Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

2025 Nissan GT-R Launched with New Blue Heaven Interior Trim

Nissan’s recent launch of the 2025 GT-R in Japan has ignited excitement among enthusiasts, with the latest iteration of the iconic supercar set to hit the market in June. Despite minimal mechanical changes, the new model introduces notable enhancements, particularly in the Premium Edition T-spec and Track Edition variants. These models inherit high-performance hardware from the Nismo Special Edition, including weight-balanced piston rings, connecting rods, and crankshafts. Additionally, buyers of these models are treated to exclusive features such as an aluminium plaque displaying the builder’s name and a gold-coloured plate showcasing the chassis number.

In response to consumer preferences, Nissan has introduced a new interior trim option, dubbed Blue Heaven, for the Premium Edition variant, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. The pricing for the 2025 GT-R varies across the lineup, with the Premium Edition priced at around 15,587,000 yen (around RM493,489), the Pure Edition starting at 14,443,000 yen (around RM457,270), and the top-tier Nismo Special Edition commanding a hefty price tag of 30,613,000 yen (around RM969,344).

Despite the anticipation surrounding the release, Nissan has issued a cautionary note regarding production limitations, hinting at the possibility of demand outstripping supply and resulting in order refusals. Furthermore, rumours circulating in the automotive community, fuelled by reports from Japanese publication Mag-X, suggest that 2025 could mark the final year of production for the R35 GT-R.

According to these reports, Nissan plans to assemble only 1,500 units of the JDM-spec GT-R for the 2025 model year, with a limited quantity of 300 units allocated for the high-performance Nismo derivative. The decision to discontinue the GT-R is attributed to potential challenges in sourcing certain parts in the future, as indicated by Nissan’s communication with its dealers.

The impending discontinuation of the R35 GT-R marks the end of an era for the iconic model, which has enjoyed a remarkable production run since its inception in December 2007. With its development dating back to 2000, the GT-R has undergone several evolutions over the years, culminating in the current model. However, Nissan has hinted at the possibility of a new chapter with concepts like the Hyper Force concept unveiled at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, hinting at the potential for an all-electric GT-R in the future, expected to materialise by the end of the decade.

Jaecoo Malaysia to Set Standards for Off-Road Performance

The C-segment SUV market in Malaysia is experiencing a notable expansion, marked by a diverse array of offerings ranging from entry-level to premium variants. Amidst this landscape, Jaecoo emerges as a premium off-road SUV brand, targeting Malaysia’s burgeoning urban elite with a penchant for off-road adventures.

Leo Chen, President of Jaecoo Malaysia, highlights the brand’s favourable reception in the Malaysian market, attributing it to the resonance of Jaecoo’s ethos with the preferences of Malaysia’s emerging trailblazers. These individuals prioritise active lifestyles and seek vehicles capable of delivering exceptional off-road performance across various terrains.

Capitalising on the continuous growth of Malaysia’s middle class and the expansion of the digital economy, Jaecoo aims to capture this market segment. This strategic approach aligns with broader trends observed across the ASEAN region, as evidenced by the insights presented in the 2023 ASEAN Investment Report.

Jaecoo strategically focuses on global trends favouring comfort, safety features, higher ground clearance, robustness, and off-road capabilities in SUVs. These factors are anticipated to shape the future trajectory of the SUV market, significantly influencing consumer preferences.

The highly anticipated J7, Jaecoo’s flagship premium off-road SUV, is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2024. Reflecting the brand’s ethos of adventure and resilience, the J7 boasts distinctive design elements such as warship-inspired door handles, a panoramic sunroof, and a fighter jet-inspired gear shifter, exuding refined style and sophistication.

Safety remains a top priority for Jaecoo, evident in the J7’s integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) featuring up to 21 smart driving functions. Notable features include a windshield head-up display (W-HUD) with a built-in front dashcam, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and other luxurious amenities, ensuring a harmonious blend of safety and opulence for discerning customers.

The public are invited to preview the J7 at the Jaecoo Premiere Experience from 10:00am to 10:00pm at the following locations:

Desa Park City, K.L: 7th to 17th March 2024
Pavilion Bukit Jalil, K.L: 19th to 23rd March 2024
One Utama, P.J: 10th to 14th April 2024
Mid Valley, K.L: 25th to 28th April 2024
Paradigm Mall, JB: 15th to 19th May 2024

Honda Malaysia Unveils 2024 Business Direction

Honda Malaysia has revealed its business direction for 2024, expressing optimism and determination to achieve its goals despite challenges in the automotive industry. The company sets its sights on reaching a sales target of 95,000 units and capturing a market share of 12.8% for the year.

