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Tesla Cybertruck on display to public at Pavilion Damansara Heights showroom until May 17
Tesla Malaysia has announced that the Tesla Cybertruck will be on display to members of the public at the Tesla Experience Centre Pavilion Damansara Heights starting from tomorrow (April 30 2024) up to May 17 2024. Viewing hours will be 10am to 10pm.
The Cybertruck has been in Malaysia since the second week of April, and has been used in various teaser campaigns. This massive stainless steel electric pick-up truck is in the midst of its Asian tour that has already visited China, Hong Kong and Japan.
The Cybertruck has made waves thanks to its extremely angular wedge design, formed by tough stainless steel panels (dubiously claimed to be “bulletproof”) that continues to drop jaws five years after it was first shown.
@paultancars #Tesla #Cybertruck ni, kereta paling gila! Setuju ke tak? #paultancars #paultan #carsoftiktok #cartok #cartiktok #ev #teslacybertruck #malaysia #viral #trending #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Paul Tan's Automotive News There are three variants available, starting with the base rear-wheel-drive model can get from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Stepping up to the all-wheel-drive model (which this Foundation Series is) adds a front motor that pushes power to 600 hp (441 kW), slashing the century sprint time to 4.3 seconds. Torque is claimed to be an insane 10,080 Nm, although that figure is at the wheels, multiplied by the ratio of the single-speed transmission. The actual figure, divided by a ratio of 15.02:1, is 671 Nm.
But the one you’ll really want is the triple-motor Cyberbeast, which pushes out a stratospheric 840 hp (630 kW) and gets to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds (with the rollout subtracted, as is typical for Tesla these days), on its way to a top speed of 209 km/h. Wheel torque is bumped up to 13,959 Nm, or 929 Nm at the motors.
Range is quoted at 402 km for the RWD model, 547 km with AWD and 515 km for the Cyberbeast. Payload capacity is 1,134 kg for the dual-motor model and 1,030 kg for the Cyberbeast, while towing capacity is rated at 4,990 kg.
What do you think – would you buy a Cybertruck if it were sold in Malaysia?
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Beijing 2024: Audi SQ6 e-tron EV – 516 PS, 0-96 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 230 km/h top speed, 598 km range
The Audi SQ6 e-tron that made its debut last month – alongside the regular Q6 e-tron – has been shown at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, and here’s our first look at live images of the performance electric SUV.
Performance sets the SQ6 e-tron apart from the regular Q6 e-tron, and on this front the SQ6 e-tron is rated to produce 489 PS, or up to 516 PS with launch control activated; for commparison, the US-market version of the Q6 e-tron outputs 428 PS, or up to 462 PS with launch control.
Thus equipped, the SQ6 e-tron will do 0-96 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 230 km/h. Energy is stored in a 100 kWh battery pack with 94/9 kWh usable, enabling the SQ6 e-tron to travel up to 598 km on a full charge.
Using the manufacturer’s PPE architecture, the Q6 e-tron, which the SQ6 e-tron is based upon, features an 800-volt electrical system that enables fast charging at up to 270 kW DC, which can recharge the battery from 10-80% in 21 minutes with a compatible charging station.
Meanwhile in terms of AC charging, the SQ6 e-tron takes 11 kW as standard, while a 22 kW option will be added at a later date for a quicker charge, the carmaker stated at the model’s debut. In terms of brake energy regeneration, up to 220 kW can be recuperated, which should cover around 95% of common braking practice.
The model that the SQ6 e-tron carries over much of the Q6 e-tron’s cabin including its dashboard architecture, which can be seen in our live images to feature the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, as well as the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with an active privacy mode in order to prevent driver distraction.
Other Q6 elements include the new E³ 1.2 electronic architecture with five high-performance computers to cover all vehicle functions, as well as providing the basis for quick software updates and upgrades.
The Q6 e-tron has been confirmed as early as March last year that it will be coming to the Malaysian market this year. Would you be interested in this performance version of the Q6 that is already heading this way?
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Beijing 2024: BYD Ocean-M concept – EV hot hatch with RWD; production version launching this year
BYD showed off its new Ocean-M concept at the ongoing Auto China in Beijing, which serves to preview a production model reportedly set to launch in the third quarter of this year. The sporty-looking hatchback looks to be the company’s answer to the Volkswagen ID.3, and is expected to be positioned between the Dolphin and Seal.
