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New Porsche 911 GT3 Makes Malaysian Debut at Sepang – 510PS, 450Nm of Torque!

Porsche Malaysia, under Sime Darby Auto Performance, has introduced the new 911 GT3 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

At the centre of the car is a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine producing 510PS and 450Nm. The engine has been revised with sharper camshafts, new cylinder heads, optimised throttle valves, and updated cooling. It meets stricter emissions standards with the addition of dual particulate filters and four catalytic converters, but still retains the high-revving character and distinctive sound expected from the GT3.

Acceleration to 100km/h takes 3.4 seconds with the 7-speed PDK gearbox, or 3.9 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Top speed is 311km/h with PDK, 313km/h with the manual.

The 911 GT3 has undergone significant aerodynamic refinements. At the front, a new diffuser, spoiler lip, and underbody fins improve downforce. Matrix LED headlights with integrated light functions allow for larger air intakes. The rear wing has angled sideplates, and the rear diffuser and lid have been reshaped.

Porsche has carried over suspension technology from the GT3 RS, including double-wishbone front axles with teardrop trailing arms that generate downforce while cooling the brakes. An anti-dive system has been introduced to improve stability under hard braking.

The car comes with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tyres as standard, with optional road-legal track tyres available. Lightweight design remains a priority: the base car weighs 1,420 kg, with weight savings achieved through aluminium wheels, a lithium-ion battery, and optional magnesium wheels in the Weissach or Leichtbau packages.

Two distinct versions are offered. The GT3 retains its fixed rear wing, while the GT3 with Touring package swaps it for a more understated extendable spoiler. The Touring model also gains a leather-trimmed interior and, for the first time, an optional rear seat system.

Both versions can be further customised with the Weissach package for track use, or the Lightweight package for the Touring, which includes CFRP components and magnesium wheels. The Clubsport package, with roll cage and harness, is offered at no extra cost for the winged GT3.

Inside, the GT3 adopts a two-seat layout with sports seats, though new lightweight CFRP bucket seats are available. The cockpit design is familiar from the 911 range but includes GT-specific details such as a rotary ignition switch, Track Screen display mode, and optional roll cage. For drivers planning frequent circuit use, Porsche has added details like removable headrest padding for helmet clearance.

Porsche Design has also created GT3-specific chronographs available exclusively to owners. These watches feature titanium cases, flyback chronograph movements, and design cues drawn directly from the cars, including dials and rotors styled after GT3 instruments and wheels.

The Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 with Touring package are now available in Malaysia, with prices starting at RM2,290,000.

Touring Package

Malaysia’s New EV Road Tax Kicks In From 2026, Starting at RM20 a Year

From 1 January 2026, electric vehicle (EV) owners in Malaysia will no longer enjoy tax-free motoring. The government has announced that road tax for EVs will be introduced at rates starting as low as RM20 per year, with the highest tier capped at RM850 annually.

The new structure is based on motor output (kW), rather than engine displacement, as applied to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. By linking road tax directly to motor power, the system indirectly ties in with the price and performance of each EV. Smaller, affordable models will be taxed at the lower end, while high-powered luxury EVs will sit at the top of the scale.

Datuk Shahrol Halmi, President of the Malaysia EV Owners Club, pointed out that the rates are far lower than the pre-2022 formula, which many had feared would return once current exemptions expired. He described the announcement as a welcome surprise, noting that a model like the BYD Atto 2, with a 130kW motor, would only attract an annual road tax of about RM120.

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BYD SEAL 6 EV Makes Global Debut in Malaysia – Pricing Starts from RM100,000!

Malaysia has been chosen as the stage for the world’s first reveal of the BYD SEAL 6 EV, with BYD Sime Motors officially pulling the covers off the new model today. The launch not only introduces a fresh contender in the C-segment sedan market but also highlights Malaysia’s growing importance in BYD’s global strategy.

The SEAL 6 EV arrives as the seventh model in BYD’s local line-up, sitting alongside popular choices like the Dolphin and Atto 3. Unlike its stablemates, the SEAL 6 EV is pitched as a more premium and dynamic sedan, aiming to combine modern design, advanced electric technology and day-to-day usability in a package that should appeal to a wide audience.

In Malaysia, the SEAL 6 is being promoted under the tagline “Precision. Passion. Aligned.” This reflects BYD’s intention to blend performance with refinement.

Two variants will be available locally — Dynamic and Premium. The Premium gets an opening panoramic sunroof with a powered shade, 18-inch wheels on 225/50 Westlake tyres, and a full-width LED strip up front. The Dynamic skips the sunroof, runs on smaller 17-inch alloys with 225/55 tyres, and loses the LED strip.

For the first time, a BYD sedan is fitted with an all-new advanced suspension system featuring a dual ball-joint MacPherson strut at the front and a rear multi-link setup. Together with a rear-wheel drive configuration — rare in this segment — the car promises a sportier, more balanced feel, with improved weight distribution and a turning radius of just 5.5 metres.

