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The new BMW M2 CS has redefined expectations in the compact sports car segment with a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On 11 April 2025, BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger piloted the latest generation of the M2 CS around the legendary 20.823km circuit in just 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds. This performance shaved a full eight seconds off the previous record in the compact category and improved upon Weidinger’s own best time in the previous M2 model by 13 seconds.

This achievement not only places the M2 CS at the forefront of its class but also adds another milestone to BMW M’s storied legacy of performance excellence on one of the world’s most demanding circuits. The Nürburgring, often dubbed the ‘Green Hell’, is considered the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, with over 70 corners testing a car’s dynamics, stability, and engineering prowess. Each record attempt is closely supervised and verified by independent testing authorities, ensuring all vehicles remain in production-spec condition.

Weidinger’s new lap time surpasses the benchmark previously held by the BMW M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS—three mid-size models that had all previously dipped below the 7:30-minute barrier. Among them, the M4 CSL remains the fastest production car in BMW Group history, with an officially notarised time of 7:18.137 minutes.

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Hyundai Motor Company is set to make headlines at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed on 10 July 2025, where it will officially unveil the highly anticipated IONIQ 6 N. As excitement builds ahead of the global premiere, the company has offered a first glimpse at the advanced performance technologies embedded in the new model, designed to take electric sports sedans into a new era.

Positioned as the latest flagship of the brand’s N division, the IONIQ 6 N has been engineered with a focus on delivering heightened driver engagement and dynamic capability. The model leverages its streamlined sedan silhouette to achieve a notably low ride height, which forms the basis for a completely reworked suspension system.

Central to this development is a fully redesigned suspension geometry, which includes a lower roll centre and extended caster trail. These refinements are intended to sharpen the car’s steering feedback, improve its on-centre feel, and enhance self-centring behaviour. Complementing the physical setup are newly introduced electronically controlled stroke-sensing dampers (ECS), which aim to strike a delicate balance between comfort and razor-sharp handling. Hyundai believes this combination will inspire confidence across a range of driving scenarios, from everyday use to spirited performance.

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BMW Malaysia has formally introduced the New BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport to its showroom floors across the country, following its recent unveiling at MY BMW World 2025. Priced at RM218,800 (on-the-road, without insurance), this latest iteration of the compact four-door coupé marks a bold step forward in the evolution of the 2 Series, combining contemporary styling, cutting-edge technology, and refined driving dynamics aimed at delivering a premium yet personalised experience.

The New BMW 218 Gran Coupé Sport builds upon the legacy of its 2020 predecessor by offering a more expressive exterior and a comprehensively upgraded interior, now centred around a fully digital cockpit. It features a completely reengineered chassis, promising a more immersive and responsive drive tailored for the demands of the modern motorist. Designed to appeal to a new generation of BMW owners, it marries everyday practicality with the brand’s characteristic sporting DNA.

In conjunction with the model’s launch, BMW Group Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to redefining premium ownership through its “Relax. We Care.” initiative. This comprehensive aftersales programme encompasses a 360-degree suite of services designed to ensure uninterrupted driving pleasure and peace of mind for all BMW owners. Through the BMW Service Promise, customers benefit from expert maintenance and transparent servicing protocols, supported by a dedicated customer care team.

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Porsche has unveiled three new additions to its 911 family, introducing the latest Carrera 4S in both coupé and cabriolet forms, alongside the Targa 4S. Positioned just below the high-performance GTS variants, the new models double the all-wheel-drive options available in the current 911 range, bringing the total to six. These additions not only enhance driving dynamics but also provide expanded standard equipment and greater customisation opportunities for enthusiasts.

The choice of all-wheel-drive models remains popular among Porsche buyers, particularly in the ‘S’ segment, where around half opt for the added traction benefits. Designed to inspire confidence in varying weather conditions and on demanding roads, the new 911 all-wheel-drive models retain a rear-biased layout. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) adjusts torque distribution as needed, sending more power to the front axle to maintain stability. The system continues to use an electromechanically controlled, water-cooled clutch assembly in the front differential, though the gear ratio has been slightly revised. Notably, the Targa body style remains exclusive to the all-wheel-drive configuration.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Beneath the surface, the new models share a reworked powertrain first seen in the updated Carrera S. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine now produces 480PS, delivering 30PS more than its predecessor. This increase is attributed to an improved intercooler setup, drawing inspiration from the 911 Turbo, which enables enhanced thermal efficiency and throttle response. Power is channelled to all four wheels via Porsche’s eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.

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UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility as the Premier Mobility Partner of the inaugural Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, held from 18 to 19 June in Medini, Johor. The landmark event brought together over 500 key figures from politics, business, and policy to discuss cross-border cooperation, innovation, and economic sustainability across Asia.

Co-hosted by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Japan’s Nikkei Inc., the two-day forum marked the first of its kind in Johor. It underscored the southern state’s rising influence as a hub for innovation and ASEAN connectivity. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor’s Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, H.E. Shikata Noriyuki.

