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Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Is the First Owner of the Hongqi L5

His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, held a meeting with His Highness Ouyang Yujing, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, this morning (April 12), focusing on bilateral relations between Malaysia and China and addressing current issues affecting both nations.

During the face-to-face session, His Majesty provided insights on the direction of diplomatic ties between the two countries and emphasised the importance of identifying opportunities for broader cooperation. China holds significant economic influence globally and is a key trading partner for Malaysia. His Majesty expressed hope that Malaysia would capitalise on its unique strengths to enhance trade volume, foster technology exchange, and expand exports to China. Additionally, he encouraged increased investment from Chinese companies in Malaysia, aiming to create more employment opportunities for the nation’s citizens.

In a notable moment during the meeting, His Majesty was presented with the Hongqi L5, a luxury car manufactured in China, making him the first owner of this car worldwide. The Hongqi L5, produced by FAW Group, boasts a retro-style design and is utilised by China’s top leaders for state and diplomatic functions.

For those who may not know, Hongqi is a Chinese premium car brand owned by the FAW Group (First Automobile Works). It was founded in 1958, making it China’s oldest passenger automobile brand. Hongqi is a Chinese word that means “red flag.”

The L5 looks like a mix of a 1940s lowrider and a modern Rolls-Royce. This new version takes inspiration from the British-made Rolls-Royce and is said to be more imposing and pricier.

They made some updates to make the new L5 different from the 2014 model. It has a taller chrome grille, a new front bumper with different lights, and a lower black grille with a chrome piece in the middle. The retro-style headlights from the old model blend in nicely. The L5 has a cool two-tone white and blue paint job that grabs attention.

Inside, the L5 mixes old and new styles. The dashboard has three big screens, but the steering wheel only has two spokes. Even though there are lots of screens, Hongqi kept some traditional buttons on the console and dashboard.

It is equipped with a V8 4.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 382hp.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS Has an Upright Mercedes Star on the Hood

Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries with its EQS lineup, responding swiftly to market demands and customer feedback. For the 2024 change year, the EQS receives a significant update, offering enhanced range, comfort, and features.

The EQS now boasts an increased battery capacity, resulting in up to 82km of additional range. With a maximum range of 799km for the EQS 450 4MATIC and 822km for the EQS 450+, Mercedes-Benz reaffirms its commitment to providing long-distance electric driving capabilities.

Notably, towing capacity has been boosted for EQS and EQE sedans with 4MATIC, now capable of towing up to 1,700 kilograms, aligning them with SUV derivatives. Additionally, a new brake system function ensures the maintenance of brake components, optimising longevity and efficiency.

Externally, the EQS sports a redesigned radiator cover with chrome applications and an upright Mercedes star, blending avant-garde EQ aesthetics with iconic Mercedes-Benz symbolism. The interior receives upgrades too, with enhanced rear comfort features including a slanted footrest and a Rear Comfort Package Plus with executive seats.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz introduces the “Automatic Lane Change” function, offering intelligent driving assistance on two-lane highways. This feature enhances the driving experience, allowing for seamless lane changes within predefined parameters.

For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of luxury and performance, the EQS Manufaktur Selection offers exclusive features such as obsidian metallic paint, AMG Styling, and opulent Nappa leather upholstery. This special edition exemplifies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to craftsmanship and customisation.

The Last Dance: 631hp Lamborghini Huracan STJ

Lamborghini’s latest special edition, the Huracan STJ, may not be as visually extravagant as expected for a “Last Dance” model, but its performance enhancements make it a track-focused marvel. Building upon the already potent STO variant, the STJ prioritises setting blistering lap times.

One of the key upgrades is the introduction of four-way-adjustable dampers, replacing the previous active setup, significantly improving mechanical grip. This enhanced adjustability allows for lower spring stiffness without sacrificing control or steering feel. Coupled with bespoke Bridgestone Potenza race tires on 20-inch centre-locking wheels, the STJ promises unparalleled handling.

Powering the STJ is a dry-sumped 631hp 5.2-litre V10 engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering thrilling rear-wheel-drive performance.

Aerodynamic enhancements include subtle revisions to the front splitter, new dive planes, and a three-degree increase in the rear wing angle, boosting aerodynamic load without compromising balance.

The “ST” designation pays homage to Lamborghini’s Super Trofeo racing series, while the “J” references FIA regulations and iconic Lamborghini models like the Miura SVJ and Aventador SVJ. These improvements translate to a more than one-second reduction in lap time compared to the STO at Lamborghini’s test track.

Limited to just 10 units, the Huracan STJ offers customers a choice between two configurations and livery options, marking the culmination of the Huracán’s decade-long success story. It paves the way for an exciting new plug-in-hybrid successor set to debut later this year.

Bugatti says The Bolide Would Pull Away From an F1 Car – 1600PS, 380km/h Top Speed

The Bugatti Bolide represents a significant departure from the brand’s usual approach, focusing not only on speed but also on circuit dominance and accessibility. Engineered with input from motorsport legend Andy Wallace and incorporating cutting-edge technology, the Bolide invites drivers of all levels to push their limits on the track.

