MALAYSIA’S Merdeka week is always a celebration of national pride and achievement. This year, that spirit was captured in an unexpected way: through the unveiling of a car that redefines luxury performance motoring. The all-new Bufori CS8 is more than an automobile. It is a bold statement that Malaysia can design, engineer and handcraft a world-class machine without compromise.
“The CS8 stands apart from any other model. Nothing is common. Everything is new, from its chassis to the suspension, braking system and interiors. It showcases local expertise without reliance on overseas development,” said Bufori founder Gerry Khouri, who has made Malaysia his home and entrusted his vision to a team of local artisans and engineers.
Having visited Bufori’s factory in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, I can confirm it is not the usual automotive production line. Instead, it feels like an atelier — a place where traditional craftsmanship meets state-of-the-art engineering. Every Bufori is shaped by hand, from the stitching of leather to the sculpting of carbon fibre, each car imbued with the care of master artisans.
On August 28, 2025, the CS8 made its grand debut at Menara Affin @ TRX, unveiled in partnership with Affin Bank, which hosted a press conference in the morning ahead of the afternoon’s official launch. The handcrafted Malaysian super GT car is powered by AFFIN DIVENTUM Private Banking. The media turned up in full force, most dressed in dark attire, while yours truly arrived brightly coloured, weaving into a largely male crowd for a closer look.
The spirit of grand touring
Slip behind the wheel of the CS8 and its dual character reveals itself immediately: raw power tempered by elegance.
Beneath its sculpted bonnet lies a front mid-mounted 6.4-litre supercharged V8, producing an extraordinary 810 horsepower (750 at the wheels). The engine’s growl is harnessed by an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission, delivering crisp, lightning-fast gear changes when the mood demands, or seamless transitions for relaxed grand touring.
Acceleration is blistering yet composed. Michelin high-performance tyres keep the car firmly planted, whether gliding across rain-slicked streets or devouring highways. Its Carbon-Kevlar monocoque body ensures remarkable rigidity while keeping weight down to just 1,550 kilograms. With a near-perfect 25% weight distribution at each corner and adaptive multi-link suspension, the CS8 is both razor-sharp through corners and serenely comfortable on long drives.
And when it is time to slow the pace, Brembo’s six-piston monobloc callipers provide the same confidence and precision as the powertrain itself, delivering uncompromising stopping performance. This is grand touring at its most refined, where every mile feels like an occasion.
Performance meets luxury
Inside, the CS8 is a sanctuary. The cabin cocoons its occupants in comfort while reminding them of the car’s athletic DNA. Electrically adjustable Recaro bucket seats, wrapped in the world’s finest leathers, balance firmness for spirited driving with suppleness for long journeys. Exposed carbon-fibre panels add a subtle edge, proudly hinting at the power beneath.
Bufori’s artisans blend tradition and innovation with masterful ease. The Carbon-Kevlar monocoque underpins the car’s strength while lending the cabin contemporary sophistication. This marriage of craftsmanship and technology creates an interior that feels modern yet rooted in the art of the handmade.
True luxury lies in individuality, and here the CS8 excels. As with all Bufori creations, every car is made to order. From bespoke paint finishes and hand-stitched upholstery to personally selected trims and rare materials, each CS8 is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No two will ever be the same.
A Malaysian creation with global appeal
“The CS8 represents the pinnacle of Bufori’s design and engineering capabilities,” said Khouri. “It is a car built for those who demand quality, attention to detail, practicality and uncompromising performance. The CS8 is predictable, forgiving and durable. It is a Grand Tourer you can trust to inspire confidence, whether crossing a continent or tackling a mountain pass.”
Felix Haller, general manager of Bufori, echoed the sentiment: “The CS8 is more than just a new model. It is the culmination of years of vision, planning and innovation. It is designed for the driver who wishes to cross continents in style and speed, arriving as refreshed as when they departed. With the CS8, we are introducing an Ultra High Performance Grand Tourer that is every bit as exclusive as it is exhilarating.”
With its breathtaking performance, exquisite craftsmanship and proudly Malaysian roots, the Bufori CS8 is not just a car but an experience — a creation that embodies the freedom of the open road, the sophistication of bespoke luxury and the enduring spirit of Merdeka.
