Ever since its grand entrance into the automotive scene in 2019, the Lexus LM has been the epitome of luxury mobility, setting the gold standard in its class. Branded as the ‘Luxury Mover’, the first-generation Lexus LM resonated deeply with discerning consumers seeking a vehicle that not only offered elevated transportation but also embodied comfort and luxury at its finest.
The Lexus LM made its mark upon release in China and several East Asian markets, including Malaysia. Combining flagship limousine qualities with the spaciousness of an MPV, it exemplifies Lexus’s premium luxury brand image.
The Lexus LM’s appeal lies in its design and sophisticated features, extending Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality principles. Focused on impeccable comfort and passengers’ well-being, it sets a high bar for customers seeking class-leading vehicles to meet lifestyle and mobility needs.
Since its debut, the luxury MPV has achieved impressive sales, with 16,114 units sold globally, including 2,788 units in the East Asian region and 32 units in Malaysia. With the launch of the new flagship model in Malaysia, these numbers are expected to rise.
The new Lexus LM, available in two variants in Malaysia, caters to customers’ needs while enhancing the chauffeured luxury experience. Customers can choose between the four-seater Lexus LM500 or the seven-seater LM350h.
Both variants feature self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring quiet operation and refined driving performance with high efficiency. The LM500h features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder in-line Turbo Hybrid petrol engine with Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive, delivering 371hp and 460Nm of torque, coupled with impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the LM350h comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line full Hybrid engine, delivering power to the front wheels and striking a balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency.
The new Lexus LM exhibits a bold presence with attention to detail in its exterior design. Standout features include a redesigned frontal appearance with a new Spindle Body grille and 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium Wheels. It is available in four exterior colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.
Inside, the Lexus LM offers comfort and opulence, with premium materials and thoughtful appointments. The cabin provides a modern, serene environment with minimalist aesthetics, allowing occupants to utilise the space as a living area or mobile office.
Additional interior features include a built-in thermistor for the steering wheel, an independent glass roof with integrated sunshade, and individual multi-operation panels for rear passengers. The LM500 variant features a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual-screen functionality.
The new Lexus LM350h and Lexus LM500h are priced from RM1,228,000 and RM1,468,000, respectively, reaffirming Lexus’s commitment to delivering excellence in luxury mobility.
The Lamborghini 634, codenamed as the successor to the Huracan and set to join the High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) lineup, will boast a twin-turbo V8 engine coupled with a hybrid system featuring three electric motors and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox recently introduced on the Lamborghini Revuelto. Specifically optimised for the new model, this configuration promises a maximum output exceeding 887hp.
This all-new engine marks a clean-sheet design from Sant’Agata Bolognese, aimed at surpassing the performance and driving emotion of the current Huracán range. The twin-turbo V8 inherits the renowned linearity of progression from the Lamborghini V10 while incorporating the high power and specific torque typical of a new-generation turbocharged engine.
With a displacement of 4.0 litres, the twin-turbo V8 achieves an exceptional specific power output of 197hp/litre. It delivers a maximum power of 788hp between 9,000 and 9,750rpm, with a redline set at 10,000rpm—a figure usually reserved for racing engines. The engine also generates a maximum torque of 730Nm between 4,000 and 7,000rpm, offering an exhilarating progression akin to that of a racing engine, thanks to seamless integration with the electric unit.
The rear electric system, purpose-built for the new V8, is positioned between the combustion engine and the dual-clutch gearbox. It incorporates the inverter and the axial electric unit, capable of delivering high torque and power values, with a peak torque of 300Nm and 147hp at 3,500 rpm, all while maintaining compact dimensions and low weight.
A crucial aspect of the design process was defining the sound profile to imbue the new powerplant with a distinctive character, enhancing the driver’s experience. The characteristics of the new V8 culminate in a crescendo, with volume and frequency peaking at high revs, complemented by vibrations transmitted to the chassis by the flat-plane crankshaft, creating a captivating sensory experience.
Scheduled for a 2024 launch, the Lamborghini 634 represents another milestone in the ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ program, driving Lamborghini towards progressive electrification of the range. This journey commenced in 2023 with the debut of the Revuelto and will continue with the unveiling of the Urus SE in April 2024.
