Automobile for You

In an trade that has leaned in the direction of downsizing beginning within the 1970s, the 1955-57 Ford Thunderbird is one instance that historical past has proven to have skilled the alternative, because it was upsized right into a four-seater for 1958. Our Decide of the Day is one other automobile that was nudged up in dimension . . . twice!: the 1967 AMC Marlin. It’s listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Farmingdale, New York. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

As chances are you’ll know, the Marlin originated because the 1964 Rambler Tarpon, a sporty fastback present automobile that was primarily based on the brand new, redesigned American, Rambler’s compact mannequin. Nevertheless, the American wasn’t slated to accommodate a V8 till 1966, doubtlessly limiting the Tarpon’s enchantment. For that purpose, American Motors determined to advertise the manufacturing model on the midsize Traditional platform.

This automobile, as you realize, was launched for the 1965 mannequin yr and renamed “Marlin.” Although a notch up in dimension, the Marlin’s proportions weren’t as sleek, and the V8s accessible had been less than the duty of dealing with GTOs and others within the phase, most of whom didn’t provide a mid-size fastback.

For 1965-66, the Marlin wallowed within the market, reaching about 15,000 in two years. Then, surprisingly, AMC (the corporate shed the company Rambler identify in 1966) moved the Marlin as much as the redesigned, full-size Ambassador platform. Sure, the Marlin was now larger, but it surely wore its proportions higher. The Marlin additionally was the recipient of AMC’s new sequence of V8s. Nevertheless, the car-buying public was not on this new-improved Marlin, as gross sales fell to 2,545.

This 1967 AMC Marlin is kind of uncommon on a number of ranges. First are the two-toning mods alongside the perimeters and the hood—this automobile seems to be nice, particularly with these magazine wheels, proper? However this Marlin is without doubt one of the few (one supply says 355) constructed with the 232ci inline-six. Would you consider the transmission is a three-speed on the column? Sakes alive! However this isn’t some sporty-looking automobile that wallows and wheezes on the highway, thoughts you, because the Marlin has been upgraded with Wilwood entrance disc brakes and a brand new exhaust system. Different options embrace purple material and vinyl inside with entrance bench, AM radio, and a cluster of Sunpro gauges.

In case you image a bell curve with regular distribution, you’ll be able to think about an entire bunch of Chevys, Mustangs, and the like caught in the midst of the bell. The Marlin is one thing that’s on the tails of the distribution, making it a singular bruiser of an car that catches everybody’s eyes but gained’t saddle you with 10 mpg gasoline payments. That’s seems like a win/win for $29,900.

Click on right here for this ClassicCars.com Decide of the Day.

Battery producer Modern Amprex Expertise Restricted (CATL) has unveiled its newest product, the Freevoy Tremendous Hybrid Battery that’s claimed to be the world’s first hybrid automobile battery to supply a pure electrical vary of greater than 400 km and the aptitude to assist 4C superfast charging.

Designed for extended-range electrical automobiles (EREVs) and plug-in hybrid automobiles (PHEVs), CATL claims that the brand new Freevoy battery will free drivers “from the fixed must cost”, although the aforementioned 400 km EV vary declare was not accompanied by the capability of the battery used.

The producer claims charging speeds for the Freevoy battery that allow the replenishment of 280 km of vary in 10 minutes of charging, “successfully dispelling vary nervousness” for house owners of EREVs and PHEVs. The ‘C’ time period is a measure denotes its price of cost or discharge, the place 4C is its capacity to be absolutely charged 4 instances in an hour.

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Sodium-ion know-how is used within the Freevoy battery to beat limitations of working in low temperatures, with discharge functionality potential in temperatures all the way down to -40 levels Celsius, and charging functionality potential all the way down to -30 levels Celsius. Operation at temperatures all the way down to -20 levels Celsius additionally maintains a ‘seamless driving expertise’ corresponding to regular temperatures, says CATL.

Upgraded battery administration system algorithm and {hardware} has supported state-of-charge accuracy by 40%, with the general pure electrical utilisation price has elevated by greater than 10%. CATL additionally claims an enchancment in energy efficiency of hybrid automobiles by 20% by way of a multi-level energy prediction and management technique for the battery.

The Freevoy battery has already been put into automobiles from a number of manufacturers, says CATL, together with Neta, Li Auto, Avatr, Deepal and Changan Nevo. By subsequent 12 months, an additional 30 hybrid automobile fashions geared up with the Freevoy battery from Geely, Chery, GAC and Voyah are anticipated to launch, in response to the battery producer.

