17/08/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY AUG 17, 2025

SHORTS

XPeng unveils redesigned P7 Electric sedan now with advanced tech and over 800km range

Lexus launches 3S centre in Subang

Lexus Malaysia has officially opened the doors to its latest 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) facility in Subang Jaya, establishing a signifi cant new presence in the Klang Valley. Located in SS16, the new Lexus Subang Jaya outlet is purpose-built to serve a diverse and growing com munity, ranging from established neighbourhoods and working profes sionals to young families and stu dents. Designed to embody the Lexus philosophy of meticulous craftsman ship and customer-centric luxury, the facility offers a seamless and inte grated ownership experience. The new centre consolidates sales, servicing, and parts support under one roof, allowing Lexus to cater to every stage of a customer’s journey – from the initial showroom visit to long-term vehicle maintenance. The service centre is fitted with the latest in automotive diagnostic equipment, operated by Lexus-certi fied technicians trained to maintain the highest standards of workman ship and technical precision. The focus is not only on perform ance but also on ensuring peace of mind for every vehicle owner through consistent, reliable care. The opening of this flagship facility comes as Lexus Malaysia continues to evolve its product lineup in response to shifting consumer demands. Recently, the company introduced the RX500h F-Sport Special Edition and the all-new NX350h, both of which feature advanced hybrid pow ertrains. SAIC starts MG pre-sales SAIC Motor has officially commenced pre-sales for the latest iteration of the MG4, signalling a bold upgrade to its compact electric hatchback portfolio. With prices starting from ¥73,800 (approximately RM48,000), the new model is available in four variants at launch, while a fifth, featuring a revo lutionary semi-solid-state battery, is scheduled for a price reveal in September ahead of deliveries by the end of 2025. Positioned as one of the first mass market vehicles globally to offer a semi-solid-state battery, the MG4 aims to reshape consumer expecta tions in the affordable EV segment. Technologically advanced, the MG4 introduces a sophisticated in-car experience supported by a 15.6-inch 2.5K floating touchscreen and pow ered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip The car houses a 161hp permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with 250Nm of torque. The car achieves a top speed of 160kph and offers two lithium iron phosphate bat tery configurations: 42.8kWh for 437km of range and 53.9kWh for 530km (CLTC cycle). Charging from 30% to 80% takes just 20 minutes, while energy con sumption is maintained at a low 10.4kWh per 100km.

XPENG has officially revealed the new generation of its flagship electric sedan, the P7, in China, marking a significant evolution in both design and technol ogy. Now measuring over five metres in length, the redesigned model brings a bold, futuristic presence to the road while integrating cutting-edge hard ware and software developed in-house. At the core of the new P7’s techno logical suite are three proprietary XPeng Turing chips, working in tandem with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295P processor. The upgraded model comes with support for 5C ultra-fast charging across all variants, enabling signifi cantly reduced charging times. The vehicle will be offered in three configurations, delivering an impressive CLTC-certified

XPeng calls its “Technology Island” dashboard. Central to this is an expan sive 87-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) that combines Huawei-supplied hardware with XPeng’s proprietary software. A 15.6-inch centre screen features three-axis movement for flexible inter action, while capacitive touchpads on the door panels allow users to custom ise commands for functions such as seat ventilation, interior lighting, and glove box access. XPeng promises continued feature expansion through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The single-motor rear-wheel drive variant produces 367hp, while the dual motor all-wheel drive model generates

battery options, with capacities of 74.9kWh and 92.2kWh, respectively. The vehicle supports high-powered charging of up to 486kW, allowing a 10 minute charge to add up to 512km of range. Charging from 10% to 80% can be completed in just 11.3 minutes, placing the P7 among the fastest-charging vehi cles in its class. Driving range varies by configura tion, with the standard model rated at 702km, the long-range version at 820km, and the all-wheel drive variant delivering 750km, figures based on China’s CLTC testing cycle. The revamped P7 enters a competi tive segment of the EV market and will be positioned against strong rivals such as the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, Zeekr 001, and BYD Han L. Pricing details are expected to be disclosed in late August when the vehicle is officially launched to the public.

driving range of up to 820km, depending on variant. Visually, the latest P7 introduces the “Xmart Face” front fascia, characterised by a continuous star ring light strip inter sected with vertical beams that form an H shaped lighting signature.

A full-width tailgate and integrated blue-lit intelligent driving indicators in the rear bumper complete the aerody namic profile. The interior is anchored by what

a combined output of 595hp. Customers can choose between lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium

Porsche hybrid 992.2 911 Turbo S out soon PORSCHE is preparing to expand its 992.2-generation 911 lineup with the introduction of the new Turbo S vari ant, which is expected to debut later this year. a company Porsche acquired from the Varta AG Group earlier this year. V4Drive, which has since been rebranded as V4Smart, also supplies the cylindrical batteries used in the 911 GTS’s T-Hybrid system.

hybrid 911 models. Blume confirmed that the develop ment of “new derivatives” is under way, with the goal of offering per formance enhancements that surpass those of the previous 992.1 genera tion. While details on the full specifica tions of the hybrid Turbo S remain under wraps, the move to hybridisa tion is expected to bring a noticeable increase in output. However, this could also result in added weight due to the new electrical components, unless weight-saving which featured a 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivered an already formidable 640hp and 800Nm of torque, outperform ing its predecessor by 60hp and 50Nm. With hybridisation on the horizon, Porsche appears set to push the per formance envelope even further. measures are intro duced elsewhere in the chassis or construc tion. The 992.1 Turbo S,

The announcement was made by Porsche CEO Oliver Blume during the company’s half-year earnings briefing, marking a significant step in the brand’s transition towards electrified performance models. The forthcoming Turbo S will adopt a hybrid powertrain, a move that aligns with earlier confirmations by former Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke in late 2024. The electrified setup signals Porsche’s intent to blend

These 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery packs are currently manufactured at facilities in Ellwangen and Nordlingen, with Porsche planning to expand the workforce to 375 employees across both locations to support growing production demands f o r

traditional performance with next-generation technology across its iconic 911 range. A standard Turbo

model without the “S” badge is also anticipated to fol low. The hybrid system in the new 911 Turbo S will be powered by battery cells developed by V4Drive GmbH,