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SDAC launches digital booking platform – you can now place an order for a Ford Ranger or Everest online
At the introduction of the Ford Ranger StormTrak earlier today, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) announced the launch of its Ford online booking service. Available through the SDAC website, this provides customers with even more convenience to book a Ford vehicle beyond the traditional scope offered via the showroom route.
Through the digital channel, customers across the country can browse and book their desired Ranger or Everest variant, with all that’s needed after selecting the preferred model, vehicle colour and dealership being to fill in the necessary details and pay the booking fee of RM1,000 via one’s preferred online payment platform.
From then on, the selected dealership will follow up on the subsequent process. Online bookings can be made by individuals or companies. Customers who book a Ranger StormTrak online will be entitled to the Ranger StormTrak windbreaker jacket, redeemable upon vehicle delivery.
Click here to check out the digital booking platform.
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SKDS Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 – one million fleet cards now available for goods transport
A total of one million fleet cards for subsidised diesel under the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) is now available for companies engaged in the transportation of goods, the New Straits Times has reported.
This initiative was among the measures implemented by five petroleum companies involved in the roll-out of the SKDS 2.0 programme, said minister of domestic trade and cost of living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The target is to meet demand for the 23 types of vehicles eligible under the SKDS 2.0 programme, and this will benefit 410,000 vehicles, according to the report.
“Today, we received a commitment from the oil companies; they have provided a stock of one million fleet cards. This means that oil companies will always have a supply as soon as applications are made,” Armizan said, adding that the mechanism for diesel price adjustments after the implementation of targeted subsidies would be determined by the finance ministry.
Earlier this week, five petroleum companies issued 90,000 fleet cards for subsidised diesel under the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) programme, with 28,000 land transport companies having registered for and received approval as of May 22.
Meanwhile, the KPDN minister also said today that applicants looking to receive diesel subsidies may apply for either the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) or Budi Madani, but not both.
The SKDS 2.0 applies to companies, whereas the Budi Madani programme is intended for farmers, smallholders and others, Armizan said.
The types of vehicles approved to receive diesel subsidies under the SKDS programme was decided by an inter-ministerial committee, and also involved engagements with associations and stakeholders, The Star quoted Armizan as saying.
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Subaru to end CKD operations in Malaysia, other SE Asian markets next year – switch to CBU from Japan
In a filing with The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) and Subaru Corporation have announced they will end complete knock down (CKD) operations in Southeast Asia.
“After careful consideration, TCIL and Subaru Corporation have jointly decided to undergo a proactive business transformation by phasing out the existing CKD business model, which is believed to be no longer sustainable in the long term,” read the business update.
“From next year, the CKD markets in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia will transition to a complete build up (CBU) sales model from Japan,” it continued. Despite the move, both parties will continue to explore additional viable business avenues together in these markets.
From a Malaysian context, Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) – a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings (TCMH) – in Segambut makes the second-generation XV for local and export markets. The company also previously assembled the fourth-generation Forester, although assembly of the fifth-generation model was shifted to Thailand. TCIL and Subaru Corporation formed a joint venture – Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand), or TCSAT – in February 2017 to assemble Subaru vehicles in Thailand.
“TCIL and Subaru Corporation are confident that this strategic decision will position Subaru for continued success in these dynamic markets. As TCIL embarks on this new chapter together with Subaru Corporation, both TCIL and Subaru Corporation remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers, partners and stakeholders,” the statement ended.
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Proton introduces ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to uplift after-sales service levels; monthly dealer assessment
Proton has introduced a ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to raise the standards of after-sales service, recognising dealers who have achieved an outstanding level. This is an extension of the Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative that started in March 2023.
The new rating is awarded to dealers based on their POE score and ‘Service Quality’ (SQ), encouraging all outlets to achieve and maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction. SQ is evaluated in two categories, namely ‘Speed’ and ‘Compliance’, and these are then measured over six focus areas. The end goal is for outlets to manage customers concerns effectively and to deliver the best experience.
Proton’s POE initiative emphasises adherence to a ‘thorough list of requirements’ such as service process, technician competency, stock inventory and customer management. It was launched with the primary aim of enhancing the business performance of outlets and improving the operations efficiency of service centres nationwide.
