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From Sim to Sepang: Porsche Esports Winners Put Their Skills to the Test

The virtual world met the real thing when Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official representative of Porsche in Malaysia, gave podium winners of the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia 2025 a taste of life behind the wheel of real cars. The event took place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where the country’s best Esports racers traded their simulators for Cayennes, 911s, and even all-electric Porsches.

For Porsche, motorsport is more than a sport — it’s a defining part of the brand’s DNA. The company has long viewed simulation racing as an important step in driver development, and now, Esports is opening the door for a new generation of talent.

Through the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia, young racers get a genuine platform to test their passion and possibly take their first steps into real-world competition. The goal, Porsche Malaysia explained, is not just to deliver a fun experience but also to spark ambition, whether in the simulator or on the track itself.

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Inflated Pre-Sale Numbers in China’s Auto Market Raise Industry Concerns

China’s car market may be the biggest in the world, but the pressure of competition has brought some questionable tactics into play. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, certain carmakers have been exaggerating pre-sale orders to create the impression of strong demand, a move that could mislead both consumers and investors.

According to Reuters, The Xinhua Daily Telegraph reported that some companies went as far as asking their own employees to place refundable deposits, while others turned to what it called a “grey industry chain” that specialises in artificially boosting order books. These inflated figures, the report added, are rarely verified by third parties and often end up being far higher than the actual number of cars delivered to customers.

This practice has already raised eyebrows among regulators. In September, China’s industry ministry announced a three-month campaign to clamp down on false marketing and other irregular online activity in the automotive sector. Industry insiders admit that the trend is becoming a problem, with concerns that it could damage the sector’s long-term credibility.

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CATL to Begin Mass Production of Sodium-Ion Batteries in 2026

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) has confirmed that it will begin large-scale production of its next-generation sodium-ion batteries next year. The new cells are designed to deliver a driving range of around 500 kilometres while being cheaper to manufacture and less damaging to the environment.

Unlike conventional lithium-based batteries, the new technology relies on sodium, an abundant material that is easier to extract. CATL has not yet disclosed which car manufacturer will be the first to adopt the batteries.

The company highlights several advantages of the sodium-ion technology. Production costs are lower, the carbon footprint is reduced, and the batteries are classified as more environmentally friendly. They are also capable of both fast charging and rapid discharging, while offering stable performance in a wide range of conditions. Importantly, sodium-ion batteries are considered safer than current mainstream chemistries.

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Porsche Previews the Cayenne Electric Interior Ahead of Global Debut

The upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, scheduled to debut at the end of 2025, introduces a new interior concept that emphasises comfort, digital functionality, and personalisation. At the centre of this update is the Flow Display, the largest screen ever fitted to a Porsche, integrated into a cabin designed to merge sport-focused design with advanced digital systems.

According to Markus Auerbach, Director Interior Design at Style Porsche, the goal was to combine traditional Cayenne design cues with Porsche’s new “Digital Interaction” approach. The Flow Display, a curved OLED panel, forms the basis of this system, offering a clean, seamless interface for vehicle controls and infotainment. Alongside this, new features such as electrically adjustable rear seats, heating for surfaces like armrests and door panels, and customisable Mood Modes expand the model’s scope of comfort and usability.

All passengers benefit from increased cabin space and new comfort options. The standard-fit electrically adjustable rear seats can switch between comfort and cargo positions, while Mood Modes adjust interior light, sound, climate, and seating settings for relaxation or focus. A panoramic roof with Variable Light Control adds further versatility: its glass surface, the largest ever installed in a Porsche, can transition between clear, matte, or two semi-transparent settings.

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Tyre Smuggling Scandal Uncovered in Malaysia, RM350 Million in Losses Estimated

A complaint from an Italian tyre manufacturer has set off a major investigation into large-scale tyre smuggling and forged import documents in Malaysia. The case, now known as “Ops Grip,” has already led to raids across multiple states and the seizure of thousands of tyres suspected to be counterfeit or undeclared.

