Approximately four years after the initial unveiling of the Tesla Cybertruck, the electric vehicle manufacturer has confirmed its plans to commence deliveries of the first batch of these massive pickup trucks to customers on November 30. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk cautioned investors on a conference call about the company’s third-quarter earnings that they should not expect high production volumes, low prices, or profits anytime soon.
Musk expressed his admiration for the Cybertruck, having driven it personally, but he emphasized that there will be significant challenges in achieving mass production and making the Cybertruck financially viable. The Texas manufacturing plant has the capacity to produce 125,000 trucks annually, and while 1 million people have reservations for the vehicle, Tesla does not intend to rapidly increase production due to the significant challenges in manufacturing the unique and “radical” design, particularly the stainless steel construction and flat expanses of bodywork that require precise fit and finish.
Back in September Tesla Malaysia revealed the pricing of the Model 3 Facelift, codenamed Project Highland. The Model 3 has been officially launched and it is available in two variants: the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and the Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive.
After six years and outstanding sales of two million units globally, Tesla has redesigned the Model 3 with additional features, a longer range, and cosmetic enhancements. One of the most anxiously awaited electric vehicles of the year is likely to be the updated Model 3.
The updated Model 3 features a better interior and a more contoured appearance with new front and back sections. Internally, it is also referred to as Project Highland. According to Tesla, aerodynamic advancements would boost range while decreasing wind noise and drag.
The car now has a more angular and defined look thanks to slimmer lines, updated headlamp housing, new unique LED daytime running lights, and a more defined front end. The once-subtle dip along the edge of the hood, which used to taper beneath the headlamps, has become substantially more pronounced and longer, now reaching all the way to the fenders.
The Tesla name is now spelt out at the rear, replacing the emblem and it has conspicuous wraparound C-shaped rear lights. The general design of the automobile is unaffected. There has also been a brand-new multi-spoke wheel design. Two additional colour choices, Ultra Red and Stealth Grey, will be added to the palette.
The car is 1,765kg in weight, 2,089mm in width, 1,441mm in height, and 4,720mm in length. For contrast, the Model Y has dimensions of 4,750mm in length, 1,623mm in height, and 1,920mm in width.
With the optional 19-inch “Nova” wheels, the RWD Model 3 will cover around 513 km on the WLTP cycle, while the Long Range (LR) version is approved for about 629 km. The RWD variant and the LR all-wheel-drive clock in at 0-100 km/h speeds of 6.1 and 4.4 seconds, respectively.
The inside of the Model 3 has been updated to be cosier and more lounge-like. It has a wraparound shape and an “enveloping architecture,” mixing textile and aluminium-based materials. The whole cabin now features updated ambient lighting. Tesla claims that the improved acoustic glass and improved soundproofing materials have made the cabin quieter.
A bigger digital layout is contained there. The 15.4-inch central screen’s useable area has not changed, even if the bezels have become slimmer. Another new feature is an 8.0-inch back display with integrated temperature, ventilation, and infotainment settings.
The 17 speakers in the LR model—an increase of three over the previous setup, including two subwoofers and two amplifiers—will provide customers with a better audio experience. The RWD model will include nine speakers, one subwoofer, and one amplifier. Additionally, the microphone has been upgraded to increase call quality.
The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is priced at RM189,000 and the Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive variant is priced at RM218,000. The car is available in a Pearl White Multi-Coat base colour, with additional colours available at an extra cost: Solid Black is RM5,000, Deep Blue Metallic is RM5,000, Stealth Grey is RM7,500 and Ultra Red will cost you RM11,000.
According to Tesla Malaysia, estimated deliveries are slated for late 2023, with a non-refundable order fee of RM1,000.
Luxury automaker Infiniti is providing a glimpse of its first electric vehicle, the “Vision Qe,” ahead of its official debut later this month. The Vision Qe offers a sleek fastback design, providing a preview of Infiniti’s venture into the electric vehicle market, although arriving later than some competitors.
Infiniti, a subsidiary of Nissan, has yet to unveil its first fully electric vehicle despite the market shifting towards electrification. The brand witnessed a decline in sales in the US, prompting a revamped visual identity and roadmap to align with the changing automotive landscape. It has even been discontinued here in Malaysia for some time now but is expected to make a comeback in our market.
As part of its plan, Infiniti aims to revamp sales and target 100,000 sales by mid-decade, relying on four new or refreshed models, including two fully electric vehicles. The updated identity encompasses retail stores with large glass windows akin to Apple stores, symbolizing a new era for Infiniti.
The Infiniti logo has also undergone modifications, emphasising the “Infiniti road” and horizon line, signifying a new chapter for the brand, which includes the introduction of its first EVs.
The Vision Qe concept will be officially revealed on October 24, along with several other new models, providing a glimpse into Infiniti’s future lineup and electrification strategy.
BYD, a leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has unveiled a new showroom in Malaysia through its local dealer, Hong Thai Motor Trading Sdn. Bhd. This showroom, situated in Alor Setar, Kedah, is aimed at increasing accessibility to BYD electric vehicles (EVs) for local residents.