Each outlet is assessed on a monthly basis and the results are then shared with all dealers to ‘clearly indicate where they stand within the network’. Proton’s after-sales division then works closely with the outlets to proactively raise their service levels and scores – this is done via quarterly roadshows (also held to give recognition to top achievers) and the sharing of best practices, the carmaker says.
Five dealerships will be awarded the top accolade every month, marking them out as ‘centres of excellence’ for after-sales and customer service. To ensure parity and buy-in, KPI’s for the initiative are set based on feedback from all outlets as well as benchmarking of best practices from other carmakers. To kickstart the 5-Star Rating initiative, a launch event was recently held at Melinau Auto in Kuching, one of the top three outlets to get the accolade.
“At Proton, we believe that delivering a high level of after-sales service to our customers helps to set us apart from rival brands. Therefore, we will continue to invest in our customer service and after sales operations at all outlets to ensure all customer facing roles deliver the highest levels of satisfaction,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Proton’s 5-Star Rating initiative was launched at Melinau Auto Kuching, which received the accolade “Yes, we also believe that offering a range of premium high specification models at competitive prices helps to attract customers to showrooms, but delivering exemplary customer service and providing class leading after sales keeps them loyal to the brand and opens the door to repeat purchases,” added Roslan, who is also deputy CEO of Proton.
How do customers know which outlets have five stars? Those with the accolade will have a distinctive badge and will be listed on Proton’s website.
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Targeted diesel subsidy – applicants can choose either SKDS 2.0 or Budi Madani, not both: KPDN minister
Applicants looking to receive diesel subsidies may apply for either the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) or Budi Madani, but not both, minister of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has said, reported The Star.
The SKDS 2.0 applies to companies, whereas the Budi Madani programme is intended for farmers, smallholders and others, the minister said.
“They can only choose one. We observed that there are farmers or households that have small businesses and do not have a company. Hence, we will have to help them through the Budi Madani programme,” Armizan said, adding that further details on Budi Madani will be announced by the finance ministry, while SKDS 2.0 is handled by the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living.
The types of vehicles approved to receive diesel subsidies under the SKDS programme was decided by an inter-ministerial committee, and also involved engagements with associations and stakeholders, the report quoted Armizan as saying.
The criteria of vehicles selected to receive diesel subsidies through the SKDS programme leaned towards those in the logistics sector, or those providing essential services to consumers, the minister added.
The SKDS 2.0 programme began in March this year involving five petroleum companies and nine vehicle types, with the former having issued 90,000 fleet cards to eligible transport companies earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the Madani subsidy assistance programme, or Budi Madani for private owners of diesel vehicles and agriculture smallholders in Peninsular Malaysia was also announced, with the Budi Madani application website open from Tuesday.
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2025 Volkswagen Transporter to be offered in diesel, plug-in hybrid, EV versions; from RM187,041 in Europe
Initial details for the Volkswagen Transporter have been unveiled ahead of its market debut next year, and the van co-developed with Ford will be offered with diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
This succeeds the sixth-generation Transporter that was facelifted in 2019, and the new, seventh-generation model draws inspiration from its forebears in various areas, namely the T6.1 in its headlamps, the T5 in the shape of its radiator grille, and the mid-body character line from the original T1, says Volkswagen.
The manufacturer states that the new model measures up to 5,450 mm long – longer than the 4,962 mm ID Buzz LWB and 5,173 mm Multivan – and the wheel designs offered will measure 16, 17 and 19 inches in diameter, including the 19-inch ‘Indianapolis’ six-spoke wheel design with a diamond-cut rim flange and black inner surface finish.
Versions with the PHEV and fully electric powertrains can be identified by the charging socket flap that is locaetd below the right-hand-side headlamp. According to Autocar, the seventh-generation Transporter will continue to be offered in a range of configurations, including a nine-seater ‘Shuttle’, a two-row ‘Kombi’ and a cargo-carrying panel van.
While the market launch for the seventh-generation Volkswagen Transporter is set to take place in the first quarter of 2025, pre-sales have begun in Europe, with prices starting from 36,780 euros (RM187,041).