SAIC Motor, the largest state-owned Chinese automaker, has announced a significant advancement in the development of solid-state batteries, which will be available in its electric vehicles (EVs) as early as 2026. This development positions SAIC ahead of other global car manufacturers, making it the first to bring this advanced technology to the mass market. The company’s portfolio includes brands such as IM, Maxus, Rising Auto, Roewe, Baojun, Wuling, Hongyan, Sunwin, and the British brand MG, which is known for models like the Cyberster EV roadster and the EX181 electric hypercar.
The first model to feature SAIC’s solid-state battery will be the IM L6, a competitor to the Tesla Model 3, set to launch in China this October. The IM L6 is advertised to have an impressive range of 998km on a single charge, thanks to its 900V ultra-fast charging solid-state battery developed in collaboration with Qingtao Energy, a subsidiary of SAIC. This move underscores SAIC’s commitment to pioneering cutting-edge technology in the EV market.
The BMW Group has unveiled the BMW Concept Skytop at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, an esteemed event by Lake Como that highlights historic cars and motorcycles. This unique, open two-seater exudes an elegant, sporty design, merging warm monochromatic colours and exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship to create a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture.
The Concept Skytop’s exterior features athletic and organic proportions with a sleek, muscular build. Taut surfaces and minimalistic lines guide the eye towards the rear, creating a dynamic appearance enhanced by integrated winglets replacing traditional door handles and precise lamellas on the light-alloy wheels. Signature design elements include a prominent bonnet and an iconic BMW shark-nose design with an illuminated kidney grille, leading to a retracted rear section.
A striking spline runs from the bonnet through the interior to an aluminium trim on the tailgate, echoing the legendary BMW Z8 roadster. Advanced lighting technology is showcased through custom-developed LED headlights with milled aluminium carriers, consolidating all lighting functions into a single, slim profile. The rear lights’ flat and defined shape complements the vehicle’s clean design. Unique features such as a leather-finished roll-over bar, side fins on the B-pillar, a fully retractable rear window, and removable roof parts that can be stored in the luggage compartment add to its distinctive appeal.
Inside, the Concept Skytop is a testament to luxurious craftsmanship. Brogue-style leather surfaces create a sense of opulence and spaciousness, with the reddish-brown leather contrasting against the muted silver exterior paintwork for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Artful details, such as crystal applications embedded in the cockpit, further enhance the luxurious feel. The interior surfaces were crafted at BMW’s traditional saddlery in the Dingolfing plant. Similar to the BMW Z8, the Concept Skytop houses BMW’s most powerful V8 engine, ensuring performance that matches its dynamic design.
The BMW Concept Skytop showcases BMW’s dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. With its meticulous design and luxurious features, this concept car pays tribute to motor racing and elegant design, standing out as a highlight at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It offers a glimpse into the future of exclusive and dynamic BMW vehicles, reaffirming BMW’s commitment to innovation and luxury in automotive design.
GWM Malaysia introduced the Ora 07 just last month but back then it was introduced as a single variant. Now though, GWM Malaysia is building on that momentum with the introduction of the Performance variant that focuses on power and fun. Here’s 10 things you need to know about the latest variant.
1. The Ora 07 is GWM Malaysia’s second electric model after the Good Cat that was introduced in 2022.
2. The Performance model is focused on all-out performance and has dual motors fitted on either axle.
3. Owners will get to enjoy 402hp and 680Nm of torque while the acceleration to 100km/h in done in just 4.3 seconds while top speed is rated at 180km/h.
4. The Performance uses the same 83.5kWh ternary lithium battery pack as the Long Range model but because it is more powerful, it has a range of 550km on the NEDC cycle or 483km on the WLTP cycle.
5. As for charging, the Ora 07 can support AC charging of up to 11kW and DC charging of up to 88kW. This allows it to be recharged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It will take up to 15 hours to charge up the massive battery using AC charging.
6. In some markets, the Ora 07 is known as the Grand Cat or Lightning Cat.
7. The 07 also has a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load function that will let you power up some electrical appliances.
8. The 07 counts the Tesla Model 3 as one of its main rivals, but it is considerably bigger than the Tesla making it perfect for families.
9. Inside, you get a mega 12.3-inch infotainment system with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as a 11-speaker Infinity sound system.
