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Mercedes-Benz to drop EQ naming for its future EVs
According to a report by AutoExpress, Mercedes-Benz will stop using ‘EQ’ to name its future EVs after the first-generation models come to the end of their life cycles. Instead, the German carmaker will revert to traditional naming structures similar to its non-EV models.
At present, almost all of the brand’s EVs have ‘EQ’ in their names, from the EQA to the EQS, although there is an exception. The electric G-Class that recently made its debut in Beijing last month wasn’t called the EQG as many expected. Instead, it’s marketed as the G580 with EQ Technology, signalling the start of the new EV naming strategy.
“EQ is the technical lead, future electric Mercedes-Benz won’t be EQ”, Mercedes-Benz product manager Tobi Mantele told AutoExpress. “EQ is the technical platform for the brand. As soon as you go fully electric you wouldn’t want to drop a brand like S-Class,” added an unnamed Mercedes-Benz spokesperson.
This direction indicates the brand intends to normalise its EVs as part of the model line-up and will use monikers similar to those of petrol and diesel models. Despite its EV plans, Mercedes-Benz won’t be going fully electric and will continue to develop plug-in hybrids as well as making mild hybrids standard on its internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
“We’re not throwing away other opportunities with our state-of-the-art ICE platforms. We have the best-performing PHEV according to range, and we’re updating those again,” said the spokesperson.
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MBSJ warns that free parking at its facilities, food courts are only for visitors – saman and clamping
Click to enlarge Subang and Puchong residents and workers, take note. Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ) has issued a warning that carparks in the local council’s facilities are reserved for the vehicles of those who visit those premises.
These include municipal food courts (medan selera), multipurpose halls (dewan serbaguna), community halls (balai masyarakat), kiosks, kindergartens and rehabilitation centres.
MBSJ says that those who fail to comply with this rule will be fined, and their vehicles will be clamped. The rate is RM50 for cars and RM200 for heavy vehicles, and that includes towing, clamping and storage fees. Enforcement started yesterday (May 15).
It’s not worth it, that’s for sure. Fine aside, one has to also factor in the inconvenience of coming out to not find your car, and having to head to MBSJ to retrieve it. The city council must have received complaints that many are freeloading and misusing the ‘free parking’ in its facilities to start this campaign. Do your parents or colleagues do this? Warn them.
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2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift debuts in Malaysia – new petrol RS, Sensing on all 5 variants, from RM86k
Honda Malaysia has officially introduced the Honda City Hatchback facelift in the country, with the refreshed five-door model making its local debut earlier this morning. Like with the pre-facelift, the B-segment model goes on sale here in five variant forms, although with a variant switch in the line-up.
The model range continues to be made up of four petrol units, with a hybrid sitting at the top of the line-up. The petrol variants start with the 1.5L S, followed by the 1.5L E and the 1.5L V, and the top petrol version is now an RS, taking over the position occupied by the 1.5L V-Sensing previously, with the e:HEV RS hybrid continuing to lead the line.
The five Honda City Hatchback facelift variants are priced at (on-the-road, without insurance):
- City Hatchback 1.5L S – RM85,900
- City Hatchback 1.5L E – RM90,900
- City Hatchback 1.5L V – RM95,900
- City Hatchback 1.5L RS – RM100,900
- City Hatchback 1.5L e: HEV RS hybrid – RM112,900
In terms of changes, the facelift features some minor exterior styling revisions and some new equipment, generally mirroring that seen on the updated City sedan that made its debut here last August.
External revisions include a slimmer chrome bar on the upper front end and a larger grille with a new mesh insert design. The front bumper has also been reworked, with different accents to be found on both RS and non-RS variants. The RS versions get a more prominent fog lamp garnish as well as a honeycomb mesh for the lower intake, which gets additional trim elements simulating air inlets.
At the back, non-RS variants are now dressed with a new black valance for the lower apron, complete with a body-coloured panel strip, while RS variants gain a sportier-looking diffuser, along with black side mirror covers and variant-specific emblems to denote it. As for wheels, the S and E grades are kitted with 15-inch alloys and 185/60 profile tyres, while the V and both RS versions ride on 16-inch units, wrapped with 185/55 rubbers.
