RML Group, a British engineering and motorsport company founded in 1984, has officially introduced its long-anticipated GT Hypercar, a machine that draws from both motorsport heritage and modern engineering to deliver extreme performance alongside everyday usability. Developed under the internal codename P39, the hypercar takes the Porsche 992.1-generation 911 Turbo S as its base, but is transformed into something far beyond the standard car.
At the heart of the project is a carbon fibre body paired with a race-bred chassis and a bespoke powertrain created in collaboration with Litchfield Motors. This combination places the GT Hypercar firmly in the territory of track-focused exotics, while maintaining a level of refinement suitable for daily use.
Performance is at the forefront of its character. The car features three selectable modes: Wet, where the engine delivers 600hp; Normal, with output raised to 750hp; and Sport/Sport+, which unleashes the full force of 920hp and 955Nm of torque. Such power, combined with advanced aerodynamics, places the GT Hypercar on par with some of the fastest cars ever built.
Lotus Malaysia recently invited us over to their Lotus KL showroom for an exclusive Cars, Coffee and KEF experience. The event combined test drives of Lotus’ latest electric lineup, a showcase of premium audio, and a touch of café indulgence, all in true Lotus style.
New Line-up: Lotus Emeya and Eletre
At the heart of the showcase were the 2026 Lotus Emeya and Eletre, two all-electric models that signal the brand’s expanding direction. This was not about price cuts or special editions, but rather an introduction to a broader range of options for customers.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate the new line-up from the earlier models is by the badging at the rear. Lotus now reflects power output in the model names, with badges marked either 600 or 900.
Both the Emeya and Eletre are available in five variants:
600
600 GT SE
600 Sport SE
900 Sport
900 Sport Carbon
Customers can also choose interior materials ranging from the standard Lotus Wear Performance fabric to Nappa leather or Alcantara at an additional cost.
Driving the Emeya 600
We had the chance to get behind the wheel of the Emeya 600, which produces 603 hp and comes with an all-wheel drive system. Despite being an EV, the Emeya delivered an engaging drive that may just change the minds of sceptics.
The active air suspension with continuous damping control worked seamlessly on Malaysian roads, soaking up imperfections without compromising responsiveness. Power delivery was smooth and progressive, making the car exciting yet comfortable to drive without being overwhelming.
Inside, the Lotus Wear fabric seats proved to be comfortable and supportive, underlining Lotus’ focus on blending performance with practicality.
KEF Audio: Cinema on Wheels
The experience wasn’t just about driving. We also spent time in the Eletre to sample its KEF sound system, and the results were nothing short of cinematic.
The entry-level variant comes with 15 speakers, while higher trims get a staggering 23-speaker setup, paired with Dolby Atmos for a truly immersive soundstage. Crisp, clear and powerful, the system transforms the cabin into a private concert hall or movie theatre, depending on your playlist.
Coffee, Lotus Style
To complete the lifestyle angle, the event served up a 3-course coffee experience, complete with mini croissants, sourdough slices, and a rich chocolate mousse. It was a fitting finish to a day that blended performance, luxury, and indulgence.
Pricing in Malaysia
The new models are positioned firmly in the premium EV segment. The Lotus Emeya is priced from RM459,000 to RM699,000, while the Eletre starts at RM499,000 and tops out at RM769,000.
With performance, luxury and advanced technology wrapped in striking designs, the Emeya and Eletre look set to redefine how Malaysians experience Lotus in the electric age.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a new Bespoke collection, the Spectre Inspired by Primavera, a poetic celebration of spring reimagined through the marque’s ultra-luxury electric coupé. Taking its name from the Italian word for spring, the series captures the delicacy, optimism and vitality of the season in a range of highly personalised commissions.
The collection is offered in three unique interpretations – Evanescent, Reverie and Blossom – each reflecting a different facet of spring’s character. Commissioning is open until early next year, with the first deliveries scheduled to coincide with the season itself in 2026.
At the heart of the design is the cherry blossom, a symbol of renewal and transience, which has been translated into both exterior and interior details. Each motif began as a hand-sketched drawing by a Rolls-Royce Bespoke designer before being digitised and applied to the coachwork, cabin trim and other fine details. On the outside, the cars are defined by a hand-painted Coachline depicting a blossoming branch, complemented by a new 23-inch alloy wheel design inspired by the shape of a flower in bloom.
