Porsche Malaysia mengesahkan penyertaannya dalam Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) 2026, dengan pelumba Malaysia Naquib Azlan akan bertanding dalam kategori Pro bersama Team Porsche Malaysia.

Pelumba berusia 26 tahun itu akan mengharungi keseluruhan musim kejuaraan menggunakan #17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992.2), dengan pasukan disokong oleh Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) dan Axle Motorsports.

Penyertaan Naquib dalam kejuaraan ini hadir selepas beliau menjuarai kategori Driven Dreamers dalam Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia 2025, yang membuka laluan kepada penyertaannya dalam program Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool. Program tersebut menyediakan latihan profesional, kem pembangunan pelumba serta pembangunan prestasi berstruktur bagi membantu pelumba berbakat bersaing di peringkat antarabangsa.

Naquib memulakan perjalanan motorsportnya pada tahun 2020 melalui perlumbaan simulasi sebelum beralih kepada perlumbaan sebenar di litar. Penyertaannya dalam musim 2026 menandakan peralihan penuh daripada dunia sim racing ke kejuaraan GT satu model Porsche.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sime Darby Auto Performance, Christopher Hunter, berkata inisiatif tersebut mencerminkan komitmen Porsche Malaysia dalam membangunkan bakat tempatan dalam dunia motorsport.

Sebagai persediaan menjelang musim baharu, Naquib telah menyertai ujian rasmi PCCA di Zhuhai International Circuit, mencatatkan masa terpantas keseluruhan sesi dengan 1:35.391.

Bagi musim 2026, kereta Team Porsche Malaysia akan tampil dengan livery biru dengan aksen jingga, mencerminkan warna jenama Sime Motors. Bahagian bumbung kereta turut menampilkan lakaran susun atur Porsche Experience Centre Singapore, yang dijangka dibuka pada 2027 sebagai pusat pengalaman Porsche pertama di Asia Tenggara.

Musim Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2026 akan bermula hujung minggu ini di Shanghai International Circuit (14–15 Mac) sebelum kejuaraan itu meneruskan perlumbaan di beberapa litar utama di rantau ini. Siri tersebut juga akan kembali ke Sepang International Circuit kemudian dalam musim ini untuk pusingan sembilan hingga sebelas.

Porsche Malaysia has confirmed its participation in the 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) season, fielding local talent Naquib Azlan in the Pro category under Team Porsche Malaysia.

The 26-year-old will compete in the full championship season driving the #17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992.2) race car, with the team supported by Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) and Axle Motorsports.

Naquib’s entry into the championship follows his success in the 2025 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia, where he won the Driven Dreamers category, earning him a place in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool programme. The programme provides professional coaching, training camps and structured development aimed at preparing promising drivers for international motorsport competition.

Naquib began his motorsport journey in 2020 through competitive sim racing before progressing to real-world track competition. His participation in the 2026 season marks a full transition from virtual racing to Porsche’s one-make GT championship platform.

Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance, said the programme reflects Porsche Malaysia’s ongoing effort to nurture local motorsport talent. “Motorsport is deeply rooted in Porsche’s DNA, shaped by over 75 years of racing heritage. At Porsche Malaysia, we are committed to creating meaningful platforms for local talent – whether on a virtual circuit or the real track – to pursue their passion and realise their potential.”

Ahead of the season opener, Naquib completed the official PCCA test at Zhuhai International Circuit, setting the fastest overall lap of the session with a 1:35.391.

For the 2026 season, the Team Porsche Malaysia car will feature a blue livery with orange accents, reflecting the colours of the Sime Motors brand. The roof design also incorporates the layout of the upcoming Porsche Experience Centre Singapore, which is scheduled to open in 2027 as the first facility of its kind in Southeast Asia.

The 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season begins this weekend at Shanghai International Circuit (14–15 March) before visiting several circuits across the region. The championship will return to Sepang International Circuit later in the season for rounds nine to eleven.

You may also be interested in: The 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Has A Bumper 30-Car Grid As Testing Kicks Off

Porsche Malaysia telah mencapai satu pencapaian besar dengan menyiapkan projek restorasi penuh bagi model klasik Porsche 911 T di Porsche Centre Johor Bahru. Projek ini dilaksanakan sepenuhnya oleh pasukan juruteknik terlatih di bawah program Porsche Classic Partner, menjadikannya hasil kerja buatan tempatan yang membanggakan.

Kerja restorasi ini melibatkan pembongkaran keseluruhan kenderaan, di mana setiap komponen dibersihkan, dibaiki atau diganti bagi memastikan ia menepati spesifikasi asal seperti ketika model tersebut keluar dari kilang pada era 1960-an. Matlamat utama adalah untuk mengembalikan rupa dan rasa sebenar 911 T, seolah-olah baru keluar dari kilang buat kali pertama.

Model Porsche 911 T, yang diperkenalkan pada tahun 1967, dikenali sebagai versi “Touring” dalam barisan 911. Walaupun ia merupakan varian asas, model ini tetap mengekalkan ciri pemanduan dan reka bentuk ikonik yang sinonim dengan jenama Porsche.

Selepas bertahun-tahun digunakan, kereta 911 T ini dibawa ke pasukan Porsche Malaysia untuk menjalani proses restorasi menyeluruh. Kini, ia tampil semula dengan keadaan seperti baharu — daripada cat berkilat di bahagian luar hinggalah kepada perincian halus pada bahagian dalaman.