According to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the probe began after a European tyre maker raised concerns over fake products and suspicious import patterns. He confirmed that Italy was among the countries affected but stopped short of naming other sources. The seized tyres are currently undergoing checks to verify their authenticity.

The operation was carried out by the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), which brought together the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Customs Department. Teams swooped down on six warehouses and container sites in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor, where they uncovered 17,672 tyres. These are now being cross-checked with international brands to confirm their legitimacy.

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New XPENG G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV Launched in Malaysia

Bermaz Xpeng Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of XPENG in Malaysia, has officially launched the new XPENG G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV. First introduced locally in August 2024, the updated G6 arrives with performance improvements, smarter features, and refreshed styling. Bookings are now open, with prices starting from RM178,888.

The new G6 is built on XPENG’s SEPA 2.0 architecture, designed to improve driving efficiency, refine handling, and deliver a more seamless connected experience. Alongside these technical upgrades, the SUV receives updates inside and out that emphasise its modern and practical character.

Exterior revisions include a full-width Starlight Wing LED light bar with integrated turn signals, a redesigned rear diffuser for better airflow, and a matte grey XPENG badge moved from the bonnet to the hood.

Wheel arches now match the body colour for a cleaner finish, while a new ducktail-style rear design strengthens the car’s stance and stability.

The cabin has been extensively redesigned under what XPENG calls the Super Star-Ring Interior Design, transforming more than half of the interior. The dashboard layout is sleeker, with ambient lighting, premium materials, and a capacitive steering wheel.

Customers can choose Dark Grey or Light Grey interior themes. A larger 15.6-inch floating infotainment screen works alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, complemented by intuitive voice commands and smartphone connectivity.

Passenger comfort has also been upgraded. Front seats offer massage, lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, while the rear features a 12-level reclining design intended to mimic sofa-like comfort. A panoramic star sunroof and generous headroom and legroom further add to the sense of space.

Power comes from XPENG’s next-generation Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 800V high-voltage SiC platform, the first in the industry to use 5C LFP batteries. This approach improves charging speed, efficiency, and long-term durability while avoiding reliance on minerals such as cobalt and nickel. The result is a battery that is safer and more environmentally sustainable, without compromising performance.

The Long Range Pro and AWD Performance models are equipped with an 80.5 kWh LFP pack, replacing the 87.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries used in earlier versions. Thanks to the 800V SiC system, the G6 achieves a peak charging power of 451kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in just 12 minutes — the fastest in its class. Depending on the variant, the G6 delivers up to 525km of driving range on a single charge.

As for power, the RWD Long Rane variant puts out 292hp and 440Nm of torque, which allows it to do 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the AWD Performance variant churns out 480hp and 660Nm of torque, which cuts down the 0-100km/h timing to 4.13 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 202km/h.

The G6 also debuts a fully upgraded intelligent driving suite with a new MicroFiber capacitive steering wheel, advanced driver-assist chip, and clearer long-range perception sensors. Functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automated parking are included. A high-performance cockpit chip further improves responsiveness and connectivity for both entertainment and driving tasks.

Battery safety is a key focus. The G6’s battery is housed in a reinforced structure with ballistic-grade protection, designed to withstand extreme heat of up to 1,000˚C and side pressure of up to 80 tonnes. Its durability is further extended with a 30 per cent longer lifespan compared to standard systems.

The G6 is fully imported from China and is available in five exterior colours: Arctic White, Graphite Grey, Midnight Black, Silver Frost, and Stellar Purple. Interior choices include Dark Grey or Light Grey.

A Black Edition is also available exclusively on the AWD Performance variant, adding gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, black brake callipers, and a blacked-out XPENG badge.

Pricing starts at RM178,888 for the G6 RWD Long Range Pro, RM189,888 for the G6 AWD Performance, and RM193,888 for the G6 AWD Black Edition.

Every purchase includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or 120,000 km), 5 years of free service and maintenance (or 100,000 km), and an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty covering up to 160,000 km.