Porsche Malaysia, melalui Sime Darby Auto Performance, sedang bersiap sedia untuk tahun kedua dalam Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) selepas musim pertama yang berjaya. Bekerjasama dengan Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Sime Darby Racing Team akan bersaing dalam kategori PRO dengan pemandu Nazim Azman mengetuai caj, bertujuan untuk meneruskan tradisi perlumbaan Porsche sambil menyokong bakat sukan permotoran tempatan.
Pada musim PCCA yang akan datang, semua pemandu akan berlumba dalam kereta Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) yang sama, memastikan semua orang mempunyai peralatan yang sama. Sime Darby Racing Team mahu membina kejayaan mereka dari musim lalu dan menjadi pesaing yang kuat dalam siri perlumbaan Asia yang penting ini.
Christopher Hunter, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sime Darby Auto Performance, berbangga dengan dedikasi pasukan untuk memupuk bakat tempatan dalam sukan permotoran dan keterujaan mereka untuk menerapkan apa yang mereka pelajari dari musim lalu hingga musim 2024.
Nazim Azman, pelumba Malaysia untuk Sime Darby Racing Team, berbangga untuk memandu kereta 911 GT3 Cup dengan reka bentuk yang diilhamkan daripada batik Malaysia, menunjukkan sambungan ke negara asalnya semasa berlumba di seluruh dunia.
Musim PCCA 2024 dijangka sukar, dengan 28 pemandu dalam tiga kategori berlumba di enam trek merentasi lima negara, termasuk dua perlumbaan sokongan Formula 1. Musim bermula di Litar Antarabangsa Shanghai semasa perlumbaan Formula 1 hujung minggu, kemudian berpindah ke Suzuka, Jepun dan tempat lain di Asia Tenggara seperti Thailand, Malaysia dan Singapura.
Peminat boleh menonton Sime Darby Racing Team beraksi di Litar Antarabangsa Shanghai pada 20 dan 21 April 2024, sambil mereka berusaha keras dan menyasarkan untuk menyerlah di PCCA. Anda boleh mendapatkan butiran lanjut tentang PCCA 2024 dan Sime Darby Racing Team di laman web Porsche Malaysia.
Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, is gearing up for its second consecutive year participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) following a successful debut season. Partnering with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Sime Darby Racing Team will compete in the PRO category with driver Nazim Azman at the helm, aiming to continue Porsche’s motorsport legacy while nurturing local talent in motorsport.
In the upcoming 21st season of PCCA, all drivers will compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) cars, ensuring equal technical standards across the field. Sime Darby Racing Team is poised to build on its achievements from the previous season and establish itself as a formidable contender in this prestigious Asian one-make series.
Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, expressed pride in the team’s commitment to empowering local talent in motorsport and their eagerness to bring forward the learnings from the previous season to the 2024 season.
Nazim Azman, the Malaysian race driver representing Sime Darby Racing Team, also highlighted the pride he feels in driving the 911 GT3 Cup car with its Malaysian batik-inspired livery, symbolising a connection to home while racing internationally.
Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, has announced that the new Porsche Cayenne, designed exclusively for the Malaysian market, is now available for online ordering through a streamlined digital platform.
The new Porsche Cayenne has undergone significant design and technology enhancements, resulting in a more expressive appearance and advanced features.
The front end has been redesigned, featuring more pronounced and muscular wings, a refreshed hood, and technically appealing headlights that accentuate the SUV’s width. The rear end is characterised by three-dimensionally designed taillights, clean and uncluttered surfaces, and a new rear apron with an integrated number plate holder, contributing to a distinct and modern rear design. Plus, it comes with 20-inch Cayenne Design wheels.
Matrix LED Headlights are now standard, representing a significant lighting upgrade. These headlights utilise data from the SUV’s speed, camera, and navigation systems to provide optimal illumination. The high beam area is divided into 11 segments, allowing precise control of the lighting to avoid dazzling vehicles ahead or oncoming traffic, a technology known as matrix beam.
Sime Darby Auto Performance Porsche Malaysia, which represents Porsche in Malaysia today opened its new outlet in Johor Bahru, adding a fourth Porsche Centre to its network in the country. Located in the waterfront district of Danga Bay in Johor’s state capital, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru was built with an investment of over RM28 million.