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Bentley stops order taking of V8-powered Continental, GTC, Flying Spur in Asia Pacific, including Malaysia
Earlier this month, Bentley announced it would cease production of the current 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine used in the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur models. The first regions to see the departure of the V8 include the United Kingdom, Europe and MEAI (Middle East, Africa and India).
Now, Bentley Motors Asia Pacific has confirmed that the V8 option will also be removed from Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Australasia. This is part of the Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy where all model lines will be offered with at least one hybrid variant by 2024. This electrification switch has already begun with the introduction of the Bentayga Hybrid and Flying Spur Hybrid.
According to the company’s official release, ordering for the V8-powered Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur models has closed, with production set to be completed by June. However, final units are still available now in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam through retailer stocks and transport pipelines.
The V8 engine has been a hallmark of Bentleys over the last 75 years and the retirement of the non-electrified mill comes following the end of production of the British brand’s iconic 6.0 litre W12 engine in April this year. Since the 4.0 litre V8’s introduction in 2012, more than 53,000 examples of the three highlighted models powered by the engine have been produced in Crewe, England.
Bentley’s new era will see the debut of the fourth-generation Continental GT that is set to be unveiled in June. Teased in the middle of this month, the new model wlll carry on the V8 legacy, albeit in the form of a plug-in hybrid that delivers an impressive 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque as well as 80 km of electric-only range and emit just 50 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
Other features set to appear on the all-new Continental GT include active all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring, an electronic limited-slip differential (LSD), a 48-volt electrical architecture-powered active anti-roll body control as well as new dual-valve dampers.
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2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Malaysian debut, RM53,800
Joining its naked sports sibling, the Suzuki GSX-8S, in Malaysia is the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R sportsbike, priced at RM53,800. With the introduction of the GSX-8R, along with the RM50,800 GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800 adventure-tourer priced at RM60,800, this completes Suzuki Malaysia’s trio of upper middleweight motorcycles in the Malaysia market.
The GSX-8R is powered identically to the GSX-8S, with a liquid-cooled parallel-twin displacing 776 cc with DOHC. With a 270-degree crankshaft and primary balancer, the GSX-8R produces 82 hp at 8,500 rpm dan 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm.
Equipped with the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) that reduces effort at the clutch lever, the GSX-8R sends power to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Engine and gearbox are governed by Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) provides advanced electronic rider assist systems including three level Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) with four levels including “off”, Ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System, Bi-directional quickshifter, Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist.
Also standard is two-channel ABS with dual four-piston radial-mount front brake callipers mated with 310 mm diameter brake discs stopping the front wheel. The rear wheel gets a 240 mm diameter brake disc stopped by a single-piston pin-slide caliper.
Suspension on the GSX-8R uses Hitachi Astemo units with a SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) upside-down forks and preload-adjustable mono shock. If the name is unfamiliar, Hitachi Astemo is the brand owner for Showa suspension.
Seat height on the GSX-8R is set at 810 mm with weight claimed to be 205 kg carrying 14-litres of fuel in the tank.
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Proton EV brand naming contest – 22k have guessed name of Geely Galaxy E5-based model, ends June 5
If you haven’t already heard, Proton will soon debut an electric vehicle, which will fall under a new EV brand. Earlier this month, Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) announced a naming contest for the brand, called the Proton EV Brand Name Contest.
The contest concludes on June 5 (11.59 pm), which means that there are six days more for you to join. To do so, fill up a registration form, input your guess and match images to the order of the given statements. You’ll then stand a chance to win a grand prize of RM5,000 cash, or RM1,500 for second, RM1,000 for third and RM100 for the other top-five entries. Pro-Net says that it has received over 22,440 entries so far
“The overwhelming response to the Proton EV Brand Name Contest is a testament to the passion and excitement shared by Malaysians as we usher in a new era of automotive excellence. With the finish line in sight, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and encourage those who have yet to join the competition to seize this final opportunity to leave their mark on automotive history,” said Zhang Qiang, CEO of Pro-Net.