Dimensions are generally unchanged from the pre-facelift, with the standard car measuring in at 4,350 mm long (+1 mm) and 1,748 mm wide (no change), although at 1,488 mm tall it sits 18 mm taller than the pre-facelift. The RS variants are marginally longer at 4,369 mm as a result of its variant specific bumpers.
As before, the boot continues to offer 289 litres of cargo space with all seats up, which is 230 litres less than the sedan. With the rear seats folded, you get 841 litres of workable space, or 1,189 litres in volume up to the roof.
No changes to the powertrains on offer, with the petrol variants continuing to be powered by a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four DOHC i-VTEC engine that delivers 121 PS (119 hp or 89 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm, with drive going to the front wheels via a CVT.
As for the e:HEV, it’s equipped with the same Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system as seen previously, with an electric motor rated at 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) and 253 Nm providing drive to the front wheels. The electric motor is juiced by a lithium-ion battery that is charged by a second electric motor linked to a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine running on an Atkinson cycle.
On its own, the petrol mill puts out 98 PS (97 hp or 72 kW) from 5,600 to 6,400 rpm and 127 Nm of torque from 4,500 to 5,000 rpm, and though the engine acts primarily as a generator, it can clutch in through a single-speed E-CVT to provide direct drive to the wheels at higher speeds, where it is most efficient.
Save for a couple of small changes, standard equipment has been carried over from the pre-facelift, which on the base S includes halogen projector auto headlights with LED daytime running lights, fabric seats, an urethane steering wheel/gear shift knob, paddle shifters and a 4.2-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster.
Also on are keyless entry, push-button start, walk-away auto lock, manual air-conditioning, fabric upholstery, a single USB port, a Bluetooth-enabled Standard Audio head unit and four speakers.
The E variant adds on remote engine start, single-zone automatic climate control, a reverse camera and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The E now gets four additional tweeters to bring the speaker complement to eight, and there are now two USB Type-C charging ports in place of the 12V power outlet seen previously.
As for the V, it adds full-LED headlights and front LED fog lights, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob as well as rear air-conditioning vents. Meanwhile, aside from its variant-specific external accoutrements, both RS versions bump things up with a seven-inch TFT instrument display, sport pedals, black headlining, red interior trim accents and stitching as well as a wireless route for its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift spec sheet, click to enlarge. Both RS variants are also fitted with Honda Connect services, which include automatic collision and alarm detection, speed and geo-fencing alerts, a vehicle locator and emergency calls.
Safety and driver assistance kit levels are also up from the pre-facelift, with all City Hatchback facelift variants now coming with six airbags (front, side and side curtain) and Honda Sensing as standard.
The latter continues to present Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Auto High-Beam (AHB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), adding in a new Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).
On the RS hybrid, the inclusion of an electronic parking brake adds on a Low-Speed Follow (LSF) function for the ACC. Elsewhere, the automaker’s LaneWatch side camera system continues to be offered, available from the V grade on.
Finally, exterior colours, and four are available for the City Hatchback facelift, these being Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic, the last not available for the e:HEV RS. If you’ve been keeping track, you’ll notice that Crystal Black Pearl is no longer offered for the car.
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Mercedes-Benz cancels development of MB.EA Large platform for large EV models due to slow sales – report
Mercedes-Benz has reportedly cancelled development of its MB.EA Large platform for large electric vehicle models, originally planned to form the basis of EV models such as the successors to the current EQS, EQE and their SUV derivatives, according to Autocar citing a Handelsblatt report.
The decision to cancel further development of the MB.EA Large platform was reportedly made due to poor sales of the current EQS and EQE models, and the halting of development and infrastructure changes at the carmaker’s production sites that would have been required for the new platform are estimated to bring investment savings of between four to six billion euros (RM20.4 billion to RM30.6 billion), it said.