The 5,412-square metre, 3-storey facility incorporates the German sportscar maker’s latest “Destination Porsche” concept in its design and layout. This is characterised by a strong emphasis on brand experience, with the aim of creating a gathering space for like-minded Porsche enthusiasts whilst appealing to new customers.
As reported in August last year, Porsche will assemble its vehicles in Malaysia, the first time that the sportscar maker is carrying out such activity outside Germany. It has not built a new factory in Malaysia but is using the existing Inokom Corporation complex for its facility.
The official launch of the facility, which took place today, is an event of great significance and is the result of close collaboration with Sime Darby, which represents Porsche with its Sime Darby Auto Performance unit. It also owns the Inokom factory, located on a 200-acre site in Kulim, Kedah which began operations in 1997. The factory first assembled Renault and Hyundai vehicles and under Sime Darby ownership, products from BMW, MINI, Hyundai and Mazda are also assembled at the complex today.
The Inokom factory in Kulim, Kedah, is the first site outside Europe to manufacture Porsches.
Porsche Zuffenhausen, Germany
Porsche Leipzig, Germany.
“We are very honoured by Porsche’s continued trust in Sime Darby, as we deliver a product consistent with Porsche’s highest standards for quality, performance and driving experience. The facility, which is 100% staffed by highly skilled Malaysians, not only supports the growth of our businesses across the automotive value chain in Malaysia; but also creates a pipeline of jobs to empower the local community,” said Sime Darby Berhad Group CEO, Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson.
“The new assembly site in Malaysia meets specific market needs and operates alongside Porsche’s established network of production sites in Europe. In particular, it meets comprehensive quality standards set forth by Porsche when assembling Porsche sportscars,” said Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche. “Additionally, the facility was built alongside our production philosophy: smart, lean and green.”
With this in mind, Porsche has designed its local assembly facility to meet high sustainability standards: on the roof, solar panels provide all the power needed for operations, while rainwater harvesting technologies ensure wastewater is kept to a minimum.
The Sime Darby local assembly facility has a team of highly skilled and 100% Malaysian talent, all of whom have received comprehensive training from Porsche. The assembly is further supported by a network of local suppliers and service providers in the area, empowering the future of the local community with job opportunities, upskilling prospects, and potential for further expansion.
Porsche will start with the Cayenne, a popular SUV model which is now in its third generation. The units assembled at Inokom will be for sale only in Malaysia although it is likely that the carmaker will be looking at exports later on. After all, with AFTA (the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) allowing duty-free exchange of vehicles within ASEAN countries, it will be advantageous as prices can be more attractive and competitive. However, to qualify for this benefit, at least 40% of the vehicle’s content must be sourced from within ASEAN so that may require a bit more time to reach.
One of the first locally-assembled Cayennes undergoing final checks.
While it may seem that local assembly is simply a matter of picking a model and putting it into a box in disassembled form for assembly in another country, the process is actually more extensive. It has to be engineered for local assembly, taking into account the level of automation at the facility and capabilities of the workforce. In as far as being suitable for local conditions, that would already be done as Porsche has been selling the Cayenne locally since it was first introduced in the early 2000s.
For Porsche too, this is something new and the company probably has to create some new departments to handle the processes for assembly in Malaysia. Preparation of the completely knocked down (CKD) packs with all the parts is a specialised activity and something Porsche has never had to do before. Of course, it will probably be able to draw on the knowledge and experience from other members in the Volkswagen Group which have been assembling in other countries for decades.
The locally assembled model comes with an elevated and enhanced standard equipment range specified exclusively for the Malaysian market, with a specially curated Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur option package and a special Porsche Design timepiece available for further personalisation.
Another initiative by Porsche in Malaysia is helping to establish a recharging network for electric vehicles. Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell have collaborated to set up high-performance charging (HPC) stations along the North-South Expressway. This is a first in Southeast Asia and Shell’s first cross-country EV infrastructure in the region, enabling EV owners to drive from Singapore up the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang and on to Thailand. Additionally, HPCs are already in place at authorized Porsche dealerships in the country.
For more information on Porsche products and services in Malaysia, visit www.porsche.com.my.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has begun selling the updated Porsche Macan with cosmetic changes on the outside, enhancements within and improved powertrains. Prices (excluding insurance) start from RM433,154 for the Macan, RM623,593 for the Macan S, and RM786,232 for the Macan GTS with 2 years warranty coverage and 2 years free scheduled maintenance. The Premium Package is included as standard for the Macan and Macan S.
