TUDM Sewa 4 Helikopter Leonardo AW 139 Ganti Helikopter Nuri

Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) sewa 4 helikopter Leonardo AW 139 bagi menggantikan helikopter Sikorsky S-61 Nuri yang telah ditamatkan operasi sejak tiga tahun lalu, kata Menteri Kanan Pertahanan, Hishammuddin Hussein.

Helikopter baharu tersebut diperoleh secara sewaan dari sebuah firma swasta. Ini adalah langkah jangka pendek bagi menggantikan Nuri yang digunakan sejak 50 tahun lalu di samping mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap helikopter EC 725AP.

Jelas Hishammuddin, sewaan helikopter AW 139 ini dilaksanakan bagi menampung segala tugasan helikopter Nuri yang tamat operasi selaras keputusan Kabinet pada 7 Ogos 2019.

Ketika ini, TUDM sudah menerima 3 daripada 4 helikopter sewa itu, sementara sebuah lagi dijadualkan diperolehi pada bulan Mei nanti.

Pesawat Helikopter baharu itu telah diperkenalkan di Program Pengenalan Pesawat Helikopter AW 139 TUDM yang bertempat di Pangkalan Udara Butterworth pada 10 Februari lalu.

Menerusi laporan Bernama, sewaan empat helikopter AW 139 itu mengguna pakai konsep GOCOM (
Government Operate, Company Own and Maintain
), yang mana semua kos senggaraan pesawat di bawah tanggungjawab syarikat yang menyewakan helikopter, iaitu Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd.

Menurut Hishammuddin, kaedah sewaan ini bukan sahaja lebih kos efektif berbanding pembelian helikopter baharu, malah membolehkan TUDM memanfaatkan aset diperlukan dalam tempoh lebih cepat.

Helikopter AW139 ini telah dipilih TUDM kerana kemampuannya melaksanakan operasi yang memberikan kepentingan taktikal, operasional dan strategik, serta mampu dioperasi pada waktu siang dan malam.

Penggantian helikopter Nuri dirancang dilaksanakan bermula tahun 2026, dengan 12 helikopter akan diperoleh dalam fasa 1 (RMK13 dari 2026 hingga 2030) dan seterusnya 12 lagi helikopter yang akan diperoleh dalam fasa 2 (RMK14 dari 2031 hingga 2035).


Tesla top buy among Malaysian investors

Tesla Inc become the highest trading stock among Malaysians on social trading platform eToro for the month of April, jumping from fourth to first. It is apparently not an altogether surprising revelation as Tesla also ranked first in January and February of this year.

We got in touch with Nemo Qin, Senior Market Analyst at eToro to understand why is Tesla so popular among Malaysians.

"Last year, Tesla delivered a total of approximately 367,500 vehicles, Tesla expects that sales in 2020 will exceed 500,000 vehicles, an increase of 36% over last year. The increase in Tesla's sales makes investors look forward to its long term growth.

Tesla is also one of the top-performing stocks this year as the strong growth projection allows investors to maintain and continue to make additional investments. At the same time, I also think the increasing stock price was driven by FOMO (fear of missing out). Although the company's electric vehicle (EV) business is ahead of other auto manufacturers, the competition of the EV vehicle market has not yet been formed and finalized" Nemo went on to explain.

Tesla Inc closed yesterday at 811.29 USD, how high it will go is anybody's guess. How much investors are willing to pay for Tesla shares is also impossible to project. Elon Musk did however
tweet
 that '
Tesla stock price is too high imo
'.

When asked what were the other actively traded stocks in April, Nemo states that AMD, Facebook, Walt Disney and Amazon rank from two to five in that order. He went on to add that many Malaysian retail investors
are keen on tech stocks as they believe that technology companies seem less vulnerable to the pandemic and economic situation.

Perhaps it's time I too started thinking about building my nest egg and putting some money behind the genius that is Elon Musk. Besides if Tesla Inc keeps shooting for the stars, I just might be able to get that early retirement.


2021 Lexus’ LM350 Now In Malaysia, The Ultimate VIP Lounge On Wheels For RM1.1 Million

Lexus Malaysia have launched one of the most opulent automobiles on sale today in the form of the
LM350
, which joins the LS range of long wheelbase limousines at the top of the brand’s range where the ultimate goal is comfort, craftsmanship, and indulgence.

Prices start at RM1,148,000 for the new fully imported Lexus model, which derives its name from ‘Luxury Mover’. It was
first brought to light
on the international stage in 2019 at the Shanghai Motor Show before going on sale in China the following year.

Of course, despite the Lexus badging and costing 3 times as much, you’ll recognise the LM350’s exterior as being pretty similar to the
3rd-generation Toyota Alphard
. Though a 7-seat configuration is available in other markets, Malaysia is only receiving the more lounge-like 4-seater “Emperor Suite”, at least for now.

Despite the similar underpinnings, plenty of work has been carried out to elevate the cabin experience so far above what those family-oriented MPVs can offer.

To start, the LM350 is made actually slightly longer to accommodate the full two-seat lounge behind the front row while maintaining a pretty commodious boot. In terms of its construction, Lexus has also strengthened the vehicle’s core components for improved rigidity while making room for much more soundproofing.

Speaking of which, those 18-inch wheels, apart from its intricate pattern and hyper chrome metallic finish, have been developed to actively dampen sound for a more magic carpet-like ride. Interestingly, this isn’t achieved through air suspension, but aided by the bespoke suspension with Swing Valve shock absorber technology. The LM is also available in a choice of two colours White Pearl Crystal Shine and Black - while the interior accent colours package can also be selected between white or black.

Elsewhere, the exterior of the LM is defined by certain Lexus-specific elements such as the pronounced spindle grille up front, flowing metallic exterior trim accents, and the brand’s characteristic daytime running lights and slim LED headlights.

Really, though, it’s the interior where this thing really seeks to impress. Electric sliding doors are found on either side are used to gain entry into the luxury ‘VIP lounge’ where the two large seats in semi-aniline leather are found.

These feature Lexus’ AdaptiPedic rate-sensitive response foam, a super conforming material developed specifically for the Lexus LM, to provide a supremely comfortable seating experience. As a slight consequence, even the multi-program massage function built into the seat backs can feel a little subdued due to the material’s resistance to disturbance.

As you’d expect, both seats have a multitude of power adjustment and can even be reclined to nearly full horizontal, and the same thing applies for the Ottoman footrest, all controlled via a central touchscreen or side panel buttons, so you can fully appreciate the LM350’s dual moon roofs.

Ahead of the two VIP seats, there is a large partition to separate the front row occupant and driver. It’s here that you’ll find the 26-inch high definition screen to satisfy every entertainment need.

This setup includes a built-in Blu-Ray disc player and multiple connectivity options, hooked up to a very impressively integrated 19-speaker Mark Levinson QLI Reference Surround Sound System for an immersive theatre-like experience. A nice little surprise here is the 14-litre refrigerator found below - perfect for that celebratory bottle of champagne.

Explaining every detail in the LM350’s cabin would take even more time, naturally, from the intricate Gin-Sui-Boku ornamentation to the 16-colour ambient light system, to the one-touch privacy window partition, to the dual-pane noise-reduction windows, to the Pollen Filter and Nanoe Negative Ion Generator, to the vehicle’s overall immaculate fit and finish.

As its name and variant designation would already denote, the LM350 is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine. More accurate, it’s the same Toyota 2GR-FKS unit found in the Alphard, producing 296hp and 361Nm of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

In addition to 7 airbags Each Lexus LM350 is equipped with the full complement of Lexus Safety System+ which includes Front Pre-Collision, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive High Beam System.

The LM350 will arrive directly from Lexus’ Inabe plant with a comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

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Fuel Price Update: 8 – 14 March – Petrol Up, Diesel Down

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced new fuel prices for the second week of March, and below are how things are going to be for the next seven days:
RON95 – RM2.21 per litre (up 1 sen from RM2.20)
RON97 – RM2.47 per litre (no change)
Diesel – RM2.17 per litre (down 1 sen from RM2.18)


Review: 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V - The C-Segment Leader?