Two versions of the MB.EA platform were originally planned, these being the MB.EA Medium for the upcoming EQC sedan and SUV, and the aforementioned MB.EA Large for the larger, luxury-oriented models. As such, successors to models such as the S-Class, GLS, GLE and GLE Coupé are expected to be developed on an updated version of the existing MRA platform.
With the reported cancellation of the latter, Autocar understands that Mercedes-Benz intends to develop the EVA2 platform further for future deployment, where an 800-volt electrical architecture will succeed the current 400-volt setup. Other developments for the EVA2 platform include new battery cell technology and more efficient motors for increased range, Autocar reported.
Aside from the MB.EA Large platform, Mercedes-Benz appears to have firm plans for platforms including the MMA for compact EVs, the MB.AMG for its sports car range, and MB.VAN for commercial vehicles, it continued.
The MMA platform is to underpin the next-generation successors to the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and GLB, while sharing its electric drivetrain architecture with the MB.EA Medium platform.
The decision to cancel further development of the MB.EA Large platform is part of a wider realignment of the German carmaker’s development plans, as it had pushed back on its electrification targets of achieving 50% BEV and PHEV sales by 2025, to 2030, where market conditions allow.
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Subaru Legacy to be discontinued in the US after 36 years – 2025 the final model year for D-segment sedan
The Subaru Legacy has been around since 1989 but it will soon be discontinued when production in the United States ends next year. Subaru of America announced last month that the 2025 model year will be the final one for the Legacy, bringing an end to the sedan’s 36-year legacy.
The Legacy is currently in its seventh generation, which was revealed five years ago at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Since its debut, the big sedan has posted poor sales figures in comparison to other models in the line-up.
Last year, Subaru of America shifted just 25,510 units of the Legacy, which is less than Impreza (34,719 units), Ascent (60,543 units), Forester (152,566 units) and Crosstrek (159,193 units). Even the Legacy’s wagon sibling, the Outback, sold in far greater numbers at 161,814 units.
The only models that the Legacy outsold were the BRZ (4,188 units), Solterra (8,872 units) and WRX (24,681 units). We should point out that the Legacy’s sales performance is mostly the same in the years going back to 2020, with the exception of 2021 when the WRX outsold it by a couple of thousand units.
It’s not surprise then that the Legacy is going away in the US given car buyers’ love for SUVs and crossovers (and wagons for that matter). Japan announced it would discontinue the Legacy long before the US did back in June 2020. Subaru’s decision to add more electric vehicles (EVs) to its line-up doesn’t help the Legacy’s case either, with the company saying it would produce eight EV models by 2028.
The Legacy in the US is assembled at the company’s plant in Lafayette, Indiana. According to Subaru of America, the six generations of the Subaru Legacy have racked up over 1.3 million sales. “Though the Legacy is the longest-running Subaru model line, its discontinuation reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru’s transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles,” Subaru of America wrote in its release.
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PADU data ready for govt to implement targeted subsidies, waiting for right moment to proceed – Rafizi
Economy minister Rafizi Ramli has said the Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU) socio-economic database is ready for the government to implement at any time, Bernama reports. This will be used for programmes which include targeted subsidies, although it is up to the government to decide when this will happen as well as what mechanism will be used.
“The government is trying its best to avoid inflationary speculation, therefore it is best that we keep the sequencing close to our chest. The guessing game is to really manage the balance on how the market and society behave,” Rafizi told the media after the launch of the second season of the Innovathon television reality show yesterday.
Rafizi said that there were concerns that certain groups would take advantage of the situation by raising prices for profit should premature disclosure happen. He added the government felt it was best that everyone is provided with information about the data first, with implementation only proceeding at the right time and with an appropriate mechanism decided.
The government previously said it plans to introduce a targeted subsidy mechanism for RON 95 petrol in the second half of 2024. However, it has yet to announce the mechanism and how these subsidies will be dispensed.
PADU was launched by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on January 2, 2024 and serves to provide a provide a secure, comprehensive and near-real-time national primary database. This will enable more accurate data analytics to be produced as well as policy formulation and data-driven decision-making processes, in addition to enabling targeted policy implementation to balance the country’s fiscal position.
