Porsche 911 GT3 RS Arrives – 525PS, 296km/h DRS, from RM2.63m

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A race car for the road.

Porsche has today introduced the flagship 911 variant in the Malaysian market, offering customers the most uncompromised, performance-focused model in the lineup. The 911 GT3 RS offers the lightest, most driver-centric experience for customers, dialling-up the already-impressive 911 experience. 

“The new 911 GT3 RS resembles a race car more closely than ever before, offering near Cup car-like performance for our growing base of track-enthusiast customers. We are delighted to introduce this highly-anticipated model during the second Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race weekend in Malaysia, with motorsports passion in the air.”

Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Auto Performance 

Designed for maximum performance, the 911 GT3 RS packs a 525PS 4.0-litre motor behind the rear wheels, mated to a PDK dual-clutch automatic as standard. The extra performance was eked out with new camshafts and modified cam profiles, with a motorsports-derived single-throttle intake system. Shorter gear ratios on the PDK gearbox also ensures quicker acceleration with greater capacity to withstand the extreme loads that performance driving demands. 

The century sprint is completed in a mere 3.2-seconds, while top-speed is rated at 296km/h. Aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper 6-piston brakes ensure that stopping is done fuss-free and reliably every time, but Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) remain an option for customers. Rolling stock is set at 275/35 R20s at the front, and 335/30 R21 at the rear for the highest-performance grip.

Weight is kept in check with an extensive use of carbon-fibre both inside and out, in addition to more lightweight construction methods resulting in a total weight of just 1,450kg. Aiding this is a reworked cooling system that makes use of just one radiator that more effectively cools the transmission, brakes and engine while further reducing weight.

Downforce is a major factor with the 911 GT3 RS – headlining features include the gooseneck-mounted hydraulic rear spoiler that incorporates drag-reduction technology to maximise speed, as well as ducting in what would have been the front luggage compartment that Porsche says now more closely resembles their 911 GT Cup cars more than ever before. This they say was “the best compromise” to deliver the most racecar-like experience in a road-going model.

Convenience for customers is also a key consideration, with the inclusion of four rotary dials on the steering wheel that allow the adjustment of various suspension settings on the fly. For example, the rebound and compression damping over each axle, the rear diff-lock, and DRS can be fettled with without taking your hands off the wheel, with all changes displayed dynamically via specific displays in the instrument cluster. 

All purchases of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS will include access to Porsche-exclusive events, like track days and owners-club events. The price of RM2.63-million is inclusive of taxes, duties, and official support from Sime Darby Auto Performance, but while the Clubsport package (black leather, Racetex, and carbon-fibre weave) comes as standard, the Weissach pack will command a premium over sticker. 

Weissach Package highlights include a carbon-fibre finish on the front lid, roof, rear-wing, and upper-shell of the exterior mirrors. The roll bars front and rear, coupling rods at the back, and the shear panel on the rear axle are also done in carbon-fibre to enhance driving dynamics, with the rollover bars alone saving 6kg over the standard steel versions.  

2023 PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS – with optional Weissach Package – SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

2020 Porsche Taycan Unveiled – 4S, Turbo, Turbo S, 340km Range, RM725k Upwards

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German luxury marque Porsche has unveiled its answer to the growing wave of electrified mobility, a car that offers the spirit of the Stuttgart brand while staying on-point at the bleeding edge of engineering innovation. The Porsche Taycan is the brands first-ever all-electric series production vehicle, designed to take on cars like the Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron GT, as well as indirect competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQC and BMW iX3. 

The Taycan will most notably be offered in Malaysia with the Performance Battery Plus option as stnadard, which upgrades the power capacity to 83.7kWh over the standard 71kWh. This means that range o the new Taycan will never be an issue regardless of which model you opt for.  

Taycan 4STaycan 4S* Taycan TurboTaycan Turbo S
Battery (net)71.0kWh83.7kWh83.7kWh83.7kWh
Range407km463km412km450km
Power530hp490hp625hp625hp
Overboost530hp571hp680hp761hp
Torque640Nm650Nm850Nm1,050Nm
0-100km/h4s4s3.2s2.8s
0-200km/h13.3s12.9s10.6s9.8s
PriceRM725,000TBCRM999,000RM1,195,000

*with Performance Battery Plus

What we find particularly interesting is that Porsche Malaysia offers an innovative range-predictor function on its site, that you can play around with to show precisely what kind of driving you have in mind. That allows you to more accurately figure out just how much range you can expect to see in real-world conditions – needless to say, all numbers we saw were comfortably in excess of 300km no matter how we fiddled with it. 

As important as range is charging – the Taycan claims to be as fast ‘standing still as it is in motion,’ and thanks to its 800-volt architecture it really an soak up the juice at record speeds. 

