07/12/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY DEC 7, 2025 Omoda 7 raises the bar China carmaker introduces advanced, highly adaptable intelligent parking system

THE OMODA 7 arrives with a clear mission: to push smart mobility into its next chapter by offering one of the most capable and adapt able intelligent parking systems currently available. Its suite of features, driven by APA (Automatic Parking Assistance) and RPA (Remote Parking Assistance), is designed to tackle everything from tight parallel spaces to awkwardly angled slots and even narrow resi dential lanes. The system supports custom parking paths, memory reverse, and remote straight in or straight-out manoeuvres, allowing the car to operate confidently even in tricky envi ronments. It has also been calibrated for more than 1,000 real-world scenarios across different markets, giving it an edge in both efficiency and versatility. The model made its first major appearance at the Omoda I Jaecoo International User Summit in October 2025, held under the theme “Co-Create Co-Define,” which reflects the brand’s ambition to set new benchmarks rather than follow them. The summit brought together users from around the world to explore future mobility ideas, and the Omoda 7 stood out with its evo lution from simple driver assistance to genu inely intelligent behaviour. Its parking technology establishes it as one of the most advanced offerings in its segment, reinforcing the brand’s intention to lead rather than participate. On the road, the APA system uses intelli gent sensing to recognise its surroundings and manage parking in vertical, parallel, and angled spaces, taking care of both the entry and exit. It also supports selectable parking points and traced reversing, meaning drivers can rely on the car to mimic previously taken

make a noticeable difference. The brand says this emphasis on speed and simplicity is central to its goal of ensuring technology genuinely improves everyday driving rather than complicating it. With the Omoda 7, that ambition becomes even clearer. As the model seamingly blends advanced driver assistance with smart, user-centred practicality.

ing the pressure of squeezing through small gaps. Efficiency is another area where the Omoda 7 makes its mark. The system per forms parking manoeuvres with fewer steer ing adjustments, completing them more quickly than typical rivals. This matters in everyday life, such as when navigating busy shopping centres or peak-hour office car parks, where getting in and out swiftly can

routes when navigating tight spots. This is particularly useful in older neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes and limited turning room often make parking a chore. For situations where climbing out of the car is nearly impossible – such as when park ing tightly alongside a wall – RPA takes over. Drivers can simply step out and use the key remote to guide the vehicle in or out, reducing the chance of scratches or dents and remov

BMW bids farewell to the Z4

Bugatti completes production of the Bolide BUGATTI has completed production of the Bolide, bringing the second-to-last chapter of its W-16 engine legacy to a close.

BMW is closing the chapter on one of its most recognisable modern roadsters with the introduction of the Z4 Final Edition. This limited-run version marks the last opportunity for customers to order a new Z4 before production ends in March 2026. Since its debut in 2002, the Z4 has built a strong following through its mix of distinctive styling, open-top driving and sharp handling. The Final Edition is designed as a closing tribute to the model, offering exclusive exterior and interior details that set it apart from the standard range. The Final Edition will be available for order only for a short period beginning in late January 2026, giving interested buyers a narrow window to secure one of the last examples. A key feature of the Final Edition is its exclusive Frozen Matt Black paintwork, a finish offered only on this farewell model. Paired with the standard M High-gloss Shadowline trim, the colour highlights the Z4’s lines and gives the car a more

assertive presence. Buyers can still choose from the regu lar Z4 colour palette at no extra cost. The edition also includes High-gloss Red M Sport brakes, which provide both strong stopping power and a visual flour ish behind the wheels. The Final Edition treatment is offered across the full Z4 line-up. It is available for the 197hp sDrive20i, the 258hp sDrive30i, and the flagship 340hp Z4 M40i. The package is priced at €4,200 (around RM20,012) for models that already include the M Sport package as standard. For the sDrive20i, which does not come with the M Sport package, the total cost rises to €7,400 (around RM35,259), as the M Sport kit is added to the vehicle along with the Final Edition features. With production ending in 2026, the Z4 Final Edition stands as a last chance to own a version of BMW’s long-running roadster, one that highlights the model’s design heritage while marking the end of its story.

Alcantara interior. The configuration is striking enough to raise the question of whether any buyers might explore road-legal conversions. British engineering specialist Lanzante has already announced plans to work on such a transformation for at least one Bolide. Bugatti’s W-16 story is not completely over, as customer deliveries of the Mistral continue. Limited to 99 units, the Mistral is the final production model to use the legen dary four-turbo 8.0-litre engine first launched with the Veyron two decades ago. Handovers began in February, and once all units are completed, the W-16 will offi cially end its production run. Its successor, however, is already pre pared. Replacing the Chiron, the upcoming Tourbillon will be powered by an all-new naturally aspirated V-16 developed with Cosworth. Deliveries of the Tourbillon are set to begin next year.

The final example – number 40 of 40 – has now left the factory in Molsheim, mark ing the end of the extreme, track-only hypercar’s build run. The customer travelled to northeastern France to take delivery directly from Bugatti’s headquarters. The final Bolide belongs to a long-time Bugatti collector who already owns several notable models, including a classic Type 35, the brand’s landmark racing car from the 1920s, and the last-ever Veyron Grand Sport. The buyer paid €4 million (RM19m) for the Bolide, a machine designed solely for circuit use and therefore not eligible for road registration. Both the customer’s Veyron and Bolide share a coordinated specification, featuring a stricking Black Blue and Special Blue Lyonnais exterior paired with a Lake Blue