At the GT World Series Finals in Barcelona, Genesis unveiled the full-scale prototype of its Vision GT concept, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta. Developed for the Gran Turismo series, this exotic hypercar showcases the Athletic Elegance styling language without the constraints of a production vehicle.
The concept features a low-slung body with a long hood, cab-backward proportions, and striking design elements. The interior combines luxury with motorsport-inspired features, including a digital panoramic interface mounted on the base of the windshield.
The minimalist cockpit features Genesis’ signature Quad Lights, a yoke steering wheel, and heavily bolstered quilted seats.
The hybrid powertrain comprises a mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine and a Yasa E electric motor, delivering a combined output of 1,071hp and 1336Nm of torque.
While the concept is designed for racing and won’t enter production, it allows Genesis to showcase its design prowess and push boundaries in the virtual realm of Gran Turismo 7, with availability for players starting in January 2024.
The concept hints at the brand’s potential foray into more exciting segments in the future.
In Hyundai Motor Group’s 2023 Ideas Festival, a bronze prize-winning concept called “H-SOS” has raised concerns about privacy and potential surveillance.
The concept envisions a future where cars equipped with external microphones are always listening for signs of distress, such as screams or explosions.
If detected, the car would activate lights, hazards, and horn, recording the surroundings via cameras and alerting police with the vehicle’s location and video footage.
As the Tesla Cybertruck deliveries have started, specs and range information have finally been revealed. There will be two options available; the tri-motor Cyberbeast which produces 845hp with a range of 514km and the dual-motor option that puts out 600hp and boasts a range of 547km.
There are talks about a single-motor variant in the development with an estimated range of 402km. For the time being, there is no information available about the powertrain.
Facing a backdrop of softened EV demand and increasing competition, the Cybertruck is a crucial player in sustaining Tesla’s sales. However, it is not expected to reach the same volume as Models 3 and Y, both available in Malaysia.
Speaking of which, we came across an interesting find on the official website of Tesla Malaysia. The Cybertruck has been added to the list, joining the Model 3 and Y.
During the production time of the Cybertruck, Elon Musk had stated that the company was facing difficulties and that Tesla had “dug it’s own grave” by undertaking such a task. Back in May, Tesla had axed the production of the Model S and X in Australia due to the halt in production of right-hand-drive variants. With this, we knew that Tesla had no intentions of expanding some models globally.
So would it be right-hand-drive when it eventually arrives here in Malaysia? Well, according to a post dated back in July, Musk had a “solution” for Tesla drivers in right-hand-drive countries. We had a good laugh at this solution. The EV giant had introduced something called “The Reacher”. Yes, it is what you think it is. Imagine driving on the left side of the car and using this tool to pay for tolls and collecting your drive-thru meals. Not very bright now is it?
The Reacher
Just like in Australia, the Malaysian Tesla page does not provide a “Order Now” option but rather a “Get Updates” option. In the US, the Cybertruck is priced at $60,990, which if we do a conversion will be RM284,7620. Before the unnecessary add-ons, the price of the Model 3 here starts from RM189,000 while in the US it is around $40,000. So we can expect the price of the Cybertruck to be around RM290k to RM320K.
We have our doubts that the Cybertruck would actually make it’s way onto our shores. Until then, we will just have to wait and see and keep tabs on any issues that the US buyers are facing with their Cybertrucks or if Tesla has any plans to make a right-hand-drive variant.
The Johor Public Works Department (JKR) is set to embark on a transformative journey by upgrading roads with glow-in-the-dark markings, bringing a futuristic touch to road safety. State executive council member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh revealed that JKR will meticulously list and assess roads earmarked for this innovative upgrade before the year concludes.
The initiative is backed by the state government’s commitment, as reflected in the 2024 Johor Budget, allocating RM1 million for the integration of light reflection technology into road markings. Mohamad Fazli emphasized that the identified roads would undergo the application of glow-in-the-dark technology in the coming year.
“JKR will assess which roads are suitable for using the glow-in-the-dark technology before the end of this year. The department will look at roads, especially in areas with improper wiring or no electrical poles, as well as those with dangerous and sharp road bends and roads connecting towns,” stated Mohamad Fazli during a press conference held after the launch of the Sungai Masai Bridge Project in Jalan Masai Lama.
Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. marked a significant milestone by launching the pilot test of the first pair of Scania road tankers, operated by Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD), designed to operate using B100 Biodiesel.
In collaboration with Scania and Konsortium Port Dickson Sdn Bhd (KPD), Shell Malaysia aims to pilot test these road tankers as part of an initiative to reduce carbon emissions. Supported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), the venture aligns with efforts to drive sustainability in the transportation sector.
One of the highlights is the significance of renewable fuels in lowering carbon emissions from vehicles with internal combustion engines, providing an alternative pathway for companies to achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Scania has been a pioneer in preparing its vehicles for biodiesel use, and since 2019, all Scania diesel vehicles sold in Malaysia are FAME-prepared up to B100.
After multiple delays and heightened anticipation, Tesla is finally poised to commence deliveries of its long-awaited Cybertruck electric pickup. Despite CEO Elon Musk acknowledging production challenges for what he described as a “radical” product, the company is pushing forward with the delivery of its groundbreaking electric truck.
The Cybertruck, Tesla’s first new model in nearly four years, holds substantial importance for the company’s reputation as an innovator in the electric vehicle (EV) space. Facing a backdrop of softened EV demand and increasing competition, the Cybertruck is a crucial player in sustaining Tesla’s sales, although it is not expected to reach the same volume as the Models 3 and Y.
Elon Musk recently admitted to challenges surrounding the Cybertruck, cautioning that it would take between a year to 18 months before the vehicle becomes a significant contributor to the company’s cash flow. The starting price for the Cybertruck is $60,990 (RM284,7620), exceeding Musk’s 2019 estimate by over 50%, potentially appealing to select affluent buyers initially.
Designed with a shiny stainless steel exterior featuring flat planes and minimal curves, the Cybertruck draws inspiration from the 1977 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me,” particularly a car-turned-submarine. The production debut in Tesla’s Austin, Texas factory revealed some key specifications for the Cybertruck:
Powertrain
The optional tri-motor powertrain in the “Cyberbeast” trim delivers a whopping 845hp, while the dual-motor AWD truck generates 600hp. The single-motor Cybertruck is scheduled for 2025, and power ratings for this variant are currently unavailable. The Cybertruck boasts a 0-100km/h time of 2.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of less than 11 seconds. The 600hp dual-motor truck achieves 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and the single-motor truck, with power figures yet to be revealed, is listed with a 100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. Elon Musk also disclosed the Cybertruck’s curb weight of 3,084kg during the debut event.
Range
Estimated ranges have been updated since 2019. The dual-motor version currently boasts the longest range at 547km, followed closely by the Cyberbeast at 514km despite its substantial power increase. The single-motor truck is estimated to have a range of 402km.
The Cybertruck has garnered immense interest, with over a million reservation holders who have placed $100 (RM467) deposits. Paul Waatti, an analyst at consultancy AutoPacific, notes that Tesla’s products have historically appealed to more affluent early adopters, and the Cybertruck is expected to follow this trend. Despite potentially having a smaller audience compared to SUVs, Waatti anticipates that the Cybertruck will perform surprisingly well in the market.
