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Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: Limited-Run Work Of Art

Alfa Romeo is getting ready for the future by taking inspiration from its history. The new flagship model of the company is influenced by the design of the 33 Stradale mid-engine sports car from the late 1960s. This car served as a replacement for the Tipo 33 race car, transitioning the manufacturer’s racing technology into a road-ready vehicle.

The standout feature of the 33 Stradale’s design is its sleek and low appearance, characterized by graceful lines, butterfly doors, and a spacious glass roof. This design element serves as its most remarkable aspect and effectively connects Alfa’s historical legacy with its forthcoming direction. This connection extends to the interior as well, where an art deco style creates a cockpit reminiscent of a jet airplane.

A multitude of personalisation choices are available, offering the opportunity for customisation. These options encompass a personalized VIN number, comprising eight individually chosen digits by the owner. This unique VIN is prominently showcased on the central tunnel of the car. Sporting butterfly doors, the luxurious Alfa Romeo model incorporates a carbon fiber monocoque, coupled with an aluminum H-frame. The roof is a composite of both carbon fiber and aluminum. Notably, even the window frames are fashioned from carbon fibre, and the rear glass has been substituted with polycarbonate.

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Honda Trademarks ‘Prelude’ Name – Possible EV Sports Coupe?

When it comes to Honda, the most talked about models are the NSX, Civic and S2000. However, one legendary model is always left out -the Honda Prelude.

The Prelude has been produced over five generations from 1978 to 2001. It was inspired by the Honda Accord and became the first Honda car to have a moonroof, which was included in all its models over the years.

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Chery Malaysia Delivers First Locally Built Models

Chery Malaysia announced the successful completion and delivery of the first Completely Knocked Down (CKD) cars, the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8Pro.

The handover event took place at the Inokom CKD Plant in Kulim, Kedah. The symbolic key was passed from Mr. Sui Keng Huat, Managing Director of Inokom Corporation, to Mr. Xu Jing Zhong, Plant Operation Director of Chery Malaysia.

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Digital Car Service Installment Plan Now Available with Petronas AutoExpert

Leading Malaysian digital lending platform, Direct Lending, has joined forces with Petronas AutoExpert to introduce an all-digital car service payment plan for Malaysian car owners. This plan is Shariah-compliant and fully digital, aiming to simplify the lives of customers and offer an edge to Petronas AutoExpert’s service centres.

This partnership brings the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) model into play, allowing car owners to space out payments for their car service and repair costs over a maximum of 12 months. This offering is available at all 55 Petronas AutoExpert centres across Malaysia, providing greater flexibility for managing expenses.

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VinFast Becomes Third Most Valuable Car Company In The World!

VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has the third-highest market value globally among automakers, behind Toyota and Tesla.

Established in 2017, VinFast began operating electric vehicles in 2022. There are hopes for future growth even if it posted a financial loss in 2022 and its electric vehicle operations are not yet profitable. The business intends to build a facility in North Carolina.

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Toyota To Resume Japan Production After System Failure

Toyota Motor is preparing to resume operations at its assembly plants in Japan on Wednesday. This comes after a malfunction in its production system caused a complete halt in domestic output for the world’s largest automaker.

Toyota intends to gradually recommence operations at 25 production lines situated within a dozen plants in its home market. The process will continue as the final two plants are slated to become operational again later in the afternoon of the same day.

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Malaysia’s Fuel Subsidy Hindering EV Adoption

Gentari’s Deputy CEO and Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli, has highlighted that Malaysia’s fuel subsidy policy goes against its efforts to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). This conflict is hindering the overall push towards greater EV usage in the country.

As reported by TheEdge Malaysia, Razalli stressed that a key aspect in driving EV adoption is achieving a balance in the total cost of ownership (TCO). In simpler words, the question is: Is it more cost-effective to buy and run an EV over its entire lifetime compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle? This topic was discussed during a session at the Energy Transition Conference held on August 28.

The obstacle to achieving cost parity between EVs and ICE vehicles is the presence of financial incentives. These incentives include direct subsidies for purchasing EVs and additional benefits such as free public charging, parking, or tolls. At the same time, any discouragement of fossil fuel usage is influenced by measures like fuel taxes or carbon taxes.

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2024 BMW X5 Protection VR6: Armoured M60i With Intercom

Just a few weeks have passed since BMW unveiled the 7 Series / i7 Protection, and now yet another armoured vehicle is stepping into the spotlight. The X5 Protection VR6, a familiar presence having been introduced four years ago, is receiving a Life Cycle Impulse update. BMW’s intention is to align the sturdier variant with the recently refreshed standard X5 model.

Drawing parallels with its predecessor, the X5 Protection VR6 remains rooted in the M Performance lineage. However, in synchronisation with the updated non-M X5, it undergoes a transition from the M50i designation to the M60i nomenclature. At the heart of this enhanced armoured vehicle lies the freshly developed S68 engine – a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 powerhouse generating a 530hp and 750Nm of torque.

The X5 M60i’s armoured equivalent is somewhat slower to accelerate to 100km/h than the X5 M60i’s civilian version, which does it in just 4.3 seconds. It can still complete the same sprint in a respectable 5.9 seconds, proving that it is still fairly capable. The ordinary model’s limiter is programmed to interfere at 250km/h, whereas the armoured variant’s top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h. The X5 Protection VR6 still exhibits notable performance traits that guarantee its functionality and agility despite the weight penalty.

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Porsche Introduces The 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

Following the successful debut of the new Cayenne in early 2023, Porsche is culminating the extensively revamped third generation of this renowned SUV with an exciting addition: a fresh flagship model. In line with tradition, the most potent iteration of the Cayenne continues to be a plug-in hybrid. Porsche has undertaken substantial enhancements in the technology of this successor to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, resulting in noteworthy improvements, particularly in electric range and performance.

Distinguishing itself, the Turbo E-Hybrid boasts a distinctive front fascia, characterised by its enlarged air intakes that exude a sporty and aggressive aesthetic. Porsche’s attention to detail extends to the wheel arches and the lower rear fascia, both of which are elegantly painted in the vehicle’s body colour. Further enhancing its dynamic appearance, the E-Hybrid model showcases vibrant red brake callipers that add a dash of flair. The visual enhancements are rounded off with the inclusion of two dual exhaust outlets, a design element that not only exudes sophistication but also contributes to the SUV’s overall sporty presence.

Taking a page out of the playbook of the all-electric Taycan sedan, the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid introduces an impressive 12.7-inch gauge cluster. This includes a toggle-style gear selector that draws clear inspiration from its electric counterpart. Meanwhile, the heart of the cabin’s entertainment and navigation functions lies within a central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, Porsche retains its digital display aesthetic, while wisely incorporating a physical volume knob—an element appreciated by many.

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Automotive Sector Growth Expected To Be Moderate Next Year

For the 2024 fiscal year, it is predicted that the implementation of the automotive agency model will result in lower orders and deliveries in the automotive and auto parts industries, as well as resurrected worries about the automotive supply chain.

With effect from July, Mercedes-Benz has a contract for this strategy with its Malaysian retail partners, Hap Seng Star and Cycle & Carriage. On the other hand, Volvo has also adopted this model and is currently offering electric automobiles for direct online purchase in Malaysia. There is no longer a need to go through a dealer.