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PLUS Juru, Tanjung Malim R&Rs closed for upgrading
Click to enlarge Those who ply the North South Highway, take note. PLUS has announced the closure of two R&Rs for upgrading works, starting today, May 16. They are the Tanjung Malim R&R (northbound) in Perak and the Juru R&R (northbound) in Penang.
For both closed R&Rs, PLUS says that one can use the surau and toilets at the nearby petrol station or the following R&Rs. If these are your regular pit stops, bear in mind.
Drive safe and take a break if you’re feeling sleepy behind the wheel.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri – front-engined flagship with 830 PS 6.5L NA V12, 0-100 km/h 2.95 secs, 9,500 rpm redline!
The king is dead; long live the king. Ferrari has bid its scintillating 812 Superfast a fond farewell, replacing it with a new top-dog front-engined supercar with an equally on-the-nose name – the 12Cilindri.
No prizes for guessing what the slightly awkward nomenclature is referring to – Maranello’s trademark 6.5 litre naturally-aspirated V12. Codenamed F140HD, this latest iteration has been fettled with a host of lighter components, including titanium connecting rods, new aluminium alloy pistons and a rebalanced crankshaft. Shaving off all that weight has allowed the massive engine to rev to a stratospheric 9,500 rpm.
Satisfied, the engineers then moved to freeing up more prancing horses, adding lighter sliding finger followers (with a friction-reducing diamond-like coating, or DLC) for the valvetrain that enable the fitment of hotter cam profiles. A new intake manifold and plenum with shorter variable-geometry tracts also allow the engine to breathe more easily.
The result of all these changes, some of which were already implemented on the go-faster 812 Competizione, are breathtaking – 830 PS at 9,250 rpm and 678 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. Routed to the rear wheels through a new SF90 Stradale-derived eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – now with 30% faster shifts – those figures allow the 12Cilindri to blitz its way from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.95 seconds and 200 km/h in 8.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed in excess of 340 km/h.
To enhance the ferocity of the acceleration, Ferrari has added Aspirated Torque Shaping (ATS) for the first time on a naturally-aspirated model, pushing torque delivery towards the higher reaches of the rev range in a similar fashion to the company’s turbocharged cars. Other changes have been made to prepare the engine for the latest Euro 6E emissions regulations, including a more efficient oil pump and a new exhaust system with a ceramic catalytic converter and a particulate filter.
Keeping the horses nailed to the road are a suite of Ferrari’s latest chassis systems. A 20 mm shorter wheelbase aids agility, helped by the faster-reacting rear-wheel steering from the Competizione. Also quicker to respond is the new Side Slip Control (SSC) 8.0, integrating the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire and ABS Evo systems and increasing traction on low-grip surfaces in particular.
Not that the 12Cilindri is lacking in grip, rolling on a choice of either Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres. Both are bespoke for this car and come in new sizes – 275/35 ZR21 at the front and 315/35 ZR21 at the rear – wrapping larger 21-inch alloy wheels. The all-aluminium body structure, incorporating new strut tower, A- and C-pillar geometry, is 15% stiffer than before.
On the outside, the 12Cilindri eschews Ferrari’s previous sculptural design language in favour of a more sophisticated aesthetic that also pays homage to past models. The latter is especially evident in the black band that wraps around the front, integrating the headlights and providing an obvious stylistic link to the iconic 365 GTB/4 Daytona from the 1970s.
Behind the long clamshell bonnet, the black glasshouse – now incorporating a glass roof – intersects with an expansive rear section that sweeps outwards and integrates the voluptuous rear haunches, forming a delta wing-shaped rear end. A slim quad taillight strip sits beneath a large rear spoiler with active flaps, the latter pushed to either side of the glass boot lid to maximise luggage space.
Aerodynamics are an integral part of any modern Ferrari, and so is the case with the 12Cilindri. The front features no less than seven generous air intakes, feeding the revamped cooling system and brakes. Some of that air then exits through the two bonnet vents, reducing pressure underneath and leading to fewer openings in the underbody, maximising downforce generation.
