Piston.my

Latest News

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé. As the sporty counterpart of the GLC SUV, it completes the lineup of best-selling Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Exterior Highlights

The GLC Coupé strikes a harmonious balance between sporty performance and high efficiency. It incorporates mild hybrid technology with 48-volt systems and an integrated starter-generator, providing an additional boost and energy recuperation. Off-road capabilities are enhanced with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, while features like the off-road screen and the “transparent bonnet” as part of the 360° camera system improve driving comfort, aiding drivers in confidently navigating obstacles.

The distinct feature of the all-new GLC Coupé is its sporty silhouette, immediately identifiable as a member of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family, featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz grille pattern. The exterior design features dramatic surfaces complemented by precisely moulded edges that emphasise its proportions and muscular wheel arches, balancing elegance and power.

The AMG Line with Chrome package includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, wheel arch liners in its colour, and an enlarged and perforated brake system on the front axle, emphasising the sporty design. The panoramic sliding sunroof enhances the exclusivity and provides ample interior lighting. Aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs underscore the GLC Coupé’s off-road capabilities, facilitating ease of entry and exit.

The SUV’s width is emphasised by two-part tail lights with black-coloured and dark red connecting elements, finished with a simulated chrome underguard. Equipped with DIGITAL LIGHT, the GLC Coupé uses a matrix of LEDs to create light that can be individually controlled, allowing targeted and dynamic light distribution. This improves driver visibility without affecting other road users. Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus enables continuous high-beam driving while avoiding glare to oncoming traffic or vehicles in front using precise LEDs.

Safety is a top priority, with the all-new GLC Coupé featuring the PRE-SAFE® system, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The GUARD 360° vehicle protection offers comprehensive monitoring of its surroundings, including a break-in and anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection. The Parking Package with 360° camera and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC ensures effortless parking with dynamic visualisation and audible feedback.

Interior Highlights

The interior of the all-new GLC Coupé is equipped with the sporty AMG Line interior, featuring a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and the instrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO man-made leather with a nappa look. The dashboard is elegantly structured, with a wing-like profile in the upper section and a generous trim area in the lower section that seamlessly flows into the curved center console.

The 12.3-inch high-resolution LCD screen in front of the driver appears to float above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch central display rises from the center console and is similarly designed to appear as if it is floating above the trim surface, slightly angled towards the driver.

The interior boasts metal structure trim elements and a center console in a metal-structure finish, elevating the cabin’s aesthetic. The seat design features ARTICO man-made leather upholstery with layered and contoured surfaces for visual lightness. Comfort features include the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package, Boot Comfort Package, THERMATIC automatic climate control, and EASY-PACK tailgate.

Cutting-Edge Infotainment

The all-new GLC Coupé is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It offers enhanced user-friendliness and features brilliant images in the driver and central displays, providing easy control of it and comfort functions. The full-screen navigation provides optimal route guidance.

The MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation uses a camera to register the SUV’s surroundings. The central display presents moving images with superimposed virtual objects, traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations, and house numbers. This technology simplifies navigation, especially in urban areas. The GLC Coupé also features an exquisite Burmester® sound system with high-quality speakers that deliver impressive surround sound.

The GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé is equipped with a 2.0 engine, delivering a robust performance with a rated output of 258hp at 5,800 rpm and a torque of 400Nm between 2,000 and 3,200 rpm. Additionally, it features an electric motor that contributes with a rated output of 17kW and a torque of 205Nm. This combination provides the SUV with impressive acceleration, capable of going from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 246km/h.

In terms of weight and capacity, the GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé has a kerb weight of 1,945kg and a payload capacity of 565kg. As for the price, the recommended retail price with a 10% sales tax stands at RM469,888. This SUV offers a powerful and dynamic driving experience with its performance and features, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and power.

In 1985, the Alfa Romeo 75—referred to as the Milano in North America—was unveiled as a small sports sedan to rival the BMW 3 Series (E30). The Giulietta was superseded by this model, which was manufactured until 1992 and made way for the Alfa Romeo 155. An Italian coachbuilder named Carrozzeria Castagna took a 1987 Alfa Romeo 75 and turned it into the distinctive and eye-catching “Vittoria” coupe in 1994. The next year, the Vittoria made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Vittoria is a concept car that combines strange yet fascinating automotive art, and it is based on a commercial model. It’s an incredible design that was influenced by the unique SZ (Sprint Zagato). The Vittoria is still street-legal even though it is a concept car, and its 2,500km of mileage is a result of extended storage. Only some rust is noticeable at the locations where the aluminium and steel components link, otherwise the car is in superb shape.

Carefully crafted aluminium body panels were hand-hammered and affixed to a sturdy steel frame by Carrozzeria Castagna. After a thorough redesign, the inside has opulent dark green leather upholstery, tasteful wood trim, and a large Vittoria symbol on the dashboard’s passenger side. A Momo steering wheel and green Alcantara accents on the centre console, door cards, and instrument cluster top are among the other highlights.

The 3.0-litre V6 “Busso” engine, the soul of the Alfa Romeo 75, is housed behind the Vittoria’s distinctive bodywork. Following dyno testing and upgrades, the engine now produces an amazing 255hp. Brembo brakes give dependable stopping power, while a five-speed manual gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels. Koni coaxial shock absorbers at both axles and independent coil springs at the front have also been added to improve the suspension.