Projek ini menandakan kali pertama dalam sejarah Porsche Malaysia di mana sebuah model klasik telah dipulihkan sepenuhnya dari asas hingga sempurna. Ia juga menggambarkan komitmen kukuh Porsche dalam memelihara warisan serta nilai sejarah jenama tersebut di Malaysia.

Porsche Centre Johor Bahru merupakan pusat Porsche Classic Partner 4S pertama di Malaysia. Ia dilengkapi dengan peralatan khas dan kemudahan lengkap bagi kerja baik pulih, pengecatan serta restorasi kenderaan Porsche yang berusia lebih daripada sepuluh tahun.

Kejayaan restorasi ini bukan sahaja menjadi kebanggaan kepada Porsche Malaysia, tetapi turut memperkukuh kedudukan negara dalam arena pemulihan kereta klasik. Porsche turut merancang untuk melanjutkan usaha ini dengan lebih banyak projek restorasi pada masa hadapan — memastikan warisan dan semangat jenama tersebut terus hidup untuk generasi baharu peminat automotif.

The result is more than just a restored car; it’s a precise recreation of an automotive icon brought back to life with the same care and craftsmanship it received when it first left the factory.

The process was a painstaking one, driven by an obsession with authenticity. Over many months, the team completely dismantled the car — every bolt, panel, and mechanical component was catalogued, refinished, and rebuilt to match the exact specifications outlined in Porsche’s original factory documentation. The restoration followed the brand’s strict international standards, ensuring that every element met the marque’s expectations for quality and historical accuracy.

First introduced in 1967, the Porsche 911 T — short for “Touring” — served as the entry model in the 911 line-up. It may not have carried the high output of the 911 S or 911 E, but it shared the same unmistakable design and engineering DNA that would come to define the 911’s enduring legend. Lightweight, balanced, and engaging to drive, the 911 T captured the purity of Porsche’s approach to performance — one focused on feel, connection, and precision.

The example restored in Johor Bahru had seen decades of use before it was entrusted to the skilled hands of Porsche Malaysia’s Classic Partner team. What emerged from the workshop is a car restored to near-original condition, from its gleaming bodywork to the smallest interior details.

Every surface, seam, and switch reflects a level of craftsmanship that mirrors Porsche’s own production ethos. It now stands proudly as the first Porsche Classic model to be completely rebuilt from the ground up on Malaysian soil — a first for the country and a testament to Porsche’s growing commitment to supporting its heritage here.

Porsche Centre Johor Bahru is no ordinary dealership. As Malaysia’s first 4S facility officially recognised as a Porsche Classic Partner, it offers a full suite of restoration and maintenance capabilities designed specifically for models that have been out of production for more than ten years.

Its workshop is equipped with specialist tools and facilities for body repair, paint treatment, and mechanical restoration — all endorsed by Porsche AG. The centre joins a select network of Porsche Classic Partners worldwide, each dedicated to keeping the brand’s older models as functional and faithful as ever.

For the technicians behind the project, this restoration is more than just a display of skill — it’s a statement of intent. The successful revival of this 911 T marks the beginning of a new chapter for Malaysia’s classic car scene, one where local expertise meets global heritage. Porsche Centre Johor Bahru plans to continue building on this foundation, offering enthusiasts the chance to see more timeless Porsche icons restored to their original glory.

In the gleam of the freshly polished 911 T, there’s a sense that something more than a car has been revived — it’s a legacy, meticulously preserved and ready to inspire a new generation of Porsche fans in Malaysia.

For Porsche, motorsport is more than a sport — it’s a defining part of the brand’s DNA. The company has long viewed simulation racing as an important step in driver development, and now, Esports is opening the door for a new generation of talent.

Through the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia, young racers get a genuine platform to test their passion and possibly take their first steps into real-world competition. The goal, Porsche Malaysia explained, is not just to deliver a fun experience but also to spark ambition, whether in the simulator or on the track itself.

The day began with exercises designed to show how virtual skills can translate into physical control. In the Porsche Cayenne, winners tackled slalom runs and discovered just how agile the SUV could be with its Porsche Active Suspension Management system keeping it planted through tight cone formations.

Then came the acceleration and braking challenge in the 911 Carrera. With Launch Control engaged, the car leapt from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, its 290 kW (394 PS) and 450 Nm of torque giving participants a taste of Porsche performance. Precision braking drills reminded everyone just how responsive the car could be, demonstrating the balance between explosive power and control.

Things wrapped up with guided laps of Sepang in the brand’s electric stars — the new Macan EV and the Taycan. With instructors in the passenger seat, winners had the chance to put their simulator-honed reflexes into action around the iconic corners of Malaysia’s most famous circuit.

If that wasn’t enough adrenaline, the highlight came in the form of passenger laps. Participants aged 18 and over were strapped into the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, driven by Sime Motors Racing driver Hugo Ellis, for a proper racing-car experience. Younger winners weren’t left out either, enjoying hot laps in the 911 Carrera with none other than Earl Bamber, a two-time Le Mans champion. Any nerves disappeared the moment the engines fired, replaced quickly with wide-eyed excitement and ear-to-ear grins.

One standout moment came with the talent assessment of Naquib Azlan, the winner of the Driven Dreamers category for racers aged 18 to 25. With experience in both sim racing and competitive events, Naquib was given the chance to step into a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for a proper test. The exercise showed just how closely virtual training and real-world motorsport can complement each other, marking an important step in his racing journey.

The event at Sepang was more than just a fun day out. It was a glimpse into how Esports is reshaping the motorsport landscape, bringing fresh faces into the fold and proving that skills developed in front of a screen can one day hold their own on track.