The contest announcement had a teaser of an outline drawing, which is tacit confirmation that new Proton EV will be based on the Geely Galaxy E5 that was revealed earlier this month – that SUV’s roof rails and slim headlights are visible in the outline.
The E5 was already widely touted to be the donor car for Proton’s EV, given that it has reportedly been developed with right-hand-drive markets in mind. The E5 is based on the new Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), a development of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that supports not just full EVs, but also range extender, plug-in hybrid and methanol powertrains.
Larger than the Proton X70, the E5 is a C-segment SUV that’s 4,615 mm long and 1,901 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. No technical details yet, but reports suggest the EV will be powered by a single 218 PS (160 kW) motor for a top speed of 175 km/h, paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. 800V architecture too for higher charging speeds. Check out the Galaxy E5 below – what do you think?
GALLERY: Geely Galaxy E5
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2024 Ford Ranger StormTrak launched in Malaysia – sportier than WildTrak, 200-unit LE, RM181,888 OTR
Sime Darby AutoConneXion (SDAC) has officially introduced the Ford Ranger StormTrak, which slots in between the Ranger WildTrak and Platinum. The new variant – which is a 200-unit limited edition release – adds a fair bit of sport to the pick-up’s presentation compared to the WildTrak, and it also builds on the kit list as well, incorporating some elements seen on the Platinum.
No changes to the powertrain and drivetrain, with the StormTrak featuring the bi-turbo version of the 2.0 litre EcoBlue turbodiesel, offering 210 PS at 3,750 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,750 to 2,000 rpm. The mill is paired to a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to either the rear wheels (2WD) or all corners via a part-time 4×4 system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly system.
Exterior-wise, the front of the StormTrak features a gloss black grille, with the Ranger name spelt out in black lettering on the front of the bonnet. The front bumper also gets a gloss black element, along with a Race Red accent strip running along the lower half of it. Also new are three-point LED lights on the grille wing, sandwiched by the C-shaped LED daytime running lights.
Elsewhere, you’ll find wheel arches and side mirror caps in gloss black, and the colour also makes its way on to the wheels, where it is called Asphalt Black – the 20-inch alloys (wrapped with 255/55 profile tyres) also get a Race Red accent on one of its spokes.
To further denote the variant visually, StormTrak emblems in red can be found on the lower part of the front doors as well as the tailgate, with line decals adding to the look. Also finding its way on is a flexible sports bar, which can slide to the rear from its usual position, and an adjustable roof rack, along with zone lighting – to brighten the vehicle’s surroundings – and cargo lighting.
Inside, the cabin continues the theme with red stitching on the dashboard and seats, with the front units featuring a StormTrak logo and Miko suede inserts on its upholstery, However, unlike Thailand, where the variant is also sold, the Malaysian StormTrak comes with an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel instead of a 12.4-inch unit as found on the Thai-market version.
Click to enlarge. The StormTrak however gets the e-shifter seen on the Platinum, and also comes with fully automatic Active Park Assist 2.0. As for exterior colours, three are available for the variant, these being Arctic White, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black.
Finally, pricing. The Ford Ranger Stormtrak is priced at RM181,888, on-the-road without insurance, in Peninsular Malaysia, which makes it RM11,000 more than the Ranger WildTrak (RM170,888) and RM5,000 cheaper than the Ranger Platinum (RM186,888). As for Sabah and Sarawak, it is priced at RM188,288.
GALLERT: Ford Ranger StormTrak brochure
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Fast and Furious actor, WWE star John Cena trades in his FK8 Honda Civic Type R for a new 2024 FL5 CTR
WWE superstar and Hollywood celebrity John Cena previously revealed that he daily drives a FK8 Honda Civic Type R, and it seems the Cenation leader isn’t looking to swap brands anytime soon.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Cena revealed that while he was bringing his 2021 FK8 for a routine service at Wesley Chapel Honda in Tampa, he “fell in love” with the newer 2024 FL5 Civic Type R and promptly bought one in Championship White.
If you’re interested in buying Cena’s formerly owned Civic Type R, the Boost Blue example is currently part of Wesley Chapel Honda’s inventory and reports indicate it has about 10,560 km on the odometer.
