Toyota has presented its Sport Crossover Concept in Europe, offering a preview of a new battery-electric model set to join its electrified range by 2025. The concept revealed at Toyota’s Kenshiki forum in Brussels, features a sleek aero silhouette and distinctive fastback lines, positioning it as a design icon for the company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup.
The Sport Crossover Concept, initially showcased at Auto Shanghai in April, has been developed for both the Chinese and European markets by BYD Toyota EV Technology Co. Ltd. (BTET), a joint venture established in China by Toyota and BYD.
The concept aims to attract first-time electric car customers and serve as a stylish alternative to SUVs, providing maximum comfort, five doors, a large boot, and generous rear legroom.
Toyota’s multipath strategy focuses on achieving carbon neutrality through the introduction of a portfolio featuring advanced, alternative fuel, and zero-emissions powertrain technologies.
In Europe, Toyota plans to introduce six dedicated BEV models by 2026, contributing to its goal of exclusively offering Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2040.
Auto Bavaria, a BMW and Mini dealership in Malaysia, has become the country’s first dealership to offer specialized services dedicated to BMW and Mini models that have achieved Classic Status. This initiative, commencing operations from November 26, 2023, aims to cater to the needs of classic car enthusiasts.
The service offering, located at Auto Bavaria’s Ara Damansara dealership, is designed for BMW and Mini classic cars defined by the BMW Group as those that have surpassed 15 years after the last series production date. The dedicated team at the Ara Damansara dealership includes two work bays, two skilled technicians, a foreman, and two service advisors.
BHPetrol had recently organised a campaign called ‘Pam & Menang Kembali Lagi 2.0’ where people could stand a chance to win a Proton Iriz 1.6L Active CVT by spending a minimum of RM40 on Infiniti fuels RON 95, RON 97, B10 diesel or B7 diesel or store items in a single receipt at BHPetrol stations.
The campaign was from the first of August 2023 to the 31st of October 2023 and the winners have been selected. A grand prize consisting of a new Iriz and a vacation to Dubai with Malaysian musician, actor, and television host Alif Satar will be given to four lucky winners.
Second-place winners will receive one of four units of the Iriz, while third-place winners will each receive one of fourteen Modenas Kriss 110 motorcycles.
Additional rewards include 32-inch smart TVs, smartphones, BHPetrol SynGard lubricants, special edition BHPetrol umbrellas for weekly winners, and 30,000 e-points.
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.
