Just a few days back, my colleague Arif opined that the world doesn't need manual cars anymore. Chaos ensued, tables and chairs were thrown in the office (some were thrown in Adrian's direction too, for saying this). After the dust has settled, I'm happy to report that we're all still friends and colleagues (I was forced to type this). Jokes aside, I am only too aware of the passage of progress, and Arif does have valid points about the need to continue moving forward. Electric cars and autonomo
Aug 2, 2020
Mag X, a Japanese publication has reported that a manual gearbox is “under preparation” for the A90 Toyota Supra. The manual gearbox is expected to make the infamous coupe even more engaging to drive. There are yet to be any specifics on the manual gearbox. Currently the A90 Toyota Supra utilises the 8-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. Earlier this year, Toyota had already introduced a 4-cylinder turbo B48 base variant of the Toyota Supra alongside the B58 turbo 6-cylinder variant
Jul 29, 2020
When Toyota launched the GR Supra, it kept the enthusiast scene buzzing – partially because Toyota worked with BMW to develop the Supra, but also because the GR Supra lacks a manual transmission. Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the GR Supra threw a curveball, asking if Toyota should prioritize a manual version of the Supra, or should they develop a more powerful version. In the meantime, a tuner group called European Auto Group recently got their hands on the GR Supra and has started work on
Oct 22, 2019
China car brand Chery actually invented an electric vehicle (EV) that behaves like a manual car with shift points and it even stalls. It also adds a tachometer, clutch pedal, and a five-speed shifter. But why on earth did Chery invent an EV like this? The EV in question is known as a Chery New Energy eQ2 Driving School Version. Yes, the EV is invented to eliminate emissions from driving school vehicles. Even in Malaysia, a country with a population number that barely scratches the surface of Chi
Jun 19, 2020
It’s official, Suzuki has returned to Malaysia after a 5-year hiatus. One of its most iconic models, the Suzuki Swift Sport, is set to make a comeback. Full disclosure - yours truly has a third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC32S) with a stick shift, hence some bias is likely at play here. As the title would already have hinted, I am a die-hard fan of manual transmissions. So much so that when my colleague Jason was throwing furniture at another colleague, Arif, for his article on manual transm
Apr 5, 2021
When the 992 generation Porsche 911 was first revealed, there were no manual transmission option available globally and it was a sign of manual transmissions becoming obsolete. However, less than a year later, Porsche announced the option for a manual for it in the US. Now, the manual is available for the 911 Carrera S in Europe along with other updates. First things first, the 911 Carrera S and 4S is now available with the aforementioned manual gearbox over in Europe at no extra cost. Similarly
Apr 28, 2020
The #SaveTheManuals movement has been rather successful in the automotive world. Case in point, Porsche brought back the 6-speed manual transmission option in their 991.2 generation Porsche GT3 following public woes. I love driving cars with three pedals and a stick – regardless of power and performance. It gives you an additional layer of engagement and connection with the car which more often than not equates to ‘fun driving’. Rowing through the gears yourself is not just an exercise for your
Oct 9, 2019
Manual drivers rejoice, as Nissan has confirmed that the upcoming Nissan 400Z will be fitted with a three-pedal option. Over the past week, Nissan has dropped a slew of teasers for its new Z-car, including one that has the 400Z’s manual shifter in view, as well as glimpses of the new car’s headlights and wheels. Nissan’s design boss Alfonso Albaisa also posted a sketch of the Z-Car’s rear-end, hinting that the model will get horizontal tail lights – much like the 300ZX. Power is expected to be d
Sep 11, 2020
One of the cars that stole last week's thunder was the 2020 Toyota Vios GR Sport. Since we first broke news of the car a couple of months ago and all the way up to our Closer Look post, one thing has got one trump card that people have been talking about - its '10-speed' gearbox. Pretty much for good reason too. Name us a few other cars that come with 10-speed gearboxes. There's the 2020 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, its beefier Ranger Raptor sibling and the way more expensive 2020 Lexus LC500 Convertib
Dec 26, 2020
Mag X, satu publikasi Jepun telah melaporkan yang kotak gear manual sedang “dalam persiapan” untuk Toyota Supra A90. Kotak gear manual ini dijangka untuk membuatkan coupe terkenal ini lebih menarik dan menyeronokkan untuk dipandu. Belum ada maklumat terperinci tentang kotak gear manual ini. Buat masa ini, Toyota Supra A90 menggunakan transmisi automatik 8 kelajuan dengan ‘shift paddles’. Awal tahun ini, Toyota telah memperkenalkan varian asas Toyota Supra iaitu turbo B48 4 silinder bersama-sama
Jul 29, 2020