Porsche Malaysia, yang dikendalikan oleh Sime Darby Auto Performance, telah melancarkan secara rasmi model terbaharu Porsche 911 GT3 di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang.

Model prestasi tinggi ini dikuasakan oleh enjin 4.0 liter flat-six yang menghasilkan 510PS dan 450Nm tork. Ia turut menerima kemas kini teknikal termasuk aci sesondol lebih tajam, sistem penyejukan baharu serta injap pendikit yang dipertingkat. Walaupun berdepan peraturan emisi yang lebih ketat, 911 GT3 masih mengekalkan rev tinggi serta bunyi enjin ikonik Porsche.

Bagi transmisi, pilihan 7-kelajuan PDK membolehkan kereta ini memecut dari 0–100km/j dalam 3.4 saat dengan kelajuan maksimum 311km/j. Versi 6-kelajuan manual pula mencatat 3.9 saat untuk pecutan 0–100km/j, namun menawarkan kelajuan tertinggi sedikit lebih tinggi pada 313km/j.

Dari segi aerodinamik, ia dipertingkat dengan diffuser hadapan baharu, bukaan udara lebih besar, serta rekaan semula sayap belakang dan diffuser. Sistem suspensi pula diadaptasi daripada GT3 RS, termasuk gandar hadapan double-wishbone dan sistem anti-dive untuk kestabilan membrek lebih baik.

GT3 hadir dengan rim 20 inci di hadapan dan 21 inci di belakang, dengan pilihan tayar trek. Berat keseluruhan dikurangkan kepada 1,420kg melalui penggunaan rim aluminium, bateri ringan, serta pilihan rim magnesium.

Dua varian ditawarkan kepada pelanggan Malaysia:

• 911 GT3 – dilengkapi sayap belakang tetap.

• 911 GT3 Touring – tampil lebih ringkas dengan spoiler halus, kemasan dalaman kulit serta pilihan tempat duduk belakang.

Kedua-duanya boleh dipadankan dengan pakej khas termasuk pakej trek atau pakej ringan. Menariknya, pakej Clubsport yang merangkumi roll cage dan tali pinggang keselamatan perlumbaan diberikan secara percuma untuk varian GT3 standard.

Bahagian kabin mengekalkan konfigurasi sporty dua tempat duduk dengan pilihan kerusi bucket ringan. Turut ditawarkan skrin mod Trek eksklusif GT3, suis penghidup enjin berbentuk tombol, serta pelbagai opsyen khusus untuk kegunaan di litar.

Melengkapkan pelancaran ini, Porsche Design turut memperkenalkan jam tangan eksklusif untuk pemilik 911 GT3. Dibuat daripada titanium, rekaan jam ini diinspirasikan terus daripada perincian model tersebut.

Di Malaysia, Porsche 911 GT3 dan 911 GT3 Touring kini boleh didapati dengan harga bermula daripada RM2.29 juta.

The celebration will feature a striking display of Porsche’s latest road-going models, each adorned with legendary race liveries that pay tribute to the marque’s illustrious history on the track.

Among the highlights will be the iconic Salzburg red-and-white livery, first immortalised on the Porsche 917 KH that delivered the brand’s inaugural overall victory at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. That win not only marked a milestone in Porsche’s endurance racing legacy but also redefined what the company could achieve on the world stage. Today, that bold colour scheme returns in a modern form, reimagined on the all-electric Macan — a car that blends motorsport DNA with everyday versatility.

The event will also spotlight the purple and green racing livery of the Porsche 99X Electric, a proven Formula E race winner from Season 11. This design, inspired by the Purple Sky Metallic and Shade Green Metallic finishes of the Taycan Turbo GT, has made the leap from race car to road car. The Taycan, like its Formula E counterpart, is powered by advanced 800-volt architecture, demonstrating how Porsche’s electric racing technology translates directly to its production models.

In a nod to Porsche’s rallying pedigree, the ‘Roughroads’ livery — famous for conquering the punishing Paris–Dakar Rally with its white, red, gold, and blue scheme — will be represented on the Cayenne. This model, equally at home in luxury surroundings or rugged terrain, encapsulates Porsche’s spirit of endurance and adventure.

To mark the occasion, Porsche Malaysia will offer one year of free insurance with every booking of a Taycan, Macan, or Cayenne during the Motorsport Weekend. Visitors will also be able to purchase selected Porsche Lifestyle merchandise at discounts of up to 40 per cent.

The two-day event invites enthusiasts nationwide to immerse themselves in Porsche’s race-bred engineering, bridging the gap between its storied motorsport history and its latest road car innovations.

Deruman enjin berprestasi tinggi kembali menggamatkan Litar Antarabangsa PETRONAS Sepang apabila Porsche Malaysia, yang dikendalikan oleh Sime Darby Auto Performance, meraikan kembalinya Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) ke Malaysia menerusi Pusingan 5, 6 dan 7 bagi musim 2025.

Pusingan di Malaysia tahun ini menjadi detik penting kerana ia menandakan pertengahan musim kejohanan, sekaligus menjanjikan aksi yang menggabungkan kelajuan luar biasa dan hiburan dramatik. Perlumbaan kali ini menyaksikan dua hari perlumbaan pecut yang sengit serta kembalinya format ketahanan yang amat dinanti-nantikan. Dikenali sebagai kejohanan perlumbaan satu buatan terulung di rantau ini, PCCA kini memasuki musim ke-22, dan terus mengekalkan reputasinya sebagai medan persaingan sejati. Setiap pemandu bertanding menggunakan jentera yang serupa – Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) – sekali gus menyerlahkan kemahiran dan strategi perlumbaan sebenar.

