26/10/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY OCT 26, 2025

Good as new

DEEP within the workshop of Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, a slice of motoring his tory has been reborn. Porsche Malaysia has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its first full ground-up restoration of a classic 911 T, a project carried out entirely in-house by technicians trained and certified under the Porsche Classic Partner programme. The result is more than just a restored car; it’s a precise recreation of an automo tive icon brought back to life with the same care and craftsmanship it received when it first left the factory. The process was a painstaking one, driven by an obsession with authenticity. Over many months, the team completely dismantled the car – every bolt, panel, and mechanical component was catalogued, refinished, and rebuilt to match the exact specifications outlined in Porsche’s original factory documentation. The restoration followed the brand’s Porsche Malaysia completes first full classic 911 restoration

It now stands proudly as the first Porsche Classic model to be completely rebuilt from the ground up on Malaysian soil – a first for the country and a testament to Porsche’s growing commitment to sup porting its heritage here. For the technicians behind the project, this restoration is more than just a display of skill — it’s a statement of intent. The successful revival of this 911 T marks the beginning of a new chapter for Malaysia’s classic car scene, one where local expertise meets global heritage.

Porsche’s approach to performance – one focused on feel, connection, and precision. The restored car in Johor Bahru had seen decades of use before it was entrusted to the skilled hands of Porsche Malaysia’s Classic Partner team. What emerged from the workshop is a car restored to near-original condition, from its gleaming bodywork to the smallest interior details. Every surface, seam, and switch reflects a level of craftsmanship that mirrors Porsche’s own production ethos.

strict international standards, ensuring that every element met the marque’s expecta tions for quality and historical accuracy. First introduced in 1967, the Porsche 911 T – short for “Touring” – served as the entry model in the 911 line-up. It may not have carried the high output of the 911 S or 911 E, but it shared the same unmistakable design and engineering DNA that would come to define the 911’s endur ing legend. Lightweight, balanced, and engaging to drive, the 911 T captured the purity of

Volvo completes 2026 line-Up VOLVO Car Malaysia has wrapped up its transition to the 2026 model year, refreshing its entire line-up following the introduction of the updated XC60 and the new single-motor EC40.

Toyota previews bold Corolla Concept TOYOTA has unveiled a striking new interpretation of the Corolla, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of the popular nameplate.

for external charging. For 2026, the Volvo EC40 – the brand’s first electric-only crossover SUV – adds a new single-motor variant to complement the existing twin-motor version. Priced at RM248,888, this new model features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 238hp and completing the 0– 100 kph sprint in 7.3 seconds. Its 70kWh battery offers up to 488km of driving range (WLTP), and it supports DC fast charging that can bring the battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. The XC90, Volvo’s flagship SUV, also receives subtle updates for 2026, fur ther enhancing its luxurious and modern appeal. The new Aurora Silver exterior finish adds a fresh look to the range, which also includes Onyx Black, Denim Blue, and Crystal White. Two variants are available: the XC90 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid priced at RM434,888, which produces 462hp and 709Nm while returning just 1.8L/100km, and the XC90 Ultra B5 Mild Hybrid priced at RM418,888, generating 249hp and 350Nm. Both come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Geartronic transmission.

nameplate. The Corolla remains central to Toyota’s global sales, and with the company’s ongoing belief that full electrification will not dominate every market, internal combustion variants are expected to remain part of the lineup for years to come. Toyota has so far withheld technical details, leaving observers to speculate on what lies beneath the concept’s sharp exterior. One scenario could see this EV variant sold alongside a petrol-pow ered twin with nearly identical styling – a strategy already used by Lexus for the new ES, which looks largely the same in both hybrid and electric form. Alternatively, Toyota may position this futuristic design as the electric face of the Corolla, while keeping the combustion model more conven tional. Visually, the concept signals a clear shift in design philosophy. It moves away from the conservative lines of the current generation and embraces a bolder aesthetic. The car will make its full debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, open ing to the press on Oct 29.

Revealed during a livestream event in Japan that also featured a six wheeled Lexus LS minivan and a raised Century coupe, the Corolla concept stood out as one of the most intriguing debuts of the showcase. Although officially labelled a con cept, several cues suggest that this new Corolla is close to production readiness. Traditional side mirrors, for instance, hint at a practical rather than purely experimental design. More notably, the presence of a fuel cap on the front fender points to an electric powertrain – though Toyota has yet to confirm whether it’s a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid. An electric version of the Corolla seems almost inevitable, given Toyota’s gradual but deliberate expan sion into EVs. However, it’s difficult to imagine the brand abandoning combustion power entirely for such a globally significant

The move reinforces Volvo’s direction towards an electrified future while giving Malaysian buyers more choices across its premium SUV and electric vehicle range. The refreshed XC60, which made its debut in September, now offers updated styling, new features, and improved comfort. Available in two variants, the XC60 T8 AWD plug-in hybrid is priced from RM362,888, while the XC60 B5 AWD mild hybrid starts at RM328,888. The plug-in hybrid version combines strong performance with practicality, offering up to 89km of pure electric driving range on a single charge – ideal for daily commutes with zero tailpipe emissions. With over 450Nm of torque, it deliv ers a smooth yet energetic drive. The mild-hybrid B5 variant provides a more traditional setup with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with an integrated starter-generator, delivering seamless acceleration without the need