The Toyota Corolla nameplate is well known worldwide. It is one of the best-selling models in history; with over 40 million units sold in 154 countries worldwide since its introduction in 1966. The latest iteration of the Corolla, which is currently in its eleventh-generation packs better looks and features than its predecessor. Here is a quick look at its specifications:
Specifications for 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0V
Price: RM134, 341.34 (OTR price including GST with insurance)
Engine: 3ZR-FE 2.0-litre VVTi
Power: 145hp at 6,200rpm
Torque: 187Nm at 3,600rpm
Transmission: Super CVT-i with 7-speed Sports Sequential Shift
Safety: Driver and Front Passenger airbags, ISOFOX (rear only), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC)
Origin: Fully imported from Thailand
Overview
The 11
th
 generation
Toyota Corolla Altis
 aims to capture its lost crown as the best-selling non-national C-segment model, which currently belongs to the
2015 Honda Civic
. Other competitors for this Japanese sedan include models such as the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato and Chevrolet Cruze.
The 11
th
generation Toyota Corolla Altis is sold here in three variants – the 1.8E, 1.8G and 2.0V. The entry level 1.8E starts at RM114k, while the top of the range 2.0V is priced at RM134k. The RM134k price tag is quite steep when considering the base 2015 Honda Accord 2.0 VTi costs just RM3k more. Besides that, some of the Japanese and Korean C-segment cars offer better specs for even lesser money. On paper this doesn’t look very impressive, but are there other rewards that don’t show up at the surface? Here’s to digging deeper.
Exterior
Styling wise, the 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis looks much sharper and aggressive compared to its predecessor, which should appeal to the target market it aims to capture. Features such as the LED projector headlights with integrated daytime running lights, five piece aerokit and 17-inch alloy wheels enhance the car’s athletic looks even further. We would even go up to the extent of stating it as one of the most handsome offerings in its category.
Interior
The overall interior design is modern and ergonomic, but one major let down is with the steering wheel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is okay to hold on to, but somehow it looks cheap compared the overall cabin quality.
The top of the line 2.0V Altis comes with a DVD multimedia system with a seven-inch touchscreen display to keep you entertained all time, but do note that the navigation is offered as an option. Front and rear parking sensors along with the reverse camera makes parking easier.  Besides that, there are also other features that make living with it easy such as a smart entry system, an engine start/stop button and 60:40 splitting rear seats.
How does it drive?
The 3ZR-FE engine that lies under the hood of the 2.0V is not a powerhouse. The naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit only outputs a modest 145hp and 187Nm of torque. Although it is carried over from the previous generation Altis, it performs on par with its modern competitors. At first, it might seem like the car is underpowered, but once you get use to the character of the engine, it can be driven as smooth as butter. At times the engine has to be revved hard to get the most out of the four-banger, as the power is concentrated at the top of the rev range.
The highlight here is the CVT gearbox, which we should say is one the best of its kind available today. It is tuned to make use of all the horses available efficiently by eliminating the sluggish feel that some CVTs are known for. It performs nice and smooth when put into D and when shifted manually through the paddle shifters, the shifts happen with rapid precision.
As the suspension is tuned to offer a comfortable ride you do get unsettledness when you hit road undulations during high speed. Besides that, if you are having a spirited drive on twisty roads, it can be pain as the steering needs a lot of input due to its slow steering ratio.
To sum it up, despite little flaws, the 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis offers a stress-free and calm driving experience.
How comfortable is it?
The suspension setup on the 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis is better compared to its predecessor. Even with low-profile tyres, the suspension does a good job in absorbing the humps and bumps well. Overall, the ride was comfortable and supple.
Personally, the driver seat just didn’t work out for me. I just could not get it to my sweet spot even after several tries. There is good amount of space for the front and rear passengers. The headroom and legroom for the rear passengers are more than adequate to keep them comfortable during your ‘balik kampung’ trips. Cupholders and compartments are also plenty to put your stuff. Boot space is decent enough to fit everything from your monthly groceries to luggage for your weekend family getaway.
How economical is it?
Throughout the drive, the trip computer showed an average fuel consumption of 11.3 km/litre, over a distance of nearly 300 km with an almost equal mix of urban and highway traffic.
Total maintenance cost over a 5-year/100,000 km period is RM4,460 (fully-synthetic engine oil package), excluding consumables like transmission oil, wipers, battery, tyres, etc. Service interval is every 6-months/10,000 km.
Conclusion
One area that this car lacks badly is safety. While most of its competitors are offering better safety features, all variants of the Corolla Altis only come with two airbags as standard. Elsewhere, UMW Toyota Motor offers a RM4,000 Additional Safety Package option, which brings the total airbag count to seven, but it is only available for the range topping 2.0V. The vital stability and traction controls are also fitted to the top-of-the-line model only. Therefore, those who are getting the lower spec Altis do not get much safety features for their money.
Overall the 2015 Toyota Corolla Altis is a well put together car with good design and build quality that can do what it is meant to do without any issues. Besides the good gearbox and handsome looks, there is nothing else appealing enough that can justify the premium price charged. No doubt the reliability will be top notch as any other Toyota products, but paying RM134k for a C-segment car? I will go for the D-segment
Honda Accord
 2.0 VTi by paying just RM3k more.
Related:
2015 9th Generation Honda Civic Facelift Review – For Those Who Can’t Wait


New York 2019: All-New Hyundai Venue Unveiled

Hyundai has unveiled the latest member of its growing SUV lineup at the ongoing 2019 New York Auto Show. The Hyundai Venue is a new entry-level SUV, which will slot in just under the Kona SUV.
The snazzy Venue, which borrows several familial design elements from the Kona and Nexo – measures 4,036 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,565 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,520 mm. This puts it right alongside other B-Segment SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur in terms of size.
Under the hood is a 1.6-litre (Smartstream Gamma) four-cylinder engine that produces 122 hp (est.) and 153 Nm (est.) of torque. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT-type automatic that distributes power to the front wheels. The automatic transmission in the Venue – dubbed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) – is Hyundai’s first ‘in-house’ CVT transmission.
On the inside, the Venue will feature convenience features such as Dual USBs, a 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster, and Bluetooth connectivity. An 8-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit will also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
In terms of active safety technology, the Venue will be equipped with Forward Collision Warning and Assist, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCCW), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW). A ‘Snow’ drive mode is also offered for driving in slippery conditions.
The Venue will be built in Ulsan, Korea and will arrive in Hyundai dealerships in the US beginning in Q4 of 2019.
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here
.


The McLaren P1 GTR Will Make Its Debut At The 2015 Geneva Motor Show

In 1995, the
McLaren
 F1 GTR was launched after several motorsports teams convinced the Woking-based car maker to build racing versions of the F1. Come 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show, McLaren will be applying that same treatment on its hybrid hypercar, spawning the P1 GTR.
Until the day of the launch, McLaren are keeping mum on the details of the track-only racer, which will be part of the new bespoke Driver Programme.
However, certain bits of info that we do know is the power-to-weight ratio that is 1-% more than the road-going model, 700 PS per tonne!
Like the
Ferrari FXX K
, the P1 GTR undergoes a significant weight-saving programme and gets its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol-electric powertrain optimised for the track, producing about 1000 PS, 84 PS more than the “basic” P1.
Testing is currently underway at various locations across the globe including the UK, several European locations, Bahrain and Qatar, with chief test driver Chris Goodwin behind the wheel.
Everything sounds real good so far but it soon comes to the all important question, how much? No easy way to say this, over 3 million US dollars (RM 10,679,700).