Sime Darby Auto Performance yang mewakili jenama Porsche di Malaysia terus menunjukkan komitmen utuh terhadap pembangunan sukan permotoran dan bakat tempatan. Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Christopher Hunter, menyatakan bahawa PCCA bukan sekadar kejohanan kompetitif, tetapi simbol semangat sukan permotoran yang sentiasa menyala. Beliau turut menekankan usaha berterusan Porsche dalam menyokong pembangunan pelumba sebenar dan maya di seluruh rantau Asia.

Antara sorotan utama sepanjang hujung minggu perlumbaan di Sepang ialah kembalinya perlumbaan format ketahanan, yang menambah elemen strategi dan ketahanan fizikal kepada kejohanan yang sebelum ini berfokus kepada pecut. Dua pelumba yang mengetuai kempen Sime Motors Racing ialah pelumba tempatan, Nazim Azman dan Hugo Ellis dari United Kingdom – pelumba yang meraih tempat ketiga dalam Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. Mewakili jentera #17 dan #38, mereka menyasarkan untuk memanfaatkan kelebihan beraksi di laman sendiri dan sokongan penyokong tempatan untuk menaiki podium.

Sementara perlumbaan sebenar mencetus adrenalin di litar, dunia maya tidak ketinggalan menampilkan perlumbaan yang sama sengit melalui Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia 2025 yang melabuhkan tirai dengan aksi penutup yang mendebarkan. Pertandingan dibahagikan kepada tiga kategori: Junior Dreamers, Young Dreamers, dan Driven Dreamers. Sepuluh peserta terbaik dari setiap kategori berentap di versi simulasi Litar Sepang menggunakan jentera maya Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992), menonjolkan kemajuan pesat sukan sim racing sebagai cabang sah sukan permotoran.

Tambahan menarik dalam sambutan hujung minggu itu ialah pameran awam replika kereta lumba Porsche 963 LMDh – sebuah prototaip moden yang dibina untuk perlumbaan ketahanan elit seperti 24 Hours of Le Mans, Daytona dan Sebring. Mewarisi legasi jentera ikonik Porsche 956 dan 962, model 963 dikuasakan oleh enjin V8 pengecas berkembar 4.6 liter yang diinspirasikan daripada Porsche 918 Spyder, diperkukuhkan dengan sistem hibrid canggih hasil kerjasama Bosch dan Williams Advanced Engineering. Gabungan kuasa ini menghasilkan sehingga 670hp dan mampu mencapai 10,000 RPM. Dengan berat hanya sekitar 2,200 paun, 963 juga dilengkapi sistem suspensi pushrod, transmisi tujuh kelajuan dan teknologi pemulihan tenaga termaju – menjadikannya manifestasi kejuruteraan perlumbaan terkini.

Selepas aksi penuh dramatik di Sepang, Sime Motors Racing kini bersiap sedia untuk meneruskan kempen mereka dalam Pusingan 8 dan 9 yang akan berlangsung di Litar Jalanan Bangsaen, Thailand dari 4 hingga 6 Julai 2025.

Bagi peminat yang ingin mengikuti perkembangan terkini musim PCCA 2025 serta pencapaian Sime Motors Racing, mereka digalakkan untuk mengikuti saluran media sosial rasmi Porsche Malaysia.

Porsche has one of the most colourful histories in the automotive world. I truly doubt anyone would disagree with that.

At a time when new car makers are emerging quicker than ever before, more car makers are turning to their history books to show where they have come from and where they are going.

Most of them are doing a really good job at it too, except for Jaguar perhaps. The British marque seems to have completely lost the plot, but word is that it is now looking to hire a new brand agency after its disastrous rebranding exercise, so don’t write off the great Jag yet.

Anyway, brands with a storied history have also survived tumultuous times, and Porsche is no different.

The mighty Stuttgart based brand almost lost everything in the 90s, but the introduction of the Boxster single handedly saved it.

Then came the Cayenne which not only saved Porsche but transformed it and gave it much needed cash flow to let it continue its motorsport exploits.

But while the Boxster and Cayenne can be credited with saving Porsche, that does not mean the duo are the best-selling Porsches. Far from it.

In fact, that title belongs to the Porsche Macan.

Introduced in 2014, the Macan is the culmination of many years of research and development by the multi-talented team at Porsche.

While the Cayenne enjoyed brisk sales, Porsche analysis found that there was a market for a small, high-performance SUV. And that was basically right up Porsche’s alley since it already had the experience in both segments and its sister company Audi already had the platform from the Q5, which suited Porsche’s requirement.

So, Porsche’s team secretly started working on a project called Cajun, which is basically an abbreviation for Cayenne Junior.

And, per Porsche’s prediction, the Macan was an immediate sales phenomenon. And today it is set to reach a million homes, with over 800,000 Macan’s already sold.

However, the fast-changing pace of the automotive industry has left the Macan in a bit of a lurch.

With electric powertrains fast catching on, Porsche had a decision to make. Focus on an entirely new electric car like what it did with the Taycan, except this time it had to be an SUV.

Or work with one of its current models but with an electric powertrain instead.

Porsche did the unthinkable. In the early 2020s, Porsche announced that it will be dropping all petrol (and diesel) powertrains for the next generation Macan and will thus offer it with an electric drivetrain only.

This did not sit well with many, but Porsche has had a knack for making the right decision at the right. But no one could imagine what would come next.

Sales of the EV industry slowed down. The roll out of charging facilities slowed as well and this had the general populus rethinking the approach to EV’s. Perhaps electric cars were not the saviours they were made out to be after all? Perhaps motoring journos were right and plug-in hybrids are a much better answer?

