Weekly wrap-up: Lamborghini Revuelto, Toyota Corolla GR Sport launched, Smart #1, Tesla Model 3 bookings open, and more

This week, the Malaysian automotive space celebrated the arrival of the Lamborghini Revuelto and the Toyota Corolla GR Sport. Following this, there were exciting announcements about two electric vehicles, the Smart #1 and the Tesla Model 3, both scheduled to make their way into the country soon. In the meantime, the international auto industry also enjoyed the reveal of several new models such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, 2024 Volkswagen Passat, 2024 Hyundai Elantra, and 2023 BMW X5 Li facelift. In case you've missed out on anything, here we bring a quick recap for you.

Local News

Lamborghini Revuelto available for order

Globally revealed in March this year, the Lamborghini Revuelto has made its way to Malaysia. Touted as the world’s first plug-in hybrid V12 supercar, the Revuelto is powered by a combination of a naturally aspirated V12 engine, three electric motors, an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and a 3.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The engine and motors combinedly produce a whooping power of 1,015 hp enabling the supercar to hit the century sprint in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 kmph. It is now available for order in Malaysia with over 400 bodywork colours and Dinamica microfibre, Corsa-Tex fabric, or leather upholstery options for customers’ personalisation. The Lamborghini Revuelto's estimated price begins at £450,000 (approximately equal to RM 2,700,000).

2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport launched

After the Corolla Cross GR Sport and Hilux GR Sport, UMW Toyota has introduced the third GR Sport model i.e. the Corolla GR Sport. Compared to the standard Corolla, the Corolla GR Sport gets several exclusive features such as GR Sport bumpers, GR Sport side skirts, GR Sport suspension, 18-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, sporty leather seats, and GR badges. Priced at RM 152,800, the sedan is powered by a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making 139 PS of maximum power and 172 Nm of peak torque.

Smart #1 EV open for bookings

The Malaysian EV market is set to get a new contender soon in the form of the Smart #1. Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) has started accepting bookings for the electric SUV via the Hello smart app available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. It is offered in two trims - Premium and Brabus. The former is powered by a 272 PS/343 Nm RWD electric motor paired with a 66 kWh NMC battery pack offering a WLTP-claimed range of 440 km. The all-wheel drive dual motor delivers 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque and runs for 400 km on a single charge.

Tesla Model 3 price announced

Just after introducing the all-new Tesla Model 3 facelift in the global market, Tesla revealed the details of the EV on the local website. The Tesla Model 3 is offered in two variants in Malaysia - Rear-Wheel Drive and Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range, priced at RM 189k and RM 218k respectively. The top-spec dual motor AWD trim of the EV offers a driving range of 629 km on a single charge. Parts of the standard equipment are - a hi-tech 15.4-inch central touchscreen unit, 18-inch Photon wheels, an all-glass roof, a hi-tech 15.4-inch central touchscreen unit, ventilated seats, a 17-speaker audio system, and several active safety features. The deliveries of the Tesla Model 3 are expected to commence later this year.

ICE to BEV conversion plan introduced for Ora Good Cat

In line with Malaysia’s goal of becoming a net zero greenhouse gas emissions country by 2050, GWM Malaysia has rolled out an exciting ICE to BEV conversion plan for the Ora Good Cat. Under this plan, interested folks can conveniently exchange their internal combustion engine-powered cars with the Ora Good Cat. The automaker offers an extensive 2-day test drive of the EV to customers to get an in-depth EV driving experience along with trade-in assistance, free RM 1,000 charging credits, and free accessories.

Proton Test Centre achieves international accreditation 

Located in Shah Alam, Proton Test Centre has received an international accreditation ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for its testing and calibration competency. The accreditation was awarded by Jabatan Standard Malaysia, which is the Department of Standards Malaysia. This department operates under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Nissan Almera gets a minor update

The Nissan Almera has received a minor yet important update in the form of Android Auto smartphone compatibility. This much-awaited feature is available on the Almera VLP and VLT trims that house an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. As of now, it's uncertain whether the existing units currently on local roads will receive this feature or not.

International News

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid revealed

The most powerful version of the Porsche Cayenne has arrived in the form of the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. It is powered by a combination of a mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and a single electric motor, which together delivers a maximum power of 739 PS and a peak torque of 950 Nm. Performance-wise, the super-SUV completes the century sprint in 3.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 295 kmph. The bookings for the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid are now underway in almost all Porsche sales markets.

2024 Volkswagen Passat breaks cover

Volkswagen has introduced the all-new ninth-generation Passat in the European market, which will be offered in a single body style i.e. wagon. The upgraded Passat underpins a new modular transverse matrix platform and boasts an aerodynamic design with a sharp shoulder line and new lighting units. It also gets a ​​pair of plug-in hybrid engines which combine a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 19.7kWh battery pack. The new Passat wagon will go on sale early next year.

2024 Hyundai Elantra debuts in the US

The Hyundai Elantra has received a comprehensive refresh for 2024 in the global market. The upgraded sedan gets several cosmetic tweaks such as a new "shark-nose" styling, thinner LED running lights, and a U-shaped silver element on the rear. The cabin benefits from a new 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, soft-touch front door panels, and a redesigned wireless charging pad.

2023 BMW X5 Li facelift arrives in China

The long-wheelbase iteration of the fourth-gen BMW X5 has received a facelift in China. The refreshed X5 Li gets reprofiled headlamps, new daytime running lights, and a new tail lighting signature. It comes in two engine options - a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit generating 258 PS and 400 Nm and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol mill with 381 PS and 520 Nm as rated levels of output. The 2023 BMW X5 Li facelift price in China starts at 615,000 yuan (approx RM 393k).

That’s all for the week. For further updates, stay tuned with Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: 5 things to know about the upcoming smart #1 EV