26/04/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY APR 26, 2026

Big wins at VOTY Awards Mercedes enters new phase Facelift focuses on speed and next-gen EV tech

PROTON drove home with some big wins on the night of the DSF.my-Allianz Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Awards 2026 as the Proton eMas 7 PHEV was crowned the Vehicle of the Year 2026 and its smaller sibling, the Proton eMas 5, won Electric Vehicle of the Year 2026 respec tively. This year’s edition of the VOTY Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across 23 diverse vehicle segments, including dedicated categories for electric vehicles (EVs), amid continued strong interest for in the market. Even the total number of car brands participat ing grew, up to 33 this year, underscoring the sig nificance of celebrating innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. Leading the race was Proton and its two out standing wins. “I was quite surprised and delighted at the same time to win all these awards. This is a first for us and I would like to thank Allianz Malaysia and DSF for this award recognition,” said Lampard Peng Yile, Head of Department, User Development and User Operation, Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd. Joining Proton in the winner’s circle on the night were the likes of the Mitsubishi XForce as Crossover of the Year, the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid as Compact SUV of the Year and the Zeekr 7X AWD as the Performance Electric SUV of the Year. “I am personally inspired to see how these vehicles are shaping the future of mobility, and proud that Allianz Malaysia continues to be part of this meaningful celebration of excel lence,” said Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang. Hosted by Malaysian automo tive platform www.dsf.my , in col laboration with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad since 2017, the VOTY Awards is Malaysia’s premier automotive awards ceremony, honouring ground-breaking automotive achievements and the exceptional industry leaders that continue to innovate. Winners of the VOTY Awards are chosen in a rigorous selec tion process based on criteria evaluated by the editorial team at DSF.my . Each vehicle is assessed comprehensively across key parameters, including innovation, design, performance, comfort and technological advancements.

THE 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift has been unveiled, bringing design changes along with major updates to its electrical architecture and overall tech. The biggest change is under the skin. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS now adopts an 800-volt electrical system, replacing the previous 400V setup. This allows for DC fast charging of up to 350 kW, enabling up to 320 km of range to be added in just 10 minutes. Battery capacities now range from 112kWh to 122kWh (usable), depending on variant. With improved efficiency and updated cell chemistry, the EQS now delivers up to 926km of range (WLTP). Powertrain outputs range from 367PS and 505Nm in the EQS400, up to 585PS and 800Nm in the EQS580 4Matic. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available. The facelift also brings new-genera tion electric drive units and a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, aimed at improving both acceleration and effi ciency. Recuperation has been increased to up to 385kW. The EQS also supports vehicle-to home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, allowing the battery to be used as an energy source beyond driv ing. Another update is the introduction of the optional steer-by-wire, making the EQS the first German production car to adopt the system. This removes the mechanical linkage between the steer ing wheel and front wheels, allowing for

variable steering response and reduced vibrations. On the design front, the EQS now features a more upright front end with a redesigned bonnet incorporating power domes. The grille is more pronounced, with options including a backlit star pattern and illu minated Mercedes-Benz emblem. New headlamps feature star-shaped daytime running lights, while the front and rear light bars have also been updated. Despite the visual changes, the EQS retains its aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.20. Inside, the layout remains centred around the MBUX Hyperscreen setup, combining a 12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch central screen and 12.3-inch passenger display under a single glass

panel. Rear passengers get twin 13.1 inch displays. The facelift also introduces the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), enabling over-the-air updates and AI-based features, along with an expanded suite of driver assistance sys tems supported by multiple cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. Other updates include seatbelt heat ing, improved rear passenger comfort, and an upgraded HEPA air filtration sys tem.

Porsche 911 GT3 unfiltered experience

sings to 9,000rpm. It makes the same 502PS with 450Nm of torque, just like its fixed-roof sibling. Top speed is 313kph. Being a GT model, the handling sur prisingly did not require much fettling to echo the road holding of the 911 GT3 coupe with the Touring Package. For those that can afford it, you would be delighted to know that the 911 GT3 S/C will not be a limited run model like the Speedster. How much will it be? Hard to tell until it arrives here but, in the US, it is a whop ping US$35,500 (RM141,000) premium over the base GT3 coupe.

Many of the media titles suspected a successor to the 911 Speedster but this is no direct heir and it all boils down to that folding roof doing everything itself. Previous special variants without a fixed roof required getting out of the car and getting hands on. Now, it takes just 12 seconds after the touch of a button. Porsche GT models have always been on a strict diet and an automated roof would be a huge cheat day. However, Porsche claims the roof only adds 30 kg over the Speedster. Pushing the GT3 S/C through the century sprint in just 3.9 seconds is that screamer of a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that

JUST a week ago Porsche dropped a teaser hinting at something special that many guessed was from its GT division and the reveal proved it to be spot on. Say hello, or maybe shout it because of the wind, to the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C (Sport Cabriolet), the first GT3 with an automated roof. It is no secret that Porsche’s sales have been slumping over the last few years with the massive 911 range prov ing to be the only one with an upward trajectory. Naturally, expanding that range would make sense, especially with a unique model that comes with a higher profit margin.