Seven-Seater 2018 Lexus RX Could Debut At Tokyo Motor Show This Year

When Lexus pulled the covers off the
current-generation RX
 at the 2015 New York Auto Show, it was strictly a five seater SUV.
In order to capture a bigger market share, Lexus is likely going to be unleash its seven-seater RX later this year at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, with sales in Japan expected to commence in December.

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 The new model could share its RX moniker with the regular model, though the seven-seater variant is expected to receive an additional "L" at the end of the nameplate. The
source
 reckons that the seven-seater Lexus RX could be 100 mm longer, with changes done to the rear door and window to accommodate the increase in length.
Nameplate aside, the seven-seater Lexus RX is probably going to utilize two 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines, with one of the engines featuring Lexus's Hybrid Drive system. In the case of the Lexus RX 450h, the V6 petrol engine manages 258 hp and 335 Nm of torque, while the electric motor allowing for a combined system output of 308 hp.
Lexus is expected to release more information once the model inches towards its official debut.


Geely, Volvo Set Up Two New JVs; Lynk & Co Becomes A Company

Zhejiang Geely Holding and its wholly-owned subsidiary Volvo Cars have further deepened ties with the formation of two new joint venture companies to share technology and to spread economies of scale focusing on electrified vehicles and to further grow the
newly-formed Lynk & Co brand
, which now spins off to become its own business entity.
The intention to establish these two JVs were announced in July after the two companies had signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
, and the arrangement was formalized earlier today in a signing ceremony held at Ningbo, China.
The new Lynk & Co JV will be jointly owned by Geely Automobile Holdings, Zhejiang Geely Holding and Volvo Cars under a 50-20-30 percent share structure. Geely Auto is the business entity majority responsible for developing, manufacturing, and selling Geely-branded passenger vehicles. It is listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with Zhejiang Geely as its majority share holder.
Mr. An Cong Hui, Geely Auto Group CEO and President, will become the Chairman of the Lynk & Co board in the joint venture, in which Mr. Feng Qing Feng, Chief Technical Officer of Geely Auto Group, Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, Daniel Li Dong Hui, Executive Vice President and CFO of Geely Holding will serve as board directors.
Through this joint venture, Lynk & Co will be able to directly tap into Volvo’s pool of technology and innovations, including the Swedish firm’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform currently used in the company’s 90-series models.
Currently, Lynk & Co’s early range of models are underpinned by the smaller
Common Modular Architecture (CMA)
 platform that will form the basis of Volvo’s upcoming range of 40-series models.
The other joint venture being minted is a 50:50 partnership between Volvo and Zhejiang Geely that is set to function as a platform for both companies to share their latest vehicle architectures and powertrains with each other as well as to cooperate on development of next-generation automotive technologies.
Called GV Automobile Technology (Ningbo) Co Ltd, the company will be headquartered in China with a subsidiary in Gothenburg, Sweden. Lars Danielson, former SVP of Volvo Cars and CEO of Volvo Cars Asia Pacific, will become the company’s chairman.
Geely Holding Chairman Li Shufu said, “These joint ventures will create significant value for our automotive brands. We aim to deliver global economies of scale by facilitating closer cooperation between our brands on shared vehicle architectures, powertrain development and electrification, while offering synergies that will enable Lynk & Co to achieve its full potential.”


Toyota GranAce Spotted In Malaysia – Recond Units Going For RM390,000

Images have surfaced online of Japanese-market
Toyota GranAce
 spotted on Malaysian roads. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that several units have been imported to Malaysia through recond dealers who are selling them for approximately RM390,000.

The GranAce is essentially a premium luxury version of the
Toyota Hiace van
. By taking full advantage of the Hiace’s huge proportions and proven powertrain, Toyota then outfits the exterior and interior with top-notch components to offer business-class space and comfort for the roads.

Not unlike the very popular
Alphard and Vellfire
, in terms of size and the luxury it delivers, the GranAce though sits on an entirely different platform from the former two and is offered with a (177PS/ 450Nm) 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder (a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is also offered outside of Japan), just like the Hiace.

However, there’s about where the similarities end, as the GranAce is built on a ladder-frame platform versus the Alphard’s/ Vellfire’s unibody construction. The Alphard and Vellfire are also offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and are powered by petrol or hybrid engines making them far more high-tech than the GranAce.

Luxury, space and exclusivity are what you pay for in a GranAce which is why the base variant, the 8-seater ‘GranAce G’ starts off at JPY 6.2 million and the 6-seater ‘GranAce Premium’ (the one spotted here) is priced at JPY 6.5 million. The base model Alphard in Japan, for comparison, starts at JPY 4.24 million, though the most expensive variant, the “Hybrid Executive Lounge” is priced much higher at JPY 7.75 million.

The Toyota GranAce is envisioned as a
premium mode of travel for VIPs
 and tourists and as such slightly different in execution than the Alphard. The fact that it’s offered with a rock-solid turbodiesel engine also points to the fact that the GranAce is optimised for long-haul travel.

There has been some speculation if the GranAce units spotted locally could lead to an official introduction by Toyota Malaysia, but this probably doesn’t hold much water as it has been verified that recond dealers are bringing them in.

Also, the price point (at least for what is advertised by recond dealers) puts the GranAce right within the price range of the
well-established Vellfire
, which retails for RM382,300. This as you might surmise opens the door for sales cannibalisation, something Toyota Malaysia never does.

However, if you’re looking for a superbly reliable, unique and impeccably luxurious MPV for six, other than an Alphard or Vellfire, then here you go.

Main image credit: FB @Hafis Idris

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Subaru Outback Showroom Units Now on Sale, RM 199,900

If you’ve ever wanted to own a Subaru wagon, there’s no better time than now. Motor Image is putting up their Subaru Outback showroom units for sale, at a special price of RM 199,900 (on-the-road with GST, without insurance). They come complete with a 5-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty from point of registration, as well as 5 years free labour.
The Subaru Outback is powered by a 2.5-litre boxer engine, paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. It also sports Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for improved stability in a larger range of situations. There are numerous safety systems as standard, but the 7 air bags are the ones worth most noting.
Only four units are available, at Motor Image’s Petaling Jaya and Cheras showrooms. For more information, call Hisham at 019 – 780 7881 or visit Subaru Showroom in PJ or Cheras.


Forget Ferraris And Bugattis – These EV Hypercars Are Effectively The Fastest Cars In The World

In 2005, Bugatti under its new owners
Volkswagen
, unveiled the production version of the
Bugatti Veyron
 16.4. It took nearly six years and a
monumental development effort
 to meet the design objectives Bugatti had set out – an all-wheel drive production vehicle with no less than 1,000PS capable of breaking the 250mph (402km/h) barrier: thereby earning it the title of the fastest production vehicle in the world.

The Veyron was a car of superlatives – power, design, luxury and price – but it’s often forgotten, the Veyron was and still is a celebration of engineering, technical brilliance and passion. It combined everything the automotive world knew about making a car go fast (until that time) and moulded it into such a sensational form that could be driven on public roads.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ on Ehra Lessien

Many have come after it, but the Veyron remains a God amongst Titans. The Veyron’s successor, the
Chiron
 (Super Sport 300+) – now retains the mantle of the fastest car in the world for the Bugatti family, having clocked a new top speed world record of 304.77mph (490km/h) in September 2019.

Hennessey Venom F5

But, there are just a few locations in the world where one can (safely) break world records. Volkswagen owns one of it (Ehra-Lessien) and lets no one else use it, the other is the Kennedy Space Centre’s runway – where American carmaker Hennessey soon plans to break the Chiron’s record with the Hennessey Venom F5.

Grease Lightning (without the grease)…

Short of a space shuttle runway, it's nigh on impossible to attain such speeds. And yes, while top speeds are a big achievement, how fast you get there – is quite another ballgame. Here’s where it doesn’t matter if you have 8.0-litres of engine, four turbochargers and a dual-clutch transmission – you simply cannot beat the lightning-quick immediacy of an electric motor.