At the heart of the Bolide is Bugatti’s legendary 1,600PS 8.0-litre W16 turbocharged engine, housed within an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre composite monocoque developed with Dallara to meet stringent FIA requirements. The seating position, inspired by extreme race cars, instills confidence and precision in drivers.

The Bolide’s Brembo braking system, developed over two years, matches the performance of top-tier motorsport machinery. Extensive testing and simulation have fine-tuned its aerodynamics, generating significant downforce and ensuring unparalleled traction and grip with all-wheel drive and high-performance tyres.

With a top speed of 380km/h in low-downforce configuration, the Bolide rivals Formula 1 cars on the straights. However, its focus on cornering, traction, and braking makes it perfectly suited to circuit driving, delivering precision and agility through every turn. “The feeling when you come out of a corner, press the throttle, and experience that relentless surge of power is incomparable. You come out of that corner at 100km/h, and from there to 200km/h and then 300km/h is an absolute revelation. In that specific scenario, the Bolide would pull away from a Formula 1 car,” said Bugatti Pilote Officiel and legendary Triple Crown winner, Andy Wallace.

Bugatti’s commitment to quality extends to the Bolide’s interior, offering amenities like air conditioning and ergonomic seating for driver comfort during exhilarating laps.

Having completed its testing phase, the Bugatti Bolide is now ready for series production, with the first customer deliveries expected in the coming months.

Alfa Romeo Milano: Firm’s First-Ever Series-Production Electric SUV

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the Milano as its latest addition to the SUV lineup and its first-ever series-production electric car.

Named after the brand’s hometown, the Milano is an urban-focused crossover that aims to capture the essence of the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks while offering premium appeal and engaging driving dynamics to attract a new generation of Alfisti.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo boss, stated that the Milano is designed to transition the brand “from exclusive to inclusive,” emphasising its position alongside the ultra-exclusive 33 Stradale. He noted, “Alfa is the only brand that is able to sell a car at €2 million and €30,000.”

With dimensions of 4170mm length, 1780mm width, and 1500mm height, the Milano incorporates bold new design elements while paying homage to Alfa’s heritage with features like swollen wheel arches, a ‘coda tronca’ bluff rear end, and SZ-inspired headlights. Its distinctive front-end grille features stylised elements from the brand’s logo in electric versions. For reference, the smart #1 measures 4270mm in length, 1636mm in height, and 1822mm in width.

The Milano is available with either electric or mild-hybrid petrol power, sharing a platform with models like the Citroën C4, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, and Peugeot 2008. The Milano Ibrida combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V starter-generator and a 28bhp electric motor for 134bhp and the option of short-distance EV driving. The Milano Elettrica features a 54kWh battery, offering a range of 410km and a front-mounted 154bhp motor for engaging performance.

Alfa emphasises the Milano’s driving dynamics, boasting optimal mass distribution and best-in-class handling tuned by the same team responsible for the Giulia GTA super-saloon. The top-tier Veloce variant offers the most driver-focused experience with a 237bhp motor, Torsen limited-slip differential, and agile chassis upgrades.

Technological features include LED matrix lights, a virtual assistant, and hands-free boot lid, while premium trims offer massaging seats and ambient lighting.

The same inspiration of pure sportiness can be found inside the car, where the standout features are the Italian attention to every detail, the use of the finest materials and the placement of all the controls within the driver’s reach. The instrument panel and its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design creates that direct visual connection and persuades you to wrap your hands around the steering wheel, start the engine, and make the best of a unique driving experience.

In the middle of the cluster, the standout feature is a fully digital 10.25-inch TFT screen, to access the car’s data and the settings for the driving technologies. In the middle of the dashboard and oriented towards the driver, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system developed to work with widgets, graphic components designed for intuitive interaction with all the features, which can be customised via quick and easy drag and drop. Every user can create their own homepage, where each of the car’s features is an app in itself.

To further embellish the interior, the air conditioning vents in the shape of a quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), the symbol par excellence of Alfa Romeo sportiness. To catch the eye and welcome the driver, optional Sabelt sports seats are available featuring an enveloping backrest that combines high mechanical resistance, perfect ergonomics and structural lightness.

The Milano is available for order in Italy and will launch in 28 markets over the next six months.

Garbage Truck Collision: Driver Claims Brake Failure

The driver of a garbage truck involved in an accident claims to have experienced brake problems before losing control of the heavy vehicle, which subsequently collided with 14 cars along the Federal Highway yesterday.

As reported by NST, Assistant Commissioner S. Vijaya Rao, the Klang Utara police chief, stated that to verify the 41-year-old driver’s claims, the lorry will be sent to Puspakom for inspection.

The incident occurred at 2:33 pm at the traffic lights of Federal Highway and Shahpadu Highway from Shah Alam towards Kapar. Initial investigations revealed that the heavy vehicle collided with the 14 cars that were queued at the traffic light junction.

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