Piston.my

Latest News

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially introduced the Golf GTI Black Edition, a special model that brings a darker, more assertive interpretation to the iconic hot hatch. Assembled locally, this limited-edition variant enhances the renowned GTI experience with unique aesthetic elements and upgraded equipment designed for both style and performance.

Priced at RM258,990 inclusive of the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), the Golf GTI Black Edition is being offered with an introductory rebate of RM15,000, reducing the effective price to RM243,990. This pricing includes seven years of free maintenance, a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.

The Black Edition builds on the heritage of the GTI nameplate, but with a design ethos aimed at drivers who appreciate stealth, sophistication, and a more aggressive road presence. It is available in two bold colours: Deep Black and Kings Red. Exterior enhancements include gloss black finishes on the front lip, rear diffuser, side skirts, and door mirrors. The B-pillars feature a ‘BLACK’ emblem, while the 18-inch Black Richmond alloy wheels and GTI-branded dynamic hub caps complete the vehicle’s darkened visual theme. GTI valve caps and a JPJ-compliant Volkswagen Tint offer both branding flair and practical benefits for local road conditions.

(more…)

Malaysia’s one-make racing scene is set to accelerate in 2025 with the launch of the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series, a new motorsport championship that will feature the latest iteration of the Toyota GR86 sports coupe. Organised by Haro Sports and Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the series aims to provide a competitive yet accessible entry point into professional racing, spotlighting driving skill over mechanical advantage.

The inaugural GR86 Cup Malaysia Series will make its first appearance as a support race during the Malaysian round of the 2025 SUPER GT Series, held at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from 26 to 28 June. The event will include two 10-lap sprint races. Two more rounds will follow: the second taking place alongside the Malaysia Championship Series 300km race, while the grand finale will feature an endurance-style 86-lap contest. All three rounds are slated to be held at Sepang.

Fahrizal Hasan, Managing Partner at Haro Sports and Entertainment, stated that the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series is crafted as a highly competitive yet cost-effective racing platform. The series, he added, is intended to allow racing enthusiasts to transition into a more capable and dynamic race car environment while maintaining an even playing field centred on driving talent.

(more…)

Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has commenced presales of the updated 2026 model year C10 crossover in China, introducing a more powerful electric powertrain and improved equipment while maintaining its familiar design. The model, which debuted in March 2024, has already achieved significant success, with total deliveries reaching 97,103 units, according to data from China EV DataTracker.

This latest iteration of the Leapmotor C10, set to enter the Chinese domestic market soon, continues the brand’s push into global markets, with the C10 positioned as one of its key international offerings.

While the exterior and interior design of the 2026 C10 remains unchanged, measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm, the SUV now benefits from major technological enhancements. Customers will still be able to choose between 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

A major highlight of the new model is its adoption of an 800V high-voltage architecture for the all-electric variant. This advanced system enables faster and more efficient battery charging and discharging. The new battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and boasts a 74.9 kWh capacity, delivering an extended driving range of up to 605km on the CLTC cycle.

(more…)

In a gesture that blends heritage with high-performance innovation, Lotus has unveiled the limited-run Emira Clark Edition, a tribute to the legendary Jim Clark. Developed in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust, this special model is restricted to just 60 units and will make its global premiere as the lead car at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

The Emira Clark Edition commemorates one of motorsport’s most revered figures, whose extraordinary achievements in 1965 continue to resonate across generations. That historic year saw Clark claim the Formula 1 World Championship title with Team Lotus, while also capturing victory at the Indianapolis 500 — a feat that remains unequalled. Beyond that, Clark also dominated in Formula 2, the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, and achieved success in touring car races with the Lotus Cortina.

This historic campaign forms the foundation for the Emira Clark Edition’s design and ethos, celebrating Clark’s unmatched versatility and dominance across various racing formats. It stands as a modern homage to a driver whose legacy continues to influence the sport and the marque.