The newly established showroom operates as a comprehensive 3S service centre, offering sales, service, and spare parts assistance to customers. It’s equipped with five service bays and three dedicated customer service officers, enhancing convenience for both prospective and existing BYD EV owners by providing a one-stop destination for vehicle experiences, as well as service and maintenance.
smart Malaysia recently made the formal announcement that reservations for the smart #1 were now available. It is available in the Malaysian market in three distinct models: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. These models are designed to cater to different preferences and needs of consumers in Malaysia.
The Brabus model stands out as the sporty variant within the lineup, showcasing distinctive design elements. These include an aero kit comprising a vented bonnet, an aggressive front bumper, and a rear spoiler.
It features 19-inch ‘Dynamo’ alloys, exclusive model badging, and eye-catching red brake callipers, further accentuating its sporty appeal and performance-focused design.
Step inside, and you’ll see that the centre infotainment screen, which is 12.8 inches in size regardless of version, controls practically everything. It has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 processor, a CPU and chipset built for the gaming sector, and its home screen is loaded with visuals and information.
Honda, a long-time player in the hybrid car realm, is venturing further into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) with the upcoming 2024 Honda Prologue. This marks a significant step for Honda, known for its environmentally conscious automobiles, as it delves deeper into full electrification. The Prologue, a Honda Passport-sized crossover, is Honda’s substantial foray into the EV market.
Power and Platform
The 2024 Honda Prologue will share the Ultium platform and battery with electric GM models like the Chevrolet Blazer EV. However, Honda is confident that its unique suspension tuning, styling, and cabin design will distinguish the Prologue and appeal to potential customers. The SUV will boast an 85.0-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a manufacturer-estimated range of 482km for the most efficient versions.
The Prologue will be available in single- and dual-motor variants, with the all-wheel-drive version generating 288hp and 451Nm of torque, promising a satisfying performance.
Porsche is currently appealing a decision by European trademark authorities regarding a sound designed to replace the near-silence of an electric vehicle accelerating. Porsche had submitted the sound as a trademark, aiming to address the need for electric vehicles to emit identifiable sounds for vision-impaired pedestrians.
However, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) rejected the trademark application, stating that the sound lacked distinctiveness and resembled a traditional internal combustion engine, making it unrecognisable as distinctly Porsche. Porsche appealed this decision, highlighting that the sound was artificially created and not derived from an engine.
Volkswagen is ramping up its commitment to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) with the introduction of the ID.X Performance concept car. This concept is part of Volkswagen’s broader electrification strategy, which includes performance-focused models like the ID.GTI and GTX variants.
The ID.X Performance concept is based on the ID.7 sedan but deviates significantly from its standard counterpart in terms of appearance and performance.
It showcases several distinctive design elements and features, highlighting its sporty and performance-oriented character.
Firstly, the front end of the concept car undergoes a dramatic transformation, marked by a large black grille positioned at the base of the front bumper. This bold grille design exudes a strong and aggressive visual presence. Additionally, matching vents are strategically placed at each corner of the front fascia, contributing to the car’s sporty appearance and possibly aiding in aerodynamics.
Moving to the rear of the ID.X Performance, a carbon fibre diffuser serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It enhances the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and potentially increasing downforce. The use of carbon fibre also adds a touch of high-performance, racing-inspired style to the rear design.
Avatr, the Chinese automotive joint venture involving Changan, CATL, and Huawei, introduced its second electric vehicle (EV), the Avatr 12 (pronounced as “one-two”) in Munich, Germany. The first is the Avatr 11 (one-one). This move signifies the automaker’s entry into the European market.
This sleek four-door coupe, despite its sedan-like appearance, features a hatchback at the rear. Additionally, it boasts a unique “Halo Display” on the hood, which is a black panel LED display allowing the car to communicate with individuals outside of it, as stated by the company.
Audi has just unveiled the interior of its highly-anticipated 2025 Q6 e-tron, following a sneak peek at the model’s exterior design back in July during a thrilling prototype first drive event. This significant milestone marks a crucial moment in Audi’s electric vehicle (EV) journey, and there are compelling reasons why the Q6 e-tron has been generating so much buzz.
First and foremost, the Q6 e-tron occupies a pivotal position in Audi’s EV lineup. It falls within the size category similar to the popular Q5, neatly positioned between the Q4 e-tron and the Q8 e-tron. This strategic placement is an auspicious sign for the model’s potential success, given the Q5’s popularity among consumers.
However, what truly sets the Q6 e-tron apart is its groundbreaking technology underpinnings. This EV marks Audi’s maiden voyage into the realm of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a platform co-developed in collaboration with Porsche. The PPE platform is renowned for its ability to provide a solid foundation for a range of electric vehicles, promising not only thrilling performance but also an impressive electric range. Furthermore, the Q6 e-tron boasts Audi’s new E3 electronics architecture, which is set to revolutionise the in-car technology experience.
