Weekly wrap-up: Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023 kicks off, 2023 Lotus Emira i4 First Edition, Porsche 911 GT3 RS launched, and more 

This week has been quite busy for the Malaysian auto industry, with the highly-awaited Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023 kicking off and featuring the launch of several new motorcycles. Not only that, but two new sports cars have also made their way to the local market, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and further fueling the excitement in the local automotive scene. In the meantime, the international auto industry also witnessed the unveiling of a few new models. Here’s a quick recap of all the major happenings of the week.

Local News

Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023

The four-day Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023 event has introduced new scooters and motorcycles in Malaysia. The list includes - 

SYM Tuscany 150: The SYM Tuscany 150 is a stylish 150-cc scooter, priced at RM 8,888. It is powered by a 149.6-cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which delivers 11.5 PS of power at 8,000 rpm and 11.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It comes fitted with a digital LCD metre panel, LED lighting, a lightweight and comfortable seat, and a 27-litre under-seat storage.

CFMoto 800NK: The new CFMoto 800NK is a beefy and muscular-looking bike, powered by a 799-cc parallel twin engine capable of generating 100.6 PS and 81 Nm. Priced at RM 38,888, the new 800NK is equipped with 17-inch wheels, LED lights, and a portrait-oriented TFT panel. It is offered in two shades - Nebula White and Zircon Black.

Wira Mobility electric dirt bikes: The new homegrown EV brand, Wira Mobility, launched two electric dirt bikes at the show, namely - TYE 3000A and Arctic Leopard. Priced at RM 28,800, the TYE 3000A offers a driving range of 150 km. The Arctic Leopard, on the other hand, is available in various trims, providing a range of up to 215 km in the top-spec form.

Brixton CrossFire 150 XS: Another 150-cc model launched at the KLBS’23 is the Brixton CrossFire 150 XS, which runs on a single-cylinder air-cooled engine good for making 10 kW and 10.5 Nm. MForce retails the CrossFire 150 XS at RM 8,788 in three stunning tones: Backstage Black, Clockwork Orange, and Cargo Green.

OJ Motor SRK600RC: The Chinese bikemaker QJ Motor is also one of the participants at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur Bike Show 2023. It introduced the SRK600RC which houses a 600 cc 4-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine at its core. The said mill delivers a max power of 60 kW and a peak torque of 51 Nm. It is priced at RM 39,888.

Suzuki Avenis 125 and V-Strom 250 SX: Suzuki Malaysia also showcased two new models at the bike show - Avenis 125 and V-Strom 250 SX. The former is a compact scooter powered by a 124-cc single-cylinder engine and a CVT gearbox while the latter is a quarter-litre dual-sport adventure bike equipped with a 250-cc single-cylinder oil-cooled SOHC mill and a six-speed manual transmission.  

Lotus Emira i4 First Edition launched

Lotus has expanded the lineup of the Emira sports car in Malaysia with the launch of a new Emira i4 First Edition variant. Under the hood, the new trim features an AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbo mill making 365 PS of max output and 430 Nm of max torque. It runs from zero to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and clocks a top speed of 290 kmph. Lotus Cars Malaysia is currently retailing the new Emira i4 First Edition at a special price of RM 998,800 (applicable solely to models manufactured in 2023), after which, it will cost you RM 1,095,000 in Peninsular Malaysia.

All-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS launched

Sime Darby Auto Performance has launched the all-new 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Malaysia. Powering the new 911 GT3 RS is a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine that is capable of making 525 hp and 465 Nm. Sending power to the rear wheels is a 7-speed PDK gearbox, which allows the sports car to hit century sprint in 3.2 only and achieve a top speed of 296 kmph. The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS price in Malaysia starts from RM 2,630,000.

Toyota Veloz gets a new accessory pack

UMW Toyota has launched new accessories for the Veloz MPV to further spice up its looks. Priced at RM 3,300, the body kit comprises - a front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, side door claddings, and a roof spoiler. Also available as an option is a front and rear Digital Video Recorder that can be purchased by paying an extra amount of RM 380.

International news

Kia EV5 revealed 

Kia has pulled the wraps off its third electric vehicle, the EV5, which shares a significant resemblance with the EV9. The new EV is a compact SUV tailored to cater to the needs of millennial families. It is scheduled to launch in China later this year, followed by selected global markets.

Mercedes-Benz EQA & EQB get an update

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the facelifted versions of the EQA and EQB in the global markets. While no major changes are visible on the exterior, the electric range of both EVs has increased. The new EQA 250 boasts an extended range of 528 km (32 km more than earlier), while the new EQB offers an increased range of 448 km (25 km more than earlier).

Volvo EM90 teased

After unveiling the EX90 and EX30, Volvo is geared up for the next all-electric MPV, the EM90. The upcoming EV introduces a new nomenclature series for the brand, introducing the letters "EM" at the beginning of its model names. The Volvo EM90 is expected to be a rebadged version of the Zeekr 009, which is based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform.

Lamborghini Lanzador concept breaks cover

During the recently concluded Monterey Car Week 2023, Lamborghini introduced the Lanzador concept, providing a sneak peek into the brand's upcoming battery electric vehicle (BEV) planned for 2028. Inspired by spaceships, the design of the Lanzador concept is characterised by its unique aesthetics. As for the drivetrain, Lamborghini revealed that the EV will have one motor on each axle producing a total output of ‘over one megawatt’ or approx 1,400 hp.

2023 Mercedes-AMG GT unveiled

The all-new Mercedes-AMG GT coupe also made its debut this week. The latest model comes in two versions - AMG GT 55 and AMG GT 63. Both are equipped with the familiar 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine mated to 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system as standard.

That’s all for the week. For further updates, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Mitsubishi Triton Champion Xperience to be held this weekend in Miri