If you found a genie in a bottle and wished for enough money to last an entire lifetime, things could turn out several ways. He could give you a billion ringgit to let you live lavishly for a good 50 years. He could also not give you anything at all, but make you die the moment your money runs out. The point is, “lasting an entire lifetime” is only as good as how long a lifetime is. With that, lifetime transmission fluids also depend on the definition of what a lifetime is. You’re probably famil
Sep 13, 2020
The demise of manual gearboxes may not be imminent after all, at least not at Porsche because they have just announced the option for a manual for the new 911, 992 generation. US market only for now. The latest 911 was launched with an 8-speed dual clutch (PDK) only option globally. And the thing about Porsche is that they listen to their customers’ demands. Case in point would be the previous generation 911 (991.1) GT3 that came with PDK only and purists around the world moaned for a manual. So
Oct 31, 2019
Stalling engines, nerve-wracking hill starts, and jerky gear shifts are some of the memories you might have of obtaining your driver’s license. If you had taken your driver’s license prior to 2014, you had to do it with a manual transmission car. It most likely didn’t have power steering too. You didn’t have a choice. Today, a Malaysian driver’s license can be obtained either with a manual or an automatic car. While driving enthusiasts stand by the mantra that driving a manual makes you a better
Jul 24, 2020
Back in the early 90s, if you wanted to buy a performance car, you’d most probably choose the manual transmission option. The equivalent automatic option was probably heavier, slower-reacting, and had higher fuel consumption. My own uncle once told me back then, “In a sprint, my manual car would always be faster and more accelerative versus an automatic.” Those words stuck with me. Fast forward to today, and self-shifting transmissions have gotten so good, no human input could possibly match its
Jul 24, 2020
As much as enthusiasts such as myself lament the inevitable demise of manual transmissions (MT), there is simply no business case for manufacturers to continue offering a manual option. Instead, dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) or traditional automatic transmissions (AT) are taking over their place. Admittedly, I have defended manual transmissions since the birth of YouTube comment section, not that I participate in them, it's only mental replies. But no longer am I oblivious to the preferences o
Apr 21, 2020
Malaysians and Indonesians could be expecting the arrival of the Perodua D55L and Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize respectively in 2021. However, apart from getting Daihatsu Connect, the Indo-spec Rocky/Raize might also gain a manual transmission. According to Otodriver, the Indo-spec Rocky/Raize would be offered with two transmissions, a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT automatic. Recall that the Japanese Rocky/Raize only comes with a CVT automatic, so Indonesia could be the very first market t
Jan 29, 2021
Mati enjin, pacuan atas bukit yang menggerunkan, dan penukaran gear yang tersekat-sekat adalah antara pengalaman yang anda barangkali pernah alami ketika hendak mengambil lesen memandu. Jika anda mengambil lesen memandu sebelum tahun 2014, anda tiada pilihan lain selain daripada diuji dengan kereta manual. Kereta ujian anda mungkin tak ada stereng berkuasa pun. Hari ini, lesen memandu Malaysia boleh didapati samada untuk kereta manual atau automatik. Untuk mereka yang gemar memandu, mereka serin
Aug 3, 2020
Alright, maybe ruin is a little dramatic. The point is, we all have our habits when driving; some of them are fairly harmless and some potentially lethal (texting, for one). Habits that can incur unnecessary costs and inconvenience or worse, risk an accident are best corrected. So, these are the 4 things you should not do in an automatic transmission car. 1. Shift to reverse while the car is still moving forwards Each time when an opposite direction gear is selected, it is advised to come to a c
Oct 21, 2020
By now you would’ve read that Naza Eastern Motors, the new distributor for Suzuki cars in Malaysia, has launched the fourth generation Suzuki Swift Sport. Priced at RM 139,900, imported (CBU) from Japan, thus explains its higher price. Enthusiasts who prefer to row their own gears will be disappointed to know that only one powertrain is offered for the Malaysian market Suzuki Swift Sport – a 140 PS / 230 Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder paired exclusively to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Apr 9, 2021
What happens to a car’s odometer once it has used up all the available display digits? Well in the case of this Honda Civic in USA, the odometer is now stuck at 999,999 miles, which is essentially over 1.6 million kilometres. News of this particular million mile mileage Honda was first posted by US-based Honda fan HondaPro Jason. What’s even more surprising is that the car continues to be driven and it is estimated to have clocked close to 1,043 miles (1,700 km) over the odometer’s 999,999 miles
Sep 26, 2019