The electric motor in the Premium variant delivers 214hp and 330Nm of torque, allowing the sedan to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Three driving modes are available, catering for both relaxed and spirited driving. The Dynamic variant produces 127hp and 220Nm of torque. The SEAL 6 features a 56.64 kWh BYD Blade Battery, which boasts an NEDC driving range of 485km.

The battery supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, allowing it to go from 30% to 80% in just 23 minutes. For slower charging, the onboard Type 2 AC system tops out at 6.67 kW. On top of that, it also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, delivering up to 3.7 kW to power external devices.

At the same time, the SEAL 6 retains a strong emphasis on practicality, offering 24 storage compartments throughout the cabin and a combined cargo capacity of 525 litres.

Inside, the car is designed to rekindle the joy of driving, pairing a quiet cabin with premium comfort features and seamless connectivity. The model is also the largest in its class among C-segment sedans sold in Malaysia, which should translate into generous passenger space.

It has a 12.8-inch intelligent touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, synthetic leather seats and a wireless phone charger.

Standard safety features include Stop and Go full speed adaptive cruise control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent High Beam Control.

Colour choices include Arctic White, Harbour Grey and Misty Blue. The interior comes in a black and grey combination. Pricing starts from RM100,000 for the Dynamic variant and RM115,800 for the Premium.

For early adopters, the first 800 customers will enjoy benefits worth up to RM6,288, depending on the chosen variant and housing type. These include complimentary wall chargers, rebates, or even a 12-month doorstep charging programme tailored for high-rise residents.

All buyers will also receive a V2L adapter, a Type 2 charging cable and a comprehensive warranty package — six years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, plus eight years or 160,000 km coverage for both the drive unit and the Blade battery.

BYD Sime Motors has been expanding rapidly in Malaysia. The brand already operates 37 outlets nationwide and is targeting 50 by the end of 2026. Since its entry into the market, over 20,000 units have been sold, underlining strong customer confidence and growing interest in EVs. With the launch of the SEAL 6 EV, the company expects this momentum to continue.

Bookings for the BYD SEAL 6 EV are now open across BYD showrooms in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Welcomes New CEO, Takashi Sakamaki

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, has announced Takashi Sakamaki as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He takes over from Shinya Ikeda, who has helmed the company since October 2021.

Sakamaki is no stranger to the automotive world, bringing with him more than two decades of international experience with Mitsubishi Corporation. Over the years, he has worked extensively in China, Indonesia and Mexico, focusing on business strategy, export operations and market development.

His career has seen him take on senior roles that contributed to Mitsubishi’s global growth, from leading business development to handling CBU exports and strengthening OEM supply with global automakers.

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XPENG Expands Charging Network in Southeast Asia with Charge Plus Partnership

XPENG has announced a major step forward in its charging infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s partnership with Charge Plus will give XPENG drivers access to over 3,800 charging piles in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as stations spanning 5,000km of highways that connect five countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

This marks the first time a Chinese emerging EV brand has collaborated with Charge Plus in Southeast Asia.

Through this cooperation, XPENG vehicles such as the G6, G9, and X9—all of which use an 800V fast-charging platform—will have expanded coverage along key routes, including the entire north-south expressway network in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. In Singapore, the network includes the country’s largest public charging system, which holds more than 30% of the market.

The first XPENG and Charge Plus co-branded charging stations are already operational in major cities across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. XPENG owners using these stations will receive exclusive benefits, including charging discounts by the end of 2025. Real-time station information will also be integrated into XPENG’s in-car displays, allowing drivers to check availability and navigate to stations directly.

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How To Check On Budi95 If You Qualify For Subsidised Petrol

The government has launched the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) website where Malaysians can now check if they are eligible for subsidised petrol. The new scheme sets the price of RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre for those who qualify, compared with the unsubsidised rate of RM2.60 per litre that takes effect from September 30.

The announcement was made by Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who explained that motorists need only complete a quick verification process to begin enjoying the subsidised rate.

How to Check Eligibility

Visit the official website at www.budi95.gov.my

Click on “Semak Kelayakan Individu”.

Enter your MyKad number (numbers only, without dashes or spaces).

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Luxury Car Owners Owe RM35.7 Million in Unpaid Road Tax

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has revealed that owners of some of the world’s most exclusive car brands are sitting on road tax arrears amounting to nearly RM35.7 million.

According to figures from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Porsche owners top the list with 4,308 vehicles racking up a combined RM13.7 million in unpaid road tax. Rolls-Royce follows with 345 cars owing RM6.4 million, while Bentley owners account for RM7 million from 660 vehicles. Ferrari owners are behind on RM4.7 million for 675 cars, and Lamborghini adds another RM3.7 million with 372 vehicles.

According to Bernama, Loke pointed out that many of these vehicles belong to high-profile individuals, including titled figures, politicians and prominent businessmen, yet the basic responsibility of renewing the Motor Vehicle Licence (LKM) is being ignored.