Speaking of which, the optimised underbody uses three pairs of vortex generators – again derived from the Competizione – to generate downforce, working in concert with the revised central section and rear-wheel shields to direct air towards the ginormous rear diffuser. The latter features two more vortex generators and also houses the obligatory quad exhaust exits (now in a rectangular shape).
Inside, the 12Cilindri adopts the dual-cockpit design first seen in the Purosangue SUV, housing the expansive 15.6-inch digital instrument display and the 8.8-inch passenger touchscreen. In a first for Ferrari’s most sporting models, a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen sits below the large twin cowls. The centre console features a Y-shaped metal structure that houses the gear selector toggles arranged in a H-pattern to mimic the company’s famed gated manual shifters of yore – a feature that made its debut on the Roma.
Just like past Ferrari front-engined flagships since the 550 Maranello, the 12Cilindri features just two (heavily-sculpted) seats, and these can now be upholstered in a more sustainable Alcantara variant with 65% recycled polyester. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – thankfully now displayed through the central display instead of the instrument cluster – as standard, as well as Qi wireless charging and an (optional) new 15-speaker, 1,600-watt Burmester sound system.
Unusually for Ferrari, the 12Cilindri berlinetta (or coupé) debuts alongside the droptop Spider version. The latter is notable for being just 60 kg heavier than the hardtop model, despite retaining the dramatic folding metal roof that flips backwards into the rear lid. The roof retraction process takes just 14 seconds and can happen at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
GALLERY: Ferrari 12Cilindri
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GALLERY: Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider-
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Upgraded Proton 3S centre in Banting by EON opens
EON, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, today launched its revamped Proton 3S centre in Banting, Selangor. The facility used to only operate as a showroom, but now offers after-sales and spare parts replacement as well for the full 3S offering.
The RM6 million, 18,775 sq.ft facility can display eight units of Proton vehicles. It includes a 12,347 sq.ft service centre equipped with 10 service bays. Customers also stand to benefit from EON’s digitalisation push with the introduction of the Workforce Management platform, which allows for online appointments and real-time service updates. One can even book a car online via www.eon.com.my.
“The opening of the Proton EON Banting 3S Centre underscores EON’s continued focus on improving service to enhance customer satisfaction. This is in line with our position as Malaysia’s largest multi-brand car dealership,” said EON CEO Akkbar Danial, who is also DRB-Hicom’s head of automotive distribution.
“The revamped and the newly refurbished showroom will allow us to raise the game in terms of customer’s experience, while its strategic location will make it very convenient for the residents of Banting and the surrounding areas to access our 3S centre, whether it is for the purchase of new cars, or for after-sales servicing,” he added.
Located along Jalan Suasa opposite Econsave, EON’s Proton 3S centre is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and public holidays. Service centre operating hours are from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30 am to 1pm on Saturdays.
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RON97 petrol price May 2024 week three update – premium fuel price unchanged; still RM3.47 per litre
It’s Wednesday, and so it is time for the usual weekly fuel price update, as the finance ministry has announced the retail prices of fuel for the coming week of May 16 to 22, 2024.
There continues to be no change in the price of RON 97 petrol, and so it continues at the RM3.47 per litre rate from last week, and in fact has been since September last year. As for RON 95 petrol, it continues at its ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre, as set by the Malaysian government in February 2021.
Likewise, the status quo remains for diesel prices as well, with Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends remaining at RM2.15 per litre, and Euro 5 B7 diesel costing 20 sen more, at RM2.35 per litre.
These prices will take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, May 22, 2024, when the next set of fuel price updates will be announced. This is the 20th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for this year, and the 279th in total since the format’s introduction at the start of 2019.
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Subaru to work with Toyota on 3 new EV crossovers to debut by 2026 – “huge risk” to build EVs alone
Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki recently told Automotive News the carmaker will work together with Toyota on three new fully electric crossovers over the next two years through 2026. Both companies have been working together for a long time, with the Solterra and bZ4X being electric vehicles (EVs) to come out of the partnership.