Smart Malaysia has given a first look at its new flagship electric SUV, the smart #5, ahead of its expected market launch. Positioned above the #1 and #3 models, the new SUV promises more space, stronger performance, and long-range capability, placing it directly in competition with established premium EVs.
The smart #5 will be offered in three versions: Pro, Premium and BRABUS.
The entry-level Pro comes with a 76 kWh battery and a single rear motor producing 335hp and 373Nm. It does the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h, while range is claimed at 465 km (WLTP). Features include PU leather seats, a powered tailgate, 9-speaker audio system and 256-colour ambient lighting. Boot space is 630L, expandable to 1,530L with the rear seats folded.
Premium
The Premium raises the bar with a 100 kWh battery for up to 590 km of range. Output is 358hp, 373Nm of torque, and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Inside, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, a 20-speaker Sennheiser system with Dolby Atmos, and an augmented reality head-up display. The variant also gains illuminated concealed door handles, dual wireless chargers and faster 22 kW AC charging.
At the top of the range, the BRABUS edition delivers true performance credentials. Dual motors provide 636hp and 710Nm, cutting the 0–100 km/h time down to 3.8 seconds and pushing top speed to 210 km/h. It also comes with sport suspension, larger 21-inch alloys, red brake callipers and simulated engine sound. The BRABUS uses an 800V charging setup, allowing a 10–80% charge in just 15 minutes with a 400 kW DC charger.
BRABUS
The smart #5 is equipped with 26 sensors, including cameras, radars and ultrasonic units, powered by Nvidia OrinX chips. This supports L2+ advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Pilot Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist and autonomous parking.
Safety has also been prioritised, with the model designed to meet both European and Chinese 5-star NCAP standards. The body uses 82% high-strength steel and achieves a torsional rigidity of 42,300 Nm/deg, well above segment norms.
A long 2,900 mm wheelbase ensures generous cabin space. The rear seats offer reclining functions and modes that can transform the cabin into nap or bed layouts. Luggage capacity extends up to 1,530L, complemented by a 72L frunk.
Premium materials such as real wood trims, laminated soundproof glass and Nappa leather feature throughout, while a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade adds to the sense of space.
In Malaysia, the smart #5 will compete with models such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and Xpeng G6, while the BRABUS edition will target buyers looking at performance EVs like the BMW iX3 and MINI Countryman SE.
With three variants on offer, ranging from practical to high-performance, the smart #5 is shaping up to be one of the most versatile premium EV SUVs entering the Malaysian market.
China’s BYD has marked another milestone in its global expansion, with the first shipment of Thai-assembled Dolphin electric vehicles bound for Europe. Over 900 units have been dispatched to Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom, signalling a new chapter in the company’s international strategy.
The consignment set sail aboard BYD’s own carrier vessel, the BYD Zhengzhou, which for the first time has operated a route from Thailand to Europe. The vehicles were produced at the company’s Rayong plant, a facility that went into operation in July 2024 and stands as BYD’s first wholly owned passenger car manufacturing site outside of China.
Built with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles, the Rayong factory serves both the domestic Thai market and export destinations. Within just a year of starting operations, the plant had already achieved 90,000 deliveries by July this year, underscoring its role as a crucial hub for BYD’s regional and global supply network.
BYD has once again pushed the boundaries of electric performance, with its Yangwang U9 engineering prototype clocking an astonishing 472.41km/h, setting a new world record for an electric vehicle.
The achievement not only cements the U9 as China’s fastest car but also elevates it into the exclusive realm of the world’s top hypercars. This latest milestone follows its earlier success last November, when the U9 became the fastest car in China by registering 391.94km/h during a speed trial. The new figure represents a staggering 20.53% leap in performance.
At its peak velocity, the Yangwang U9 is now just a breath away from the world’s most celebrated combustion-engine hypercars. To put it into perspective, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has a maximum speed of 531km/h, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ touches 490km/h, and the SSC Tuatara is recognised at 474.8km/h. The U9, an electric contender, is edging dangerously close to these long-revered giants of speed.