The Ocean-M looks properly aggressive with a prominent split bumper lip around the front air intakes as well as a power hump on the bonnet. The sides feature Lamborghini-esque wheels, cameras in place of traditional mirrors as well as large side skirts, the last of which continues to meet with a large diffuser element at the rear.
A split wing on the roof further underscores the sporty aesthetic of the concept. The body kit is certainly striking to look at but there is a possibility that it won’t make it to the production vehicle, or it may be offered as an option. No interior to be seen for now, as evident by the heavily blacked-out windows.
Powertrain details are limited for now but it has been reported the Ocean-M will be built on a new BYD platform (said to be called e-Platform 4.0) and uses the company’s second-generation Blade battery launching this year. The Blade 2.0 battery is claimed to offer up to 1,000 km of range and boasts 25% higher energy density than the Blade 1.0 battery used in current BYD models like the Seal, Dolphin and Atto.
Chinese media outlets say the Ocean-M will come with rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being an option. BYD officials have provided estimated pricing for the production Ocean-M, which is said to be between 150,000 and 200,000 yuan (about RM99k and RM131k).
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Jaecoo J6 EV confirmed for Malaysia – RHD version to be put on public display at Malaysia Autoshow in May
We recently brought you coverage on the Jaecoo J6 while in China, and it’s now been confirmed that the fully electric SUV will be making an appearance here in right-hand drive form at next month’s Malaysia Autoshow.
The J6 is also known as the iCar 03, with iCar (like Jaecoo) being a sub-brand in Chery’s portfolio. For export markets, it is called the J6 and joins other ‘J’ models such as the J7 and J8. If you’re looking for an SUV with a boxy and rugged look that is somewhat “compact,” this is something to look forward to.
On that mention, the J6 measures 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall. Its wheelbase is relatively long for an SUV this size, at 2,715 mm. The dimensions make it just slightly shorter than the J7 (4,500 mm), though the J6 is a touch wider (+45 mm) and taller (+35 mm).
As mentioned in our previous post, the J6 has a slightly different look compared to the 03, with the former getting its own grille design, no illuminated ‘i’ logo on the lighting units and no storage box at the back. The RHD version set to debut in Malaysia will come with said storage box and the iCar 03’s grille at the front.
In China, the iCar 03 is available with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive electric motor configurations. According to local Chinese reports, the dual motor version is rated at 279 PS and is capable of getting from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 150 km/h. With a CATL-supplied 69.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the range is up to 501 km following the CLTC standard.
Other highlights of the J6 include a side-hinged tailgate, pop-out door handles, a large infotainment touchscreen, a dash integrated digital instrument cluster, electric door poppers and even a crystal drive mode selector. Also available is a set of roof-mounted solar panels that can help add charge to the battery pack, as well as ADAS cameras from popular drone-maker DJI.
GALLERY: Jaecoo J6 and iCar 03 in China
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Chery Omoda 5 axle issue – vehicle being inspected and investigated, recall for small batch of customers
Chery Malaysia has issued an official statement following the circulation of a social media post regarding a customer’s Omoda 5 that apparently had its rear axle detach from the vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle involved alleges that the rear axle of the Omoda 5 had broken whilst being driven, without hitting any bumps or potholes, nor being involved in any accident.
This is the second case of a customer-unit Omoda 5 that had been publicised in viral social media content, the prior case being an alleged brake issue, for which Chery Malaysia issued an official statement earlier this month.
Statement by Chery Malaysia:
29 April 2024
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Chery Auto Malaysia is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our vehicles meet the highest safety standards.
We wish to provide an update on the recent matter regarding the axle of an OMODA 5 vehicle. Chery Auto Malaysia has contacted and is in communication with the customer. The vehicle has been brought to our service centre for a thorough inspection and investigation.
As a proactive measure and in line with our safety protocols, Chery Auto Malaysia is currently reaching out to the affected customers. For additional peace of mind, all customers who are concerned can book an appointment at their nearest service centre for a thorough inspection, all inspected vehicles will receive a full report.
In addition, and for added assurance to all Chery and OMODA customers who may have questions, the Chery Malaysia Customer Careline can be contacted at +603- 2771 7070.
Our sincere thanks to our customers and followers for your patience. We are committed to transparency and assure you of our unwavering dedication to quality and satisfaction.