10. The Ora 07 Performance is priced at RM189,800 and that includes a six-year or 150,000km warranty and an eight-year or 180,000km warranty for the battery and motor. GWM Malaysia is also offering a one-to-one battery replacement offer should the health of the battery drop below 70% during the warranty period.
When GWM (Great Wall Motor) debuted here in Malaysia in 2022, the brand revealed that the Haval H6 Hybrid would be entering the Malaysian market.
At the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2024, GWM displayed the Haval H6 Hybrid and it is slated to make its debut in the third quarter of 2024, after the debut of the Tank 300.
Before the official launch, here are 10 things that you need to know about the new Haval H6:
1. The H6 has a length of 4,683mm, a width of 1,886mm and a height of 1,730mm which makes it a competitor of the Proton X70, Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V.
2. It comes in two variants which are the Pro and the Ultra and at the heart of it lies a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine and an electric motor combination with a total output of 240hp and 530Nm of torque.
3. Power is sent through a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
4. The Pro rides on 18” wheels wrapped in 225/60 tyres and the Ultra has 19” wheels wrapped in 225/55 tyres.
5. The Ultra comes with a Panoramic sunroof and one-colour ambient lighting.
6. You get a big 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and for the driver, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
7. The front seats are power-adjustable and ventilated.
8. To cool you down because of our current Malaysian weather, the H6 comes with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a second-row AC ventilation outlet, a cn95 filter, and an air quality management system (AQS).
9. Safety wise, the H6 comes with six airbags, child safety locks, child seat fixing (isofix), an electronic stability program (esp), traction control (TCS), secondary collision mitigation (SCM), cornering brake control (CBC), rollover mitigation (RMI), hill descent control (HDC), hill assist control and USB power interface dashcam.
10. The H6 will first go on sale here as a fully-imported unit (CBU) and later on, it will be locally assembled at EP Manufacturing’s plant in Melaka. Pricing will be announced during the official launch.
“They don’t make them live they used to,” that is a sentence that is commonly heard these days. Whether it is in reference to household goods, electronics or even your favourite char kuey teow, it is a sentence that is thrown around a lot these days.
But arguably, nowhere is it most commonly used than in the automotive industry. Whether it is in reference to the quality of a car or motorcycle or to the performance, we could argue till the sun goes down and comes back up again about how cars and bikes used to be better back in the day and how they are today.
However. Every once in a while, we get a car that blows it all away, that makes the world stand up and take notice and makes even those that still live in the past fall in love all over again. Cars like the Toyota GR Corolla.
If you have never heard of it, you are probably thinking that we have lost our minds. How can an everyday Toyota like the Corolla be exciting and remind us of days gone past? Well, except for the assumption that our favourite uncles and their neigbour used to drive a Toyota Corolla, the GR Corolla seen in the photos here is a very different animal. Yes, we used the word animal in the same sentence as the Corolla, now will be a good time to continue reading this article because we are not talking about a regular run of the mill Corolla.
Though the Corolla may be the underpinning car to this model, there is very little that the GR Corolla shares with its comparatively sedate cousin. From the offset, you will notice that the car is wider and looks a lot more aggressive. That may not be a big deal because you can buy such a body kit for a few thousand Ringgits from any of the back lane car shops around the country. But the one on the GR Corolla is a functional one, one that needs to be engineered rather than just fitted.
Every vent, fin and wing you see on the car plays a purpose, either to help cool the car, cool the brakes or help the car stick to the road at high speeds. This is a proper fire-breating sports car that has been purpose made and engineered in detail from the ground up, it is not a regular body kit that you buy from Sunway.
Even back at the factory, the GR Corolla together with its siblings – the GR86 and the GR Yaris, were not built on a regular assembly line. Well, perhaps the donor cars were, but they were soon shifted to a different part of the assembly plant. A top-secret area where engineers have a singular focus on chasing mega performance.
Called the Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsport division, the department is based in Cologne, Germany and supports Toyota’s racing activities in series such as the World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship. The division also has offices in other parts of the world where it races as well.
But other than developing race cars, the division, also known as TGR or GR, is also responsible for bridging the gap between its racing activities and its road cars. That is where cars like the GR Corolla come from. In essence, the division is quite like AMG from Mercedes-Benz, BMW’s M division or Audi’s RS.