A Car & Classic auction will soon be held for the 1995 Alfa Romeo Castagna Vittoria. This one-of-a-kind coachbuilt masterpiece is projected to fetch a hefty price between £125,000 and £135,000 (roughly RM718,046 to RM775,489 ) and comes with complete paperwork. This is an incredible chance for collectors and enthusiasts to possess an amazing piece of automotive history if they’re looking for a rare and valuable treasure.

Subaru has been unveiling updated models, and speculation points to the Forester as the next in line for a significant overhaul.

The brand has hinted at the unveiling of a “newly redesigned Subaru” at the 2023 L.A. Auto Show on November 16, but it has not officially confirmed that this vehicle is the Forester. However, considering the Forester is next in line for an update, the forest-themed teaser images on the reveal website strongly suggest its arrival.

(more…)

Have you ever thought of using your Apple AirTag to track your car? In case you did not know, devices in the Find My network that are in close proximity to AirTag can detect the secure Bluetooth signal it emits. These gadgets broadcast your AirTag’s position to iCloud, where you may view it on a map using the Find My app. For your privacy, the entire process is encrypted and anonymous.

In an innovative move to combat the rising issue of car thefts, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington DC, USA, is offering residents Apple AirTags, which utilise Apple’s Find My technology to help track stolen vehicles. This program aims to empower residents in car theft-prone neighbourhoods and enhance recovery rates while promoting community involvement in safeguarding their vehicles.

The program, inspired by a similar initiative by New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year, seeks to tackle the alarming surge in motor vehicle thefts, which has risen by 101% in Washington DC. As of November 1, the city recorded over 5,800 motor vehicle thefts, prompting officials to adopt these unique anti-theft measures.

Residents in high-risk areas are set to benefit from free Apple AirTags, distributed at three events, provided they can demonstrate residency within eligible police service areas. During these events, the city’s police force will assist residents in installing and registering the tags on their phones. Crucially, the location data from the AirTags will not be accessible to the police. Instead, in the event of a car theft, residents will need to share information from Find My with law enforcement.

(more…)

As we approach the end of the year, the automotive market is experiencing a notable shift, with used car dealers offering enticing discounts on vehicles. This trend is driven by the anticipation of rising car prices in the coming year, which is creating a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers in the used car market.

According to The Star, used car prices are expected to drop by 10% to 15% during this period, making it an excellent time for those in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. However, sellers should be prepared for potential losses of a similar percentage when parting with their vehicles. This fluctuation benefits both sides of the transaction, as buyers can capitalise on these year-end discounts, and manufacturers eager to clear old stock are often willing to lower prices for new vehicles.

One intriguing aspect of this trend is the popularity of certain car brands and models in the used car market. Perodua, known for its low depreciation rate, has gained significant traction, with the Perodua Myvi being a standout choice among buyers. In contrast, the demand for Proton models is relatively lower, highlighting the preferences of used car buyers in the region.

(more…)

Toyota has unveiled its all-new Crown Sedan model in Japan and is set to start accepting orders from November 13. This latest iteration represents a departure from the traditional sedan design and embodies Toyota’s vision for a “Crown for a new era.” The lineup now offers a range of models to cater to diverse customer values and lifestyles.

The development of the new Crown model lineup began with the introduction of the Crown Crossover, combining elements of both a sedan and an SUV. Given the Crown’s historical significance and its origins as a sedan, the development team decided to reimagine and introduce a new Sedan type to meet customers’ needs for a refined and spacious driving experience, especially for chauffeured cars.

This new Crown Sedan prioritises elegance, comfort, and convenience. It features a long wheelbase and a wide body to provide spacious rear seating and ease of entry and exit, perfect for those who prefer chauffeured transportation. The interior is characterised by island architecture, featuring a continuous wood-grain panel from the instrument panel to the doors and a console that appears to rise from it. Illumination plays a significant role, contributing to the overall ambiance with LEDs that support 64-tone colour switching. The result is a serene and luxurious cabin that reflects Japanese aesthetics and hospitality.

The exterior design of the Crown Sedan emphasises horizontal lines and a flowing, elegant appearance. It features a distinctive hammerhead design, a large Under Priority trapezoid grille, and wide taillights that create a sense of width and reinforce the car’s status as Toyota’s flagship model.

It also offers a choice between two eco-friendly powertrains: a high-performance FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) and a hybrid HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The FCEV is equipped with Toyota’s second-generation fuel cell system, providing a quiet, environmentally friendly driving experience. The hydrogen-powered FCEV can travel around 82km on a three-minute hydrogen refill. The HEV variant boasts a newly developed 2.5-litre multi-stage hybrid system, which balances dynamic performance and fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, the Crown Sedan features an external power supply and an emergency power supply system. It can supply high-output power to a home or electrical appliances when connected to an external power supply, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

This new model lineup and the inclusion of the FCEV variant signal Toyota’s commitment to offering a diverse range of models to meet various customer needs while striving for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices in Japan:

Crown Sedan FCEV: JPY 8,300,000 (RM260k)

Crown Sedan HEV: JPY 7,300,000 (RM228k)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube