Tag Archives: roadster

NEWS

Mazda once made an MX-5 with a V6 engine some time ago

Since its first launch in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) has maintained the same recipe.

A small and lightweight body, and a minimalistic design.

The difference in horsepower between the first-generation and fourth-generation models is not too vast.

But did you know that Mazda once tried to produce the MX-5 with a V6 engine?

 

A 20-Year-Old Experiment

Christian Schultze, Director of Research and Operations at Mazda Motor Europe, confirmed that this occurred around 20 years ago.

This may have happened during the transition from the second-generation MX-5 (NB) to the third-generation MX-5 (NC).

Speaking to AutoRAI, he revealed that the V6 2.5-liter MX-5 project was driven voluntarily by a group of engineers.

Although it was not explicitly stated, it is likely that it used the K-Series engine that Mazda employed in production cars like the 626 and MX-6.

With significantly more power output compared to the NB engine (140 hp/161 Nm), the V6 MX-5 offered a more exhilarating driving experience.

 

Two Main Issues

Schultze admitted that there were two main issues that prevented the project from progressing beyond the prototype stage.

First, the V6 engine was too tall, making the overall aesthetics of the car less appealing.

Second, using the V6 engine would affect the overall weight balance, as the 2.5-liter engine is heavier than the existing engine.

 

What about the new-generation MX-5?

The fourth-generation MX-5 has been on the market for 11 years now, and it is time for Mazda to replace this roadster with a completely new model.

If the MX-5 were offered in a hybrid version (complete with an electric motor and battery), how would Mazda ensure the existing lightweight car recipe is maintained?

NEWS

Updated Royal Enfield Hunter 350 now in Malaysia – priced from RM21,900

Royal Enfield Malaysia has announced the arrival of the affordable roadster model, the Hunter 350, which has been updated for the Malaysian market.

It is powered by an air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and a torque of 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

The power is transferred to the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission, assisted by an Assist & Slipper clutch.

The twin downtube spine frame is complemented by a 41 mm telescopic front fork suspension, along with twin shock absorbers that offer six levels of preload adjustment.

The braking system consists of a dual-piston caliper and a 300 mm rotor at the front, followed by a single-piston caliper and a 270 mm rotor at the rear. A dual-channel ABS system is also provided.

The Hunter 350 features modern elements such as LED lighting units, a digital-analog meter display complete with Tripper Pod navigation assistance, and a USB Type-C charging port.

The fuel tank capacity is 13 liters, while the seat height is 790 mm.

For the Malaysian market, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is priced from RM21,900 for the Rio White and Dapper Grey color variants, and from RM22,500 for the Tokyo Black, London Red, and Rebel Blue colors.

NEWS

2026 Honda CB1000F officially unveiled in Europe

Honda continues the legacy of the ‘CB’ family with the launch of the new CB1000F model for 2026.

Built on the CB1000 Hornet platform, the CB1000F is equipped with a re-tuned 1,000 cc inline-four engine, delivering a more powerful riding experience in the low to mid RPM range.

It is now capable of generating up to 122 hp at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 103 Nm at 8,000 rpm.

The gear ratio has also been revised, accompanied by an assist/slipper clutch for a more relaxed riding experience.

The suspension of the CB1000F consists of 41 mm inverted Showa SFF-BP front forks, complemented by Pro-Link suspension at the rear, offering wheel travel of 130 mm and 140 mm, respectively.

This retro roadster is also equipped with a Nissin braking system, featuring a four-piston brake caliper paired with dual 310 mm rotors at the front, along with a single-piston caliper and a 240 mm rotor at the rear.

Enhancing the modern retro style of this machine are the classic-style exhaust pipes, 17-inch aluminum rims, and front and rear LED lighting systems.

Standard features of the CB1000F include a dual-channel ABS system, supported by a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), a throttle-by-wire (TBW) system, riding modes (Standard, Rain, and Sport), wheelie control, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

Riders can access important information through a five-inch TFT display that can be paired with the RoadSync app.

The fuel tank capacity is 16 liters, while the seat height is set at 795 mm.

Three colors are available for the Honda CB1000F: Wolf Silver Metallic with blue stripes, Wolf Silver Metallic with gray stripes, and Graphite Black.

Owners can also purchase various accessories, including a more comfortable seat, engine guards, a headlamp housing, a quick shifter, radiator shrouds, a 3-liter tank bag, and soft luggage with a capacity of 10 liters for each side.

EV, NEWS

Malaysia is the number one market for MG Cyberster in Asia & Oceania

Did you know that Malaysia is the number one market for the MG Cyberster model in the Asia and Oceania region?

This impressive performance was announced by MG Motor Malaysia, marking an extraordinary success since its official launch in December 2024, with over 90 orders received.

The MG Cyberster is an electric roadster that is available in two main variants.

At its official launch, the MG Cyberster was available in an AWD variant featuring dual electric motors with a power output of 503 PS and 725 Nm, capable of traveling up to 446 km on a full charge.

The RWD variant was introduced last month, offering a rear-wheel drive electric motor setup with a power output of 340 PS and 475 Nm, and capable of reaching a distance of 508 km with the same 77 kWh battery pack.

The starting price is RM299,900 for the RWD variant and RM319,900 for the AWD variant.

MG Motor Malaysia will be holding a series of exclusive test drive events at selected locations across the country:

  • MG Motor Plentong (August 6-7)
  • MG Motor Muar (August 9-10)
  • MG Motor Seri Kembangan (August 9-10)
  • MG Motor Juru (August 13-14)
  • MG Motor Klang (August 16-17)
  • MG Motor Bandar Rimbayu (August 23-24)
  • MG Motor Tebrau (August 30-31)
  • MG Motor Ipoh (September 20-21)
  • MG Motor Damansara (September 27-28)
  • MG Motor Skudai (October 4-5)

Customers who place an order during this event will receive a special package, including one-year unlimited free charging (JomCharge), a 7kW AC wall charger, a diecast model of the MG Cyberster, and other exclusive gifts.

EV, NEWS

MG Cyberster RWD now available in Malaysia, priced from RM299,900

MG Motor Malaysia has announced the introduction of a new rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant of the electric roadster, the MG Cyberster.

With the arrival of the RWD variant, the MG Cyberster is now available starting at a price of RM299,900, while the Cyberster 4WD is priced at RM319,900.

In terms of specifications, the Cyberster RWD is powered by a rear-wheel drive electric motor that produces 340 PS and 475 Nm of torque.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just five seconds, while the 77 kWh battery pack offers a driving range of up to 508 km.

The Cyberster RWD also supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery pack to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes.

Other features include 19-inch alloy wheels and a Brembo braking system that provides control corresponding to its performance.

In terms of design, both the Cyberster RWD and 4WD variants showcase similar styling elements, including LED headlamps and a low silhouette that highlights a Kammback-style rear design.

The cabin of the Cyberster is inspired by motorsports, featuring leather and Alcantara finishes, sport seats with lumbar support, a 10.25-inch digital display, a seven-inch touchscreen, and two additional seven-inch screens.

Four attractive color options are available: Dynamic Red, Camden Grey, Inca Yellow, and English White.

MG Malaysia also offers a red soft top as a RM2,000 option in addition to the standard black roof.

Malaysians can take a closer look at the all-new MG Cyberster RWD during the “Dare to Love” roadshow series, taking place at 1 Utama (Old Wing) from July 9 to July 13.

Customers who place an order for the MG Cyberster during this period will receive a one-year unlimited JomCharge charging package, a complimentary 7kW AC wall charger, and a limited edition diecast MG Cyberster model.

NEWS

2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance – PHEV roadster priced at RM2.2 million

In addition to the AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also launched the SL 63 S E Performance roadster, priced at RM2,168,888.

This marks the fifth model to feature AMG’s E Performance hybrid technology, paired with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces a total output of 816 hp and 1,420 Nm of torque.

The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 2.9 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 317 km/h.

The 204 hp electric motor positioned on the rear axle is powered by a 6.1 kWh battery.

With its PHEV system, the roadster can travel up to 13 km without consuming a drop of petrol. It also includes features such as an energy recovery system and single-pedal driving capability.

There are up to eight driving programs available through the AMG Dynamic Select system, including Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Smoothness, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual.