You may already know this, but motorsport is never cheap, whether it is the entry go-kart series or racing in more established competitions around the world, the world of motorsport is for the top one percent. The research and development needed to create a car capable of topflight competition can put a lot of companies out of business, and hence why cars that are born out of motorsport are never cheap.
The GR Corolla costs a staggering RM355,000, which is a lot of money from a Corolla. This writer had a tough time explaining why this car costs so much of money to guests of a wedding in the old mining town of Tanjung Tualang. Everyone who saw the car knew it was something special, but no one could believe the price. It was after all, a Toyota Corolla. I had a tough time explaining that it was not a regular Corolla.
This is a car that needs to be driven to be appreciated, and once you do, you will wish you had that money in your bank. Powering the GR Corolla is a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine making 300PS and 370Nm of torque. It is the most powerful three-cylinder engine in the world, and it demolishes the charge to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and does not stop huffing and puffing until it reaches 230km/h.
All the way there, there is that almost inaudible sound of the blow-off valve which enthusiasts will recognise almost immediately. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and a faint whistle will follow. This allows the boost pressure from the turbo to escape when there is no need to use it, and this is an iconic sound that almost every self-loving car freak will recognise and love immediately. It does not only sound good, but it shows this car means business.
But the GR Corolla is much more than just big numbers, it is about how it delivers them to the wheels and ultimately leaves it to you to exploit. The car also runs on an all-wheel-drive (AWD) platform, and it is not just a regular AWD system, but quite an intelligent one.
While regular AWD systems will distribute power equally between the front and rear axles, the system in the GR Corolla lets you decide how you want the power to be transferred. You can select this by turning a knob located at the centre console, and power can be distributed either 60:40 front back, 50:50 for a more balanced feel or 30:70 for when you want the rear of the car to stick out a little bit.
And this is then further complemented by a Torsen Slip Differential that distributes power to the left and right wheels rather than just between the front and rear axles. This then gives the car huge amounts of grip, and on the right roads such as on Bukit Tinggi where we took it for some back road fun, it was easy to simply point and catapult the car to the next corner by riding the wave of torque.
No squirm, no power lag, no dramas, just your typical point and squirt fun, just like the old hot hatch’s such as the Renault Megane R26, Peugeot GTI or even the Volkswagen Golf R.
But the GR Corolla feels more engaging, it feels like it wants you to wring it by its neck and extract every gallop of horsepower. It is almost impossible to drive it slowly because all you want to do is marvel at all the performance underneath the car.
It also has something called an “Intelligent Manual Transmission” that makes you feel like a driving God every time you downshift the manual transmission. This works by matching the revs to the intended gear so there is no loss of power, and you are always within the right rev zone to maximise power delivery.
However, as quick and effectively the GR Corolla is, it has one little flaw that we feel could have been better – the gear shifter. In the world of manual transmissions, the key to getting it right is a short, precise throw in between gear cogs with a small well-weighted, preferably aluminium knob. The GR Corolla almost has it all right except that shifts can be sloppy; it is not as precise and short as the Honda Civic Type R and that is probably its biggest let down. For us at least. We can forgive the knob but having a sloppy shifter can be scary because you can easily shift into a wrong gear. And that is a very expensive bill.
Everything else about the GR Corolla is perfect. It may be a Corolla, but it can never be a proper family car like a regular Corolla can, as we found out when we had to pack up the car to attend the aforementioned wedding in Perak.
It may have four doors, and it also has all the safety systems you want in a modern-day car, including apative cruise control. It even has ISOFIX mounts for you to lock in a child seat, but it not spacious as far as family requirements go.
But the Toyota GR Corolla is great because it reminds us of how sports cars used to be – fast, engaging with pure unadulterated power. The four-doors are there so that you can tell yourself it is semi-practical, but in fact you just don’t really want to grow up.
The GR Corolla lets you indulge in your childhood automotive fantasies, while the four-doors are a great excuse for you to tell your wife it is a practical car and that it is worth the price. Until she tries to pack all her outfits for a wedding and finds out it isn’t all that.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has achieved a notable milestone with 150 pre-launch bookings for the GWM Tank 300, marking a strong entry into the Malaysian market for this luxury off-road SUV. The Tank 300’s appeal lies in its rugged design, advanced features, and reliable performance, catering to Malaysian consumers who demand vehicles capable of navigating both urban and tough terrains. This success is indicative of the model’s resonance with customers prioritising adventure, durability, and versatility in their vehicles.