This slow down forced many car makers to abandon their full-EV plans altogether, including Porsche. Though none have openly admitted to it.

Instead of admitting going fully electric was not the right decision, car makers like Volvo announced they were going to continue to offer regular powertrains with hybrids and EV’s as well to give consumers “the power of choice”.

But Porsche had already committed to the Macan EV, and it is here. We have driven it as well. Though whether it will continue to exist as an EV only is still to be seen but we were left feeling fuzzy after driving the new Macan.

So, what does the electric Macan have to offer?

There are four variants currently on offer in Malaysia and they are:

Macan: RM430,000
Macan 4: RM445,000
Macan 4S: RM525,000
Macan Turbo: RM635,000

We drove the Macan 4 so this article will focus on that.

Powering the car are dual electric motors with one mounted on each axle, effectively giving the car all-wheel-drive capability.

On the performance front, the Macan 4 offers 387PS and 650Nm of torque. However, when overboost is activated, power jumps to 408PS though only for a few seconds.

The charge to 100km/h is seen off in 5.2 seconds and top speed is rated at 220km/h.

As for range and charging, the Macan 4 will travel 613km before it needs to be recharged. And when it does need to be recharged, it will take just 21 minutes to reach 80% using a 270kW DC charger. And for a full charge to 100%, that will set you back a full 10 hours with an 11kW AC charger.

The AC charging bit is a bit of a shocker especially considering the Macan 4 is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture.

And if you are wondering why the Macan does not have that insane top speed which the Taycan has, well that is because the Macan does not have the Taycan’s two-speed “gearbox” which it uses to reach its blinding speeds.

What’s the interior like?

This matters because this is where you will be spending most if not all your time during the entirety of your relationship with the Macan.

First things first, it took me some time to get over how big the dashboard is. It is not wide from door-to-door because the Macan is not a very big car. But it is quite deep from the point where it meets the windscreen to edge of the screens.

After you get over that, your eyes will set on the minimalistic yet functional interior. As with all modern cars, you are first greeted by a curved 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster up ahead of you, and to the left of that is a 10.9-inch infotainment system for all the car’s controls, entertainment and even video games.

Yes, you read that right, the Porsche Macan has videogames like in a Tesla. I tried it and will not criticise it because it is quite fun.

There is also an option for another 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger, but that is for the passenger’s eyes only since it comes with a layer akin to a privacy screen. Which means the driver will never be able to look at the screen, ever.

So, if you are the driver, and you are shelling out your hard-earned money for that third screen, perhaps you should leave this option box unticked. Why pay for something you can’t use?

I am a fan of the interior of the new Macan, more so than the interior of the Taycan. And there are a few reasons for that. For one, the air-conditioning vents can be manually adjusted, unlike the Taycan which blindly followed Tesla and it’s very annoying electronically adjusted air vents.

I also like the fact that you get buttons for air-conditioning controls as well. It may sound petty, but it makes a lot of difference, especially in a Porsche where you need to be focused on the road rather than working a screen to get cold air to be blown to your face.

I do also think that it’s quite sad that we are now relegated to praising regular air-vents and physical controls in our car reviews, things that cars from as far back as the 60s used to have. These are some crazy times indeed.

The one thing that the new Macan seems to have inherited from the Taycan though is the cramped rear seats together with the rather upright angle of the backrests. Taller passengers may want to spend more time at the front.

That’s not a deal breaker for me though, if I were to choose between the new Macan and the Taycan, it would be the former. The Taycan may have the higher top speed but there are not many roads in Malaysia that would let you get up to 250km/h. So, I really don’t care about the top speed.

Let’s talk about how it drives then.

Driving a Porsche is always quite an occasion. At least it used to be, with the sound of an engine reverberating in the cabin with the roar of the exhausts and blip of gearshifts numbing your brain during acceleration.

Of course you don’t get anything like that now, but you still get some wild acceleration that sends the blood rushing to the back of your head. And that is always fun. You may hate EV’s, but there is no denying that their acceleration is intoxicating.

Besides, this is a Porsche guys, so let’s get real. If there is any company that can produce an EV while remaining true to its sports car heritage, it is Porsche.

Just like the Taycan, wringing out every inch of performance out of the Macan requires focus and dedication. Power is available at the slightest prod of the accelerator paddle so you have to be sure of what you want to do before flooring the pedal because you will close gaps in traffic quicker than you can catch a breath.

There are four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Off Road. I am not sure if Off Road mode is a necessity; just because all four wheels rotate in the same direction does not make the Macan a car capable of tackling sand and stone, but if it helps to sell cars then why not, I guess?

Sport Plus should be left to the more experienced while Sport and Normal is where mere mortals should dwell. But the good thing here is that Porsche brakes work like anchors with face retardation systems built in. Slam the brakes hard and you will come to a stop real quick, and maybe have a facial makeover in the process.

Should you buy one?

Before I drove the new Macan, I was quite excited about rumours that Porsche will be introducing an internal combustion engine variant later. But after driving it, I am not so sure anymore.

The new Porsche Macan does a brilliant job as an EV. It feels purpose built for it. You surely feel the bulk and heft of the car when on the move, but the Macan makes no apologies for it. It does not envelope around you to make it feel like you were driving a sports car.

The Macan is a big, muscular Porsche with power to shame some of the most iconic sports cars.

So, yes, you should buy one if budget is no concern. In fact, I like driving the Macan better than I do the Taycan because I feel more comfortable in it and the systems just make more sense.