For instance, the base
Bugatti Chiron
 takes approximately 2.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, Tesla’s upcoming Roadster is claimed to do it in just 1.9 seconds. The Chiron then catches up in the sprint to 140km/h, requiring just 3.6 seconds, the Roadster takes 4.2 seconds, but by the time the Chiron covers the quarter-mile (in 9.6 seconds), the Roadster has already blitzed it by almost a second, taking just 8.8 seconds.

Therefore, while we may romanticise the age of internal combustion hypercar with beasts like the Chiron,
Koenigsegg Regera
, and Hennessey Venom F5 (and they WILL rule the game of top speed) –  a new rung of
electric
 hypercars are quickly joining the fray, and they’re not just keeping up – they’re going even faster. Here are three of our favourites.

Tesla Roadster

Tesla’s wildest creation yet,
the Roadster
 is a four-seater hypercar with a lightweight removable glass roof and… wait for it, 10,000Nm of wheel torque. A 200kWh battery is said to provide power to three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear – giving the Roadster blistering acceleration, and a top speed of 400km/h. Tesla says the batteries will offer a driving range approaching 1,000km on a single charge; driven at highway speeds.

The base vehicle is rumoured to cost around USD200k and up to USD250k for the Founder’s Series variants. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2022.

Lotus Evija

The biggest and baddest example of how serious
Lotus is about electric propulsion
 has been exhibited with the groundbreaking 2,000PS
Evija electric hypercar
. Power is delivered from a 70kWh battery to four (500PS) electric motors – one for each wheel – giving the Evija a total of 2,000PS and a combined torque output of 1,700Nm.

Lotus have been decidedly coy about their performance numbers, stating that the Evija will accelerate to 100km/h in under 3 seconds, reach 300km/h in 9 seconds and top out at 320km/h not making it one of the fastest vehicles in the world, but also amongst the lightest for any EV at 1,680kg. The Evija, is currently in the final stages of prototype testing before the tentative production rollout slated later in 2021.

Rimac Nevera

Initially made famous by Richard Hammond’s horrific crash while shooting The Grand Tour –
Rimac, a Croatian tech company
 has now returned better and faster than ever with just its second car, the
Rimac
 Nevera. The Rimac Concept One Hammond crashed had approximately 1,200hp – the Nevera: 1,914hp! Torque figures read 2,360Nm. However, unlike the other two here, you can already buy a Nevera (at EUR2.0 million) though only 150 units of these EV hypercars will ever be made.

Like the Evija, the Nevera also has four electric motors contributing to its total power output. It’s juiced by a 120 kWh battery which is claimed to offer a driving range of over 540km, and can be recharged at up to 500kW – theoretically allowing the Rimac to go from 0-80 percent battery capacity in just 19 minutes. Performance figures are mind-boggling – 0-100km/h in 1.85 seconds, 0-140km/h in 4.3 seconds, 0-300km/h in 9.3 seconds and the standing quarter-mile in approximately 8.6 seconds – a figure (unofficially achieved) while being tested by CarWow recently; and when the Nevera did this, it also made a
Ferrari SF90
 look as fast as a shopping trolley.


Volkswagen Arteon Is A Star In Korean Drama Series Touch Your Heart

Now showing on Astro’s Channel 395 (and your favourite streaming site too of course), the latest Korean drama series Touch Your Heart counts not just Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na as the leading casts, but also a Volkswagen Arteon.
Volkswagen Korea has since signed up Lee Dong-wook as its ambassador for the Arteon – the successor to the CC/Passat CC.
Apart from the Arteon, the drama series also features a variety of Volkswagen models, including the Passat and Tiguan.
The drama series tells the story of a relationship between an actress who struggling to make a comeback after falling out of fame (Yoo In-na), and an arrogant, prickly lawyer (Lee Dong-wook).
The Arteon is one of the most anticipated new model launches this year. Prices and specifications have yet to be determined but the car will most probably be imported from Germany (Emden plant) so it won’t be cheap.
It’s likely to be priced above the Passat 2.0 TSI’s RM195,390, pitting it against the RM259,888 Mercedes-Benz C200 and RM202,800 BMW 318i.
Where it separates itself from the premium brands is its sleek coupe-like styling, and its mechanical package. If the
display car
 at shown at last year’s Premium Auto Car Expo in Setia Alam is a reliable indication, we should be getting the top of the range 2.0 TSI 4Motion variant.
The engine is similar to the one used in the Passat 2.0 TSI, but tuned to make 60 more PS, reaching 280 PS and 350 Nm. The engine is paired to an all-wheel drive 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Product placements in Korean dramas are highly sought after by many consumer product brands, and it has proven to be effective.
In 2016, Hyundai worked with producers of the hit series Descendants of the Sun and slipped in a scene where a Hyundai Genesis drove itself semi-autonomously. Hyundai revealed that enquiries for the feature went up not just in Korea, but also in China, where the series was also shown.
In the past, TV advertisements of foreign cars in Korea were severely regulated – it’s one of the many non-tariff methods used by the Korean government to protect their domestic brands.
Product placements featuring foreign cars were often done with their logos covered, allowing brands to skirt some of the regulations, while at the same time Korean brands can freely promote their products on TV. These days however, the regulations are more relaxed and even German brands like Volkswagen can now show their products in full.


Porsche To Produce The Taycan At Special Production Line In Stuttgart

Porsche has finally taken the wraps off the newest member of its product portfolio, the Taycan all-electric four-door sports sedan.
Two variants of the Taycan were unveiled at the launch - Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S, both powered by a 93.4 kWh battery that is paired to a two-speed transmission and Porsche’s all-wheel drive system.
Developed by Porsche, the two-speed transmission, which is installed on the rear axle, gives the Taycan even more acceleration from a standing start, while second gear with a long gear ratio ensures high efficiency and equally high power reserves.
In terms of output, the flagship Taycan Turbo S generates up to 761 PS, while the Taycan Turbo produces up to 680 PS.
In case you’re wondering how quick these cars are, the Taycan Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds.
As for the driving range, the Taycan Turbo S is able to cover up to 412 kilometres, while the Turbo has a range of up to 450 kilometres. The top speed of both models stand at 260 km/h.
One of the main highlights of the Taycan is that it is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars.
The advantage of this feature is that the battery can be recharged using direct current (DC) for a range of up to 100 kilometres, in just 5 minutes. The charging time to 80 percent on the other hand, is just 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions, and the maximum charging power is 270 kW.
As for Alternative Current (AC) charging at home, it takes about 9 hours to fully charge the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S.
Measuring 4,963 mm long, 1,690 mm wide, and 1,378 mm tall, with a 2,900 mm long wheelbase, the Taycan is about the same size as a Panamera, with a very clean, puristic design.
Key features on the exterior include the glass-effect Porsche logo which has been integrated into the light bar at the rear, a drag co-efficient value from 0.22, as well as the aerodynamically optimised basic shape which makes a significant contribution to low energy consumption.
Inside, Porsche offers an entirely leather-free cabin for the first time. It is said that all interior materials are made from innovative recycled materials, which underscore the sustainable concept of the electric sports car.
In front, the freestanding, curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver axis.
Next, we have a centralised, 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display which are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look.
According to Porsche, all user interfaces have been completely newly designed for the Taycan. The number of classic hardware controls such as switches and buttons has been greatly reduced. Instead, control is intelligent and intuitive – using touch operation or the voice control function, which responds to the command “Hey Porsche”.
That being said, production of the Porsche Taycan has begun at the company’s bespoke production line in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, where 1,500 new jobs were created in line with the launch of the new model.
Following the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo, less powerful variants are expected to follow this year, with the first upcoming derivative being the Taycan Cross Turismo at the end of next year.
Looking for a new Porsche? Find the best deals
here
.


