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Tragic Fire Destroys Seven Modified Cars En Route to Car Show

In a tragic incident today along KM38.1 of the PLUS expressway (northbound), seven modified cars destined for a car show were engulfed in flames, resulting in their complete destruction.

According to a statement on Facebook, the cars, comprising five Hondas, a Toyota Yaris, and a Proton Saga, were adorned with major accessories and vibrant paintwork. They were being transported on a vehicle trailer heading towards Sepang for the car exhibition when the unfortunate incident occurred at 4:52 am.

Upon noticing the fire, the driver of the car haulier promptly exited the trailer. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Fauzi Che Deris stated that 25 personnel were dispatched to the scene, and the cars on the trailer sustained significant damages, amounting to approximately 70 per cent.

An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire and to assess the estimated damages resulting from this unfortunate incident.

The New Mini Countryman C Has A Top Speed of 212km/h

Mini has expanded its lineup with the introduction of two new models, the Mini Countryman C and Countryman S, each offering a distinctive blend of driving comfort, spacious interiors, and efficient engine performance.

The Mini Countryman C boasts an efficient 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing an output of 170hp. Accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 8.3 seconds, it achieves a top speed of 212km/h. With 280Nm of torque, the car ensures a lively and characteristic Mini driving experience. The integration of mild hybrid technology contributes to energy recovery during braking and supports the internal combustion engine during accelerations, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

On the exterior, it stands out with its increased dimensions, being 13cm longer and 8cm higher than its predecessor. The redesign includes an octagonal front grille, distinctive LED headlights, and optional new light signatures. The C-pillar seamlessly joins the stretched car roof, and Piano Black roof rails are now standard, enhancing the model’s versatility with options like roof racks or a Mini roof box. With a ground clearance of 202mm and a dynamic chassis, the Countryman C ensures safety and comfort even on uneven roads. Light-alloy wheels, ranging from 17 to 21 inches, complement the model’s aesthetics.

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The Aegis Concept Is A Neo-Renaissance-Inspired Masterpiece

A visionary group of automotive designers, including ex-VW designer Grigorii Butin, BMW Designworks member Quichen Lee, and others, have collaboratively brought forth the Aegis—a striking concept car marrying neo-Renaissance aesthetics with modern innovation. Born in the digital realm, this project serves as a tribute to the past while embracing the future’s advancements.

The Aegis, a sleek two-door sports car reminiscent in size of the Aston Martin Vantage, boasts a large, friendly grille at the front, accompanied by slender LED headlights and a refined bumper—eschewing unnecessary air intakes often found in contemporary sports cars. The front quarter panels, elegantly mirroring the wheel contours, add a touch of intrigue to the design. Smooth doors with flush handles and wheels featuring silver and carbon fibre accents further elevate the visual appeal.

A distinctive feature of the Aegis is its abundant use of glass, including a vast windshield, side windows, and an expansive glass roof covering the entire roof and rear hatch. While the practicality of a car with such extensive glass may pose challenges, its captivating visual impact is undeniable.

The interior of the Aegis is equally unique, featuring a futuristic steering wheel, a retro-themed instrument cluster reminiscent of a clock, and a minimalist dashboard devoid of visible air vents. The black leather-clad carbon fibre seats contribute to the overall avant-garde design.

MOT Introduces On-Demand Transit Vans for Enhanced Connectivity

In a bid to improve interconnectivity within public transportation, Malaysia’s transport ministry is set to launch an on-demand transit van service, also known as demand-responsive transit, in the Klang Valley. The implementation of this service aims to address first and last-mile connectivity gaps in areas with limited access to existing bus services.

According to Bernama, transport minister Loke Siew Fook revealed that further details regarding the on-demand transit van service would be announced soon. The service is expected to function similarly to e-hailing services, targeting strategic locations for pick-ups and drop-offs. A portion of the RM50 million allocated under Budget 2024 to enhance public transportation will be utilised to purchase the vans. Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) has been entrusted with overseeing the operations.

Loke emphasised that not all residential areas have established bus routes, making the on-demand service a crucial addition to the public transportation system. He also encouraged collaboration between Prasarana and existing van-on-demand service providers to maximise the initiative’s impact.

The implementation of this on-demand transit van service reflects Malaysia’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of commuters and fostering more accessible and efficient public transportation options.

Zeekr Unveils Revolutionary Golden “Brick” Battery

In a pioneering move, Zeekr has introduced its cutting-edge lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, named the Golden “Brick” Battery. This groundbreaking battery is hailed as the world’s first mass-produced LFP battery with a volume utilisation exceeding an impressive 80%. The Zeekr 007 sedan will proudly showcase this revolutionary battery technology, setting new standards for safety and performance.

The Golden Brick Battery has undergone rigorous testing, including exposure to extreme cold (-45°C) for 8 hours, immersion in a 1000°C fire, and physical stress tests. Remarkably, the battery exhibited resilience and functionality even after these extreme conditions.

With a compact “sandwich structure,” ultra-thin separators, and an integrated tray design, the battery achieves a remarkable volume utilisation of 83.7%. This optimised design ensures maximum efficiency and space utilisation.

The battery boasts a peak charging power of 500 kW, with a maximum charge rate of 4.5C. Charging from 10% to 80% can deliver an impressive 500 km range in just 15 minutes, making it a game-changer in electric vehicle technology.

Zeekr has gone above and beyond to demonstrate the Golden Brick Battery’s safety features. A series of tests, including underwater submersion for 48 hours, exposure to a 1000°C fire, and a -45°C freeze for 8 hours, showcased the battery’s resilience. Further tests involved subjecting it to a 22-ton roller and dropping the 710kg battery from a 10-meter height, with no signs of fire, smoke, or explosions.

The Zeekr 007 sedan, equipped with the Golden Brick Battery, is poised to hit the roads on December 27. This car marks a significant leap forward in electric vehicle technology, promising an unparalleled combination of safety, efficiency, and performance.

Honda Launches e:N1 EV Production in Thailand, Malaysia soon?

The launch of Honda’s e:N1 electric vehicle (EV) production line at the Prachinburi factory in Thailand marks an exciting development for the electric car market in the region.

The Honda e:N1 is an all-electric vehicle based on the e:N Architecture F EV platform, sharing similarities with the HR-V. The electric car features a single motor setup producing 204PS and 310Nm of torque.

As Honda introduces the e:N1 in Thailand, there is anticipation that the EV might make its way to other markets in the region, including Malaysia.

The positive reception of Honda models in Malaysia, coupled with the growing interest in electric mobility, positions the e:N1 to perform well in the market. Malaysia is expected to receive details about the Honda e:N1’s launch in the first quarter of 2024, and production in Thailand may facilitate the initial phase before considering local production based on demand.

Speaking of positive reception, Honda Malaysia recently launched the all-new Honda CR-V here and it already has over 2000 bookings.