Redesigned front end
The compact SUV, still in its first generation after 7 years, has a redesigned front end with an inlay in the exterior colour, visually emphasizing the vehicle’s width. New 3D structural elements and dynamic side blades enhance the sporty look. LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard on all models. At the back is a striking diffuser with a particularly technical design.
Customers can choose from no less than 14 exterior colours, including the new colours Papaya Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic; Python Green is exclusively for the Macan GTS. With its Individual Colour and Paint To Sample options, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur can further personalise the Macan.
Futuristic centre console
Inside the latest Macan, there is selected equipment from the 911 Carrera, as well as a futuristic centre console with a high-quality glass look. Intuitive touch-sensitive surfaces, instead of tactile buttons, provide a cleaner appearance while the new operating concept brings a clear and futuristic structure to the cockpit.
A new, shorter selector lever sits in the centre of the functionally organized control module. The analogue clock at the top of the dashboard is now also standard equipment, while many online functions and services are offered as standard. These can be controlled via the 10.9-inch full HD touch display of the Porsche Communication Management or by means of voice commands. The latest Macan also inherits the new multifunction and GT Sport steering wheels from the 911.
The Macan and Macan S with a Premium Package as standard get additional comfort and luxury features such as 14-way electric comfort seats with memory package, Power Steering Plus, Park Assist including reversing camera and surround view, automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors, and BOSE Surround Sound System.
Redeveloped engine, increased performance
The redeveloped 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine now produces 380 ps, 26 ps more than before. Torque has gone up to 520 Nm, 40 Nm higher than before. The new powerplant improves acceleration to for the 0 to 100 km/h to a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of up to 259 km/h.
For the flagship Macan GTS, the engine now delivers 440 ps, an increase of 60 ps, while 30 Nm more torque takes the peak figure up to 550 Nm. When fitted with the Sport Chrono package, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 4.3 seconds and the top speed is 272 km/h.
At the entry-level, the 2-litre inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 265 ps/400 Nm; compared to the engine used before, the difference is 13 ps/30 Nm. The higher output improves acceleration time marginally to take the Macan from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds and on top a sop speed of 232 km/h.
All the engines have the same 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) delivering power to all four wheels. Specifically tuned to the Macan it is equipped in, PTM enhances driving dynamics, improves driving safety and maximise grip and stability.
A key benefit of PTM is that it works efficiently with all driving dynamics systems and these systems complement each other. The most significant partner system is Porsche Stability Management, which controls power distribution to all four wheels on an even more individual basis using anti-slip regulation and automatic brake differential functions.
Optimised chassis and brakes
The wide suspension bandwidth balances maximum suspension comfort and dynamic sportscar performance. The chassis has been optimized further to allow the Macan to now respond with even more sensitivity and more directly to the driving situation and road conditions, giving the driver even better feedback via the steering wheel.
Floods do not discriminate, affecting lives in every community and damaging motor vehicles of every kind and brand that are unlucky to be parked where they are submerged as the waters rise. A big bill awaits owners of the vehicles when they finally get them to service centres as it is not a matter of just cleaning the mud and dirt out, but many parts will still have to be replaced.
The bill could come to tens of thousands of ringgit and with other stresses caused from being impacted by the floods, every little bit of help will be meaningful. For those who own Porsches, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is offering a helping hand.
The company will assist in having the vehicles towed at no charge to to the nearest Porsche Centre in Malaysia. Porsche Roadside Assistance, which includes towing services, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide towing and roadside assistance.
Once at the service centre, a thorough and detailed assessment will be done along with personalised consultation with certified specialists to evaluate the damages and repairs required and the cost involved. This cost will be lower than usual as SDAP is offering a 30% discount on parts and labour for flood-affected vehicles brought to the authorised service centres up till January 31, 2022. Only Porsche Genuine Parts are used in all repairs which include a 2-year parts warranty.