Via the Mobile Charger Connect unit connected to an 11kW power point, the Taycan can be recharged to full in about 8-hours. Step up to the Porsche Charging Dock, and weirdly you’ll drop your charging speeds to 9.6kW and your charging time will go up to as much as 10.5-hours. 

With a 50kW DC fast charger, the Taycan can go from 5% charge to 80% charge in just 93-minutes – this is important as these types of DC fast chargers are expected to spring up more readily throughout the country. The fastest charging option is the Porsche Turbo Charger – available at selected Porsche dealerships across the country, 5%-80% charge can be completed in just 22-minutes and 30-seconds, with an average of 100km of range added with every 5-minutes. 

All Porsche Taycans will come with the same complimentary 4-year maintenance & warranty program offered by SDAP, with the battery covered under an 8-year warranty. Customers can option to extend the warranty coverage for both the vehicle & battery for up to 15-years. 

Despite being a full-electric vehicle, the Taycan offers true Porsche performance with incredible traction & handling. The Taycan Turbo S goes from 0-100km/h in just 2.8-seconds, identical to what can be achieved by its Formula E sibling, the Porsche 99X. 

“The Taycan is the first purely-electric sports car from Porsche and marks the beginning of a new era into the field of electromobility. It is still undeniably a Porsche – you can feel the soul of the Taycan the second you get behind the wheel. It feels and drives like a true Porsche.”

– Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Auto Performance 

To accommodate charging at home, a full electrical check of parking facilities will be conducted at the homes of all Taycan owners by a certified provider engaged by SDAP. A report will be issued after the home visit to determine the compatibility of the charging equipment and next steps for optimal home charging. Of course, you can always make do with Porsche Turbo Charging with its 175kW DC fast-charging, able to add 100km of range in just 5-minutes. 

GALLERY: 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Q by Aston Martin Creates New 007 Limited Edition Sports Cars to Celebrate ‘No Time To Die’

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Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film, with two exclusive 007 special editions inspired by the cars featured in No Time to Die. This new collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, delivers exciting new 007 editions of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

No Time To Die will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The two special editions that celebrate the release of No Time To Die, each of which is being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world from today, have been carefully designed and crafted by the experts in Aston Martin’s bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin. Aspiring to offer the ultimate in bespoke personalisation services, Q by Aston Martin delivers both carefully curated special editions such as these, as well as the opportunity for individual owners to embark on the creation of utterly individual sports cars via the Q by Aston Martin – Commission service.

The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also features in No Time to Die. The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up in London.

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film.

The car will be delivered in authentic Cumberland Grey exterior paint colour, whilst the interior will be presented in obsidian black leather and dark chrome with 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox. The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D’Abo).

The driver can indulge themselves further with a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond. It is an honour to apply the carefully-judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”

Marek Reichman, Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin

To celebrate the James Bond debut of the range-topping Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a second unique 007 Edition has been created.

Strictly limited to just 25 production cars available worldwide and featuring the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, the car has a suitably menacing road presence.

The 715bhp provided by the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine is befitting of the car’s range-topping status while its torque peak, at 900Nm, is not only substantial in its own right but, as things currently stand, the greatest torque figure for any roadgoing Aston Martin yet produced.

To this potent mix, the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition adds a raft of styling and design enhancements that further elevate its appeal. The car sports special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II featured in black tinted carbon fibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21” wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Inside, the cockpit of this DBS Superleggera is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions. 

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £279,025 (RM1,530,763.75 before tax) and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £161,000 (RM883,264.81 before tax)are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.

GALLERY: Q BY ASTON MARTIN CREATES NEW 007 LIMITED EDITION SPORTS CARS TO CELEBRATE ‘NO TIME TO DIE’

Ferrari Introduces New Roma – 3.9l V8, 612bhp

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“La nuova dolce vita,” or ‘the sweet new life’ is the tagline that legendary Italian marque Ferrari have gone with to usher in the arrival of the Ferrari Roma, a new front-engined V8 coupe that sits above the Portofino cabriolet and below the mid-engined F8 Tributo. Sporting a new design language for Ferrari’s mainstream models, the Roma’s design is inspired by the 50s and 60s grand tourers that personified the era, and is described by Ferrari as a new-generation GT car.

Technically a 2+2 (with the two rear seats reserved for the friends you wish hadn’t asked you for a lift), the Roma sports the award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine, producing 612bhp and 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch auto, capable of rocketing the thing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4-seconds (which to us, means one second faster than a Volvo S60 T8).

The new Roma is also the first Ferrari to feature the new 8.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that works in tandem with the digital instrument cluster to create a visual & technical experience never before enjoyed in Maranello’s products. You also get a “totally new” exhaust system for drivers who can’t be bothered with the infotainment nonsense – we’ve no doubt that valuable information will be displayed via the enormous 16-inch instrument cluster screen too.

No word from Ferrari Malaysia – Naza Italia regarding availability (to be fair it was only just unveiled) but we’ll sure be asking tomorrow morning…