According to the report, Subaru is cautious about its EV plans in light of wavering demand and is leaning on Toyota rather than making significant investments in time and resources to develop EVs on their own. As of September 2023, Toyota owns a 20.42% stake in Subaru.
“At the moment, it is quite difficult to predict how things will go from here with EVs. There is a huge risk for us to go it alone in this field. We have held talks with Toyota and have agreed that it is better to reduce risks through joint development,” Osaki said.
Toyota announced last May that it will assemble an all-new, three-row electric SUV at its Kentucky facility in the United States, which would enable Subaru to benefit from the federal EV tax credit if its future EVs are also assembled by Toyota there.
According to Electrek, Subaru will build one of the three new EVs at its Yajima plant in Japan for both itself and Toyota, while Toyota will manufacture one in the US, also for both companies. Subaru plans to start in-house EV production in Japan from 2025 with an annual capacity of about 200,000 units. It will then add dedicated EV production lines in 2027, which will add an additional 200,000 units.
Subaru also assembles vehicles in the US, and it was revealed that the company plans to boost Forester production and introduce hybrid variants. “While we have steered toward EVs, we find it important to sell internal combustion products at the same time. So, we already have plans to expand our hybrid product lineup.”
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SDAC to launch limited-edition Ford Ranger on May 30 in Malaysia – free windbreaker upon vehicle delivery
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has announced it will launch a limited-edition Ford Ranger soon, which will be open for booking on May 30, 2024. The public can get up close and test drive the new model as it will also be showcased at the Luxe area of 1 Utama from May 30 to June 2.
The company isn’t providing much in the way of details beyond merely stating the limited-edition Ranger was “designed to elevate the outdoor experience.” We do get a few video teasers on the company’s socials that suggest some rugged enhancements for the pick-up truck.
In a release, it added that bookings can only be done online, and those who secured a unit will receive a complimentary limited-edition Ranger windbreaker upon vehicle delivery. In addition to the special Ranger, attendees can also try out the regular Ranger as well as the Everest at the event set to take place at the end of the month.
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IM Motors L6 launched in China in five variants from RM143k, up to 1,000 km range from 133 kWh battery
The IM Motors L6 saw its market launch in China this week, with a range of five variants starting from 219,900 yuan (RM143,154) for the L6 Max Standard with up to 650 km of battery range on the Chinese domestic CLTC testing standard, ranging up to 345,900 yuan (RM225,179) for the top L6 Max Lightyear variant.
In addition to the variants announced at the debut of the L6, the range-topping Max Lightyear variant gets a 133 kWh semi solid-state battery offering 1,000 km of range (CLTC) as part of a 900-volt electrical architecture, which supports charging that can top up 400 km of battery range in just 12 minutes, according to Car News China.
The most potent variant, performance-wise is the L6 Max Super Performance with 780 km of range (CLTC) from a 100 kWh ternary lithium battery pack that feeds a dual-motor AWD powertrain producing 579 kW (787 PS) and 800 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 2.74 seconds and a top speed of 308 km/h, the news site reported.
Unveiled earlier this year at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, the IM Motors L6 electric vehicle has reportedly topped the moose test speed record of 85 km/h that has stood for 25 years, previously held by Citroën Xantia, with the L6 recording a moose test speed of 90.7 km/h, according to Fast Technology.
Its aforementioned feat in the moose test, also known as the elk test, is attributed to a ‘lizard digital chassis’, or body control system that is standard across the range, according to Car News China. In an illustration, the system appears to cancel out body roll due to cornering forces, and in fact appears to lean ever so slightly into the bend, as two-wheeled machines do.
This leads to increased stability in high speed manoeuvres such as the moose test, suppresses oversteer and increases the cornering limit of the L6 by 5 to 8 km/h, the report added. Four-wheel steering aids in reducing its turning radius to 4.99 m, and claims to reduce the length required for parallel parking by 11%. Suspension is by aluminium double wishbones in front, and a five-link setup at the rear.
Measuring 4,931 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, 1,474 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the IM Motors L6 is larger than the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, though smaller than the Xiaomi SU7.
