved driving performance while emphasizing the low centre of gravity and wide and low styling. Aerodynamic performance was improved by rectifying the air by extending the bumper side and setting the front bumper air outlet.

Copen GR Sport

The interior (only available in black) features special Recaro seats and dedicated self-lighting triple meters. A special piano black-toned decorative centre cluster creates a sophisticated atmosphere. In addition, the powered Active Top roof is standard equipment so every owner can enjoy topless motoring.

Copen GR Sport

As a GR model, the Copen GR Sport will obviously be at Toyota dealerships in Japan with the GR Garage, a retail feature intended to create a regular ‘hangout’  for sportscar enthusiasts and car fans. Outside Japan, the only country that currently has such a concept is Malaysia, so it is possible that we will see the Copen GR Sport alongside the new Supra.

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BHPetrol

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled two new models to further diversify its latest-generation compact car offering here in Malaysia in the form of the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive Line and Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Style. (more…)

It was a day to remember for Neeraj Kumar N Krishna Kumar as he was announced the first grand prize winner of the ‘Menangi 3 BMW X3’ contest currently ongoing by the good folks from Shell and BonusLink. Mr Neeraj came all the way from Penang to personally receive his brand-new BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury, a premium SUV currently on offer by BMW Group Malaysia. (more…)

Today is the last day you have a chance to win a share of the RM500,000 worth of cash prizes and ePoints in BHPetrol’s Pump/Shop & Win Merdeka Contest. Entries for the contest, which began on August 15, 2019, will only be accepted up till the end of today (Tuesday October 15, 2019).

The prizes awaiting winners are:
a) 6 x Grand Prizes of RM62,000.00, and 62,000 ePoints
b) 6 x Special Prizes of RM6,200.00, and 10,000 ePoints
c) 62 x Consolation Prizes of RM1,000.00, and 5,000 Bonus ePoints

BHPetrol station

How do you enter? Just make a purchase of at least RM40.00 of BHPetrol fuel (petrol or diesel) at any participating BHPetrol service stations and/or any shop items at the BHPetromart of the participating service stations. Purchases of flour, cooking oil, sugar, tobacco, and reloads of Touch’nGo and ePay are excluded.

Get an original BHPetrol sales receipt for the purchases and ask for a contest entry form to which the receipt must be attached. The contest entry form contains questions which must be answered in order to be an eligible winner, and contact details must be entered. The entry forms can be dropped into contest boxes provided at the participating BHPetrol service stations.

bhpETROL
Just RM40 of BHPetrol fuel before today ends could get you RM62,000!

Winners will be selected based on a manual lucky draw by BHPetrol. The first 62 entries with the correct answers drawn from all the entries will each win a Consolation Prize. The next 6 entries with the correct answers drawn from the balance of all entries will each win a Special Prize. The last 6 entries with the correct answers drawn from the balance of all entries will each win a Grand Prize.

The ePoints (bonus prize) referred to above are strictly only for BHPetrol eCard members and are not transferable, non-refundable and not exchangeable for cash.

Contest winners will be notified by November 15, 2019 via the contact number or email address as provided on the Contest Entry Form. The results will also be published for public viewing at www.bhpetrol.com.my.

You still have time to drop by at a BHPetrol station to get an entry in. Good luck!

BHPetrol

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