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In the end, the Zeekr Combine has been launched in China, having made its public debut at Auto China in Beijing in April. This revolutionary mini-MPV of types solely seats 5 however makes use of its ample inside area and distinctive sliding doorways to as an alternative present quite a lot of seat layouts to swimsuit completely different wants.

Measuring 4,688 mm lengthy, the Combine is round 100 mm shorter than a C28 Nissan Serena however has an enormous 3,008 mm wheelbase; it’s additionally a beneficiant 1,995 mm broad and 1,775 mm tall. The automobile is the primary manufacturing mannequin to be constructed on the SEA-M variant of Geely’s Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA), earmarked for MPVs, robotaxis (such because the one being developed with Waymo) and logistics automobiles.

The Combine actually seems like nothing else on the highway, its futuristic, pebble-smooth design incorporating Zeekr’s trademark Stargate entrance mild bar with over 1,960 LEDs, letting drivers customise their lighting signatures and even show messages to different highway customers. There’s additionally a gently-curving contrasting black roof and the standard full-width taillight strip.

It’s if you attain for the flush door handles that the Combine reveals its myriad of celebration methods, together with the world’s first double sliding doorways on the passenger aspect (the driving force’s door opens usually). Giant cantilever hinges eradicate the necessity for the sliding door tracks seen on many MPVs of this kind.

You’ll additionally discover a full lack of B-pillars, aiding entry and egress and in addition enabling the multi-use inside we’ll talk about later. As an alternative, the twin pillars on all sides, comprised of 2,000 mPa hot-formed metal and strengthened via a novel thickening course of, are built-in into the doorways.

Step inside and the hijinks solely proceed. The Combine options an asymmetrical dashboard that frees up extra legroom for the entrance passenger, because of a top-mounted glovebox and a roof-mounted airbag. The motive force sits behind a 13-inch curved instrument show subsequent to a floating 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, which may swivel 12 levels in direction of the driving force and 47 levels in direction of the passenger.

Between the entrance occupants sits an oblong console field with an armrest and a fridge for these on the again. It will possibly slide 790 mm forwards or backwards and comes with a number of mounts to suit tables, cupholders and even an inflatable mattress (the entrance seats fold flat to suit).

The rear passengers, then again, indulge in limo-like consolation, with powered, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, ottomans and a footrest that folds out from the entrance passenger seat again. Regardless of this, you continue to get a big 568 litre boot, expandable to over 2,000 litres with the rear seats folded.

However by far essentially the most spectacular a part of the inside are the entrance seats, which may rotate 180 levels to face the rear passengers, or 90 levels to look out the aspect doorways – permitting, for instance, these seated on the entrance pews to fish from the consolation of their automobile, stated Zeekr. Alternatively, they are often pushed all the way in which ahead to release flooring area for an impromptu yoga session.

All Combine fashions are powered by a single rear motor that by itself produces a formidable 421 PS (310 KW) and 440 Nm of torque, enabling the automobile to dash from zero to 100 km/h in 6.eight seconds. The shortage of a entrance motor, a space-optimised suspension design and a revised damper construction permits for an elevated steering angle, slashing the turning circle to only below 5 metres.

Battery choices embody a 76 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack or a 102 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit, offering a CLTC vary of 550 and 702 km respectively. An 800-volt electrical structure permits the Combine to offer “5.5C” DC quick charging, which means that the charging enter is 5.5 occasions the scale of the battery, so round 420 kW.

As such, topping up the battery from 10 to 80% takes simply 10.5 minutes for the smaller battery and 15 minutes for the bigger pack. The Combine may present as much as 60 kW of DC energy to cost different automobiles, though its vehicle-to-load (V2L) perform is reasonably anaemic at 3.Three kW.

The Combine additionally comes with a lidar sensor on the high of the windscreen as customary, which along with the twin Nvidia Drive Orin-X processors permits the automobile’s varied driver help methods. These embody the non-obligatory Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP) that permits for hands-free driving on highways and in a while, on metropolis streets, the latter through an over-the-air replace.

Pricing for the Combine begins at 279,900 yuan (RM171,200) with the smaller battery, rising as much as 299,900 yuan (RM183,800) for the long-range mannequin. With Zeekr set to enter the Malaysian market quickly, would you wish to see the Combine being provided on our shores? Pontificate within the feedback after the bounce.

