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Advocating Stricter Penalties and Measures to Address Road Rage

In the wake of a recent case involving a fatal road incident, criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research has called for more stringent penalties for road bullies to act as a deterrent and safeguard the well-being of motorists.

As reported by The Star, Sundramoorthy emphasised that imposing severe punishments would send a clear message to potential offenders that violence on the roads would not be tolerated. He referenced the case of IT employee Yew Wei Liang, 45, who received a 16-year prison sentence for causing the death of Syed Muhammad Danial Syed Shakir. While acknowledging the court’s decision, Sundramoorthy expressed the belief that a more robust sentence would be appropriate, given the loss of a human life over a seemingly simple road mishap.

“Road rage cases are becoming rampant,” Sundramoorthy stated. “Although not many result in death, we should not take them lightly. Motorists deserve peace of mind, knowing they can drive safely without fearing road bullies.”

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Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ’57 One of One’: Homage To The Type 57 SC Atlantic

Bugatti commemorates 90 years of the Type 57 SC Atlantic with a bespoke creation, the Chiron Super Sport ’57 One of One.’ Crafted in collaboration with a passionate Bugatti enthusiast, this unique masterpiece pays homage to the iconic design of the Type 57 SC Atlantic, a timeless creation by Jean Bugatti. The customer’s lifelong love for the classic model and a visit to the Mullin Automotive Museum served as the catalyst for this exceptional project.

The journey began when the customer’s husband surprised her for her 70th birthday with a personal invitation from Bugatti to configure her own Chiron Super Sport. Drawing inspiration from the Type 57 SC Atlantic she first encountered 20 years ago, the customer and Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure at Bugatti, embarked on a co-creation journey to bring the ’57 One of One’ to life.

The exterior of the Chiron Super Sport pays homage to the Type 57 SC Atlantic’s striking silver-tinted blue hue, meticulously recreated to capture the essence of the original.

The interior of the ’57 One of One’ is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring the iconic ‘Dancing Elephant’ sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti is delicately embroidered on the headrests, symbolising the customer’s passion for animals.

Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure at Bugatti, highlighted the customer’s active engagement and enthusiasm throughout the design process, stating, “Her perspective, rooted in a profound respect for Bugatti’s heritage, and driven by a desire to craft an authentic homage, guided us in creating a vehicle that stands at the intersection of history and innovative engineering.”

Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles, expressed pride in the project, stating, “A creation like the ’57 One Of One’ is the perfect match for our Sur Mesure offer, bringing a passionate customer with bold ideas together with our endlessly creative and talented design and engineering teams.”

The ’57 One of One’ is not only a tribute to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic but also a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. As a symbol of authentic homage, this bespoke Chiron Super Sport reflects the intersection of history and innovation, honouring the legacy of Jean Bugatti’s original masterpiece.

The Lamborghini Revuelto ‘Opera Unica’ Is A One-Off Work Of Art

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Automobili Lamborghini unveils a unique work of art, the Revuelto ‘Opera Unica,’ presented during Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This one-of-a-kind creation is a highly customised version of the Revuelto, Lamborghini’s first V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle), and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and artistic expression.

The Revuelto, launched earlier this year, represents a new paradigm in performance, sportiness, and driving pleasure with its innovative design, maximum-efficiency aerodynamics, and a new carbon frame concept. Boasting 1,001hp, the Revuelto excels in agility and effectiveness both on the road and track.

The ‘Opera Unica’ takes the celebration further with a hand-painted exterior that seamlessly transitions from Viola Pasifae to Nero Helene. The brushstroke details incorporate warm and cool colours, requiring 76 hours of development and testing and a total of 435 hours for execution. A subtle 60th-anniversary logo adorns the car’s bonnet, adding a touch of commemoration to the artistic creation.

The interior of the ‘Opera Unica’ is equally distinctive, featuring an asymmetric design with a play of colours. The two-tone leather interior in Nero Ade and Viola Acutus is complemented by embroidered seat backrests, door inserts, and headliners adorned with the 60th-anniversary logo. Even the start and stop cover reflects the shaded brushstroke colors, creating a cohesive and artistic space within the vehicle.