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Beijing 2024: Neta L launched in China – pure EV later, REEV variants first; 1,300 km hybrid range; fr RM86k
The Neta L has been launched in China during this year’s Auto China currently ongoing in Beijing. The new SUV is priced from 129,900 to 159,900 yuan (about RM86k to RM105k) and will initially be offered in four variants, all of the being range extended electric vehicles (REEVs) – a pure electric vehicle (EV) version will be introduced in the future.
The base option features a 30-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h.
All other variants come with a larger 40-kWh LFP battery and the same electric motor, although they are slightly slower in the century sprint at 8.2 seconds – the top speed remains unchanged. Neta claims all variants require 19 minutes to get the battery from a 30-80% state of charge via DC fast charging. There’s also a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that can deliver up to 3.3 kW to power electrical devices.
The range extender aspect of the powertrain comes in the form of a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle. With this and a 50-litre fuel tank, the hybrid mode range is as high as 1,300 km (CLTC standard) for the 40-kWh variants and 1,250 km for the sole 30-kWh option. Without the internal combustion engine serving as a range extender, the 40-kWh variants will do 310 km in EV-only mode, or 220 km for the 30-kWh variant.
In terms of dimensions, the Neta L measures 4,770 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,660 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,810 mm. The design is reminiscent of the Neta X, albeit with distinguishing cues such as integrated headlamps (with DRLs), pop-out door handles and H-shaped taillights.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by two 15.6-inch touchscreens, the central one being the main access point to the infotainment system while the other is for the benefit of the front passenger. A third display is a small instrument cluster integrated into the dashboard. Powering the infotainment system is Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P chip, which also enables digital voice assistance, telematics, various connectivity options as well as over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Depending on the chosen variant, available equipment include a 64-colour ambient lighting system, powered front seats (with heating, ventilation and massaging functions), a refrigerator, a 16-speaker sound system, 60W USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents) and a powered tailgate.
A Horizon Journey 3 chip powers the Neta L’s driver assistance systems and is linked to up to 12 ultrasonic sensors, five long-range millimeter-wave radars, four surround view cameras and one forward-facing camera. Functions include a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change warning, cross traffic alert (front and rear), automated parking and more.
Deliveries of the Neta L to the first customers in China have already begun during the ongoing Auto China, and the model will be rolled out to 20 countries worldwide in the second half of this year. Would you want this to come to Malaysia?
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Tesla FSD to expand outside North America – LHD focus, some time to go for RHD markets like Malaysia
Tesla looks to be gearing up to expand the availability of Full Self Driving outside of North American markets, based on a few developments that have happened recently.
Swedish Transport Administration senior advisor Rikard Fredriksson recently posted on his Linkedin that he experienced a demo of FSD in a Tesla Model Y in Germany, where it is currently unavailable. This suggests there are talks with European regulators to have it approved.
FSD V12 in Germany 🔥 https://t.co/c4mlrA2t9s pic.twitter.com/3V79Io77dc
— Timmy (@elektrotimmy) April 27, 2024
There are also reports that suggest Tesla has partnered with Baidu to provide map and navigation data to allow FSD to work in the Chinese market.
However, it might take some time for FSD to ever be available in Malaysia. If you notice, the above two are both LHD markets, which is something they have in common with North America.
On April 27, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet that Tesla believes FSD v12 is ready for LHD countries but RHD will take a bit longer.
We believe version 12 is ready for supervised FSD in LHD countries. RHD will take a bit longer.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 26, 2024
FSD is currently available for purchase in Malaysia for RM32,000 which when converted to USD is one of the cheapest prices in the world at this time. At today’s exchange rate it is around USD6,700, compared to USD8,000 in the US.
FSD is currently unavailable to use in Malaysia for those who have paid for it. Would you buy FSD at RM32,000 if it was available for use in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Proton opens new R&D centre in China – serves to upgrade homegrown models, EV development
Proton has opened its new R&D centre in China as part of its collaborative efforts with business partner Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely). The new facility, which is located within the Geely Automobile Research Institute at Hangzhou Bay, will complement Proton’s existing R&D facilities in Malaysia.
In an official release, the company said its R&D centre in China will strengthen its ability to conceptualise, design, develop and manufacture new vehicles by combining its in-house competencies with the resources and know-how that Geely can offer.