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A complete of 32,974 people have certified and have taken half within the MyLesen programme as of September 14, 2024, reported New Straits Occasions. Of the overall, 1,730 people have accomplished the programme, mentioned transport minister Anthony Loke.

The remaining 31,244 people are at the moment within the coaching and testing section, which runs from July to November of this yr, Loke mentioned.

The MyLesen programme was launched at a nationwide degree in Might 2023 to assist individuals from the B40 earnings group in acquiring a B2 bike license for bikes under 250 cc of engine capability, as a part of the transport ministry’s initiatives as outlined within the 2023 Price range.

Along with B2 bike licenses, the MyLesen programme additionally supplied for the buying of public service automobile (PSV) and items driving licenses (GDL) for lorries. This programme was fashioned to reinforce the social-economic standing and family earnings by enabling people to safe job alternatives, in line with NST.

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WTC Automotif (WTCA) has formally launched a GAC and Aion flagship 3S centre in Glenmarie. Operated by WariTan Car, it’s strategically positioned inside what has develop into an automotive hub within the Klang Valley.

Serving each GAC Motor and the Aion EV model, that is the biggest GAC facility in Malaysia to-date. The 456 sqm GAC Motor showroom has three autos on show whereas the Aion showroom’s 644 sqm area has room for six show autos and a buyer lounge space.

The mixed service centre spans 10,878 sqm and is provided with 10 work bays, staffed by seven licensed technicians. The SC has a ‘premier lounge’ with workstations and plug factors, a youngsters playroom and refreshments on the espresso nook. Merchandise, too.

“The opening of the GAC and Aion Glenmarie 3S centre, along with the present 3S centres, function the cornerstone to our community. We welcome all clients to go to and expertise GAC Motor’s hospitality and the vary of autos. Clients are inspired to check drive and expertise the prevalence of our services,” stated Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings, the dad or mum firm of WTCA.

Each GAC and Aion showrooms are open seven days per week – 9am to 7pm on weekdays, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays. The service centre operates from 8.30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.

GAC just lately launched the Customary variant of the GS3 Emzoom B-segment SUV, with the Unique reintroduced as a CKD mannequin. Along with the range-topping Premium-R, the 177 PS/270 Nm 1.5T Emzoom vary is priced from RM103,800 to RM126,800.

Aion is GAC’s EV model, and the only real mannequin on sale now’s the Y Plus five-seat MPV, which has a 430 km WLTP vary and RM119,800 to RM135,800 price ticket. The orange automobile you see right here with the gullwing doorways is the Hyptec HT, which is on preview. Click on the hyperlinks for full particulars on all of the fashions.

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The street transport division (JPJ) has introduced that the MADANI particular quantity plate collection is now open for bidding by its JPJ eBid on-line platform. Bidding for the collection, which was launched by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a ceremony held on the Likas Sports activities Advanced in Kota Kinabalu, opened on October 19 and can finish at 10 pm this Wednesday, October 23.

Bids for quantity plates within the collection, which run from 1-9999, might be made with a minimal value of RM100 for working numbers. A minimal bidding value has been set for some classes within the collection. The minimal bid for standard numbers is RM500.

As for ‘enticing’ numbers, RM2,500 is the beginning value for one. In the meantime, bids for premium numbers begin from RM5,000, whereas the beginning value for ‘Predominant’ numbers begins from RM20,000. Bidding outcomes will probably be introduced on October 24.

In keeping with JPJ, the particular collection is a authorities initiative to help the MADANI Malaysia agenda by selling civic values. The division’s director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, stated the sale proceeds could be used to grasp the implementation of initiatives underneath the transport ministry such because the MyLesen programme, the Helmet Trade Program, FlySISWA, Socso funds to taxi drivers and numerous different initiatives.

In the event you’re eager on getting a MADANI plate, take a look at our step-by-step information on methods to navigate JPJ eBid and the methods wanted to get your most popular quantity.

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Mercedes-Benz partnered with clothier Nigo on a limited-edition G-Class celebrating the enduring SUV’s 45th anniversary.

Restricted to only 20 models worldwide, the G-Class Previous II Future options inexperienced and grey two-tone exterior paintwork, with blacked-out exterior trim and wheels. Inside, the restricted version has checkered upholstery referencing classic G-Class fashions. The colour scheme echoes a one-off restoration of a 1990s G-Class convertible additionally designed by Nigo.