As part of Proton’s aggressive push to export overseas, the company has launched the Proton Saga in Pakistan. Five variants are available in Pakistan, with prices ranging from PKR 1,975,000 (~RM 54k) for the Saga Standard MT to PKR 2,225,000 (~RM 60k) for the Saga Ace AT. In addition to the regular variants, Proton’s Pakistan arm is also offering the Saga R3 there. Only 100 units of the kitted-up Saga are offered. Unlike Malaysia whereby the model is sold exclusively with a four-speed automatic,
Apr 5, 2021
An article from fortune.com back in 2016 suggested that a car spends about 90% of its time parked. Is there any truth to that? Well, even if you did drive 2 hours a day, it would only amount to 8.3% of the 24 hours we have in a day. There’s still a good 91.7% left. If you drive an automatic, you need to shift to “P” and engage the parking brake to park the car. There are however, two different types of people in terms of the sequence of action. Some shift to “P” first, and then engage the parkin
Jun 29, 2020
Minggu lepas, rakan saya Mersita menulis sebuah rencana yang mengatakan dunia tidak perlu kereta dengan transmisi manual. Sebagai seorang peminat pemanduan, saya kurang bersetuju dengan pendapat beliau dan dengan bersemangatnya menulis rencana ini bagi menyatakan pendapat saya. Secara azalinya, saya menyedari akan tahap kemajuan dunia otomotif dan perlunya untuk kita kekal maju kehadapan dalam. Kereta elektrik dan pemanduan autonomi memang bakal menggantikan apa yang kita sudah biasa lakukan, ke
Aug 17, 2020
The Proton Saga is set to be launched in the Pakistani market soon. According to a source, CBU units of the Saga have arrived in the country. A cross check with the Proton Pakistan website reveals that the Saga is indeed listed, albeit without a price yet. Also read: Closer Look: 2021 Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition - still worthy of the R3 badge? While it is largely the same car we Malaysians get, the CBU Pakistan Proton Saga gets a slighty smaller engine, and we mean slightly. It's still a 1.3-
Mar 10, 2021
Subaru has unveiled the all-new 2021 Subaru BRZ at the Thermal Club Raceway in California, U.S. It carries on the traditional sports car formula with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout with low weight and low centre of gravity. The all-new Subaru BRZ is 30 mm longer and 10 mm lower than its predecessor, coming in at 4,264 mm long and 1,310 mm tall. Wheelbase measures at 2,575 mm (+5 mm) long. Kerb weight is yet to be announced but Subaru says it will be under 1,315 kg, which is about 50 kg
Nov 18, 2020
Umum mengetahui bahawa Perodua D55L adalah model SUV yang dibangunkan berasaskan Toyota Raize dan Daihatsu Rocky. Ura-ura turut mengatakan bahawa Daihatsu Rocky akan dilancarkan di Indonesia selain pelancaran Perodua D55L untuk Malaysia tahun 2021 ini. Toyota Raize dan Daihatsu Rocky menggunakan transmisi CVT secara keseluruhan. Hal ini juga bermakna, berkemungkinan besar Perodua D55L juga akan menggunakan transmisi CVT. Justeru, Perodua D55L mungkin akan menjadi satu-satunya model Perodua sekar
Jan 29, 2021
Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importer and distributor of Porsche cars Malaysia, has launched the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and the 718 Spyder. The GT4 sits at the top of the 718 range, above the GTS. Both the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are powered by a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that makes 420 PS and 420 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Depending on how fast the driver shifts, the duo is able to complete the century
Jul 16, 2020
Prior to the introduction of the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70, the company has confirmed that the upcoming model will be fitted with a new 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission, superseding the 6-speed torque converter unit. Recently, Geely flew selected members of the media to its headquarters in Zhejiang, China as a preview for the new transmission. DCT, reliable meh? Speaking to members of the media, Geely’s Senior Chief Engineer Tejinder Singh said that their new wet-type
Feb 3, 2020
Dunia yang tidak memerlukan kereta manual adalah dunia yang membosankan. Jika anda berada dalam golongan peminat manual, ini satu berita baik untuk anda. Jika anda juga sebahagian daripada golongan peminat hatchback berprestasi tinggi, baca artikel ini sampai habis! Kami menemui sebuah Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 7 dengan transmisi manual. Di Malaysia, kesemua unit Volkswagen Golf (TSI, GTI dan R) dijual dengan transmisi DSG dwi klac (dual clutch) automatik. Merujuk kepada bacaan wikipedia, transmisi
Aug 13, 2020
Parking brake is a safety mechanism that prevents a stationary car from rolling away. Parking brake is also commonly referred to handbrake because of its hand-operated lever. However, there are also different types of parking brake such as foot-operated pedal (footbrake) as well as the increasingly common electric parking brake (EPB). Each of these parking brakes has its benefits, but which is the best? First, we will explain how each parking brake works. The manual handbrake and footbrake work
May 22, 2020
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