Inside, the cabin of the IM Motors L6 features a 26.3-inch triple-width screen, and this is joined by a portrait-oriented 10.5-inch control screen, and the driver gets a two-spoke steering yoke; a regular steering wheel is also said to be available.
In China, pre-orders for the L6 have exceeds 29,000 units, and order books for the 1,000 km-capable Max Lightyear variant will open in September, with initial deliveries in October.
Overseas, the IM Motors L6 has been marked to be likely to be sold in Australia under the MG brand, with MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao indicating that the firm is working on importing MG-badged IM models for these markets.
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Prolintas responds to SUKE ‘wire trap’ bike incident
Prolintas has responded to recent reports of a motorcyclist allegedly sustaining a chin injury due to a thread stretched across the Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).
“Prolintas is committed to cooperating fully with the police investigation. We have yet to receive any direct report from the victim and urge them to come forward and file an official report with the authorities We urge any witnesses with information about the incident to contact the Ampang Jaya police headquarters or Prolintas directly,” the statement read.
The highway concessionaire said that its Peronda team will increase patrols along the SUKE. “Any kite flying or other hazardous activities observed will be promptly reported to the police. Additionally, we will work closely with local residents’ associations to enhance safety measures and prevent such incidents,” it added
“We would like to emphasise that the safety of our users and neighbouring residents is of paramount importance to us. SUKE will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available,” the statement ended.
The incident happened on Monday evening, when motorcyclist Muas Rosdi said on X that he was injured by a thread (benang). The rider was travelling on the SUKE’s Taman Kosas exit heading towards the Bukit Teratai toll when he felt the tug, which caused a cut across his chin.
Hari ni, Isnin 13 Mei 2024 jam 6.30 petang.
Dagu aku terkoyak terkena benang yang melintang jalan di Lebuhraya SUKE (selepas exit Taman Kosas, Ampang) menghala ke tol Bukit Teratai. pic.twitter.com/ZNvAH1QdwV— as 🇲🇾 (@MuasRosdi) May 13, 2024
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US president Joe Biden announces new tariffs on China goods – EV duty quadrupled from 25% to 100%
The United States has unveiled a sweeping array of new tariffs on Chinese goods, with electric vehicles (EVs) being a key focus of president Joe Biden’s announcement. These measures appear to be designed to protect US manufacturers from cheap imports and could increase trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies, The Guardian reports.
“American workers can out-work and out-compete anyone as long as the competition is fair, but for too long it hasn’t been fair,” Biden said during a speech in the White House Rose Garden. “We’re not going to let China flood our market,” he added, as reported by Reuters.
In his speech, it was announced that the EV duties would be quadrupled from 25% to 100%, which would please Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Meanwhile, levies will rise from 7.5% to 25% on lithium batteries, which shouldn’t affect US production that much if these batteries aren’t sourced from China. Tesla in the US uses batteries from Panasonic (Japan), LG (South Korea) or its own made-in-America cells, but other production sites in Shanghai and Berlin use CATL and BYD batteries from China.
Tariffs on steel and aluminium, which range from 0% to 7.5%, will also be raised to 25%, while its from 0% to 25% on critical minerals, from 25% to 50% on solar cells and from 25% to 50% on semiconductors.
The US imports very few Chinese-made EVs, with some experts viewing the eye-grabbing 100% duty being more of a political move than a practical one. According to Autoblog which cited Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions on Yahoo Finance, only Buick, Lincoln, Lotus, Polestar and Volvo currently ship vehicles made in China into the US.
Among those brands, Geely-owned Polestar and Lotus are the only ones that import EVs, with the latter doing so in extremely limited quantities. As for the former, it plans to begin producing the Polestar 3 in South Carolina later this year, which would circumvent the high duty if the electric crossover was made in China.
Fiorani also pointed out that Chinese automakers with production sites outside of China, like in Mexico or South Korea, can get around basic legislation. “Congress is looking to control the importation of vehicles by Chinese brands, but that will be difficult when they’re not made in China,” he said.