Previous II Future editions will be ordered as diesel G 450d and gasoline G 550 configurations. Of the 2, solely the G 550 is offered within the U.S. Downsizing from the earlier twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-Eight for 2025, it makes use of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 assisted by a mild-hybrid system, and producing 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes is not particularly discussing U.S. availability or pricing, however mentioned all 20 Previous II Future editions will probably be delivered to clients globally in April 2025. Word that the G 550 already prices $148,250 within the U.S. earlier than vacation spot.

Along with the G 550’s downsized engine, the G-Class receives just a few different updates for the 2025 mannequin yr. Some adjustments have been made to the outside styling and inside format, and the AMG G 63 efficiency mannequin provides an lively anti-roll system, whereas conserving its V-8. Beneath is actually the identical platform that debuted for the 2019 mannequin yr.

The 2025 G-Class lineup additionally contains an all-electric model for the primary time. Formally badged because the G 580 with EQ Know-how, it includes a quad-motor powertrain and a tank-turn gimmick calculated to win over clients skeptical of the knowledge of electrifying such an old-school SUV.

Even earlier than a brand new automobile is launched, the corporate behind it asks, “What’s subsequent?” It begins interested by the upcoming mannequin’s limitations and the way it can push previous them with the following technology. Clearly, when Shelby American seemed on the Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R, and requested that query, the reply it got here up with was, “Extra.” Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American, defined what precisely meaning by giving us an up-close take a look at a 2024 Baja Raptor R, one of many two fashions within the firm’s new Baja Raptor lineup.

Each the $61,995 EcoBoost bundle for the V6-powered Raptor and the $64,995 Raptor R bundle for the supercharged V8 mannequin add a complete array of beauty and mechanical upgrades. Exterior modifications embrace flat black metal bumpers, a 30-inch entrance LED mild bar, a Shelby by BDS suspension elevate, a singular vented hood, and a chase rack that serves as the bottom for a power-adjustable 50-inch LED mild bar and holds two full-size spares that match the 18-inch Shelby wheels and 37-inch mud terrain tires below the truck. Inside, Shelby American recovers the seats with totally different leather-based and microfiber, purple accents, and particular embroidery; installs billet racing pedals; and lays down embroidered ground mats. After all, it additionally makes clear that the Baja Raptor is just not your common pickup with a serialized sprint plaque.

The most important totally different between the 2 choices is – you guessed it – energy. The EcoBoost bundle makes the V6 Raptor extra ferocious, upping its output to 550 horsepower with a efficiency intercooler, consumption tube, and consumption with a high-flow filter. There are two ranges to the Raptor R improve: The primary provides a Shelby-tuned Borla exhaust however leaves output at 720 horsepower. The second stage will get you a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger that helps the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 crank out a bonkers 900-plus horsepower and provides $9,995 to the worth tag.

What’s subsequent? Watching the video under. It begins off with Patterson taking us by means of a number of the Baja Raptor R’s highlights on the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Public sale. Then I ask him some questions on its improvement, efficiency, and gross sales community.

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Pontiac launched the all-new Firebirds late, which hit dealerships in February 1970 after giving Chrysler’s new E-body a pleasant six-month lead. Nonetheless, Pontiac integrated a number of adjustments for the 1971 mannequin yr that made the short-run 1970s distinctive.

That’s to not say the 1971 mannequin yr wasn’t distinctive for Pontiac. Notably, Pontiac lowered the compression of its engines, a yr earlier than the federal mandate to cater to unleaded gas. Pontiac additionally watered down the Firebird Formulation mannequin to draw clients nonetheless within the cratering sporty automotive phase. In 1970, the Formulation was strictly a efficiency mannequin that got here normal with a 400, however for 1971, the usual engine was a 350 two-barrel to broaden the Formulation’s enchantment. As such, the Formulation 350 was a poseur, but Pontiac was not distinctive in promoting vehicles with a high-performance picture however low-performance engine.

Mike Polito is the proprietor of this Canyon Copper 1971 Formulation 350. Mike has the Buick Riviera we featured in a previous article, however this Poncho is his favourite to drive, little question resulting from a number of modifications (headers, Holley Avenue Avenger four-barrel, Edelbrock consumption, and many others.) to offer it the muscle it deserves. The entrance fender vent was distinctive for 1971 and on this automotive, it’s complemented by the elective D98 accent stripe, which was accessible in blue, black, silver, or gold.

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Be part of Muscle Automobile Campy as he offers us a experience on this F-body and extols its virtues, each from the manufacturing facility and the shade tree.