And besides, you don’t just buy a Porsche because you want a fast EV, you buy a Porsche because of what it is, and it is a very fast car, sans the engine sounds but you will get used to it. Sadly.

Specifications
Motor: Dual Motor (All-wheel-drive)
Power: 387PS (408PS with Overboost)
Torque: 650Nm
Transmission: Single-speed
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: 613km (WLTP)
Charging: 270kW (DC) / 11kW (AC)

We like: Power, handling, good looks
We don’t like: Cramped rear seats

Porsche Malaysia, di bawah pengurusan Sime Darby Auto Performance, menyambut ulang tahunnya yang ke-15 dengan pelancaran rasmi model generasi terbaharu Porsche 911 yang dinanti-nantikan. Dua varian baharu – 911 Carrera dan 911 Carrera 4 GTS – telah diperkenalkan dan kini dibuka untuk tempahan di seluruh negara.

Harga bermula dari RM1.43 juta bagi model 911 Carrera, manakala 911 Carrera 4 GTS ditawarkan pada harga RM1.89 juta. Sebagai sebahagian daripada sambutan istimewa ulang tahun ini, model 911 Carrera baharu akan dipamerkan di The Exchange TRX Mall dari 11 hingga 13 April 2025, membolehkan orang ramai menyaksikan keunggulannya secara dekat.

Varian 911 Carrera 4 GTS tampil dengan inovasi utama melalui sistem hibrid T-Hybrid baharu, yang diilhamkan daripada pengalaman luas Porsche dalam arena sukan permotoran. Sistem ini menyepadukan pengecas turbo gas ekzos elektrik dengan motor elektrik yang dipasang antara pemampat turbo dan roda turbin. Konfigurasi ini membolehkan tekanan rangsangan dijana serta-merta serta menjana sehingga 11 kW tenaga elektrik daripada aliran gas ekzos.

Di samping itu, motor segerak magnet kekal yang terbina dalam transmisi klac berkembar (PDK) lapan kelajuan turut menyumbang sehingga 150 Nm tork tambahan dan peningkatan prestasi sebanyak 40 kW, walaupun semasa melahu. Kuasa ini disokong oleh bateri voltan tinggi 1.9 kWj serta bateri litium-ion berasingan untuk sistem 12V.

Dikuasakan oleh enjin boxer 3.6 liter yang dibangunkan semula dengan lubang dan lejang lebih besar (97 mm dan 81 mm), enjin ini menjana 485 PS dan 570 Nm secara sendiri. Digabungkan dengan sistem hibrid, jumlah kuasa meningkat kepada 541 PS dan 610 Nm – tambahan sebanyak 61 PS berbanding model terdahulu. Menariknya, walaupun terdapat elektrifikasi, berat tambahan hanya sekitar 50 kg, membolehkan model ini mengatasi prestasi pendahulu dengan pelepasan karbon lebih rendah.

Sementara itu, 911 Carrera mengekalkan enjin boxer 3.0 liter turbo berkembar, namun ia menerima peningkatan teknologi. Kini menggunakan intercooler dan pengecas turbo yang sebelum ini eksklusif kepada model Turbo dan GTS, model ini menjana 394 PS dan 450 Nm tork. Ia mampu memecut dari 0 ke 100 km/j dalam 4.1 saat, atau 3.9 saat dengan pakej Sport Chrono, dan mencapai kelajuan maksimum 294 km/j.

Dari segi pengendalian, 911 Carrera 4 GTS kini didatangkan standard dengan stereng gandar belakang dan sport suspension yang dilengkapi sistem Pengurusan Suspensi Aktif Porsche (PASM), menjadikannya lebih tangkas dan stabil pada kelajuan tinggi. Reka bentuk luaran pula menerima kemas kini aerodinamik, termasuk lampu hadapan LED matriks baharu, bampar yang direka khas dan bolong penyejukan aktif yang mengoptimumkan aliran udara mengikut prestasi.

Bahagian dalaman model ini menampilkan reka bentuk termaju menerusi kluster instrumen digital sepenuhnya bersaiz 12.6 inci yang boleh disesuaikan dengan tujuh paparan berbeza, termasuk paparan klasik lima tiub ikonik Porsche. Ia melengkapi skrin tengah 10.9 inci yang mengendalikan sistem Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Sistem infotainmen kini menyokong Apple CarPlay secara lebih mendalam serta aplikasi asli seperti Spotify dan Apple Music tanpa memerlukan sambungan telefon pintar. Penstriman video turut disediakan apabila kenderaan berada dalam keadaan pegun.

Kedua-dua varian hadir dengan transmisi PDK generasi baharu sebagai ciri standard. 911 Carrera ditawarkan sebagai Coupé pacuan roda belakang, manakala 911 Carrera 4 GTS dilengkapi pacuan semua roda.

Pelancaran model generasi baharu ini bukan sahaja memperkukuh lagi kedudukan Porsche 911 sebagai ikon sukan permotoran, malah turut menjadi penanda aras pencapaian Porsche Malaysia dalam tempoh 15 tahun operasinya di negara ini.

To commemorate the milestone, Porsche enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the new 911 Carrera up close at The Exchange TRX Mall from 11 to 13 April 2025, as part of a special anniversary showcase.

The headline innovation of this new generation lies within the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, which introduces a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain developed from Porsche’s extensive motorsport experience. The T-Hybrid system, as it is called, integrates a newly engineered electric exhaust gas turbocharger. By placing an electric motor between the turbo’s compressor and turbine wheel, the unit can generate immediate boost pressure and double as a generator, converting exhaust gas flow into up to 11 kW of electrical energy.

