08/06/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY JUNE 8, 2025

Driving schools should also teach proper emergency procedures such as what to do in case of a breakdown, i.e., stand away from the vehicle. Motorcycle licensing is another thing that should be improved. New riders are left to fend for themselves once they obtain their Learner’s license. Driving school instructors should at least take new riders out on the open road with high visibility jackets to teach new riders how to cross lanes, merge into traffic, use roundabouts and such. The list of course will go on. I also understand that with all this comes the biggest question of all, who is going to absorb the additional cost for having more trainers, for longer operational hours and all that jazz. If you want safer roads, then we should be willing to pay for it. Regulate the cost, improve driver and rider train ing and teach them more of the basics like changing a tyre safely and we will be one step closer to saving more lives. If we want change, we should be willing to pay for it, particularly for better safety.

Bravo government, what’s next?

THE government has announced that foreigners will no longer be able to automatically convert their for eign driving license to a Malaysian driv ing license. This has come into effect since May 19 and

coming. Makes one wonder about the purpose of rear-view mirrors. So, for citizens of countries with questionable driving cultures to be able to automatically convert their license to a Malaysian license should not have been allowed in the first place. But it is good that we have learnt. Of course, exemptions can be made for tourists, special pass holders, and even short stay travellers. And there are still exemptions made for this cate gory of travellers because they still can convert their license to a Malaysian one with relative ease. But for the rest, it is about time it ended. I will admit that Malaysians are no angels on the road; we have our demons as well. But having driven on almost every continent, I will say that we are relatively good. So, why then is our acci

dent rate still so high? According to a report published by Singapore based The Straits Times (not to be mistaken with our local New Straits Times ), someone loses their life on Malaysian roads every two hours, (one hour and 56 minutes, to be pre cise). This is based on official statistics from March 14, 2024 to March 18, 2025. Stopping foreigners from automati cally obtaining Malaysian license is a good first step. No one should ever be allowed to carry over their driving culture to our roads. Assimilation is a must. Since the wheels are turning, I also suggest that the people in charge also look at our licensing procedures as well. Teach new students how to drive at night. Driving in low light conditions is an entirely different challenge as compared to driving during the day and not a single driving school teaches that.

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

Malaysians should applaud this move. For too long Malaysians have been subjected to the driving style of for eigners which is not in line with what we learn in our driving schools. If you have ever driven in India, parts of Africa, Vietnam and even Egypt, you would know what I am talking about. The right of way is practically non-exis tent in some countries, and you slot in the nose of your car to the smallest gap when it comes to merging and ignore pedestrians altogether. In India, you honk not to warn some one about danger, but to let them know you’re

Bold new chapter Bentley unveils 4th-gen Continental GT Speed

boot lid, which eliminates the need for a deployable spoiler. Enhancing its road presence are newly designed 22-inch alloy wheels, inspired by the powerful stance of a tiger. These are available in various finishes, includ ing gloss black, silver, and a dark tint with polished details, further underlining the car’s dynamic yet elegant character. Beneath its striking exterior lies the heart of a technological revolution. The fourth-generation GT Speed debuts Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, pairing a 4.0-litre twin-tur bocharged V8 engine (producing 600PS and 800Nm of torque) with a 190PS elec tric motor. Together, they deliver a formidable 782PS and 1,000Nm of torque – translat ing to an 11% increase in torque and a 19% boost in power compared to the pre vious W12-powered GT Speed. This electrified powertrain propels the car from 0 to 100kph in a mere 3.2 sec onds, with a top speed of 335kph. The 25.9kWh battery, positioned behind the rear axle for optimal weight distribution

(49:51 rear bias), enables an electric-only range of 81 km. Combined, the car achieves an impres sive total range of 859km, making it not only blisteringly fast but also remarkably efficient. The new Continental GT Speed also marks the debut of Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis system. This includes dual-chamber air springs and twin-valve dampers that balance ride comfort with dynamic control. The 48 volt Bentley Dynamic Ride system actively counteracts body roll during spir ited driving, offering exceptional flat cor nering capabilities. An advanced Electronic Stability Control system, now featuring a Dynamic mode, enables controlled oversteer for those seeking a more engaging driving experience. Meanwhile, active all-wheel drive and the eLSD further refine agility and stability. Bentley’s revised damper control ECU now manages compression and rebound independently, delivering enhanced ride quality and body control across all drive

modes – be it Comfort, Bentley, or Sport. Inside, Bentley continues to redefine automotive luxury. The cabin is adorned with intricate three-dimensional leather surfaces, newly designed quilted uphol stery, and dark chrome accents. State-of the-art wellness seating and air ionisation technology provide a serene, health-con scious environment for occupants. The driver and passengers benefit from an advanced infotainment system backed by a 400V electrical architecture, offering seamless connectivity and enhanced digital functionality, all while maintaining the tactile elegance Bentley is renowned for. Lighting technology has also received a major update. The new single-lens matrix LED headlamps house 120 individually controlled LEDs, offering adaptive high beam functionality and a crystal-inspired visual effect. At the rear, the 3D diamond-patterned taillights emit a distinctive molten lava glow, adding a layer of visual drama and modern sophistication to the vehicle’s rear profile.

BENTLEY Kuala Lumpur has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed, ushering in a bold new chapter in the marque’s storied 21-year journey of pro ducing luxurious, high-performance grand tourers. This latest iteration stands as the most technologically advanced and visually transformative Continental GT to date, blending thrilling supercar performance with refined craftsmanship and everyday usability. Drawing inspiration from Bentley’s coachbuilt masterpieces such as the Bacalar and Batur, the new Continental GT Speed introduces the most dramatic design overhaul in two decades. The sleek, muscular silhouette now features single front headlamps – a stylis tic nod to Bentley models of the 1950s. The front fascia has been reimagined with integrated, body-coloured aerodynamic elements, giving it a cleaner and more assertive stance. At the rear, the grand tourer now boasts wider taillight graphics, a repro filed bumper, and a fixed aerodynamic