Cena’s association with Honda goes beyond just owning a car from the brand, as back in 2020, the American Honda Motor Company signed the wrestler/actor as the voice of its ‘Honda Gets Rugged’ campaign featuring the then 2021 Passport and Pilot.
What a day! Brought my ‘21 Civic Type R in for service and saw brand new @Honda ‘24 Type R and fell in love! Thanks to the folks @WC_Honda for all the help and some more horsepower! For those asking.. yes my ‘21 Boost Blue Civic is there now and looking for a new home 👀 pic.twitter.com/SvVhGtnH4o
— John Cena (@JohnCena) May 25, 2024
We define who we are when we persevere in the face of obstacles. Proud to be the new voice of @Honda, starting with this message that encourages people to ”Rise to the Challenge.” pic.twitter.com/S7PgmkYq11
— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 14, 2020
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Penang government, MRT Corporation mulling low- to medium-capacity scalable system for Mutiara Line LRT
The Penang state government and MRT Corporation are exploring a low- to medium-capacity system for the Penang Mutiara Line light rail transit (LRT) project, Bernama has reported.
The procurement board of the transport ministry will select the type of LRT system based on passenger projections and the state’s needs, said state infrastructure transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
“When we talk about LRT, many people imagine an LRT [system] like the Kelana Jaya LRT line, which is a high-capacity medium which can accommodate 15,000 to 30,000 passengers per hour, one way, but this system is not suitable for Penang,” he said.
“We will not choose a system like the Kelana Jaya line, [as] it is too high-capacity for Penang. We will choose a scalable system where we can start with a frequency of approximately two-car trains so that when we want to add [capacity] in the future, we can put three-car trains or four-car trains,” Zairil said.
The detailed design for the construction of the LRT system actually takes into account the use of sufficient electricity resources, with each station being connected to a traction power substation (TPS) which will supply electricity to the train system later, he added.
In April, transport minister Anthony Loke said that construction of the Penang LRT project will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The Penang LRT Mutiara Line project was taken over by the federal government, and is estimated to be complete by 2030.
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Is the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R coming to Malaysia?
With news of Modenas exporting the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R to China, the question being asked is, will the Malaysia market get Kawasaki’s Super Sports machine? The answer is yes, the Kawasaki ZX-6R will be sold domestically by early next year.
As for pricing, Modenas CEO Roslan Raskan said, “it is too early to say as yet, but we are targeting something between RM70,000 to RM80,000.” Roslan added Kawasaki decides the allocation for the ZX-6R for specific markets and current production at Modenas’ Gurun, Kedah facility is intended for China.
This ties in with information previously received where paultan.org was told the above. As for the Kawasaki ZX-4R, there are plans for local assembly but the ZX-6R, along with other Kawasaki models currently assembled in Gurun, such as the Z250, Ninja 250, ZX-25RR, Versys X 250, KX250 and ZX-25R, take priority.
The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R comes with a Euro 5 compliant inline four-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled with DOHC and displacing 636 cc. Power is rated at 124 PS at 13,000 rpm while ram air bumps that up to 129 PS at 13,000 rpm, with a peak torque of 69 Nm at 10,800 rpm.
Suspension is done with Showa SFF-BP 41 mm diameter upside-down fully-adjustable front forks and fully-adjustable monoshock in the rear. A full suite of riding aids comes as standard including four ride modes (including a user customisable mode), three-mode traction control and selectable power delivery modes along with a quickshifter.
Twin 310 mm floating discs in front are stopped by dual radial-mounted, monobloc, opposed 4-piston callipers while the rear gets a single 220 mm disc with single-piston calliper. Inside the cockpit a 4.3-inch TFT-LCD display features connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.
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Rapid KL launches ‘on-demand’ DRT van for Sri Rampai, Wangsa Maju area – book T221 on Kumpool
Click to enlarge Those living in Sri Rampai and Wangsa Maju, good news. Rapid KL has launched the T221 Demand-Responsive-Transit (DRT) service that will connect you to the Sri Rampai LRT station.