The hybrid system’s internal configuration reflects Porsche’s commitment to lightweight engineering. A permanent magnet synchronous motor is built into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), providing up to 150 Nm of extra torque and a 40 kW performance boost even from idle. Power is supplied by a high-voltage battery capable of storing up to 1.9 kWh of energy, operating on a 400-volt system, while a separate lithium-ion battery supports the standard 12V electrical system.

At the heart of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS is a newly developed 3.6-litre boxer engine. With an increased bore and stroke – now measuring 97 mm and 81 mm respectively – the engine benefits from a 0.6-litre rise in displacement. Enhanced with VarioCam camshaft control and rocker-arm valve actuation, the engine produces 485 PS and 570 Nm on its own. When combined with the hybrid system, the total output reaches 541 PS and 610 Nm, a 61 PS increase over its predecessor. Despite the addition of electrification, the new 911 Carrera 4 GTS has gained only 50 kg in weight, allowing it to outperform the previous model in acceleration and efficiency while also achieving lower CO₂ emissions.

The 911 Carrera variant retains its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged boxer engine, but benefits from several technical upgrades. Borrowing the intercooler from the higher-end Turbo models and gaining turbochargers that were previously exclusive to GTS models, the updated engine now delivers 394 PS and 450 Nm of torque. These enhancements enable the 911 Carrera Coupé to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, or 3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, and reach a top speed of 294 km/h – modest gains in both acceleration and maximum velocity.

Porsche has also re-engineered the suspension of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS to improve agility and high-speed stability. Rear-axle steering, now standard, works in tandem with a new electro-hydraulic control system to sharpen handling and reduce the turning radius. The model sits 10 mm lower than standard versions, thanks to sports suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The Carrera 4 GTS rides on 21-inch rear wheels paired with 315/30 ZR 21 tyres and 20-inch front wheels wrapped in 245/35 ZR 20 tyres, providing a wider footprint for increased traction and dynamic performance.

Visually, the new 911 range features a cleaner, more aerodynamic design. Model-specific bumpers and integrated matrix LED headlights – now standard across the board – replace separate front driving lights, allowing for larger cooling vents. The Carrera 4 GTS further benefits from active aerodynamic elements, including five vertical cooling flaps and adaptive front diffusers in the underbody. These elements dynamically adjust airflow depending on performance demand, switching between aerodynamic efficiency and increased cooling as required.

Optional HD matrix LED headlights offer more than 32,000 light points and a high-performance high beam that reaches up to 600 metres. Additional lighting functions include cornering lights, lane illumination, and adaptive beam adjustment that prevents glare for other drivers.

At the rear, a redesigned light bar with the Porsche logo creates a broader, lower visual stance. A newly structured bumper and five-fin rear grille blend into a retractable spoiler, while model-specific exhaust systems are seamlessly integrated into the diffuser. A sports exhaust is available as an option for Carrera models and is standard on the Carrera GTS variants. Buyers may also choose the optional aero kit, which adds a SportDesign front bumper, unique front spoiler, side sills, and a fixed rear wing – all of which enhance downforce and road grip.

Inside, the 911 adopts Porsche’s latest Driver Experience layout. Key controls are now concentrated around the steering wheel for easier access. For the first time in a 911, a dedicated engine start button is located to the left of the wheel. The cabin also includes a cooled smartphone compartment with inductive charging.

In a significant digital shift, the traditional analogue instrument cluster has been replaced by a fully digital 12.6-inch curved display. Customisable with up to seven different views, including a Classic mode that mimics Porsche’s iconic five-tube layout, the new cluster complements the 10.9-inch central touchscreen that continues to manage the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.

Connectivity receives a major boost in this generation. Apple CarPlay is now more deeply integrated, with the ability to display functions in the digital instrument panel and operate various car features through Siri. Additionally, the system supports native apps such as Spotify and Apple Music without requiring a connected smartphone. A new video streaming feature is also available when the car is stationary.

The 911 Carrera is offered as a rear-wheel-drive Coupé, while the 911 Carrera 4 GTS comes exclusively with all-wheel drive, both featuring the latest generation Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission as standard.

The arrival of these new 911 models not only marks a significant technical evolution for the legendary sports car but also serves as a proud milestone for Porsche Malaysia as it celebrates 15 years of operation under Sime Darby Auto Performance.

Porsche Malaysia, yang diwakili oleh Sime Darby Auto Performance, telah mengumumkan ketersediaan generasi terbaru kereta sport 911 di pasaran tempatan. Model terbaharu, Porsche 911 Carrera dan Carrera 4 GTS, kini boleh ditempah dengan harga bermula dari RM1,430,000.

Teknologi Hibrid Berprestasi Tinggi untuk 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS menjadi model pertama dalam siri 911 yang dilengkapi dengan sistem rangkaian kuasa hibrid berprestasi tinggi. Enjin 3.6 liter baharu ini memberikan lonjakan prestasi yang signifikan, membolehkan pecutan dari 0 hingga 100 km/j dalam hanya 3.0 saat dan mencapai kelajuan maksimum 312 km/j. Sementara itu, model 911 Carrera mengekalkan enjin 3.0 liter twin-turbo boxer yang telah dipertingkatkan bagi memberikan kuasa dan kecekapan yang lebih tinggi.