“Aspiring to mirror the success story of China Euro Vehicle Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, this latest development moves Proton’s R&D facilities in Malaysia closer to becoming the sixth in the Geely Group’s global network of R&D centres,” read the release.
The new facility will have a workforce of 50 employees and covers top-hat and platform integration for internal combustion engine (ICE) and future electric vehicle (EV) models. This also includes the upgrading of Proton’s homegrown models, which are presumably the Saga, Persona and Iriz, as covered in a previous report.
In addition to vehicle development, Proton’s R&D centre in China will also serve as a platform to engage with vendors for the continuous development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley in Tanjong Malim, Perak, including focusing on full business life cycle areas such as quality, procurement, and manufacturing.
The new centre will have three departments, namely the Central Research Institute, Data Intelligence Development Centre as well as the R&D Digitisation Centre. The first is responsible for coordinating the R&D system for vehicles and to enhance Proton’s technology capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Data Intelligence Development Centre covers research development and delivery of big data and artificial intelligence before formulating product deployment plans. Lastly, the R&D Digitisation Centre explores and manages the digitisation needs of the R&D system and formulating of strategies for digital transformation.
“We have witnessed the birth of a facility that allows us to work closer than ever with our partners and will inspire connections for years to come while helping to expand Proton’s global presence.,” said Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
“It is our hope this important milestone would enable us to move towards our goal of Proton becoming the sixth Geely Group R&D centre, while bolstering Proton’s existing capabilities that are already well established in Malaysia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and making endless possibilities for the future of mobility,” he added.
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2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X launched in Malaysia, RM26,900 and RM29,900
Now in Malaysia are the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, priced at RM26,900 and RM29,900, respectively. This follows the earlier announcement of Malaysia market pricing for the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X November last year.
The pair of what Triumph calls “T-Series” bikes are identically powered with a single-cylinder DOHC ‘TR’ mill with four-valves producing 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm with 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Euro 5 compliant, the TR engine is made to look air-cooled while carrying a slim radiator.
Power goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Differentiating the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X is wheel sizing, the Speed getting 17-inch wheels front and rear while the Scrambler comes with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel.
Additionally, the Scrambler 400 X gets switchable ABS with rear wheel ABS disabled for off-road work while the Speed 400 has full-time two-channel ABS. Braking is done with a 300 mm diameter disc in front for the Speed with the Scrambler getting a 320 mm disc, clamped by a four-piston radial-mount brake calliper for both.
For suspension, 43 mm diameter upside-down Big Piston forks are fitted, with the Speed getting 140 mm of travel and the Scrambler coming with 150 mm travel. At the rear, a monoshock with remote reservoir is fitted, adjustable for preload and giving 130 mm of suspension travel for the Speed 400 and 150 mm travel for the Scrambler 400 X.
The Speed 400 weighs in at 170 kg wet, with seat height set at 790 mm while the Scrambler 400 X tips the scales at 179 kg wet with a 835 mm seat height. 13-litres of fuel is carried in the tank.
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2024 Peugeot 408 launched in Malaysia – 218 PS/300 Nm 1.6L turbo, three variants; from RM146k OTR
Following its initial preview earlier this month, the 2024 Peugeot 408 has now made its official launch in Malaysia, arriving in three variants – Allure, Premium and GT, priced at RM146,055, RM166,055 and RM196,055 on-the-road without insurance for the respective variants, and this is locally assembled (CKD) at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah.
All three variants are powered by the manufacturer’s PureTech 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine, rated to produce 218 PS at 5,750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Drive is transmitted to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Built on parent group Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, the fastback 408 measures 4,687 mm long, 1,859 mm wide and 1487 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,787 mm and ground clearance of 189 mm. Luggage capacity is 536 litres with the rear seats in place, and expands to 1,583 litres with the seats folded in the GT variant, or up to 1,611 litres in the Allure and Premium variants.
Click to enlarge Exterior equipment for the 408 includes alloy wheels ranging from 18 inches on 225/55 for the Allure and Premium variants, up to 20 inches with 245/40 for the top GT variant. Wheels are finished in Granite Grey for the Allure, two-tone Granite Black for the Premium and Monolithe Black for the GT. Allure and Premium variants are equipped with a spare tyre, while the GT gets a tyre repair kit.
The Allure and Premium variants get a front grille finished in chrome, while the GT grille is finished in body colour. For lighting, the top GT gets automatic matrix LED headlamps and 3D ‘claw effect’ LED tail lamps, while Allure and Premium variants get full LED headlamps and tail lamps.
