Renault is set to revive the iconic Renault Twingo as an affordable electric vehicle (EV) hatchback. The new Twingo Legend concept, inspired by the first-generation Twingo from the 1990s, is part of Renault’s plans for a new lineup of electric cars. The company aims to produce this new Twingo as an entry-level model with a starting price of under €20,000 (RM101k).
While detailed specifications for the Twingo EV are not provided, it will be built on one of Renault’s new EV-specific platforms. The design pays homage to the original Twingo, featuring semicircle-shaped headlights and taillights and an upright two-door hatchback shape, reminiscent of the iconic 1990s model. The design not only brings back a sense of nostalgia but also promises a remarkably spacious cabin despite its compact size.
Bugatti’s track-only hyper sports car, the Bolide, features a specially designed interior tailored for its exceptional performance. The interior is crafted around an all-new lightweight and high-strength monocoque, even stronger and stiffer than the Chiron’s, due to the Bolide’s incredible performance requirements.
The new monocoque allows for a unique seating position, with the driver leaning rearwards into the car, and the passenger optimally angled towards the front. The interior is exclusive to the Bolide project and includes racing seats, a high-tech steering wheel, and bespoke arrangements for safety, comfort, and performance.
The Bolide’s interior design is inspired by the exterior’s ‘X-theme’ aesthetic, featuring X-shaped taillights and a visionary steering wheel with an ‘X-theme’ structure at its core. The steering wheel is not only functional but also a piece of art that can be easily unfastened and used as a decorative element in other spaces, emphasising the anticipation of future thrilling driving experiences.
The steering wheel’s design process involved state-of-the-art modelling software, including high-tech 3D shaping with polygonal modelling, allowing Bugatti specialists to accurately model its complex structures. Feedback from test drivers contributed to a tight, compact, and ergonomic design with eight key buttons optimally placed for driving at high speeds and handling g-forces.
For on-track driving, the Bolide offers two display interfaces, one with complex motorsport values for high-performance driving and another providing key information for customers. The ‘X-theme’ aesthetic extends to the seats, with an ‘X-theme’ treatment embedded in the multi-pad design. The seats are fixed directly onto the monocoque, ensuring a perfect connection between the driver and the car without compromising comfort. The Bolide offers four seating size options, and materials such as leather, suede, napa, and Alcantara can be specified.
To keep the driver cool on the track, the Bolide features a lightweight climate control system with a symmetrical quad design incorporating four pipes with aluminium nozzles, maintaining an aesthetic connection to the Bolide’s exterior.
Bugatti is in the final stages of personalisation for Bolide customers, ensuring each example is unparalleled in every respect with input from expert test drivers, designers, and engineers.
Stellantis Group is undergoing a significant transformation in its Peugeot operations in Malaysia, shifting from its current partnership with Bermaz Auto Bhd to establish its own national sales company. Under this restructuring, Stellantis will directly handle distribution and sales in Malaysia, while Bermaz Auto Bhd’s role will be scaled down to that of a super dealer from its previous position as an exclusive distributor.
The Mini Countryman S ALL4, known for its versatile, powerful, and spacious design, continues to deliver brand-typical driving fun across various terrains. Combining the flexibility of a crossover with intelligent all-wheel drive, the new model offers increased interior space, featuring a rear seat backrest with a 40:20:40 split ratio for variable storage options. The luggage compartment, ranging from 450 to 1,450 litres, ensures adaptability for different needs.
Incorporating innovative assistance functions, partially automated Level 2 driving, and advanced digital features, the Mini Countryman S ALL4 enhances the driving experience.
Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor for Ferrari cars in Malaysia, has launched its first showroom in the country. Strategically located in the heart of the Malaysian capital at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur, the new showroom is designed to cater to the growing needs of new and seasoned Ferraristis in the region alike, in line with the signature Ferrari Showroom Experience.
The Ferrari Ital Auto Malaysia showroom encompasses 3,826 square feet of prime real estate, with two vehicle display bays providing the stage for the latest Ferrari models to be showcased at all times.
Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in Malaysia, unveiled the Ferrari Roma Spider at their recently revealed showroom in Kuala Lumpur. As the latest addition to the iconic line of Prancing Horse Spiders, the Roma Spider pays homage to the carefree lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s, offering customers the option of a soft top—a first for a front-engined Ferrari in 54 years since the 1969 365 GTS4.
The soft-top design of the Roma Spider reflects a novel and modern approach, emphasising the car’s exuberant character. It comes with extensive personalisation options, featuring sophisticated, bespoke fabrics and contrasting stitching. The soft top can be deployed in just 13.5 seconds, operable at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Its compact design not only allows for a larger boot but also enhances the car’s overall versatility. A patented wind deflector integrated into the rear bench backrest contributes to in-car comfort without occupying additional space.
Retaining the excellent dynamic characteristics of the Ferrari Roma, the Spider boasts a best-in-class weight/power ratio, thanks to its soft top and all-aluminium chassis, housing a potent 620PS, 760Nm of torque twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine, part of the award-winning V8 turbo family, is coupled with Ferrari’s renowned 8-speed DCT, known for rapid shift times, comfort, and mechanical efficiency.
The Ferrari Roma Spider offers not only ease of driving but also exceptional dynamism and responsiveness, making it an ideal companion for both out-of-town weekends and extended journeys. It maintains the exhilarating Ferrari V8 soundtrack, coupled with features enhancing versatility, including a category-topping boot size, wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi.
Designed under the leadership of Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Roma Spider aims to extend the concept of “La Nuova Dolce Vita” for elegant, carefree driving ‘en plein air.’ The sophisticated fabric soft top preserves the coupé’s proportions seamlessly, and the exterior design focuses on clean lines and absolute symbiosis between elements. The proportions and volumes align with Ferrari’s front-engined GT tradition, complemented by modern touches for contemporary style.
The cabin of the Ferrari Roma Spider follows the dual cockpit concept, providing separate spaces for the driver and passenger. The symmetrical layout creates an organic distribution of spaces and functional elements, ensuring an immersive driving experience. High-tech features include a digital instrument cluster, optional passenger display, and a central 8.4” display for infotainment and climate control functions. The steering wheel’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) incorporates touch controls for a refined driving experience.
Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the Ferrari Roma Spider’s development, considering the impact of the fabric soft top on bodywork geometries. The active spoiler, concealed in the rear lid, adjusts to three different positions, optimising downforce based on speed and driving conditions. Attention to aerodynamic comfort with the top-down minimises turbulence and wind noise in the cabin.
The car’s dynamics benefit from the Side Slip Control System (SSC) and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, providing precise handling and traction performance. The Manettino offers five positions, including the new ‘Race’ position, enhancing driving fun. The chassis, derived from the Ferrari Roma, incorporates new components, ensuring exceptional torsional rigidity and beam stiffness.
With a focus on client service, Ferrari offers an extended seven-year maintenance program for the Roma Spider, covering regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This exclusive service ensures peak performance and safety over the years and is also available for pre-owned Ferraris. The Ferrari Roma Spider is available in Malaysia, starting from RM3,200,000.00, inclusive of duties and taxes.
