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Porsche has rolled out the third iteration of its iconic Panamera luxury sedan. This latest model is not just a visual revamp but a technological leap forward, featuring an array of digital enhancements, a contemporary design overhaul, and an expanded spectrum of dynamic performance and driving comfort.

The Panamera enters the digital age with a bang, boasting an enriched suite of digital features that redefine the luxury sedan experience. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) takes centre stage, seamlessly integrating the user’s digital ecosystem for an unprecedented level of interaction with the car. The introduction of the Porsche Active Ride suspension system sets a new benchmark, harmonising heightened comfort with the sporty DNA Porsche is renowned for.

The Panamera doesn’t just look good; it promises an unparalleled driving experience with its standard dual-chamber two-valve air suspension. For those seeking an extra layer of performance, the optional Porsche Active Ride active suspension system, available for E-Hybrid models, introduces active shock absorbers, ensuring an unparalleled balance between driving comfort and dynamics.

Porsche offers a total of four efficient E-Hybrid powertrains for the new Panamera, in response to the high demand for this type of drive system. All E-Hybrid variants benefit from greater performance, range and efficiency. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is ready at market launch. The heart of its powertrain is a fundamentally revised four-litre V8 turbo engine. The output of the newly developed electric motor is 190PS. Together, they create a system output of 680PS. The system torque reaches an impressive 930Nm.

Porsche integrates the electric motor into the housing of the comprehensively redesigned eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Dispensing with a separate E-motor housing saves around five kilograms. The integration of the unit into the oil circuit of the transmission also optimises the heat balance of the electric drive unit and allows higher continuous output from the electric motor.

The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid sprints to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and boasts a top speed of 315km/h. Its battery capacity is now 25.9 kWh. This enables an equivalent electric range of up to 91km in the combined WLTP cycle or 83–93km in the city cycle. A new 11 kW on-board AC charger shortens the charging time at suitable charging points to two hours and 39 minutes.

The Panamera’s exterior retains its iconic lines but receives a comprehensive facelift, exuding a more expressive and sporty aura. The interior, a driver-centric haven, introduces the Porsche Driver Experience cockpit concept, skillfully balancing digital and analog controls. The Turbo E-Hybrid model takes luxury up a notch with exclusive design elements, both inside and out.

Standard Matrix LED headlights and a suite of advanced assistance systems, including traffic sign recognition and a swerve assistant, contribute to a safer and more connected driving experience.

Keeping pace with the digital era, the Panamera integrates into the driver’s digital life, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional passenger display closely integrates the passenger into the driving experience. The 10.9-inch screen displays vehicle performance data on request. It also allows operation of the infotainment system and supports video streaming while the car is in motion. In order to avoid distracting whomever is behind the wheel, the passenger display cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.

Enthusiasts can now place their orders for the new Panamera, with European deliveries set to kick off in March 2024. The starting price in Germany is a competitive €107,800 (RM551,218), inclusive of VAT and country-specific equipment. The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid starts from €192,500 (RM984,318).

Pagani has revealed its latest creation, the Imola Roadster, a convertible version of the Imola hypercar, and it’s set to be an exclusive production with only eight units. Building upon the track performance of the Imola coupe and incorporating the open-air experience and advanced technology of the Huayra Roadster BC, this roadster is poised to be a show-stopper.

Under the hood, the Imola Roadster boasts a potent 6.0-litre V12 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. This powerplant has been tuned to deliver an impressive 838hp and 1099Nm of torque. Paired with a Pagani-tuned 7-speed Xtrac sequential transmission, the roadster can achieve a top speed of 350km/h.

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Audi has officially concluded the production of the TT sports car, marking the end of a 25-year career across three generations. The Audi TT produced a fair number of final editions in a number of regional markets before it was retired.

The final Audi TT rolled off the production line at the Gyor factory in Hungary. The occasion was commemorated with a flower-decorated third-generation TTS Coupe, escorted by the original TT Coupe and TT Roadster concepts from 1995, along with two second-generation models.

The lettering on the windshield indicates that a total of 662,762 units of the Audi TT were produced at the Györ factory between February 18, 1998, and November 10, 2023. The last Audi TTS produced was finished in Chronos Gray Metallic with Dark Chrome matt accents. It featured a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 315hp, making it the second most powerful version of the third-generation TT.

While the production of the Audi TT has come to an end, the remaining stock is still available for purchase. Audi has hinted at the possibility of the TT returning as an electric car in the future, but no official decision has been made.

The iconic TT has been a symbol of Audi’s design and engineering prowess, and its legacy will be remembered in automotive history.

Bentley Motors has added a bespoke 2020 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase to its Heritage Collection, marking the final example of the Mulsanne handcrafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe. This particular Mulsanne was commissioned for the late Queen Elizabeth II and includes various custom features for royal duties. The exterior is in solid Barnato green, paired with an interior in Twine and Cumbrian hide, Burr Walnut wood veneers, and deep lambswool carpets.

The specifications include rear privacy curtains, the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inlaid into the door waistrails, and a custom-sized tray to accommodate the Queen’s handbag, replacing the front center armrests. Additionally, discreetly concealed blue police lights, a siren, and a bullhorn were installed, with a dedicated switch panel hidden behind a walnut-veneered door.

The car is powered by Bentley’s famous 537PS 6.75-litre V8 engine, rides on 21” alloy wheels, and features chrome brightware for the grille and front wing vents, along with the iconic Flying B. This Mulsanne will be the third and final one in Bentley’s Heritage Collection, joining the second Mulsanne ever built and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed that previously served on Bentley’s press fleet.