Inside, upholstery starts with vinyl for the Allure, then steps up to leather for the Premium variant, while the GT gets Nappa leather. All three get electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, while the top GT variant adds a memory and a massage function. The front passenger in the Allure gets manual adjustment, while those in the Premium and GT variants get electric adjustment.
Instrumentation is the 10-inch i-Cockpit digital display for all three, while the GT gets a 3D quartz version of the i-Cockpit unit. Infotainment for all three is by a 10-inch i-Cockpit HD colour touchscreen unit, with the GT gaining configurable i-Toggle controls.
Audio for the 408 comes courtesy of a six-speaker system for the Allure and Premium variants, while the top GT variant gets a 10-speaker Focal Premium system, and all three get a wireless phone charger. The GT also gets a cabin air cleaning system.
Safety kit on the 408 range is comprised of AEB, ESP with hill start assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system along with rear parking sensors, a rear camera, active bonnet pedestrian impact protection and six airbags.
To these, the Premium variant adds front parking sensors, advanced traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, advanced AEB, front collision warning, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert.
A total of four colours are offered across the three variants of the 2024 Peugeot 408; Obsession Blue, Perla Nera Black, Okenite White and Artense Grey. The Allure variant gets three of the four except Obession Blue while the Premium gets all four exterior colours; the GT gains Obsession Blue in its range of available colours, omitting Artense Grey.
The 2024 Peugeot 408 is covered by a seven-year/200,000 km warranty, of which three years are of manufacturer warranty coverage, followed by four years of extended warranty coverage by Stellantis Malaysia, which has the same scope of coverage as the manufacturer’s warranty.
2024 Peugeot 408 GT
2024 Peugeot 408 Premium
2024 Peugeot 408 Allure
GALLERY: 2024 Peugeot 408 previewed in Malaysia
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2024 MINI Aceman debuts – new crossover between Cooper, Countryman; up to 218 PS, 406 km EV range
This is the all-new MINI Aceman, a new crossover that slots in between the latest MINI Cooper and Countryman in the carmaker’s line-up that recently made its debut in Beijing at this year’s Auto China. Unlike its stablemates, the Aceman will only be offered with fully electric powertrains across all variants.
The base variant is known as the Aceman E and comes with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 290 Nm of torque. This is enough to get from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 160 km/h.
Following this is the Aceman SE, which is also front-wheel drive but with higher outputs of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 330 Nm for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds and top speed of 170 km/h. The top-spec option also has a battery with an energy capacity of 54.2 kWh to give it a range of up to 406 km according to the WLTP.
By comparison, the Aceman E’s battery is 42.5 kWh for up to 310 km of range. Both variants can handle AC charging at a max capacity of 11 kW, but there’s a difference when it comes to DC charging. The Aceman E’s maximum DC input is 75 kW while it is 95 kW for the Aceman SE, with the company claiming a 10-80% state of charge can be achieved in just under 30 minutes.
In terms of dimensions, the Aceman measures 4,076 mm long, 1,754 mm wide, 1,515 mm tall and has wheelbase spanning 2,606 mm. This puts it firmly in the middle of the MINI Cooper (3,858 mm long, 2,526 mm wheelbase) and Countryman (4,433 mm long, 2,692 mm wheelbase).
The Aceman adopts MINI’s new reduced design approach referred to as ‘Charismatic Simplicity’. At first glance, it looks like a shrunken Countryman, with a front end that features a closed-off, octagonal-shaped grille and a small lower intake. The headlamps are unique to the Aceman and have a distinctive daytime running light signature, which can be switched to three different modes to be expressive.
Along the sides, you’ll find retractable door handles and prominent body cladding, the latter underscoring the crossover aesthetic, as do the standard roof rails and rear skid plate. The rear of the Aceman kind of resembles the latest MINI Cooper, although the Union Jack taillights are a lot less pixelated and the clusters are more rounded.
The Aceman is offered in four different trims that are identified by an oblong-shaped badge attached to the front area of the side sill. Each level comes with its own equipment and trim types, and buyers can choose from Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW Trim – there are also various wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches in size.
Moving inside, we find a familiar dashboard layout not unlike the MINI Cooper and Countryman. The star of the show is the large, circular touchscreen that sits just above a row of physical controls for important things (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop “key”, experience modes, media volume). The OLED display makes up part of a comprehensive ambient lighting system and provides access to vehicle functions.