“We are committed to our customers by offering a thorough and detailed check of their vehicle as well as discounts on parts and labour costs to ensure all Porsche cars run at optimal performance. With this gesture, we hope to provide some consolation during these trying times,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
More information on the flood relief support initiative and scheduling of service appointments can be obtained by contacting the following Porsche Centres:
It was just a year ago that Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduced Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar, the Taycan, and now comes a variant, the Taycan Cross Turismo. As the ‘cross’ in the name suggests, this is a SUV although Porsche calls it a Cross Utility Vehicle (CUV).
SDAP is importing three variants with the following prices (without insurance):
Taycan 4 Cross Turismo – from RM645,209
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo – from RM728,727
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – from RM968,928
Design elements for the off-road image
With ‘utility’ in its function, the Taycan Cross Turismo has design elements that emphasise an off-road image. These include wheelarch trim, unique front and rear lower aprons, and side sills. Customers can also add the optional Off-road Design package which comes with special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and at the ends of the sills. These not only enhance the appearance but also help to give added protection from stone impacts.
Like the Taycan, the Taycan Cross Turismo rides on a high-tech chassis and all variants have all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as adaptive air suspension. Its off-road capability is enabled by higher ground clearance compared to the Taycan. With the Off-road Design package, ground clearance is increased by up to 30 mm.
Extra mode for off-road use
When driving over loose ground – with no emissions to spoil the environment – the driver can activate the new ‘Gravel’ mode exclusive to the Cross Turismo. This new feature manages torque distribution through traction-optimised shifting and other chassis settings, increasing grip and stability on surfaces with poor quality.
Inside, there’s 47 mm more headroom for rear passengers and more than 1,200 litres of load capacity (with rear seatbacks folded down). The large, automatically-opening tailgate makes loading and unloading easy.
Different output levels for each variant
All variants have the Performance Battery Plus, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, but the output varies depending on the variant. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo’s powertrain generates 280 kW (380 ps), with overboost power for Launch Control pushing it to 350 kW (476 ps). The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has 360 kW (490 ps), with overboost power with Launch Control of 420 kW (571 ps), while the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo produces 460 kW (625 ps), and overboost power with Launch Control of 500 kW (680 ps).
The first shipment is already in Malaysia and those who are interested can contact SDAP to arrange an appointment to view the car by clicking here.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (PEM) , a department within the sportscar company, offers services to personalise and create exclusive versions of the various Porsche models. Being part of the company, it has access to all the engineering information as well as the expertise and technology to customise cars individually. From the first custom Porsche 356 in 1950 to the numerous models in today’s range, PEM can make subtle changes or extensive modifications as required by customers.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is one of the special models developed by PEM. Based on the new 992 generation 911 Targa, it has design elements influenced by the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the elements, inside and outside, have been reinterpreted and combined with the latest technology by PEM.
Classic colours and graphics
The Cherry Metallic exterior colour exclusive to the 911 series brings to mind the style of the 1950s in a modern interpretation. Alternatively, two solid colours (Black and Guards Red), a metallic colour (GT Silver Metallic) and a special colour (Crayon) are also available. There are also other colour choices for those who want something that is more unique.
A striking design feature is the ‘Spears’ motorsport graphic on the front wings which are high-quality white livery elements in the shape of a spear. These ‘spears’ recall the early days of Porsche motorsports history, when the racing cars were painted after collisions to hide any marks. Later, the spears were used as a kind of ‘warpaint’ and became one of the first design elements customers used to personalise their vehicles.
There are also motorsport graphics with a historical design on the sides of this special model, conveying a high level of recognition of the 911 Speedster Heritage Design package of 2019. The sporty look can be supplemented by race numbers from 0 to 99 on request.
There’s also gold-coloured lettering at the rear and on the Targa bar, as well as the historic Porsche crest on the wheel hub cover and the bonnet. The Heritage Design Edition comes with 911 Carrera Exclusive Design wheels in high-gloss black (or, optionally, in platinum satin gloss) in 20-inch or 21-inch sizes and black-painted brake calipers with the classic look. Other design features include the Porsche Heritage badge on the luggage compartment grille and silver sports tailpipes.
The 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are designed in the shape of a wing, or cloverleaf, and are reminiscent of the legendary Fuchs wheels that were first used on the 1967 911 S.
Corduroy comeback inside
The snug cabin has brushed aluminium panels bearing the words ‘911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition’ with Heritage Design floor mats as a matching detail. The Bordeaux Red 2-tone leather upholstery and Atacama Beige OLEA club leather (black is also available) were designed exclusively for this edition. Customers can also choose two-tone leather upholstery in Black and Atacama Beige.
