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Mitsubishi Pajero to Make a Comeback as a PHEV?

The Mitsubishi Pajero, a nameplate with a storied history, may soon make a comeback, offering a glimmer of hope for the Mitsubishi brand amidst its ageing lineup. While not as headline-grabbing as the return of the Toyota MR2, the revival of the Pajero could signal a significant step forward for Mitsubishi.

Reports from Japan suggest that Mitsubishi is considering reintroducing the Pajero as a modernised, Japanese counterpart to the Land Rover lineup. Initially, the company explored the idea of basing the new Pajero on the Triton’s ladder frame but ultimately determined that it couldn’t achieve the desired level of comfort with this platform. Instead, Mitsubishi has shifted its focus to the electrified platform developed in collaboration with Renault Nissan Mitsubishi, the same platform slated for the next-generation Outlander.

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Lotus Emeya Hyper-GT Conquers Extreme Testing Challenges

The Lotus Emeya hyper-GT has completed the final stage of its intensive global test and development program in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Over the winter, the all-electric grand tourer underwent testing in Ivalo, Finland, where temperatures dropped as low as -25 degrees Celsius. To further challenge the Emeya, the car was subjected to a local automotive ‘freezer,’ enduring temperatures as frigid as -40 degrees Celsius. This rigorous testing represents the culmination of a thorough three-year development program spanning 15 countries across two continents.

The testing regimen encompassed diverse terrain and conditions, including the challenging B-roads of the UK, the high-speed autobahn in Germany, the Alpine passes, and the remote landscapes of Inner Mongolia. Track testing at iconic venues like the Nürburgring Nordschleife and proving grounds such as Nardò in Italy ensured the Emeya’s performance across a wide range of scenarios.

Throughout the testing process, engineers focused on various aspects of the Emeya’s performance, including chassis systems, tyre development, driver assistance functions, battery usability in extreme weather, and thermal management systems. The goal was to ensure that the Emeya delivers optimal driving dynamics and comfort in all conditions.

Two types of testing were conducted: controlled testing, which maintains consistent conditions for precise evaluation, and real-world testing, which validates the controlled results in diverse environments and driving situations. Emeya’s development prioritised meeting global regulatory standards while staying true to Lotus’ DNA of engaging, desirable, safe, and predictable performance.

As an all-electric grand tourer, the Emeya boasts advanced control systems and four-wheel drive, ensuring stability, handling, and control even in extreme weather conditions. Customers can remotely prepare their Emeya using the Lotus App, adjusting cabin temperature, heated seats, and steering wheel to their preferences before entering the vehicle.

Additional features, such as heated side cameras and mirrors, and a specialised Snow Mode for the 55-inch head-up display, enhance visibility and comfort in wintry conditions. With its comprehensive testing and advanced features, the Lotus Emeya is poised to redefine the grand touring experience for customers worldwide.

Perodua D66B SUV Set to Hit the Roads in April – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integrated

Recently, news of the impending release of the Perodua D66B, a B-segment SUV, has surfaced. Scheduled for launch in April, this highly anticipated SUV is poised to offer a range of features, including comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). With an expected starting price of around RM73,000, the D66B is set to make waves in the market.

Analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz from Kenanga Research sheds light on the upcoming SUV, indicating that it will hit the market in April. The timing aligns with previous reports hinting at a launch in the first half of the year. The cessation of Aruz production as early as November last year further supports the likelihood of an April release. Wan Mustaqim stated that “Sime Darby is likely to benefit from the new launch of Perodua D66B and Toyota Yaris Cross which are expected to be introduced by this April.”

Previously known as Model Q, the D66B shares similarities with existing Perodua models and is anticipated to resemble the Perodua Concept X showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 18.

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Ford Unveils Ranger MS-RT For European Pickup Market

Ford has once again teamed up with M-Sport’s road-going division, MS-RT, to introduce the highly anticipated Ranger MS-RT, signalling a significant addition to the European pickup market. Set to be available at Ford Pro dealerships, this customised pickup is slated to hit European roads later this year, sparking considerable excitement among enthusiasts.