The Revuelto ‘Opera Unica’ is a captivating blend of automotive engineering and artistic expression, embodying Lamborghini’s legacy of pushing boundaries and setting new standards in both performance and design.

Closer to home, the Revuelto was launched here back in September of this year with prices starting from RM2.5 million without taxes.

Toyota To Revive Fourth-Generation Mid-Engine MR2?

Toyota, renowned for its iconic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) offerings, is gearing up to revive one of its classics—the MR2. The compact, mid-engine sports car, often dubbed the “poor man’s Ferrari,” last rolled off the production line in 2007 after three generations. Now, after nearly 20 years, Toyota is set to bring back the MR2 with the fourth-generation model scheduled to debut in 2025.

Toyota’s strategy for sports cars typically involves collaborations, and the upcoming MR2 is no exception. The Japanese automaker is expected to team up with another company to deliver an eagerly anticipated mid-engine model. While details on the partnership remain undisclosed, enthusiasts are bracing for some epic fan service in the tradition of JDM icons.

Interestingly, Toyota’s recent FT-Se Concept, an electric vehicle, appears well-suited in size and packaging for a mid-engine sports car. While the drivetrain type for the production version is yet to be confirmed, the FT-Se Concept raises speculation about the new MR2 potentially embracing electric power.

Another potential platform for the new MR2 could be based on the GR Yaris, known for its sporty prowess. Reports suggest that the prototype currently undergoing testing borrows heavily from the GRMN Yaris, featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. This hints at a high-performance, limited-production model with an estimated price tag of around 10 million yen (RM317,974).

Despite the expected high cost, the allure of the revived MR2 lies not only in its performance but also in its limited production, reminiscent of the exclusivity seen in the GRMN Yaris. As Toyota enthusiasts eagerly await the official debut in 2025, the revival of the MR2 promises to add another chapter to the legacy of Japanese sports cars.

Gentari Partners With Mercedes-Benz Malaysia To Accelerate EV Adoption

Gentari Sdn Bhd, a prominent clean energy solutions provider, is set to join forces with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) through its subsidiary, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd. The collaboration aims to fast-track the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia by exploring the development of EV charging infrastructure and value-added services tailored for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.

The potential partnership includes the development of EV charging points in collaboration with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC). The strategically located facilities, spread across selected locations in Malaysia, are intended to ease long-distance travel for EV drivers and enhance their range confidence. The initiative also aims to provide tailored charging subscription plans, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable experience for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.

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JAECOO J7 AWD Arrives In Malaysia For Road Testing

Amid the worldwide shift towards electrification and digital transformation, the automotive industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in international expansion. Malaysia emerges as a key market in this global endeavour, and at the forefront of this movement is JAECOO, a brand under Chery, strategically crafted for international market expansion, focusing on delivering captivating products tailored to the refined lifestyle preferences of a newly emerged professional demographic.

JAECOO is dedicated to developing exceptional urban off-road SUVs within the premium segment, aligning with the evolving preferences of the contemporary consumer. The brand is making its mark in the fiercely competitive automotive market with its “Born Global” philosophy, emphasising its commitment to global performance and standards.

The introduction of JAECOO is well underway, with the arrival of the first two units of the right-hand drive JAECOO J7 AWD in Malaysia. These units are undergoing rigorous road testing to ensure the highest standards of performance and safety. An exclusive preview has been extended to potential dealers and investors, creating anticipation for showroom openings. Preliminary pre-introduction marketing initiatives are set to build excitement ahead of the official launch in the Malaysian market in 2024.

A 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with 194hp and 290Nm of torque powers the global specification. However, we are still unsure of the Malaysian specification because the two units that arrived here are all-wheel-drive whilst the ones in China are front-wheel-drive.

To keep enthusiasts and potential customers informed, JAECOO Malaysia has officially launched its Facebook page. The official website, expected to be ready by January 2024, will serve as a comprehensive source of information. In the interim, customers can explore additional details on the JAECOO Global website.

JAECOO Malaysia has also kickstarted its dealer recruitment program, preparing for the introduction of the first model in the coming year. As the brand gears up for its official entry into the Malaysian market, it is poised to redefine the urban off-road SUV experience, offering cutting-edge technology and a travel experience like no other. Stay tuned for further updates and events from JAECOO Malaysia.