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Porsche has introduced a striking new special edition of its iconic 911, paying tribute to the Porsche Club of America (PCA) as it marks its 70th anniversary. The latest iteration, dubbed the 911 Club Coupe, continues the tradition of exclusive, enthusiast-focused models dedicated to the world’s largest Porsche owners’ club, which was founded in 1955 by Bill Sholar.

Limited to just 70 examples, this celebratory model is based on the 911 Carrera T and will be sold across the United States and Canada. The car retains Porsche’s revered flat-six engine, tuned to deliver 388hp, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. Enhancing its sporting prowess, the 911 Club Coupe benefits from Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport Suspension with a 10 mm lower ride height, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring.

A significant highlight of the new model is its bespoke paint finish. Presented in Sholarbluemetallic—a refined metallic version of the Clubblau hue first introduced in 2015—the colour was developed through close collaboration between Style Porsche, Exclusive Manufaktur and the PCA over the course of 2023. This unique shade reinforces the model’s exclusivity and heritage.

Visually, the Club Coupe distinguishes itself with a SportDesign front fascia featuring red highlights and 20/21-inch RS Spyder wheels finished in Satin Black with Brilliant Silver accents. Subtle nods to the PCA’s signature palette continue with Brilliant Silver door logos, a matching rear 911 decal, and Guards Red grille slats inlays. Instead of the standard Vanadium Grey mirrors from the Carrera T, the Club Coupe’s are painted in body colour to elevate the design further. A special “70 Year PCA” badge mounted on the grille pays homage to the occasion.

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DRB-HICOM Auto Solutions Sdn Bhd (DHAS), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad and a key player in Malaysia’s automotive logistics sector, has expanded its operational capacity with the addition of seven MAN TGS 18.360 4×2 prime movers. These new units will serve as the foundation of DHAS’s in-house fleet of car carriers, marking a strategic shift from its prior reliance on third-party transport providers and a small group of leased Japanese prime movers.

Founded in 2006, DHAS has grown in tandem with the country’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, particularly in response to the increasing production and importation of electric vehicles (EVs). The company now supports logistics operations for over 20 automotive brands in Malaysia, positioning itself as a preferred logistics provider within the industry.

As demand rises, DHAS is scaling its operations to enhance reliability and maintain long-term business sustainability. Chief Executive Officer Fawzi Ahmad stated that the decision to adopt the Euro V-compliant MAN TGS trucks followed a comprehensive assessment across several key metrics. He explained that the model was chosen based on its strong performance in areas such as safety, vehicle specification, operational efficiency, pricing, aftersales support, and environmental considerations. He also highlighted the truck’s user-friendly integrated telematics system, which supports efficient fleet management, and added that drivers have responded positively to the vehicle’s modern design and spacious, comfortable cabin.

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Proton has officially begun accepting bookings for the All-New Proton X50 following a high-profile unveiling at Setia City Mall, held under the banner “All-New Proton X50: READY TO ROAR.” The launch marks the next chapter for Malaysia’s top-selling B-segment SUV, which has recorded over 140,000 units sold locally since its introduction in 2020.

The X50, a product of the collaboration between Proton and its global partner Geely—where it is marketed under names like Binyue and Coolray—has collectively achieved more than 1.2 million sales in 51 countries. This global success has helped shape the new model, which aims to set fresh standards in design, safety, connectivity, and driving performance.

At the core of the latest X50 is a redesigned aesthetic and improved technology. Visually bolder than its predecessor, it also features a significant upgrade to its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), now incorporating Level 2 capabilities. A new 14.6-inch infotainment display takes centre stage inside the cabin, enhanced by the world’s first Bahasa Melayu voice recognition system, tailored for Malaysian drivers and further localising the driving experience.

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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.

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of Proton, has officially introduced new variants of the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle, now enhanced with a host of upgrades driven by customer feedback. The latest iteration features new colour options, expanded in-car technology via an over-the-air (OTA) software update, and a revised sales policy aimed at improving the overall electric vehicle ownership experience.

The latest OTA update brings meaningful advancements to the e.MAS 7, introducing support for Apple CarPlay—both wired and wireless—alongside the integration of additional third-party applications. Among the new apps now supported through the Flyme Auto operating system are Zoom for Cars, izi.TRAVEL, and the Vivaldi Browser, offering a more connected and intuitive driving environment. Although Apple users can now enjoy seamless integration, Android Auto compatibility is expected to roll out later in the year.

This update also enhances the EV’s safety and personalisation features. One key upgrade includes an expanded selection of tones for the low-speed pedestrian alert system. In addition to the Classical setting, two new sound profiles—Galactic Note and Space Walk—have been added, allowing drivers to select the audio cue that best suits their environment or taste. Once chosen, the preferred sound will be saved and activated each time the vehicle starts.

As part of the vehicle refresh, PRO-NET has introduced a striking new exterior colour, Obsidian Black, catering to customer demand for a more timeless and premium appearance. The update also includes the debut of an exclusive Alabaster White interior, available solely on the Quartz Rose and Turquoise Green Premium variants. Each of these configurations will be limited to just 250 units, underlining Proton’s focus on offering a more tailored and luxurious experience.

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