Building upon the accomplishments of 2023, which included retaining the No.1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year and meeting the sales target of 80,000 units, Honda Malaysia remains committed to driving success.

(more…)

Introducing the ‘smart Ri-Ya’ Campaign – Exclusive Promotions and Savings

As the holy month of Ramadhan begins, smart Malaysia is launching its ‘smart Ri-Ya’ Campaign, available from now until April 30, 2024. This exclusive promotion offers all Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy exceptional savings when purchasing a new smart #1 – Brabus, Premium, or Pro model.

The ‘smart Ri-Ya’ Deals bring exclusive benefits for new buyers of the smart #1. Until April 30, 2024, customers can take advantage of special offers, including low-interest rates and a complimentary smartCharge Home Charger 1 valued at RM3,200 with a 2-Year Warranty. Additionally, buyers will receive RM3,888 worth of charging credits with the purchase of any variant of the smart #1.

Don’t miss out on the Ramadhan Sales Weekender, taking place from March 15 to 24, 2024, at selected smart dealerships. Explore the unparalleled comfort, convenience, and sustainability of the smart #1 by scheduling a Test Drive now.

Ramadhan Sales Weekender Schedule:

March 15 & 16, 2024: 10am – 5pm
- smart Alor Setar (Lee Motors EV)
March 16, 2024: 10am – 5pm
- smart Ipoh (GB Auto)
- smart KL (Hap Seng)
- smart Balakong (Hap Seng)
March 16 & 17, 2024: 10am – 5pm
- smart Damansara (Smart Mobility)
March 23, 2024: 10am – 5pm
- smart Penang (Eleganz Lifestyle)
- smart Glenmarie (EON)
- smart Setia Alam (Wheelcorp EV)
- smart KL (Hap Seng)
- smart Balakong (Hap Seng)
March 23 & 24, 2024: 10am – 5pm
- smart Melaka (Sigma Energy EV)
- smart Johor Bahru (Motor Future)

Volkswagen Unveils ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer

Expanding its lineup of sporty GTX models, Volkswagen introduces the new ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer, marking a significant step in offering captivating electric mobility experiences. These dynamic models boast individual exterior designs, unique light signatures, sporty interior details, and powerful performance drives, building upon the success of the GTX label introduced in 2021.

ID.3 GTX

The ID.3 GTX will be available in two variants, with the top-of-the-line ID.3 GTX Performance offering snappy, compact sports car performance with 322hp and 545Nm of torque and the standard one with 282hp and 545Nm of torque. It delivers snappy acceleration akin to the iconic Golf GTI Clubsport.

The ID.3 GTX features a distinctive exterior design with GTX-specific elements, including a new front bumper, high-gloss black body elements, and 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels. Inside, premium sports seats with red decorative stitching and a GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel elevate the sporty character.

ID.7 GTX Tourer

Introduced shortly after the ID.7 Tourer, the ID.7 GTX Tourer represents the pinnacle of the lineup with its powerful performance and spacious interior. With a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 335hp, it combines the spaciousness of a large estate with sports car performance.

The ID.7 GTX Tourer features a distinctive front bumper with honeycomb grille, GTX-specific light graphics, and high-gloss black body elements. Inside, individualised seats with GTX lettering, red piping, and a GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel create a refined ambiance. With a luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,714 litres, the ID.7 GTX Tourer offers ample storage space alongside its sporty performance.

With the introduction of the ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer, Volkswagen redefines electric mobility by combining sporty driving dynamics with the efficiency of electric vehicles. These models offer customers a captivating driving experience, showcasing Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.

Ensuring Airworthiness through Enhanced Aircraft Maintenance and Pilot Training

The occurrence of two light aeroplane crashes within a span of six months has sparked discussions surrounding the need for stricter regulations governing the maintenance of small private aircraft and the imperative for pilots to undergo comprehensive training in assessing their aircraft’s airworthiness before flight.

According to The Star, Associate Prof Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, an aviation expert and trainer at UniKL’s Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology, stresses the importance of equipping pilots with the necessary skills to evaluate the health of their aircraft and effectively analyse maintenance data to detect anomalies.

Currently, cadet pilots receive limited education on aircraft maintenance and overhaul, which hampers their ability to ensure the safety of the aircraft they operate, thus posing aviation risks.

(more…)