Toyota Mirai Showcases Hydrogen Innovation

Taking centre stage at the forum was Toyota’s flagship hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Toyota Mirai, displayed prominently at the entrance. The vehicle served as a powerful symbol of the brand’s forward-looking vision for zero-emission mobility. It also spurred active discussions on the potential of hydrogen technology in decarbonising cross-border transport, enabling emission-free freight corridors, and supporting clean logistics in future Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative gaining momentum, Toyota’s hydrogen solutions were positioned as a scalable and practical pathway to achieving joint climate and infrastructure goals between Malaysia and Singapore.

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Maranello has officially introduced the Ferrari Amalfi, the latest addition to its prestigious line-up and the successor to the Ferrari Roma. This new front-mid-engine V8 2+ coupé reimagines modern sportiness with an emphasis on performance, versatility, and design sophistication, marking a new chapter in Ferrari’s legacy of grand tourers.

The Amalfi is powered by the newest iteration of Ferrari’s acclaimed 3,855 cc twin-turbo V8 from the F154 engine family, a power unit that holds the distinction of being one of the most awarded in recent automotive history. In this latest configuration, the engine produces 631hp at 7,500 rpm, with a redline at 7,600 rpm. This heightened performance is achieved through meticulous tuning, including an advanced turbo management system that independently regulates each turbocharger’s speed, now capable of spinning up to 171,000 rpm.

Precision is further enhanced with dedicated pressure sensors on each cylinder bank and a new engine control unit, shared with other top-tier models such as the 296 GTB, Purosangue, and 12Cilindri.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch oil-bath transmission, originally introduced with the SF90 Stradale. The transmission has been refined for the Amalfi, integrating a more powerful control unit and deeper coordination with the engine, which results in quicker, smoother gear changes.

Performance figures underscore Ferrari’s ambition for the model: 0 to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 9.0 seconds, and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 2.29kg/hp. To complement the raw power, the driving dynamics have been significantly improved through a recalibrated steering box, a brake-by-wire system, and the ABS Evo controller. Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by an integrated rear active wing, which adjusts to maintain stability and maximise performance across all drive modes.

Engine acoustics were not overlooked. Engineers developed a new silencer layout that complies with stringent global noise regulations while preserving the distinctive Ferrari exhaust note.

Aesthetically, the Ferrari Amalfi takes the design language first introduced with the Roma and evolves it into something more sculptural and assertive. Created under the direction of Flavio Manzoni at the Ferrari Styling Centre, the exterior is built around a sleek, monolithic form with minimal surface interruptions. Angular contours and geometric cuts along the bodywork highlight its dynamic proportions. The front fascia dispenses with a traditional grille, replaced by a floating body-coloured wing that hovers above a dark recess housing sensors and headlamps, while the lower splitter adds to the SUV’s broad and athletic stance.

The rear is equally dramatic, with a pronounced character line that envelops the back of the car, tapering into a clean, compact tail. The tail lights are integrated into sharp graphic cuts, reminiscent of classic Ferraris, and a large functional diffuser underlines the vehicle’s performance credentials. The rear windscreen flows seamlessly into the spoiler, forming a distinct silhouette that reinforces the car’s identity. A debut colour, Verde Costiera—an iridescent teal inspired by the Amalfi coast—emphasises the muscular bodywork and brings a new vibrancy to the line-up.

The Amalfi rides on 20-inch alloy wheels that reflect its assertive stance without compromising comfort. Tyres measure 245/35 R20 at the front and 285/35 R20 at the rear. Both Pirelli P ZERO and Bridgestone Potenza Sport have partnered with Ferrari to develop rubber optimised specifically for the model.

Inside, the dual-cockpit layout offers a driver-focused, yet passenger-conscious experience. The interior is segmented into two distinct zones, visually linked through the dashboard, centre console, and door panels. The design avoids unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a cleaner, contemporary form. Premium materials are used throughout, while technological elements are integrated to preserve a sense of elegance and focus.

A first for Ferrari, the dashboard fuses the instrument panel and air vents into a single block. The floating centre tunnel, machined from a solid aluminium billet, houses the gear selector gate, a wireless charging pad, the ignition key slot, and essential controls. Door grips are concealed within wing-shaped panel sections, and speaker grilles are made from perforated aluminium for a refined touch.

Interior colour options mirror the vehicle’s athletic intent. The show car features a dramatic Verde Bellagio hue, which enhances the dynamic nature of the design. Optional comfort seats are available in three sizes and come equipped with ten inflatable chambers to provide massage functions across five programmes and three intensity levels, along with ventilation for both seat and backrest.

For audiophiles, the optional Burmester® Premium Audio System raises the in-cabin experience. With 14 speakers and 1,200 watts of output, the system delivers pristine sound reproduction. Ring radiator tweeters handle high frequencies, while a choice of three audio presets enables personalisation of the sound environment. The aesthetic integration of the system matches the car’s overall design refinement, combining form and function in equal measure.

The Ferrari Amalfi, through its blend of cutting-edge technology, heritage design language, and versatile performance, represents a contemporary reimagining of the grand tourer. With this launch, Ferrari signals its continued evolution while remaining deeply rooted in the marque’s defining spirit of elegance and performance.

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