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A Century Of Design: Engineering Marvel of the Bugatti Type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 is not just a car; it’s a testament to the visionary genius of its creator, Ettore Arco Isidoro Bugatti. Born into a family steeped in creativity and the arts, Bugatti’s unconventional approach to automotive engineering revolutionised the industry with the Type 35.

Debuting in 1924, the Type 35 shattered conventions with its groundbreaking design and technical innovations. Unlike its contemporaries, it featured a low and sleek body, cast alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass, and encapsulated rear suspension for improved aerodynamics.

Underneath its elegant exterior, the Type 35 boasted a pioneering 2.0-litre inline eight-cylinder engine with thin-wall construction and 24 valves. With an aluminium crankshaft and meticulous attention to weight reduction, Bugatti achieved a class-leading performance of 90PS while keeping the car’s weight to just 750kg.

Bugatti’s commitment to lightweight engineering extended to every component, including a new hollow front axle and a unique rear axle configuration. These innovations, combined with precision steering and a lightweight chassis, delivered unparalleled agility and driving pleasure on both road and track.

The Type 35’s engineering excellence was further evidenced by its beautifully balanced drum brakes and pressurised petrol tank, enabling drivers to push the limits of performance with confidence.

Even a century after its launch, the Bugatti Type 35 remains a symbol of automotive innovation and excellence. Its legacy lives on in every Bugatti vehicle, carrying forward the design and engineering values established by Ettore Bugatti himself. As Luigi Galli aptly concludes, the Type 35 is an integral part of Bugatti’s DNA, alongside other iconic models like the Bugatti Atlantic and the Bugatti Royale.

BMW Malaysia Unveils the Refreshed iX xDrive50 Sport and BMW iX M60

BMW Malaysia has introduced two new models, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60, showcasing the latest in charging technology and exemplifying their commitment to providing premium electric driving experiences in Malaysia.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 come with updated features, including new charging capabilities and dual-axle suspension integration, setting new standards for electrified mobility in the local market. These models now come equipped with AC Charging Professional as standard, reducing charging times significantly with newly equipped 22 kW charging capabilities.

Furthermore, both models continue to offer high-power charging of up to 195 kW, allowing for rapid charging from 0% to 80% in just 35 minutes. Additionally, they feature an 11 kW AC Wallbox Charger, enabling full charging from 0% to 100% in 11 hours.

Owners of the BMW iX can access over 1,700 charging facilities nationwide through partnerships with major local EV charging providers. These collaborations ensure a seamless charging experience for BMW customers, aligning with the evolving landscape of electric mobility in Malaysia.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 boast impressive performance figures, with the xDrive50 Sport offering a maximum output of 523hp and an electric range of up to 630km (WLTP), while the iX M60 features a combined output of 619hp and an electric range of up to 561km (WLTP). Both models offer exhilarating acceleration and a smooth driving experience, enhanced by the dual-axle air suspension and BMW Iconic Sounds Electric.

In terms of design and technology, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 feature Comfort Access with BMW Digital Key Plus, Interior Design Atelier with Sensatec accents, Harman Kardon 18-speaker surround sound system, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, and BMW iDrive with the new BMW Operating System 8.5.

The models come in a range of exterior and interior colour options, allowing customers to personalise their driving experience. The exterior colour options for the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 are Alpine White, Mineral White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Oxide Grey
Metallic and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic. With an additional charge of RM6,200, owners may choose from Aventurine Red Metallic or Individual Storm Bay Metallic. Colour offering for the interior upholstery include the Interior Design Atelier in Mocha or Black, while an additional charge of RM17,300 allows for an option of the Interior Design Suite in Amido or Castanea.

Additionally, BMW offers flexible financial plans to make ownership more accessible, including the Easy Drive Financing Plan and the Straight-Line Financing Plan.

Owners of the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and BMW iX M60 will benefit from the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, including a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, an 8-Year / 160,000km Battery Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, and BMW Service Online.

The retail pricing for the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport is RM465,800.00, while the BMW iX M60 is priced at RM579,800.00. Additionally, BMW offers the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive package for RM33,200.00, which includes a 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package.

This Is The End For Petrol Powered Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Models

It’s a bittersweet moment for Alfa Romeo enthusiasts in North America as the Italian automaker announces the end of sales for its high-performance Quadrifoglio models, scheduled to cease production in June of this year.

Larry Dominique, Alfa Romeo’s senior vice president for North America, shared this news on LinkedIn, advising interested buyers to place their orders soon to acquire a Giulia or Stelvio Quadrifoglio before they’re no longer available in their current form.

Dominique emphasised that this isn’t the end of the story for Alfa Romeo, hinting at the brand’s transition to an electrified future. The final opportunity to order a 2024 Giulia or Stelvio Quadrifoglio will close at the end of April 2024, with the last internal-combustion-powered Quadrifoglio models for the U.S. and Canada exiting the Cassino plant in June 2024.

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Continental to Cut 7,150 Jobs Worldwide by 2025

In response to shifting consumer demands, particularly towards electric vehicles, Continental, a major German auto supplier, has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 7,150 jobs by 2025.

The job cuts, affecting various areas of the company, will see 1,750 positions eliminated from research and development, with an additional 5,400 job cuts as part of a previously announced cost-cutting program.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, Continental’s automotive chief, emphasised that the restructuring aims to prioritise investments in future technologies for software-defined vehicles. The company remains committed to supporting affected employees by seeking suitable solutions.

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Tesla Cybertrucks Start To Rust after Exposure to Rain?

Reports from some Tesla Cybertruck owners have emerged, suggesting that their vehicles are showing signs of rust after exposure to rain. On the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, a member shared their experience of picking up their truck on February 1st, accompanied by a warning from an advisor about potential rusting issues due to rain. The forum post highlighted concerns about rust development, which seemingly contradicted the expectation of rust resistance associated with stainless steel, the material used for the Cybertruck’s body.

He further noted that their Cybertruck began exhibiting rust spots after just two days of exposure to rain. Photos shared by the user purportedly depicted small rust specks on the stainless-steel body.

According to Mead Metals, a metal services company based in Minnesota, stainless steel can indeed rust under specific environmental conditions, primarily as a result of water exposure but also due to contact with harmful chemicals, saline solutions, grease, or prolonged heat exposure.

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BMW M Division Signals Possible Farewell to Manual Transmissions

The manual transmission, once a staple of driving enthusiasts, is facing a dwindling presence in the automotive market. BMW’s M division, one of the few brands still offering manual options, has hinted that this choice may soon disappear.

In an interview, BMW board member Frank Weber acknowledged that the demand for manual transmissions is shrinking. He noted that while these manual M models are enjoyable to drive, the diminishing sales volumes make it impractical to continue developing them. Weber advised potential buyers interested in manual M cars to make their purchase soon, hinting at the impending discontinuation of these models.