Infotainment is powered by MINI Operating System 9, which includes the many MINI Experience Modes such as Personal, Go-Kart, Vivid, Core, Green, Timeless, Balance and Trail. Additionally, the system also includes support for phone connectivity as well as the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, the latter visualised as a stylied MINI or the character ‘Spike’.
Customers can option a head-up display to have vital driving information projected ahead on the windscreen if they prefer not having to rely solely on the centre display. For those concerned about practicality, the Aceman’s 60:40 split-folding rear seats provide up to 1,005 litres of space when put down, and there’s 300 litres available as standard.
On the driver assistance front, there are 12 ultrasonic sensors and four cameras to support the Driving Assistant Plus suite, which includes steering and lane assist in addition to assisted parking and autonomous emergency braking.
The Aceman was developed and will be produced by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BWM Group and Great Wall Motor, at a manufacturing plant located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, China. If the Countryman is too large and the MINI Cooper is too small for you, maybe the Aceman is the MINI for you. What do you think?
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Lamborghini Urus SE debuts in Beijing – 4.0L twin-turbo V8 PHEV with 800 PS, 950 Nm; 60 km EV range
This the new Lamborghini Urus SE, which is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid version of its ‘Super SUV’ that recently celebrated its global debut at the ongoing Auto China in Beijing. In addition to an electrified powertrain, the Urus SE also boasts an updated design and various other updates.
Starting under the bonnet, the Urus SE keeps to a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 620 PS (612 hp or 456 kW) and 800 Nm of torque. This is now augmented by an electric motor rated at 192 PS (189 hp or 141 kW) and 483 Nm for a total system output of 800 PS (789 hp or 588 kW) and 950 Nm.
For reference, the Urus S that was revealed back in September 2022 packed 666 PS (657 hp or 490 kW) and 850 Nm. With its superior output figures, the Urus SE will get from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (3.5 seconds for the Urus S) and can hit a top speed of 312 km/h (305 km/h for the Urus S).
The plug-in hybrid version also offers up to 60 km of electric-only range thanks to its 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery – the company did not disclose charging details in its release. Other parts of the powertrain include an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system with an integrated front differential as well as a rear electronic limited-slip differential.
There are also air springs to adjust ground clearance ranging from 15 mm in Corsa up to 75 mm when needed. Corsa is just one of a few drive modes available, with others being Strade, Sport and Neve. There are also PHEV-specific modes such as Hybrid, Recharge and EV Drive.
As for the design changes, there’s a new daytime running light signature that wraps around headlamp clusters, which now come with matrix LED technology. The front and rear bumpers are also slightly tweaked, while the rear tailgate has been completely redesigned to feature a spoiler which works with a revised diffuser for 35% more downforce at high speeds compared to the Urus S.
Other aerodynamic improvements include underbody air vents and revamped air ducts to better cool mechanical and engine components by 15%. The new design of the front section also helps improve brake cooling by 30%.
Inside, there are now two 12.3-inch displays and the infotainment system has been updated with better graphics to keep things in line with the Revuelto. The rest of the cabin remains largely familiar, and customers can still customise their purchase with a wide range of options, including wheels measuring between 21 to 23 inches.
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Malaysia’s Hakim Danish scores second in Jerez
Up and coming Malaysian rider Hakim Danish grabbed a close second place in the Red Bull Rockies Cup race in Jerez, Spain. In a photo finish, Alvaro Carpe of Spain drafted Hakim’s slipstream, pulling out and pipping the Terengganu boy to the finish line at the end of Race 2 by just 0.006 seconds.
Hakim’s second place win made up for his eighth place finish in Race 1, first race of the 2024 season. 16-year old Hakim, who showed strongly in Free Practice and Qualifying on Saturday, said, “I was able to improve from yesterday, not make the mistakes. Early in the race, I didn’t feel too good because I felt it was a bit slippery.”
Sanguine about his race and being beaten by Carpe, Hakim said, “I managed to stay in the front group, overtake on the last lap and get in a position to win the race. I pushed to the line but I saw Alvaro’s bike beside me and I knew he crossed the line first.”
This was despite Hakim, who races motorcycle number 13, making a near perfect overtake on the final lap into the start-finish straight, with the win in sight. The Red Bull Rookie Cup is now in its 18th season, with 14 races on the calendar in 2024.