The car’s distinctive appearance draws direct inspiration from Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis-winning Lotus Type 38. It is painted in a bespoke Clark Racing Green finish, accented by a contrasting black roof, silver mirrors, and a striking yellow racing stripe across the nose. A machined aluminium fuel cap with a blue anodised centre, vivid yellow exhaust tips, and a hand-painted yellow pinstripe along the swage line reinforce its racing credentials. The doors are adorned with a Clark Edition emblem derived from insignia used on Clark’s original racing cars.

Inside, the Emira Clark Edition evokes an atmosphere steeped in motorsport nostalgia. The seats are asymmetrically upholstered — the driver’s seat wrapped in red leather and Alcantara to mirror Clark’s 1965 racing cockpit, while the passenger seat features black leather and Alcantara. A retro-style wooden gear knob enhances the period aesthetic, accompanied by commemorative Jim Clark badges which incorporate his unique family tartan from Lochcarron, Scotland. Additional design flourishes include Clark’s signature on the dashboard and Team Lotus motifs stitched into the seatbacks.

Each car will be individually numbered with carbon fibre treadplates indicating its limited production run. Buyers will also receive an exclusive hand-crafted leather holdall tailored with Clark Edition detailing, underscoring the bespoke nature of the vehicle.

Underneath its historically inspired design lies the power of the Lotus Emira V6. The special edition retains the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, delivering 400hp through a six-speed manual gearbox with a limited-slip differential. Performance enhancements include unfiltered hydraulic steering, a revised exhaust note, Track Mode, and a sports suspension package courtesy of the Lotus Driver’s Pack.

The Emira Clark Edition not only celebrates a motorsport titan but also offers a pure driving experience in keeping with Lotus’s engineering philosophy. This model stands as both a collector’s gem and a testament to Clark’s enduring influence on the world of racing.

In the United Kingdom, the Emira Clark Edition is priced at £115,000 (RM646,274), while the German market will see it listed at €140,000 (RM666,176).

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to comply with China’s newly updated national battery safety standard, well ahead of its implementation in 2026.

The new regulation, officially titled GB 38031-2025 Safety Requirements for Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles, was announced on 28 March 2025 and will come into effect on 1 July 2026. This updated standard introduces more rigorous safety protocols, particularly addressing thermal runaway incidents, a major safety concern in electric vehicles (EVs).

Unlike the earlier version, which primarily mandated the issuance of warning signals prior to battery failure, the revised regulation stipulates that batteries must not catch fire or explode even if a thermal runaway occurs. Additionally, any smoke released during such incidents must not cause harm to vehicle occupants.

CATL confirmed that its latest generation Qilin battery, built on the third iteration of its CTP (cell-to-pack) platform, has successfully passed all the necessary certification tests outlined under GB 38031-2025. The tests, conducted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Centre (CATARC), evaluated both battery cells and packs. These trials included bottom impact tests and the ability to endure 300 rapid charging cycles without combustion or explosion in subsequent short-circuit scenarios.

(more…)

Great Wall Motor began pre-sales for the second-generation Haval H9 in August of last year, a rugged, off-road-focused SUV that enters the Chinese market with three distinct trim levels. Prices range from ¥205,900 to ¥235,900, which roughly converts to RM132,600 to RM151,900.

Recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, the all-new Haval H9 is aimed at off-road enthusiasts seeking a robust, medium-to-large SUV. Notably, two exterior variants are offered – one with an external spare tyre and another with an external storage box in place of the spare wheel.

The dimensions of the external spare tyre version are 5070mm (length) x 1976mm (width) x 1930mm (height) with a 2850mm wheelbase, while the external storage box version measures slightly shorter at 4950–5000 mm in length, with similar width and height. Despite the slight differences in length, both variants share the same wheelbase, ensuring similar cabin space.

Engineered for rugged terrain, the second-generation H9 boasts a maximum ground clearance of 224 mm, wading depth of 800 mm, and approach and departure angles of 31° and 25° respectively. This off-road capability is supported by a new exterior design that adopts a boxy silhouette, paying homage to retro SUV styling. Distinctive elements include a square front grille with circular headlamps, side-opening tailgate, vertically-stacked rear lights, roof racks, a panoramic sunroof, and classic door handles.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube