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Tesla Cybertrucks Start To Rust after Exposure to Rain?

Reports from some Tesla Cybertruck owners have emerged, suggesting that their vehicles are showing signs of rust after exposure to rain. On the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, a member shared their experience of picking up their truck on February 1st, accompanied by a warning from an advisor about potential rusting issues due to rain. The forum post highlighted concerns about rust development, which seemingly contradicted the expectation of rust resistance associated with stainless steel, the material used for the Cybertruck’s body.

He further noted that their Cybertruck began exhibiting rust spots after just two days of exposure to rain. Photos shared by the user purportedly depicted small rust specks on the stainless-steel body.

According to Mead Metals, a metal services company based in Minnesota, stainless steel can indeed rust under specific environmental conditions, primarily as a result of water exposure but also due to contact with harmful chemicals, saline solutions, grease, or prolonged heat exposure.

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BMW M Division Signals Possible Farewell to Manual Transmissions

The manual transmission, once a staple of driving enthusiasts, is facing a dwindling presence in the automotive market. BMW’s M division, one of the few brands still offering manual options, has hinted that this choice may soon disappear.

In an interview, BMW board member Frank Weber acknowledged that the demand for manual transmissions is shrinking. He noted that while these manual M models are enjoyable to drive, the diminishing sales volumes make it impractical to continue developing them. Weber advised potential buyers interested in manual M cars to make their purchase soon, hinting at the impending discontinuation of these models.

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GWM Announces Arrival of ORA 07 & Tank 300 in Malaysia

GWM Malaysia is expanding its product offerings with the introduction of two new models: the ORA 07 and GWM Tank 300, providing Malaysian consumers with a broader selection of models to choose from.

The ORA 07, a sleek electric coupe, is set to debut in the Malaysian market in the first quarter of 2024. Boasting a stylish design and electric powertrain, the ORA 07 is expected to appeal to consumers seeking a modern and sophisticated driving experience.

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Mitsubishi Pajero to Make a Comeback as a PHEV?

The Mitsubishi Pajero, a nameplate with a storied history, may soon make a comeback, offering a glimmer of hope for the Mitsubishi brand amidst its ageing lineup. While not as headline-grabbing as the return of the Toyota MR2, the revival of the Pajero could signal a significant step forward for Mitsubishi.

Reports from Japan suggest that Mitsubishi is considering reintroducing the Pajero as a modernised, Japanese counterpart to the Land Rover lineup. Initially, the company explored the idea of basing the new Pajero on the Triton’s ladder frame but ultimately determined that it couldn’t achieve the desired level of comfort with this platform. Instead, Mitsubishi has shifted its focus to the electrified platform developed in collaboration with Renault Nissan Mitsubishi, the same platform slated for the next-generation Outlander.

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Lotus Emeya Hyper-GT Conquers Extreme Testing Challenges

The Lotus Emeya hyper-GT has completed the final stage of its intensive global test and development program in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Over the winter, the all-electric grand tourer underwent testing in Ivalo, Finland, where temperatures dropped as low as -25 degrees Celsius. To further challenge the Emeya, the car was subjected to a local automotive ‘freezer,’ enduring temperatures as frigid as -40 degrees Celsius. This rigorous testing represents the culmination of a thorough three-year development program spanning 15 countries across two continents.

The testing regimen encompassed diverse terrain and conditions, including the challenging B-roads of the UK, the high-speed autobahn in Germany, the Alpine passes, and the remote landscapes of Inner Mongolia. Track testing at iconic venues like the Nürburgring Nordschleife and proving grounds such as Nardò in Italy ensured the Emeya’s performance across a wide range of scenarios.

Throughout the testing process, engineers focused on various aspects of the Emeya’s performance, including chassis systems, tyre development, driver assistance functions, battery usability in extreme weather, and thermal management systems. The goal was to ensure that the Emeya delivers optimal driving dynamics and comfort in all conditions.

Two types of testing were conducted: controlled testing, which maintains consistent conditions for precise evaluation, and real-world testing, which validates the controlled results in diverse environments and driving situations. Emeya’s development prioritised meeting global regulatory standards while staying true to Lotus’ DNA of engaging, desirable, safe, and predictable performance.

As an all-electric grand tourer, the Emeya boasts advanced control systems and four-wheel drive, ensuring stability, handling, and control even in extreme weather conditions. Customers can remotely prepare their Emeya using the Lotus App, adjusting cabin temperature, heated seats, and steering wheel to their preferences before entering the vehicle.

Additional features, such as heated side cameras and mirrors, and a specialised Snow Mode for the 55-inch head-up display, enhance visibility and comfort in wintry conditions. With its comprehensive testing and advanced features, the Lotus Emeya is poised to redefine the grand touring experience for customers worldwide.

Perodua D66B SUV Set to Hit the Roads in April – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Integrated

Recently, news of the impending release of the Perodua D66B, a B-segment SUV, has surfaced. Scheduled for launch in April, this highly anticipated SUV is poised to offer a range of features, including comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). With an expected starting price of around RM73,000, the D66B is set to make waves in the market.

Analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz from Kenanga Research sheds light on the upcoming SUV, indicating that it will hit the market in April. The timing aligns with previous reports hinting at a launch in the first half of the year. The cessation of Aruz production as early as November last year further supports the likelihood of an April release. Wan Mustaqim stated that “Sime Darby is likely to benefit from the new launch of Perodua D66B and Toyota Yaris Cross which are expected to be introduced by this April.”

Previously known as Model Q, the D66B shares similarities with existing Perodua models and is anticipated to resemble the Perodua Concept X showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 18.

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