The Mulsanne, initially launched in 2009, underwent several updates during its production, with the final 30 series production cars forming the unique ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’ in 2020. The name was derived from the car’s legendary 6.75-litre engine, which also came to the end of production after more than 60 years. The Heritage Collection is part of Bentley’s broader effort to rebuild its family of cars, covering the brand’s 104-year history.

Bentley’s Heritage Collection now comprises 45 cars, showcasing the evolution of the brand from the oldest Bentley, the 1919 3-Litre EXP2, to the 2021 Continental GT Speed. The collection includes 37 road-registered, road-legal cars that represent Bentley’s development over its 104-year history. In addition, eight motorsport and record-breaking vehicles are featured, including three Speed 8s, both generations of Continental GT3, and cars used for Pikes Peak and Ice Speed Records.

All the cars in the Heritage Collection are meticulously maintained and displayed at Bentley’s carbon-neutral Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Visitors, including customers, VIPs, media guests, and Bentley colleagues, can explore the brand’s rich history through the Collection as part of the factory tour experience.

Renault is set to revive the iconic Renault Twingo as an affordable electric vehicle (EV) hatchback. The new Twingo Legend concept, inspired by the first-generation Twingo from the 1990s, is part of Renault’s plans for a new lineup of electric cars. The company aims to produce this new Twingo as an entry-level model with a starting price of under €20,000 (RM101k).

While detailed specifications for the Twingo EV are not provided, it will be built on one of Renault’s new EV-specific platforms. The design pays homage to the original Twingo, featuring semicircle-shaped headlights and taillights and an upright two-door hatchback shape, reminiscent of the iconic 1990s model. The design not only brings back a sense of nostalgia but also promises a remarkably spacious cabin despite its compact size.

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Bugatti’s track-only hyper sports car, the Bolide, features a specially designed interior tailored for its exceptional performance. The interior is crafted around an all-new lightweight and high-strength monocoque, even stronger and stiffer than the Chiron’s, due to the Bolide’s incredible performance requirements.

The new monocoque allows for a unique seating position, with the driver leaning rearwards into the car, and the passenger optimally angled towards the front. The interior is exclusive to the Bolide project and includes racing seats, a high-tech steering wheel, and bespoke arrangements for safety, comfort, and performance.

The Bolide’s interior design is inspired by the exterior’s ‘X-theme’ aesthetic, featuring X-shaped taillights and a visionary steering wheel with an ‘X-theme’ structure at its core. The steering wheel is not only functional but also a piece of art that can be easily unfastened and used as a decorative element in other spaces, emphasising the anticipation of future thrilling driving experiences.

The steering wheel’s design process involved state-of-the-art modelling software, including high-tech 3D shaping with polygonal modelling, allowing Bugatti specialists to accurately model its complex structures. Feedback from test drivers contributed to a tight, compact, and ergonomic design with eight key buttons optimally placed for driving at high speeds and handling g-forces.

For on-track driving, the Bolide offers two display interfaces, one with complex motorsport values for high-performance driving and another providing key information for customers. The ‘X-theme’ aesthetic extends to the seats, with an ‘X-theme’ treatment embedded in the multi-pad design. The seats are fixed directly onto the monocoque, ensuring a perfect connection between the driver and the car without compromising comfort. The Bolide offers four seating size options, and materials such as leather, suede, napa, and Alcantara can be specified.

To keep the driver cool on the track, the Bolide features a lightweight climate control system with a symmetrical quad design incorporating four pipes with aluminium nozzles, maintaining an aesthetic connection to the Bolide’s exterior.

Bugatti is in the final stages of personalisation for Bolide customers, ensuring each example is unparalleled in every respect with input from expert test drivers, designers, and engineers.

The Mini Countryman S ALL4, known for its versatile, powerful, and spacious design, continues to deliver brand-typical driving fun across various terrains. Combining the flexibility of a crossover with intelligent all-wheel drive, the new model offers increased interior space, featuring a rear seat backrest with a 40:20:40 split ratio for variable storage options. The luggage compartment, ranging from 450 to 1,450 litres, ensures adaptability for different needs.

Incorporating innovative assistance functions, partially automated Level 2 driving, and advanced digital features, the Mini Countryman S ALL4 enhances the driving experience.

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Great Wall Motor (GWM) unveiled its Tank 700 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) body-on-frame off-road SUV during the Guangzhou Auto Show, marking its entry into the luxury off-road segment. Priced at 700,000 yuan (approximately RM456k), the SUV is set for presale with only 70 units available in the initial batch, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in February of the following year.

Positioned as GWM’s response to the Mercedes G-Wagon, the Tank 700 Hi4-T exhibits a robust design with distinctive features differentiating it from its counterparts. Notable distinctions include a slightly wider wheelbase of 3000mm compared to the G-Wagon’s 2890mm. The SUV boasts a rugged appearance with large headlamps, broad wheel arches, a stylish front bumper, and a distinctive gap in the bonnet. The rear features a swing-out trunk door equipped with a spare wheel, a rear diffuser, and a roof spoiler. Riding on R22 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires measuring 275/50, the Tank 700 Hi4-T offers a unique and powerful aesthetic.

Under the hood, the Tank 700 Hi4-T is equipped with a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine generating 360hp and 500Nm of torque. An electric motor and a 9AT gearbox are integrated, resulting in a combined power output of 517hp and 750Nm of torque. This setup represents the introduction of the 3-litre V6-powered Hi4-T technology, making it the first SUV within the Tank brand to feature this innovative powertrain.

Tank, initially introduced in 2021 with the Tank 300 model, has become a standalone brand following its market success. The Tank 700 joins the lineup, which includes the Tank 300, Tank 400 Hi4-T, and Tank 500, showcasing GWM’s commitment to the luxury off-road vehicle segment.

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