2017 All-New Honda CR-V Launched, Priced From RM143k

Honda Malaysia has just unveiled the all-new fifth-generation Honda CR-V, available in four trim levels across two engine choices including the company's new 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine. The new Honda CR-V brings premium features to a mainstream model, including Adaptive Cruise Control, digital meter cluster, LED headlights and a turbocharged engine.
The company is offering four variants of the Honda CR-V. Prices below are OTR without insurance.
Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD - RM142,400
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD - RM155,700
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC 4WD - RM161,600
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD - RM167,700
What's New
Now in its fifth iteration, the Honda CR-V now shares its platform with the all-new Honda Civic. Ground clearance is now 198 mm for the 2WD model and 208 mm for the 4WD model, a 28 mm increase over the model it replaces. Inside, the rear seats can be folded flat to reveal a boot space of up to 1,084 litres. Rear legroom has also grown by 90 mm over its predecessor.
Visually, the 2017 Honda CR-V receives the company's signature solid wing face front grille surrounded by a pair of LED headlights. LED daytime running lights and LED front fog lights are also standard across the range.
The new Honda CR-V is the first model in the ASEAN region to offer Honda Sensing, the company's advanced driver assistance features, like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Honda Sensing is only available on the range-topping Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD.
Engine and Transmission
Honda has dropped its 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engine for its higher spec models, replacing it with a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine that churns out 193 PS and 243 Nm. The entry-level Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine, carried over from the predecessor, pushing out 154 PS and 189 Nm. Both engines are mated to the company's continuously variable transmission (CVT), with drive sent to either the front or all four wheels, depending on specification.
Trims and standard features
Four trims are available at launch.
The entry-level Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD receives these kit:
LED headlights, front/rear fog lights
LED DRL
Power adjustable side mirrors with turn signals
17-inch alloy wheels
Walk Away Auto Lock
Smart Entry with Push Start Button
Paddle shifters
Cruise Control
Digital meter cluster
Dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents
Power adjustable front seats (8 way driver, 4 way passenger)
2 rear USB charger
Auto Dim Rear View Mirror
7-inch Display Audio With 2 USB and HDMI input, 8 speakers
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
Six airbags
Rear seat ISOFIX
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handle Assist (AHA)
ABS with EBD, BA
Auto Brake Hold (ABH)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Reverse camera
Alarm with immobilizer
The very practical centre console box, which can be configured in a multitude of ways will be greatly appreciated by ladies, because it's big enough to fit a decent size handbag. No more putting your Hermes, Coach or Chanel bags on the floor.

For the Honda CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD and 4WD variants, equipment includes:
Auto wipers
18-inch alloy wheels
4 front parking sensors
The range-topping Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD includes these kit:
Auto High Beam
Active Cornering Lights
Programmable Power Tailgate
Honda LaneWatch Camera
Honda Sensing
A total of five colours are offered on the new Honda CR-V, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl and Dark Olive Metallic, with the latter being a new colour for Honda Malaysia.
Buyers of the 2017 Honda CR-V is backed by a five year unlimited warranty program, with service interval set at every 10,000 km.
As before, the all-new CR-V is locally-assembled at Honda Malaysia's plant in Pegoh, Melaka.
More on the 2017 Honda CR-V:
2017 Honda CR-V: No 4WD For The Highest Specs Variant, Why?
2017 Honda CR-V: Why It Works Best As A Five-Seater
2017 Honda CR-V: What is Honda Sensing?


Gear Apa Yang Sesuai Bila Kereta Berhenti Di Lampu Isyarat – Gear D, N Atau P?

Bagi pengguna
kereta automatik
, sekiranya berhenti seketika tidak kiralah di lampu isyarat mahupun dalam
kesesakan lalu lintas
, gear mana yang paling kerap anda gunakan ketika kereta berhenti – gear D, N atau P?

Nampaknya perkara ini tidaklah dijelaskan dan dikupas begitu mendalam ketika ujian pengambilan
lesen
. Jika tidak, tak adalah sampai boleh jadi isu tentang perkara ini kan? Mungkin ada, tapi penulis kurang cakna sebab hanya mengambil lesen memandu manual, bukanlah automatik.

Tidak dinafikan, setiap orang mempunyai gaya pemanduannya yang tersendiri. Tetapi adakah tabiat pemandu menukar gear D ke N atau P ketika berhenti ini memberi kesan tidak kiralah sama ada negatif atau positif pada kereta anda? Jadi gear apakah yang paling sesuai untuk digunakan? Ayuh kami jelaskan dari segi pemilihan gear dan kesan penggunaan gear tersebut pada kereta anda.

Gear D

Dari segi keselamatan, jika anda biar sahaja gear kereta berada pada kedudukan D, anda perlu sentiasa menekan brek kalau tak mahu kereta bergerak ke hadapan kerana enjin masih berpusing ketika kereta berada dalam gear D. Tetapi perbuatan memijak brek ketika kereta berada dalam gear D ini tidaklah akan menyebabkan
brake pad
 anda haus kerana tekanan tork yang menggerakkan kereta ketika berada di gear D tanpa menekan pedal minyak tidaklah begitu kuat.

Tetapi perbuatan membiarkan kereta dalam keadaan D terlalu lama ketika berhenti akan menyebabkan kereta anda menggunakan lebih banyak
bahan api
 berbanding ketika kereta di kedudukan gear N, meskipun nilainya tidaklah begitu ketara.

Gear N

Perbuatan menukar kepada gear N pula lebih selamat kerena kereta anda tidak akan bergerak kehadapan sekiranya terlepas pedal brek secara tidak sengaja selain dapat memberi jangka hayat yang lebih panjang kepada engine mounting dan transmission roll mounting kereta anda.

Tetapi, perbuatan kerap menukar ke gear N ketika berhenti juga akan menyebabkan berlaku geseran pada clutch plate kereta dan perbuatan tersebut akan membuatkan clutch plate anda panas, lebih-lebih lagi ketika berada di jalan yang terlalu banyak lampu isyarat ataupun ketika tersangkut di dalam kesesakan lalu lintas. Kesannya?
Minyak transmisi
 anda akan menjadi cepat kotor dan ia mampu menyebabkan komponen lain gagal berfungsi dengan baik.

Gear P

Perbuatan menukar ke gear P amatlah berisiko ketika berhenti di lampu isyarat kerana untuk menukar gear D ke gear P, anda perlu melalui beberapa gear. Jika anda kerap melakukan perkara ini, ia akan mendatangkan kesan yang lebih teruk pada clutch plate kereta anda berbanding menukar ke gear N.

Selain geseran pada clutch plate, parking pawl kereta anda juga berisiko untuk rosak dalam jangka masa panjang jika tekanan diberikan pada parking pawl untuk berhentikan kereta tanpa memijak brek.
Parking pawl
 merupakan pin atau kunci pada transmisi kereta yang menghentikan kenderaan anda. Jika kereta anda dilanggar dari arah belakang, bukan sahaja bampar belakang kereta yang barai, parking pawl pun silap silap boleh patah. Dari segi penjimatan minyak, ia sama sahaja seperti menukar ke gear N.

Fungsi Butang Gear

Perasan tak ada butang pada gear sesetengah kereta automatik? Sebenarnya butang tersebut ada fungsinya yang tersendiri dan anda hanya perlu menekan butang terbabit ketika ingin menukar gear yang sesuai sahaja. Berikut merupakan penukaran gear yang memerlukan anda untuk menekan butang terbabit semasa menukar gear:

Perlu tekan butang ketika menukar:

gear P ke gear N

gear R ke gear P

gear R ke gear N

gear N ke gear R

gear D ke gear L

gear L ke gear D

Tak perlu tekan:

gear D ke gear N

gear N ke gear D

Tanpa menekan butang butang pada gear anda, anda hanya boleh menukar kedudukan gear D ke gear N atau sebaliknya sahaja. Jadi tanpa menekan butang, anda tidak akan terlajak dalam menukar gear. Jika anda tekan butang tersebut, silap-silap boleh terlajak masuk ke gear R dan pertukaran mengejut gear D ke gear R boleh mendatangkan masalah kepada gearbox tambah-tambah kalau anda tertekan pedal minyak.