Corduroy, a fabric already used in the 356 model, makes a comeback and brings the fashion style of the 1950s back to life. This soft ribbed fabric is used on the centre panels of the seats and in the door panels. The interior appointments are rounded off with perforated Alcantara in Atacama Beige on the headlining and the pillars.
Historical bonds of instruments
The instrument panel with 2 high-resolution 7-inch displays creates historical bonds in various ways. One is the classic pointer on the analogue tachometer. When the engine is started, the colour of the hands and digits changes from white to green. The equally green scale lines are derived from the 356. The clock from the standard Sport Chrono package on top of the instrument panel also has green digits.
Each owner gets the car key painted in the exterior colour and a key pouch made of 2-tone leather, also enhanced with the historical Porsche crest. The leather document folder and the specially designed indoor car cover underline the vehicle’s aim of being a true collector’s item.
Same powertrain as latest 911 Targa
The powertrain, chassis, and driver assistance systems are similar to that found with the latest new 992 generation 911 Targa. It is powered by a 2981 cc 450 ps/630 Nm biturbo 6-cylinder boxer engine which, with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, can propel the 911 Targa (with Launch Control) from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 304 km/h, it is claimed.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is now available from Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP). With the sales tax exemption (till the end of 2021), it is priced from RM1,677,409 (excluding insurance).
“We’re bringing back our iconic looks from different eras and proving that Porsche stays true to its roots, even in the age of electrification. The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition evokes the memories of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s and translates these elements into a modern-day sports car that excites Porsche customers through the lifestyle dimensions,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
First Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia
“In addition to the arrival of the new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru will be the first Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia and is scheduled for opening at the end of this year. This will further enhance the customer experience where Porschephiles can now refurbish and upkeep their classic Porsches at this new facility,” Mr. Hunter added.
The updated Porsche Panamera is now available from Sime Darby Auto Performance, with pricing for starting from RM 1,026,735, excluding insurance but with 50% sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021).
For 2021, the new Panamera feature the previously optional Sport Design front end with striking air intake grilles, larger side air intakes with adapted single-bar front light layout. The appearance of the rear end has a revamped light strip that extends the full width of the luggage compartment lid with an adapted contour. It thus provides a continuous and flowing connection between the two newly designed LED light clusters.
Technical updates
The chassis and control systems have been geared towards a sporty and also comfortable character for 2021. Some systems have even been applied completely from scratch. In order to transfer the enormous power to the road in a controlled manner and maximise cornering performance, the revamped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system with optimisation, while the control of the electric roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) improves body stability. This is achieved while also providing a noticeable improvement in damping comfort.
Six-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers are fitted at the front, with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers at the rear, and single-piece brake calipers enclosed. The brake system in the latest Panamera has reduced weight but is highly resistant to deformation. The engineers have set the pedal travel to be tight with the pressure point precise so the driver can modulate deceleration efficiently.
An improved tyre generation is fitted, increasing the bandwidth between comfort and sportiness while simultaneously offering a lower rolling resistance. Sport tyres with a softer rubber compound and optimised tread have been developed especially for the Panamera and are offered for the first time, further improving lateral performance and are particularly suitable for sporty cornering.
Three new 20-inch and 21-inch wheels have been added to the wheel range, so that a total of 10 different designs are now available, including the Exclusive Design 21-inch alloy wheels.
The Panamera is powered by the familiar 2.9 litre V6 biturbo engine which generates 330 ps/450 Nm to provide a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. The coasting function of the 8-speed PDK (activated in normal driving mode and already part of predecessor models) is also improved to enhance fuel efficiency.
Sporty ambience within
As in every Porsche, there is a sporty ambience inside the car in keeping with the Porsche design DNA. A new multifunction steering wheel is among the updates, with operating elements cleverly integrated into the design. The visual cut-outs bringing to mind the lightweight steering wheels found in racing cars.
The Panamera offers an extensive range of innovative light and driver assistance systems which include Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition as well as Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights including PDLS Plus, Park Assist including Surround View and a Head-up Display. For the first time, Porsche Connect will be made available in the new Panamera in Malaysia.