Sistem hibrid T-Hybrid yang dibangunkan oleh Porsche mendapat inspirasi daripada teknologi sukan permotoran. Pengecas turbo gas ekzos elektrik yang direka baharu, bersama motor elektrik bersepadu, membolehkan tindak balas kuasa yang lebih pantas. Berbeza dengan model sebelum ini yang menggunakan dua pengecas turbo, sistem baharu ini hanya memerlukan satu pengecas turbo, menjadikannya lebih cekap dan responsif.

Tambahan lagi, motor segerak magnet kekal yang disepadukan ke dalam transmisi klac berkembar lapan kelajuan (PDK) mampu memberikan tork tambahan sehingga 150Nm dan peningkatan kuasa sebanyak 40 kW. Bateri voltan tinggi yang kompak menggantikan bateri pemula konvensional, menawarkan kapasiti simpanan tenaga sebanyak 1.9 kWh dan beroperasi pada 400 volt. Sistem elektrik onboard 12V turut menggunakan bateri litium-ion yang lebih ringan.

Enjin boxer 3.6 liter yang baru dibangunkan ini menampilkan sistem pemacu belt yang lebih padat dan cekap. Penyusunan semula enjin juga membolehkan penyongsang nadi dan penukar DC-DC diletakkan dengan lebih strategik di atas unit kuasa. Dengan peningkatan kapasiti enjin kepada 3.6 liter, ia menghasilkan kuasa 485PS dan 570Nm tork secara sendiri, manakala sistem hibrid menyumbang kepada jumlah keseluruhan 541PS dan 610Nm tork. Ini mewakili peningkatan sebanyak 61PS berbanding generasi sebelumnya.

Penambahbaikan pada 911 Carrera

Model 911 Carrera mengekalkan enjin 3.0 liter twin-turbo boxer tetapi kini dilengkapi dengan intercooler daripada model Turbo yang diposisikan di bawah gril penutup belakang untuk kecekapan penyejukan yang lebih baik. Sistem pengecas turbo baharu yang digunakan pada model GTS sebelum ini kini turut digunakan pada Carrera, meningkatkan kecekapan bahan api dan output kuasa kepada 394PS dan 450Nm tork.

911 Carrera Coupé mampu memecut dari 0 hingga 100 km/j dalam 4.1 saat (atau 3.9 saat dengan pakej Sport Chrono) dan mencapai kelajuan maksimum 294 km/j. Angka ini menunjukkan peningkatan 0.1 saat dalam pecutan serta tambahan 1 km/j dalam kelajuan maksimum berbanding model sebelumnya.

Pengendalian dan Aerodinamik Dipertingkatkan

Sistem stereng gandar belakang kini menjadi ciri standard pada 911 Carrera 4 GTS, meningkatkan kestabilan pada kelajuan tinggi dan mengurangkan radius pusingan. Suspensi sukan dengan peredam boleh ubah (PASM) serta pengurangan ketinggian sebanyak 10 mm menyumbang kepada kestabilan dan kawalan yang lebih baik.

Model ini juga menawarkan tujuh pilihan reka bentuk roda berbeza, termasuk roda Reka Bentuk Eksklusif dengan bilah karbon untuk aerodinamik yang lebih baik. 911 Carrera 4 GTS didatangkan standard dengan tayar belakang 21-inci dan tayar hadapan 20-inci untuk meningkatkan daya tarikan dan dinamik pemanduan.

Reka Bentuk Luaran yang Diperkemas dengan Teknologi Pencahayaan Terkini

Bahagian hadapan 911 Carrera 4 GTS kini dilengkapi dengan lima kepak udara penyejuk aktif tersusun menegak yang berfungsi bersama penyebar hadapan adaptif untuk mengoptimumkan aliran udara. Lampu hadapan LED matriks kini menyepadukan semua fungsi pencahayaan tanpa memerlukan lampu pemanduan hadapan tambahan. Lampu LED matriks HD pilihan pula menawarkan lebih 32,000 titik cahaya dan pancaran tinggi yang boleh menerangi sehingga 600 meter.

Di bahagian belakang, jalur lampu LED yang direka bentuk semula dengan logo ‘PORSCHE’ bersepadu meningkatkan estetika dan aerodinamik. Plat lesen kini diletakkan lebih tinggi, manakala sistem ekzos yang direka khas untuk setiap model turut disepadukan secara estetik dengan peresap belakang.

Kokpit Digital dengan Ketersambungan Moden

Di dalam kabin, Porsche menggabungkan reka bentuk klasik 911 dengan teknologi moden. Kluster instrumen digital sepenuhnya bersaiz 12.6 inci menawarkan tujuh mod paparan berbeza, termasuk mod Klasik yang menyerupai rekaan lima dail Porsche tradisional. Sistem Pengurusan Komunikasi Porsche (PCM) boleh diakses melalui skrin sentuh 10.9 inci, kini dengan kawalan yang lebih intuitif untuk mod pemanduan dan bantuan pemandu.

Porsche turut memperkenalkan penyepaduan Apple CarPlay yang lebih mendalam, membolehkan maklumat kenderaan dipaparkan dalam kluster instrumen serta kawalan fungsi melalui arahan suara Siri. Buat pertama kalinya, penstriman video boleh dilakukan dalam PCM apabila kenderaan diletakkan, membolehkan pengguna mengakses aplikasi seperti Spotify dan Apple Music secara asli.

Ketersediaan dan Varian Model

Porsche 911 Carrera baharu tersedia sebagai model Coupé pacuan roda belakang, manakala 911 Carrera 4 GTS boleh didapati dalam varian Coupé dan Targa dengan pacuan semua roda sebagai standard. Kedua-dua model ini dilengkapi dengan transmisi Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) lapan kelajuan sebagai ciri standard.