Kesimpulan

Jadi nak guna yang mana satu? Sebenarnya, pemilihan gear yang sesuai ini bergantung kepada berapa lama kereta anda berhenti. Jika setakat berhenti setiap 5-10 saat seperti dalam kesesakan trafik, tak perlu tukar gear D ke gear N pun sebenarnya kerana lagi kerap anda tukar, lagi cepat clutch plate haus kerana banyak geseran berlaku. Tambahan pula kereta sekarang ada ciri automatic brake hold dan
engine idle
 yang sangat membantu untuk situasi ini.

Dari segi
keselamatan
, gear N adalah pilihan yang paling selamat kerana tidak perlu risau kalau terlepas pedal brek tanpa sengaja. Ia juga memberikan penjimatan bahan api meskipun nilainya tidaklah begitu besar. Yang paling penting, elakkan daripada menggunakan gear P ketika berhenti di lampu isyarat untuk tidak membahayakan parking pawl anda serta mengurangkan geseran pada clutch plate. Gunakanlah common sense anda untuk menilai situasi tersebut bagi menggunakan gear yang betul ketika berhenti. Jika lampu isyarat tersebut mengambil masa lebih dari 2 -3 minit, eloklah tukar ke gear N untuk elak sebarang kecuaian.


Could This Be The New Toyota Corolla Altis Shown In This Safety Video?

At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show,
Toyota
 played a video that demonstrated the various safety and driver assist systems on its cars. In the video, we see an animated Toyota Corolla sedan but this one looks a little different from the current model. This leads us to believe that the vehicle shown could be the facelift model for the ASEAN and European-spec Corolla. In Malaysia, we know it better as the
Toyota Corolla Altis
.
Should this be the facelift to the Corolla, we are looking at a redesigned front fascia which appears less aggressive with more subtle edges and less usage of chrome on the grille. At the rear, we spot a thicker chrome bar that links the two slimmer tail lights.
As a comparison, this is what the current Toyota Corolla Altis looks like:
Just last month, the company unveiled what is said to be the new Toyota Corolla Hybrid in China, the first ever in the range and the front-end design shares many similarities with what is shown in the safety demonstration video. Chinese media reported that the Corolla is powered by a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine and assisted by an electric motor.
We’ll have to wait until it is officially but do stay tuned for more updates.


NCAP Believes There's A Huge Global Disparity In The Safety Of Cars

Is it a global conspiracy, or just a necessary disparity in production techniques? Let's discuss.

In a recent article by Autocar, Global NCAP stated that similar cars in different markets perform differently in crash tests - and even insinuated that local testing standards in different regions vary in terms of stringency and strictness. Their evidence lies in the fact that certain global models - for example, the Renault Kwid - score just two stars in Global NCAP testing.

That being said, the variant of the Kwid sold in Africa and India are even worse than the one sold in Brazil (which scored two stars), as these models don't have as much structural reinforcement in the A-pillars of the chassis. All of these points are pretty alarming, as is the figure that over 90% of the 1.3 million annual road deaths globally are attributed to cars sold in lower-income markets (i.e. structurally weak cars).

But let's take a look at things for a moment. First of all, there is a bit of a logical leap required because the driving conditions in these countries can be significantly different. Malaysia has a particularly high accident rate, and at much higher speeds than other countries because - well, Malaysian drivers. But going to a marginally stronger car isn't going to resolve this, short of everyone buying a Volvo and throwing caution to the wind.

The second is that NCAP testing also tends to favour cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and to get a full five-star rating in many cases require you to have these systems in place - a big leap from just the all-round airbags and electronic driver aids that used to be the gold standard. You can see it in the fact that almost every car across every market segment has some form of ADAS installed.

Unfortunately, these ADAS systems are heavily reliant on the driving conditions and the drivers being somewhat predictable or falling into line. It works in countries with more disciplined drivers such as the United States or Germany, but in Malaysia, we hardly have properly painted lane lines, we have drivers who erratically change lanes, and we have ever changing road and weather conditions. ADAS systems would be a half measure here.

What is most important is to educate drivers properly, to severely revamp the driving syllabus, and to look at improving drivers holistically - not just in terms of road manners, but understanding and car control. The average Swedish teenager has far better car control in any condition than even seasoned drivers here, who slow down to a snail's pace in the wet. This discipline and fidelity mean that even
ADAS
 is only needed as a backup when the driver is truly distracted or impaired.

Ultimately, there's no doubt that cars sold in different markets are simply built differently. You can feel it with the levels of refinement, the materials used, and obviously, this also filters down into the very construction of a car. But rather than complain about it or force automakers to improve construction (which drives prices up even higher), we should look at making
drivers safer
.

It's also highly unlikely that we can move people into newer cars - especially with the economy taking such a large hit and people struggling to get by. Even if you were to improve the safety standards of cars you can currently buy, you aren't going to do much for the vast majority of people who will inevitably buy cars secondhand, from a time before ADAS was even an acronym.


Review: 2016 MINI Clubman driven in Stockholm – Is Bigger Better?

