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Wheel Resonators Are A Neat Little Feature In The New Honda CR-V

Installed at the centre of the wheels, these resonators are crafted from a lightweight resin and utilise the forces of physics, specifically centrifugal force, to make a significant impact on reducing tire noise.

One of the remarkable features of wheel resonators is their ingenious design, eliminating the need for additional connecting parts such as bolts. Instead, they leverage centrifugal force to establish a secure connection with the wheel, showcasing a streamlined and efficient approach to noise reduction.

The core functionality of wheel resonators lies in their ability to counteract tire noise through the power of resonance. By strategically creating vibrations at a specific frequency, these resonators essentially cancel out the unwanted noise generated by the tires, providing a more serene and enjoyable driving experience.

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Electric Range Rover Nears Production as JLR Conducts Rigorous Testing

The upcoming electric Range Rover, based on the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA Flex) platform, is inching closer to production and release. The electric SUV is expected to retain the luxurious design of its gas-powered and plug-in hybrid counterparts, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on electrification. Sharing the MLA Flex platform allows the electric Range Rover to maintain its off-road capabilities, a hallmark of the Range Rover lineup.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has initiated rigorous testing for the electric Range Rover, subjecting prototypes to various conditions, including extreme temperatures and challenging terrains. The electric SUV is designed to handle off-road adventures, consistent with the capabilities of traditional internal combustion engine Range Rovers.

Key details, such as battery sizes and estimated driving range, are yet to be officially disclosed. However, the electric Range Rover will feature an 800-volt architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging. The batteries and electric motors for the model will be produced at JLR’s Wolverhampton factory in the UK, while the final assembly will take place alongside the regular Range Rover in Solihull, UK.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Dragging ICA Officer at Woodlands Checkpoint

The incident at Woodlands Checkpoint highlights the seriousness of breaching regulations at border crossings and the potential legal consequences. The three-quarter tank rule, requiring vehicles to have a minimum of three-quarters of fuel when leaving Singapore via land checkpoints, is a standard procedure to ensure vehicles have sufficient fuel for their journeys.

According to The Straits Times, The refusal of the motorist to comply with the ICA officer’s instructions and the subsequent acceleration, dragging the officer along, resulted in injuries and the driver’s arrest. The charges of causing hurt by a rash act underscore the gravity of such actions, emphasising the need for motorists to cooperate with checkpoint authorities.

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Audi Bids Farewell to R8 with Limited-Edition “Japan Final Edition”

Audi has marked the end of an era for the R8 in most global markets with a special farewell edition limited to just 8 units—the Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition. Based on the V10 Quattro, this model pays homage to Japan with its exclusive design featuring the country’s main colours: white, red, and gold. The exterior showcases an Ibis White Matte finish, carbon fibre aero components, black Audi emblems, and 20-inch alloy wheels in a matte bronze hue.

The interior is characterised by black upholstery with Alabaster White accents and diamond stitching. Each of the 8 units comes with individually numbered door sills and “Japan Final Edition” lettering. The V10 engine, likely making its final appearance, generates 612hp and 580Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.

The Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition is priced at ¥35,080,000 (RM1,150,698), reflecting its exclusive status and limited availability. Buyers of this special edition will receive a commemorative piece of VIN Art, featuring the engraved chassis number of their respective cars.

Although the V10 R8 bids adieu, there are speculations about a potential return for the nameplate in the form of a high-performance electric vehicle. Audi is reportedly working on an electric platform designed for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars, suggesting the possibility of an electric successor to the iconic mid-engined R8 in the future.

The limited-edition R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition serves as a symbolic farewell to the V10-powered R8, offering a unique and exclusive model for collectors and enthusiasts. The anticipation of a potential electric successor aligns with the industry’s shift toward electrification, hinting at Audi’s commitment to high-performance electric sports cars in the future.

Sixth-Gen Honda CR-V: Available With Active Shutter Grille

With the all-new Honda CR-V launched in Malaysia, we found another interesting feature besides the body stabilising seats, the active shutter grille.

Since 2017, Honda has incorporated active grille shutters in models like the Odyssey. This system is designed to enhance aerodynamics by utilising vents to regulate airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

The active grille shutters are positioned in front of the radiator and consist of motorised vanes that can move to either allow or block airflow. Controlled by the car’s engine control module, these vanes can be adjusted to various positions, ranging from fully closed to fully open, depending on the cooling air requirements for the condenser and radiator.

When airflow is necessary to cool the engine, the vents open, and when no airflow is needed, they shut. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces aerodynamic drag, providing benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. When fully closed, the active grille shutters can contribute to a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the system keeps the vanes closed for as long as possible during cold starts, helping the engine reach its most efficient operating temperature quickly and contributing an extra 0.3% to fuel efficiency.

All-New Honda CR-V Features Honda’s Body Stabilising Seats

Honda Malaysia has just officially launched the all-new Honda CR-V. We test-drove the new CR-V in Thailand last month and we loved it!

The interior is spacious and provides excellent comfort. To enhance the comfort level, it comes with Honda’s body stabilising seats. This is the first CR-V to use Honda’s body stabilising seat for front passengers.

The enhanced structure in the back of the seat increases lumbar and pelvic support to create a body-stabilising effect. This helps to prevent fatigue, particularly in the hip and waist area of occupants on longer journeys.

Additionally, the new structure makes it easier to maintain a comfortable and stable driving posture, even when cornering and on uneven road surfaces.

The next-generation body stabilising seat, which Honda developed to use for its high-end sedan models, was first available on the fourth-generation Jazz that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019.