Performance cars launching in Malaysia in 2023 - From GR Corolla to 992 GT3 RS

In the midst of the EV movement in Malaysia, there is still a number of upcoming models that will get petrol heads excited for in 2023. These are the fire-breathing hot hatches, two-door sports cars, etc.

So, let us jump right into it.

2023 Audi RS3 Sedan

Order books for the 2023 Audi RS3 Sedan have been open since October last year, with an estimated price between RM 650k to RM 750k.

The compact powerhouse pumps out 400 PS/500 Nm from its turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-five, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h sprint time is completed in 3.8 seconds, onwards to a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Also read: Audi unleashes the all-new A3 Sedan in Malaysia from RM332k, but we think you'll dig the the RS 3 Sedan more

2023 BMW XM

Also in October last year, BMW Malaysia opened its order books for the BMW XM, the M division’s first standalone model, which carries an indicative price starting from RM 1.4 million.

The BMW XM is the first M model to be a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV), with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes 489 PS/650 Nm on its own, supplemented by an electric motor with 197 PS/280 Nm to give a combined output of 653 PS/800 Nm.

Drive goes to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h sprint time takes 4.3 seconds to complete.

Also read: BMW Malaysia announces bookings for RM 1.4 mil moon-sized 2023 BMW XM

2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5)

Unlike its predecessor (FK8), this new FL5 Honda Civic Type R employs a much more subtle approach with a more subdued exterior and a carried-over  powertrain albeit fettled to produce even more power.

The 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine makes 10 PS more power than before with 320 PS, while torque has been increased by 20 Nm to 420 Nm. In keeping with the Type R tradition, the only transmission available here is a 6-speed manual.

Also read: There's now a 4-year waiting period for FL5 Honda Civic Type R in Japan, orders paused

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance

No more V8, the W206 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance is a 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To make up for the loss of displacement and cylinder count, the new C63S features a whole lot more go-fast tech.

The M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine alone makes 476 PS/545 Nm, the highest of any production 2.0-litre engine. With an electric motor producing 204 PS/320 Nm mounted at the rear, the result is a combined output of 680 PS/1020 Nm.

The engine is paired to a 9-speed multi-clutch transmission while the electric motor has a 2-speed gearbox. Both can power all four wheels, which means even in full-electric mode, the C63S is all-wheel drive. 0-100 km/h sprint time is claimed at 3.4 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Also read: RM 375 road tax for 680 PS/1020 Nm - 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance revealed

2023 Porsche 911 (992) GT3 RS

The 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS has a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that makes 525 PS/465 Nm. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission gets a shorter final drive ratio than the ‘regular’ GT3 to account for the larger wheels and aero bits.

0-100 km/h is completed in 3.2 seconds and tops out at 296 km/h. Though those numbers don’t mean much when it’s a track weapon like the GT3 RS, it’s about how much speed it carries through corners.

Also read: The 2023 (992) Porsche 911 GT3 RS has so much aero that it should be a wind god

2023 Toyota GR Corolla

Unlike the Toyota GR Yaris, the GR Corolla is a global model and its eventual launch in Malaysia is expected, considering all other GR models have made (or are making) its way here.

Also read: Get your cheque books ready, UMW Toyota confirms GR Corolla, GR86 and GR Supra MT for 2023

The Toyota GR Corolla features the same G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine found in the GR Yaris, fettled to make 304 PS/370 Nm. Drive goes to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Also read: Malaysia-bound Toyota GR Corolla could be cheaper than the RM 391k VW Golf R Mk8

2023 Toyota GR Supra MT

The people (probably keyboard warriors) asked for it, and Toyota delivered – A GR Supra with a 6-speed manual and 3 pedals in the footwell, mated to the B58 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine with 387 PS/500 Nm.

Apart from the transmission, Toyota has made the GR Supra more involving at the limit by tweaking with the chassis control systems (AVS, power steering, stability control).

Also read: Is that a manual 2023 Toyota GR Supra? You’re damn right it is… in the metal

2023 Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 has a 2.4-litre boxer engine (FA24) that makes 235 PS/250 Nm (based on Japanese specifications), mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, going to the rear wheels.

Its twin, the Subaru BRZ has already made its way here, currently priced from RM 249k for the 6-speed manual variant. We think the GR86 will likely see a higher asking price, as history would suggest. How much higher? We’d have to wait and find out.

Also read: 2022 Toyota GR86 could be priced over RM 300k in Malaysia

And that concludes the upcoming performance cars that will be launched in Malaysia. Note that this is not an exhaustive list as we might get a few surprises along the way, but as far as we can predict, this is it.

Also read: Exclusive: Toyota's new President, Koji Sato speaks to us on the future of racing, carbon neutrality, and more