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ChargeSini launches EV charging station in Tamara Residence, Putrajaya – eight AC chargers, RM0.99/kWh
ChargeSini has launched its first residential electric vehicle (EV) charging station located in Tamara Residence, Putrajaya.
The station is open to the public and features eight Sangitech AC chargers that can each deliver 22 kW. The chargers are spread across the condominium grounds to cater to each residence block, from Tower A to Tower D. The charging rate is based on energy consumed at RM0.99 per kWh.
“As we continue to strive for sustainable mobility and a greener future, it brings me great joy to witness the expansion of charging facilities in Putrajaya. Our commitment to green mobility and environmental conservation underscores the importance of promoting renewable energy sources and fostering a sustainable community for generations to come.” stated Datuk Mohd Radzi bin Md Jidin, MP of Putrajaya.
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Chery Omoda 7 unveiled – sporty SUV with 1.5 TGDi PHEV tech, gaming-style interior, sliding touchscreen
The Chery Omoda 7 has just been unveiled at the carmaker’s hometown in Wuhu, China. As a bigger brother to the popular Omoda 5, it is described as a sporty coupe SUV with wide ranging appeal. It combines three key design pillars: dynamic, avant-garde and futuristic.
It’s certainly a striking looking SUV. The shark nose with borderless parametric grille looks to be inspired by the Lexus RX, as are the general sharp angles seen all around. Look closely and the front corners and you’ll see a repeating hexagonal pattern that can light up, as part of the “digital pixel design detail.”
The Omoda 7 rides on large 20-inch dual-tone alloys, while the wheel arch liners have a distinctive pattern on them. Suprisingly enough, the doorhandles are traditional pull-up items instead of self-presenting pop-out designs favoured by a majority of new cars coming out of China recently.
Round the back, the coupe-like roofline does lend it a bit of a Range Rover Velar vibe, although the windowline with a prominent kink over the rear fender matches that of the Omoda 5, creating a neat family look of its own. The taillights have what’s called an electric energy design – a series of connecting arrows that form a lightning bolt.
Size wise the Omoda 7 measures 4,621 mm long, 1,872 mm wide and 1,673 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. That’s considerably larger than the Omoda 5 (4,400 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,588 mm tall, 2,630 mm wheelbase) in every way, and is much closer to the Honda CR-V (4,694 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, 1,681 mm tall, 2,700 mm wheelbase).
Inside is where it gets really interesting, as it features gaming-style elements. The steering wheel, for instance, is said to be inspired by a PlayStation 5 controller – easy to control, “maximising the playful experience” – while the front seats were modelled after gaming seats (which ironically were made to mimic car seats to begin with). Fancy stitching, nubuck leather and quilting add on to the sporty look and feel.
Meanwhile, the 15.6-inch centre touchscreen can actually slide to be positioned right in front of the passenger, to provide a more comfortable viewing angle on the move. The “space orbit sliding smart screen” – with 2.5K resolution and 1,000 nit brightness – can be controlled via gesture, voice and button prompts.
Other interesting features include integrated air freshener pods that infuse the chosen fragrance into the air conditioning system (similar to the Air Balance option on high-end Mercedes-Benz models) and a 12+2 speaker Sony audio system. The latter adds on a pair of small surround speakers inside the driver’s headrest. There’s even an engine noise cancelling system for a quieter cabin!
Beyond that, the chassis (a stretched, reworked version of the Omoda 5 platform) has been upgraded with double hydraulic suspension and an advanced brake-by-wire system. As for ADAS, there’s no less than 18 features covering all the usual driving assist systems, plus a novel voice-activated lane change assist function.
Under the hood is a 1.5TGDi four-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a plug-in hybrid system. The engine itself is claimed to have the highest thermal efficiency in its class of 44.5%, while the battery pack can provide up to 95 km of pure-EV driving range. In hybrid mode it’s claimed to have a fuel consumption of 4.89 l/100 km, allowing a combined range of 1,250 km, at least in theory.
There will also be a pure-ICE version later, likely with a larger 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine like in the Jaecoo J7. Surprisingly however, unlike the Omoda 5, there won’t be an EV version of the Omoda 7.
So folks, what do you think of the Omoda 7 – can it possibly be anywhere near as successful as the Omoda 5? Comment below!
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