Special Offers for the First 300 Customers
GWM Malaysia has announced exclusive offers for the first 300 customers of the Tank 300, showcasing their confidence in the product’s quality and their commitment to customer satisfaction. The special package includes:
5-Year/100,000 km Free Service Package: Covers parts and labour, providing significant savings and peace of mind for the initial years of ownership.
Lifetime Engine and Transmission Warranty: Available to first-hand owners with unlimited mileage, underscoring GWM’s confidence in the vehicle’s long-term reliability.
Mystery Gifts: GWM has prepared special mystery gifts for these 300 owners, to be revealed during the official launch, adding an element of excitement and exclusivity.
Market Leadership and Global Success
GWM TANK is the leading off-road SUV brand in China, dominating over 50% of the off-road SUV market. It has maintained the top spot for 40 consecutive months and achieved over 400,000 global sales. This track record of success is a testament to the brand’s strong market presence and customer trust.
In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the PureSpeed concept, an open two-seater performance car without a roof or windscreen. This radical design pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage and serves as a preview of the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Mythos series. The world premiere took place in Monaco on a floating pontoon, impressing racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
A notable feature is the HALO system, replacing the conventional A-pillar. Derived from Formula 1, it protects the driver’s head in accidents. The HALO is a bracket connected to the car’s body, aerodynamically optimised for safety. The concept includes specially designed helmets for an immersive Formula 1 experience. The interior features unique colours, equipment, and a custom IWC Schaffhausen clock on the dashboard.
The PureSpeed concept boasts a low silhouette and design elements inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar. The visible carbon fibre parts contrast with the rounded shapes of the upper vehicle. Carbon fibre cladding on the wheels enhances aerodynamics, with closed rear wheel covers and open front wheel covers for optimal airflow and brake cooling.
The design includes a long bonnet, a low front end with a “shark nose,” and a wide lower air intake with AMG lettering. Transparent deflectors direct wind over the cockpit, while side-sill panelling and muscular rear shoulders merge into an elegant boot lid.
The paintwork, transitioning from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern, honours the victorious Mercedes car at the 1924 Targa Florio race. The number 10 on the front wings commemorates this historic win.
Limited to 250 units, it epitomises the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering a direct connection to the brand’s racing legacy and cutting-edge technology.
Kia has officially revealed the new Kia EV3, a compact EV SUV that combines bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, setting new standards in its segment. Drawing inspiration from the larger EV9 SUV, the EV3 offers a unique and immersive experience aimed at broadening the appeal of electric SUVs.
The EV3 embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, blending the values of nature and modernity to create a dynamic and dramatic aesthetic. The front features vertical headlamps and an illuminated Kia logo, creating a wide, confident stance. The profile of the EV3 exudes strength and agility, with a sleek roofline transitioning into a hatchback-style tailgate. At the rear, the thick black trim line and simplified geometric rear lamps enhance the vehicle’s futuristic design.
The EV3 is available in nine body colours, including the exclusive Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The EV3 GT-line offers a more rugged appearance, with contrasting lower body trim and sportier design elements.
Inside, the EV3 offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people, with a focus on relaxation and functionality. The centre console features a sliding table and storage area, while a near-30-inch widescreen display provides seamless touch operation for climate control, entertainment, and navigation. The interior colours and materials are inspired by natural elements, with sustainable materials used throughout the cabin.
The EV3 is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and is available in Standard and Long Range variants, with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries respectively. Both models feature a 201hp electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h. The Long Range variant offers an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP), with fast-charging capability allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in approximately 31 minutes.
The EV3 includes a suite of advanced safety and driving assistance systems, such as eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects information on the windshield, minimizing driver distraction. The EV3 also features Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, enabling one-pedal driving for maximum energy efficiency.
The EV3 offers a range of connectivity and entertainment features, including Kia’s Premium Streaming service and in-car arcade games. The Harman Kardon audio system enhances the immersive experience. The SUVs AI Assistant, featuring generative AI, provides natural language interaction and supports travel planning, entertainment, and information search.
Kia’s global campaign for the EV3, ‘a moving power,’ emphasises the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The EV3 will be launched in South Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch in the second half of the year, with plans to expand to other regions thereafter.