Ever since the second-generation of BMW’s MINI came about, there were concerns that the little British icon was ballooning in size. Of course when one considers the need for safety and how buyer expectations of space has changed over time, there was no way the MINI of the 21
st
 century could have stayed – if you would pardon the pun – mini.
The curious case of the expanding brand wasn’t helped by the arrival of the Countryman SUV, which flew in the face of Alec Issigonis’ brainchild of compact design. But if you think that the inflated dimensions of the Countryman was as big as MINIs are going to get, you’d be wrong and this time it isn’t outsized by an SUV. Let me introduce to you the largest model MINI currently makes, the MINI Clubman, and this is what it is like to drive in Stockholm, Sweden.
MINI Cooper S Clubman Specifications
Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Max Power: 192hp @ 5,000rpm
Max Torque: 280Nm (300Nm w overboost) @ 1,250rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.1 seconds
Top Speed: 228km/h
Combined Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km
Date of Malaysian Introduction: 2016
Not to get carried away with that previous statement, the new Clubman’s body is 156mm longer and 11mm wider than the Countryman (though it stands in at 120mm lower). So without getting into volumetric scales, the Clubman only occupies a larger footprint than its SUV brethren. And before we start posturing the question of when being big is too big for a MINI, the Clubman isn’t like the other MINIs out there.
Unlike the MINI and MINI 5 door, the MINI Clubman is built on BMW’s UKL2 platform, instead of the smaller UKL under bones that is used on the rest of the third-generation MINI range. The UKL2 platform is used for BMW’s new 2 Active/Grand Tourer, and the new X1 SUV. So in essence the Clubman is the first MINI that is closely related to a BMW. However not to cause despair amongst the hipster crowds that their automotive hero had gone mainstream, the Clubman is still pretty much the same pure and colourful MINI on top.
Ironically, though bigger, MINI’s new styling works well here as it is stretched over the Clubman’s enlarged dimensions. The MINI’s startled-looking headlights and gawping front grille – which looked odd on the MINI 3 door and 5 door – turned out to be a good fit on the Clubman’s 73mm wider flanks. Its width also allow MINI to incorporate the brand’s first application of the same aerodynamic enhancing Air Curtains and Air Breather vents that are fast becoming a mainstay on BMW models.
Although having four proper conventional doors instead of its predecessor’s love-it or hate-it asymmetrical two-and-a-half-door layout, the Clubman retains the nameplate’s two-piece barn-door style tailgate. According to MINI the two-piece tailgate was kept as it was an integral part of the Clubman’s identity since the original Traveller – the original model’s name which BMW couldn’t acquire the rights to. After all putting on a conventional tailgate would have just made the MINI Clubman another MINI 5 door.
In the meantime MINI’s engineers had managed to address a few issues with its unique arrangement. The rear door frames are now a whole lot thinner, allowing for better rear visibility, whereas the door hinges are now tucked away on the outer edges of the clamshell doors instead of being mounted to the insides of the C-pillars, giving it a larger opening aperture to fit properly large cargo. The Clubman’s cargo space has been expanded to 360 litres and 1,250 litres with the rear seats folded down, which is significantly larger than its predecessor’s 258 litres and 923 litres respectively.
So from a physical perspective, the new successor is a Clubman without having style getting in the way of its practicality. But that sounds a little worrying; it is kind of like removing the crazy from David Bowie, erasing some of the charm that defined its character. It isn’t just the style that has changed; the way it drives too feels different from what we have come to expect as MINI hallmarks. It has a different personality to the more youthful and often extravagant 3 door hatch. With the Clubman there is a bit more heft in the way it drives. It feels more rooted to the road, less willing to be thrown into bends, and little less frantic when pushed hard as compared to the 3 door and 5 door hatchback models.
Nevertheless the lively steering is still there, throttle is responsive as ever, and that engine pops and crackles when you are giving it the beans. There is still some of the MINI’s characteristic charm in the Clubman, only this time its larger dimensions has given it a more settled ride, and with its larger build allowing for a full-sized 8-speed automatic, a whole lot more refined at speed and fuel efficient. The 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine on the Cooper S Clubman boasts the same 192hp/280Nm power output as that of the Cooper S 3 door and 5 door hatches, and although acceleration figures are bogged down by the Clubman’s extra weight, it gets from 0 to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds, which is plenty fast.
Inside there are massive changes to be found in the Clubman’s interior over its 3 door and 5 door counterparts, key to which is an entirely new dashboard. According to MINI, the Clubman is designed to appeal to a more upmarket audience, and the fittings in the Clubman are meant to reflect the car’s entry into what MINI defines as the ‘premium compact class’. Where the third-generation MINI represents a big step in build quality over its predecessors, the Clubman’s interior is just a big of a leap as those were to its predecessors. The dashboard features neat trim inserts that blends in from door to door, and is aligned neatly throughout.
Unlike the standard MINI hatch, the Clubman’s increased width lends it a wider cabin; giving more shoulder room in both the front and the rear, and allows MINI to fit in a proper centre console with a proper armrest. That being said, you can’t pull off handbrake antics with the Clubman as it eschews the old lever for a tiny electric operated switch. Around the back there is certainly more room for rear seat occupants with a shallower rake than what was available on the 5 door, and is complete with a pair of rear air conditioning vents for rear seat occupants.
The Cooper S Clubman test models came fitted with MINI’s new optional ‘Chester’ upholstery that features an exquisite diamond-stitched pattern. As mentioned before, the upholstery is not only new to MINI, it was also new to BMW, with the only other model in the BMW Group to have such an beautifully done trim being the recently launched 7-Series. Continuing on MINI’s love of putting on a lightshow in the cabin, the Clubman can be specified with the
MINI Yours
package, which adds illuminated door bezels that feature finely engraved lighting patterns that only come alive in the dark.
With its more refined character and beautifully trimmed interior, the Clubman is a clear statement of MINI’s intent to reposition themselves as a more upmarket brand than it already is. Although the Clubman has lost a little bit of the hatch’s youthful charm and quirky individuality, the end result is a MINI that won’t make you think twice when you drive it away and ask yourself “why did I fall for its novelty?” in the first place. Though that being said, losing a little of that MINI uniqueness does come with a price, and that is its price. Don’t expect the Clubman to be priced too close to the 3 door and 5 door, as its fancy new features lavished upon it is expected to command a premium. Still depends on which side of the coin you look at, the Clubman looks and feels like a MINI that is well deserving of that premium.


Audi Ups the Ante with Sinister New R18 LMP1 Car

Audi has literally turned up the wick for their new R18 contender in the top-flight LMP1 category of next year’s 2016 World Endurance Championship. Touted as the most powerful and efficient race car Audi has ever built, the R18 has been thoroughly re-designed by Audi Sport.
Besides its new body that wears a plethora of aerodynamic wings and panels, Audi Sport has swapped out the flywheel energy storage hybrid system in this year’s R18, in favour for a lithium-ion battery, similar to the system adopted by Porsche’s WEC and Le Mans winning 919 Hybrid.
According to a report from
Motorsports.com
, the R18 for 2016 will be in the 6MJ energy-retrieval sub-class, up from the 4MJ class of this year’s R18. This means that their 2016 contender
would be able to utilise 6MJ of energy a lap
, although at the price of being restricted to using less fuel over the course of a lap, which means the driver would have to depend more on its hybrid system for thrust.
Unlike their other LMP1 competitors, Audi Sport has opted to stick with diesel-power with an efficiency-optimised TDI engine, instead of going for petrol power. With stricter fuel consumption limits imposed on diesel fuel, and the limitations from being in the 6MJ class, Audi Sport would be facing a tougher challenge with their 2016 contender in getting the most range and speed from their TDI engine.
Audi Sport Team Joest will be fielding two new Audi R18 cars at the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, which will kick off from Silverstone on April 17. In the interests of maximising cost efficiency, Audi and its Group sister brand Porsche, have both agreed to each compete in the series’ pinnacle event, the Le Mans 24 Hours, with only two cars from each team, instead of three as seen in this year’s event.


Is The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Too Butch Or A Beautiful Return To Form?

The ‘SL’ has always been a Mercedes-Benz icon, but for 2022, this newest generation of the brand’s flagship grand touring roadster will fly under the AMG banner -
developed, fine tuned, and rolled out of Affalterbach
 instead of being fiddled with afterward.

The R232, so goes its codename, is an SL-Class like none that came before. In some ways, it returns to its roots with characteristics such a soft-top roof and 2+2 seating arrangement, but in some others it marks a departure from the so-called pinnacle of GT cars its predecessors were sometimes referred to.

Where previously you could have an SL in a purely Mercedes-Benz flavour, this car’s link to the performance sub-brand is unavoidable to the point that they themselves have confirmed it has common DNA with the upcoming second-generation AMG GT. This invites comparisons with the
BMW M8 Convertible
,
Aston Martin DBS Volante
, and the
Ferrari Portofino
. However, should that be the SL’s battleground at all?

Mercedes-AMG, realising the burden of building upon such a storied nameplate, started from scratch, eschewing shared underpinnings and instead building the R232 on a bespoke platform that, yes, will be used by their next GT as well. They’ll even look alike, we reckon.

This is no knock, as even at first glance there’s something entrancing about how proportionally correct the R232 SL looks despite its sheer size. As bold and imposing as the older version was, one might have struggled to describe it as particularly beautiful; a problem that does not afflict this incarnation.

According to them, and over
the current AMG GT Roadster
, the all-new SL boasts 50% higher transverse rigidity and 40% higher longitudinal rigidity, owing to that new aluminium intensive architecture. This also allowed the engineers to mount the engine and axles lower than was previously possible, explaining why the shoulder line appears so closely pressed to those (extended) front wheel arches.

Though it might look tauter and slimmed down, the SL has actually grown a fair bit over the R231. At 4,705mm in length, the open-top GT is extended by 88mm from nose to tail, but is also 38mm wider and 44mm taller with a wheelbase of 2,700mm (or 117mm longer) to accommodate larger rear seats.

Despite lightweight underpinnings, the SL’s ballooning volume means that kerb weight has also increased to 1,970kg in its heaviest variation, or some 120kg heftier than the outgoing model. Yes, these all sound like bad things, but AMG are confident numbers alone will condemn their SL as a package.

The range starts with a welcome return to the ’55’ moniker that’s been absent in the AMG lineup for almost 10 years with the retirement of the 5.5-litre M157, here ostensibly sitting in the SL500’s role. This ‘entry’ variant is joined by the
full-fat
 SL 63, though both share the prevalent 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 (M176) under their expansive bonnets.