The new T221 route covers malls and commercial areas such as Aeon Big Wangsa Maju, Dataran Wangsa Maju, Melawati Mall and Perumahan Wangsa Budi, among other locations.
By the way, this isn’t the usual feeder bus but a van painted in Rapid KL livery. It’s an ‘on-demand’ service outsourced to Kumpool, an e-hailing van booking service that was initially available in Johor Bahru before reaching the Klang Valley. The fare is RM1 per trip.
The on-demand shuttle service gathers passengers’ bookings in real-time and then travels on an optimised route based on everyone’s pick-up points. This should be like the previous Kumpool van deployments, which did not replace the regular scheduled feeder bus. More on Kumpool here.
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2024 BMW M3 facelift debuts – G80/G81 get tweaked styling, kit; Competition M xDrive models get 530 PS
In addition to updating the regular BMW 3 Series, the German carmaker also unveiled the facelifted G80 M3 Sedan and G81 M3 Touring, with both receiving changes that mimic those of refreshed M4 range that was announced back in February this year.
The G80 will be offered in three variants, including the base M3 Sedan, M3 Competition Sedan as well as the M3 Competition Sedan with xDrive. The last on that list benefits from an optimised engine management system so its S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo inline-six petrol unit now serves up a maximum output of 530 PS (523 hp or 390 kW) at 6,250 rpm, which is 20 PS (20 hp or 15 kW) more than before.
Meanwhile, peak torque remains at 650 Nm but is now sustained for a little while longer from 2,750 to 5,730 rpm (previously up to 5,500 rpm). Despite the bump in power, the 0-100 km/h time remains at 3.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h, or 290 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Also unchanged is the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic, which is accompanied by a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive system and Active M Differential at the rear axle. As before, drivers can set the system to send drive to all four wheels or exclusively to the rear wheels for drifting purposes, which requires the DSC be disabled.
The other two variants use the same S58 but see no change in outputs, with the M3 Sedan continuing to offer 480 PS (473 hp or 353 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 550 Nm from 2,650 to 6,130 rpm. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offering for the base variant, with drive going only to the rear wheels that will surely please purists.
As for the M3 Competition Sedan, it packs 510 PS (503 hp or 375 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm from 2,750 to 5,500 rpm. This variant uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the M xDrive-equipped model but is rear-wheel drive only.
In terms of performance, the M3 Sedan needs 4.2 seconds to complete the century sprint, while the M3 Competition Sedan requires 3.9 seconds. All three variants share the same top speed with the range-topper.
For those who need to ferry more cargo at speed, the G81 M3 Touring is only offered in Competition guise with M xDrive as standard. Given its slightly heavier body, the 0-100 km/h time is a tenth of a second slower than its sedan equivalent and the top speed with the M Driver’s Package is slightly reduced to 280 km/h.
According to BMW, the base M3 Sedan can be specified as an option with the M Traction Control function. This slip control tech is standard on all Competition models and can be adjusted through ten stages to adjust how much intervention comes into play at the limit.
To mark out the facelifted M3 and M3 Touring, both get a similar headlamp design seen on the updated M4 with two arrow-shaped and vertically arranged LED units in each cluster that serve as daytime running lights and turn signal indicators. The headlamps themselves can be had as adaptive units with matrix high beam as an option, marked out by blue inlays.
Inside, there’s a redesigned, three-spoke, flat-bottom M leather steering wheel, which BMW offers in Alcantara and comes with revised spokes and a red 12 o’clock indicator. The two dedicated M buttons remain for quick access to pre-configured drive modes as does the widescreen Curved Display.
The latter, with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen, is linked to iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and has simpler controls for the climate system. Like the regular 3 Series, there’s now ambient lighting integrated into the trim around the central air vents.
As always, BMW has plenty of options to pad purchases, including a range of new wheel designs, the M Carbon exterior package, M Race Track package and M Performance Parts. All model variants will be launched worldwide with a production phase-in set to commence in July 2024.
GALLERY: 2024 G80 BMW M3 Sedan facelift
GALLERY: 2024 G81 BMW M3 Touring facelift
GALLERY: 2024 G80 BMW M3 Sedan and G81 M3 Touring facelifts
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