Handling is enhanced by the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG composite ceramic brake system, adaptive rear spoiler, and active rear-axle steering.

On the exterior, the SL 63 AMG roadster is equipped with Digital Light headlamps, AMG Night Package II, an Exterior Carbon Package, 21-inch AMG cross-spoke wheels, and carbon fiber side mirror housings.

Inside, the SL 63 AMG cabin features a 2+2 seating configuration with Nappa leather and Microcut microfiber upholstery, an AMG Performance steering wheel, a display screen with AMG-themed menus, and an Airscarf function specifically designed for convertible models.

EV, NEWS

MG Cyberster EV 2024 makes its first appearance in Malaysia, launching soon?

Simultaneous with the launch of two ICE models, MG Malaysia also surprises us by revealing a powerful electric roadster model, the MG Cyberster EV 2024.

No information regarding pricing and specifications has been disclosed at this time.

Here, we share some information based on the specifications of the MG Cyberster model sold in the global market.

 

Two drive options: RWD or AWD

The MG Cyberster EV is available in a single electric motor rear-wheel-drive version, producing 310 hp/475 Nm of torque, or a higher output of 335 hp/475 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the twin electric motor version with an all-wheel-drive system is capable of generating power as high as 536 hp and 725 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as fast as 3.2 seconds.

 

580 km range

There are two battery pack capacity options available, 64 kWh with a range of up to 501 km, or 77 kWh with a range of 580 km (520 km for the AWD version).

 

Zero-emission roadster with a sporty design

What catches the eye is the exterior design of the roadster that can captivate the public.

It features a front design resembling a shark’s nose, followed by LED headlights, Lamborghini-style scissor doors, 20-inch rims, and rear lights with the Union Jack flag motif and arrow design.

 

Cabin

The cabin space of the MG Cyberster can only accommodate two people at a time.

Included amenities are sports seats wrapped in Nappa/Alcantara leather, sports steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital screen, two additional 7-inch screens, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

Cargo space

The MG Cyberster offers a rear cargo space of 249 liters.

In the Thailand market, the AWD version of the MG Cyberster is sold at THB 2,499,000 (RM317,949). Speculations arise, what will be the selling price for the Malaysian market? RM200,000?

NEWS

Pagani Utopia now sexier with Roadster version, 6.0 V12 twin-turbo, 7-speed manual option

THE Pagani Utopia is truly a work of art hypercar; with its sexy body design, V12 engine, manual gearbox, and luxurious sporty cabin. The only way to make it more appealing is with a convertible roof.

And that’s what Pagani has done. They are presenting the new Pagani Utopia Roadster.

Its body is made of exposed carbon fiber in Habanero Red. It features the same design as the coupe version, with round front lights, a large grille, round rear lights, quad exhausts, and “butterfly” doors.

The wheels are 21 inches in the front and 21 inches in the back, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa Cyber tires.

This hypercar is powered by the same heart, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 852hp and 1,100Nm of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through an electro-mechanical differential. Its top speed is 349 km/h, slightly lower than the coupe version.

As for the gearbox, owners can choose between a 7-speed manual or a 7-speed automated manual with paddle shifters.

Even with a removable hardtop roof, the Utopia Roadster weighs exactly the same as the coupe—2,822 pounds dry. Impressive. Pagani credits the strength and lightness of its advanced monocoque carbo-titanium chassis for helping maintain that weight. The company also used over 40 “formulas of composite materials” in the Utopia’s construction to help keep it light.

The interior isn’t any less spectacular than its fixed-roof counterpart. Carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum cover nearly every inch. The Utopia’s signature exposed gear linkage remains for the seven-speed manual, and the shifter itself has a polished carbon fiber insert.

The steering wheel may not look all that interesting at first glance, but it’s impressively detailed. It was constructed out of a single piece of 9,480-pound metal and took five-axis milling machines 28 hours of continuous work to complete. All told, the steering wheel weighs just 5.3 pounds.

As with the coupe, the Utopia Roadster will be a rare beast. Pagani only plans to offer 130 examples worldwide at a cost of USD3.4 million (RM15.46 mllion). The first Utopia Roadster makes its world debut during Monterey Car Week in August.