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Tun Mahathir Shows He’s Driving Strong at 100, Cruising EKVE in Proton e.MAS 7

On Saturday, 20 September, motorists on the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) witnessed a striking sight, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, at 100 years old, confidently behind the wheel of the Proton e.MAS 7. Even as he approaches a century in age, the former Prime Minister looked comfortable and in command of Proton’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

Drivers who recognised him along the highway waved in respect, a small gesture reflecting the enduring admiration many Malaysians hold for him.

For Tun Mahathir, this was more than just a leisurely drive. His connection with Proton runs deep, going back to the 1980s when he spearheaded the national car project as part of his wider vision for Malaysia’s industrialisation.

It was under his leadership that Proton was established in 1983, with the first Saga rolling off the line in 1985. Over the decades, he has often been seen in Proton cars, treating them not as ceremonial symbols but as everyday vehicles. That bond between statesman and carmaker has never really faded.

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BHPetrol Lubricants Earn SIRIM Certification, Rollout of Genuine Product Labels Begins

Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (BHPetrol) has taken a big step forward in strengthening consumer confidence, as its range of lubricants has now been officially certified by SIRIM QAS International. The recognition comes in the form of the SIRIM Genuine Product Licensing Certification, awarded under licenses PG000056 and PG000057.

This certification applies across BHPetrol’s core lubricant lines – SynGard passenger car motor oils, Trans commercial vehicle and diesel engine oils, and Dash motorcycle oils – ensuring that each product meets strict quality, safety, and performance standards. The move also aligns with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s enforcement measures, which require all engine oil products sold after 7 October 2025 to carry proper SIRIM certification labels.

With certification in place, BHPetrol will soon begin rolling out official light green SIRIM QR code stickers on all newly manufactured and packaged certified lubricants. For products already in storage, light pink QR code stickers will be distributed to business partners. Through its sales representatives, BHPetrol will help coordinate the distribution of these stickers and provide support to ensure smooth implementation across its dealer network.

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GWM WEY G9: Premium MPV Set to Enter Malaysia

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is preparing to launch the WEY G9 in Malaysia, marking the brand’s first premium new energy MPV for the market. It also becomes the first Chinese premium MPV of its kind to be locally assembled, with pricing confirmed to come in below RM300,000. Beyond Malaysia, right-hand-drive versions of the G9 will also be exported to regional markets including Thailand and Indonesia.

The arrival of the G9 expands GWM’s Malaysian line-up, which already features the HAVAL H6 HEV, the rugged TANK 300 and 500 HEVs, and the fully electric ORA Good Cat and ORA 07. The MPV fits neatly into the company’s “All Scenarios · All Powertrains · All Users” strategy, bringing a mix of advanced safety, practicality, and luxury aimed squarely at Malaysian families.

The model’s name is steeped in meaning. The “G” represents generational love, while “9” stands for unity and wholeness within the family. “WEY” itself pays tribute to brand founder Jack Wey. True to its “mobile living room” tagline, the G9 aims to transform family journeys into experiences that are both comfortable and connected.

Safety has been built into the very core of this MPV. It recently secured a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating thanks to a series of robust measures. The MPV employs a triple high-strength steel safety cage with more than 81% high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength 2000 MPa A- and B-pillars, reinforced third-row seatbacks, and innovative adhesive blocks to boost rigidity. The roof alone can withstand 12 tonnes of pressure.

To further protect occupants, side curtain airbags stretch over 3.1 metres to cover all three rows and remain inflated for six seconds during severe collisions or rollovers. Impact energy is channelled through a clever four-longitudinal, seven-cross chassis structure, while the battery pack goes through no fewer than 89 test scenarios.

With four-layer side impact protection, six-layer underbody shielding and advanced thermal and water resistance, the system is designed to cope with extremes.

Performance has not been overlooked. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with a dual-motor hybrid setup and a 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. Together, the system generates 442PS and 642Nm, enabling the G9 to sprint from 0–100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h.

Efficiency is equally impressive, with an electric-only range of 170 km (NEDC) from a 44.2kWh battery and a total range of up to 1,000km. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.2 litres per 100 km. Charging is quick too, taking 26 minutes for 30–80% on DC fast charge or 6.5 hours using AC.

Inside, the cabin has been designed to deliver first-class comfort. Nappa leather zero-gravity seats come with ventilation, massage, and a one-button reset function. A 12.5-litre refrigerator sits between the seats, offering both heating and cooling, and is practical enough to store drinks, medication, or even cosmetics.

Drivers are met with a two-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on GWM’s latest Coffee OS 3.

Flexibility is another highlight, with second- and third-row seats sliding on integrated tracks. With all seats in place, the boot holds 233 litres, but folding them down frees up a cavernous 1,725 litres.

The G9 measures 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, which makes this bigger than a Toyota Alphard. Customers can choose from exterior colours of grey, black, or white, paired with interior trim in either brown or black.

Bookings are already being taken at selected dealerships nationwide, with the official launch set to take place soon. By pricing the WEY G9 below RM300,000 and combining safety, technology, and genuine luxury, GWM looks ready to raise the bar in Malaysia’s MPV segment.