Drawing inspiration from the Ranger’s racing counterparts in Asia, the Ranger MS-RT boasts a bold and aggressive stance. With its redesigned front end featuring distinctive bodywork, honeycomb grille, and integrated splitter, the pickup commands attention on the road. Its widened body by 82mm and flared arches amplify its presence, making a powerful statement. At the rear, a purposeful diffuser and subtle ducktail spoiler add to its aerodynamic profile, enhancing its sporty allure.

Enhancing its performance credentials, the Ranger MS-RT features specially tuned, firmer suspension, lowering the ride height by 40mm for improved handling dynamics. Rolling on 21-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, it delivers both style and performance.

Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, describes the Ranger MS-RT as the “ultimate street truck,” offering a unique proposition in the European pickup segment. Despite its sporty character, it maintains its practicality, retaining a one-tonne load-carrying capacity and 3,500kg towing capabilities. Under the hood lies a robust 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering 236bhp and 600Nm of torque to all four wheels through a seamless 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside, the cabin blends luxury with sportiness, featuring faux leather upholstery accented with special blue stitching and MS-RT badging. The ‘sports steering wheel’ with a blue 12 o’clock marker enhances the racing-inspired ambiance, ensuring an engaging driving experience.

With its fusion of performance, style, and practicality, the Ranger MS-RT is poised to captivate pickup enthusiasts across Europe.

Mini Unveils The New Mini Cooper E In Classic Trim

The fully electric Mini Cooper offers a modern, eco-friendly driving experience while staying true to the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. As part of the revamped Mini model lineup, the Mini Cooper E is presented in four redesigned trims, each offering its unique appeal. The Classic Trim, for instance, showcases expressive body colours and contrasting roof finishes, with the iconic Mini three-door model appearing particularly striking in Sunny Side Yellow, paired with a contrasting white roof and mirror caps.

Inside the Classic Trim, the cockpit surfaces are adorned with two-tone black and blue knit material, creating a stylish contrast against the high-quality synthetic leather seats made of Vescin, available in grey or black with a perforated houndstooth pattern.

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Mercedes-AMG Unveils A 45 S 4MATIC+ “Limited Edition”

Mercedes-AMG is set to captivate enthusiasts with the unveiling of a stunning special model for the A 45 S 4MATIC+, aptly named the “Limited Edition”. The price for the extensive additional equipment is €14,280.00 (RM73,176.85) and will hit the market in April 2024, with the offer extending until the end of the year.

The defining feature of the “Limited Edition” is its exclusive paintwork in “AMG green hell magno”, a striking colour previously unavailable for the compact class. Adorned with eye-catching foiling featuring the AMG logo and prominent “A 45 S” lettering on the doors, as well as the AMG crest on the bonnet, this edition rides on matte black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design. Yellow accents highlight the rim spokes, complemented by glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos. Adding to its allure, the “Limited Edition” boasts refined details such as an exclusive fuel cap with the AMG logo and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms onto the ground upon entering and exiting the car.

Enhancing its appeal further, three equipment packages elevate the “Limited Edition”. The AMG Night Package features striking black and high-gloss black design elements, including the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines, along with thermally insulating dark-tinted window surfaces from the B-pillar. The AMG Night Package II is highlighted by darkened struts on the radiator trim and black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, as well as exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars in the wheel hub caps. The AMG Aerodynamics Package, developed in the wind tunnel, includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to increase contact pressure and enhance driving characteristics at high speeds.

Inside, the “Limited Edition” showcases distinctive design elements, including black AMG performance seats upholstered in a combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre, accented by yellow decorative stitching. The AMG performance steering wheel, aluminium trim elements with AMG pattern, and illuminated AMG door sills further elevate the interior ambiance. Completing the upgrades are AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow decorative stitching.

Under the hood, the A 45 S 4MATIC+ packs a punch with its 421hp output, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 270km/h. The AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine offers spontaneous response, while the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control enhances dynamic driving with its variable distribution of driving force between the front and rear axles, as well as selectively between the left and right rear wheels.