In the SL 55, the engine delivers 470hp and 700Nm. Paired to the 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic transmission, drive reaches all four wheels through a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ system to grant it a ferocious 3.9-second sprint to 100km/h from rest and a 295km/h top speed.

Step up to the SL 63 and, naturally, power and torque rises to 577hp and a thumping 800Nm thanks to modified internals, increased turbocharger boost pressure, and a larger intake manifold. This shaves the century sprint to just 3.6 seconds for the nearly 2-tonne roadster while taking top speed a hair higher to 300km/h. That’s a lot of wind on your scalp.

Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering Airscarf function has its work cut out for it here, tasked with both directing warm air toward the front occupants while also adaptively combating the buffeting from errant gusts with the roof down.

To match the SL’s tailored platform, AMG have developed a new five-link, double-wishbone suspension upfront while the rear receives a multi-link setup similar to that seen in
the current GT
. An electronically limited-slip rear differential and hydraulic anti-roll bars are given to the SL 63 while the SL 55 gets passive sway bars and an open diff instead. Adaptive suspension, thankfully, is standard.

Inside, the R232 seeks to be both classically inviting and technically impressive. Clearly, Mercedes-AMG were given clear briefs to echo the screen-heavy layout and ergonomics of the EQS and
S-Class with MBUX’s digital interface
 dominating the cabin’s forward view. There's plenty of LCD real estate, true, but it doesn't seem overbearing.

An 11.9-inch vertical (and adjustable) touchscreen serves as the main media, navigation, and operational hub but, as is the trend these days, it’s joined by a slightly larger 12.3-inch driver’s display in lieu of a traditional instrument cluster. They’ll even programme in an optional AMG Track Pace function in case you want to set and compare hot laps in your SL.

The upholstery, materials, and build all have a sense of plushness and quality that even comes through in these supplied photos, which is no surprise seeing as how this is meant to be the pinnacle of performance-oriented luxury for both Mercedes-Benz and AMG, especially now that the short-lived but equally stellar S-Class Coupe/Cabriolet has been axed.


2017 All-New Lexus LC 500 Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM940k

After opening its
order books
 earlier this month, Lexus Malaysia has launched the all-new Lexus LC 500 for the Malaysian market. Lexus’ flagship luxury coupe retails from RM940,000 OTR, exclusive of insurance.
The LC takes its place alongside the LS flagship sedan within the Lexus range and draws inspiration from the Lexus LF-LC concept from 2012. The LC 500 first debuted 2016 Detroit Auto Show, and adopts the company’s latest platform for front-engined rear wheel drive models, dubbed Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L).
The LC 500 represents an evocative design language, successfully transformed from a concept form to a seductive and commanding design for the road. The LC's highlights distinctive elements such as the Spindle Grille, flanked by 3-Beam LED headlamp and 'Arrowhead' DRLs. The car's sporty silhouette is characterised by a sweeping roofline, accentuated by chrome plated mouldings along the side of the roof have been shaped to look like that of a traditional Japanese sword. An active rear spoiler, which automatically deploys at 80km/h finishes off the look of the LC.
The interior further echoes the emotive desigin of the exterior, the aim being to provide a lovely balance between function, comfort and luxury aethetics. The LC's instrument panel houses the same TFT display technology, first introduced on Lexus' LFA supercar, including the snazzy Movable Ring Meter with Drive Mode Differentiated Display. The interior's upholstery and materials further exemplify the craftsmanship and attention to detail that typifies the Lexus name.
Below is a video from our friend Bobby Ang, which covers the features of the Lexus LC 500 in more depth.
Only one variant is on offer – powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that generates 470PS and 540Nm at 4,800rpm. The engine, internally known as the 2UR-GSE, is a development of the unit also used in the RC-F and GS-F high-performance sedans, capable of switching between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed conventional automatic. The gearbox is claimed to be smaller and lighter than some 8-speed units and executes gearshifts as fast as some double-clutch gearboxes. A ‘Torsen’ LSD also helps distribute power effectively.
The car’s driving performance is managed by the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system, which modulates the LC’s Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) functions.
The LC 500 sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds onto a top speed of 270km/h. The car is claimed to return 8.6l/100km/h on the combined cycle.
The LC’s safety systems are integrated into the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which interfaces with the aforementioned DRS and the cars Stability and Traction control. The LC 500 also packs other active safety systems such as blind spot monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Eight airbags are fitted as standard.
The LC 500 is available in 11 exterior colours and three interior colour themes. Only one wheel choice is offered, the five-spoke forged 21-inch aluminium wheels which are wrapped in custom sized rubber – measuring 245/40 at front and 275/35 at the rear. The display unit featured Bridgestone Potenza S001 L tyres, with the 'L' suffix an abbreviation for Lexus.
Every LC500 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, inclusive of free scheduled service within the first 5-year/100,000km period, whichever comes first. Note that 10 units of the LC 500 have been allocated to the Malaysian market in 2017, 8 of which have been reportedly sold.


Proton Foreign Partner To Be Announced Within H1 2017; 15 Feb Deadline Not True

DRB-Hicom Bhd has officially refuted reports stating the search for a new foreign strategic partner (FSP) for Proton is expected to conclude today,
15 February
. The company asserts that the selection of bids remain ongoing, but also reaffirmed that a final decision will be made within the first half of this year.
“There have been many reports that have suggested that DRB-Hicom’s search for a FSP will be finalised by today, 15 Febuary. We wish to reaffirm that as we have stated previously, we will conclude and announce our decision within the first half of this year. We will however endeavour to complete as early as possible,” the statement declared.
“We have also stated previously that this search is complex and thus, a time-consuming process. Upon receipt of bids, DRB-Hicom will start detailed negotiations with the bidders to ensure the key considerations we stated before are met by the potential FSP; these are the strategic, operational, and culture fit,” it continued.
Speculation on Proton’s future has been rife even since it was announced in September that DRB-Hicom is ready to offload as much as 51 percent of its holdings in the national car maker.
Five concrete proposals
 were reportedly received. Although none of the bidders have been officially disclosed, reports have linked Geely, the
PSA Group, Renault, Skoda, Suzuki
, and even the Naza Group as potential suitors.
China-based Geely
, which also owns Volvo, is reportedly the
front-running bidder
.
On 7 February 2017, DRB-Hicom confirmed that all interested bidders have
completed their due-diligence
 auditing on Proton’s records.
The PSA Group, one of the companies reportedly interested in Proton, have yesterday confirmed that they are currently in talks with General Motors to
acquire German brand Opel
.


Thai Car Exports See 9% Drop

According to a report by
Bangkok Post
, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)’s automotive industry club announced yesterday that the nation’s export value fell by 9.9% year-on-year to 112,565 units.
The organization also added that total export value fell by 9% from September of last year to 58.8 billion baht.
FTI’s spokesman Surapong Paisitpatanapong said that poor global economic conditions are the main contributing factor towards the drop. The key markets where Thailand is exporting cars to currently include the Middle East, Africa, Central America and South America.
According to Surapong, the export performance of completely built-up units (CBUs) and their export value remained poor, while pickup exports which account for a majority of total exports are yet to recover.
However, strong shipments of passenger pickup vehicles (PPVs) and eco-cars helped limit the export contraction for the first nine months to 0.5%, with 900,726 units shipped. It is said that export value for the period rose 11.3% to 480.4 billion baht.
The FTI said that it is still maintaining its car export forecast this year at 1.22-1.25 million units in 2016, up slightly by 1-3%, boosted by a robust performance in the first half.
Export markets aside, the FTI reported yesterday that car sales in the Thai domestic market increased by 2.7% year-on-year in September to 63,516 units, marking growth for two consecutive months.
The bump was largely fueled by passenger car sales, which grew 14.5% last month to 25,857 units, while pickup truck sales rose 4.6% to 26,454 units. The overall domestic sales from January to September on the other hand rose to 556,400 vehicles.
Despite the increase in domestic sales, the FTI said that club remains cautious about the domestic car market's prospects, particularly in the last quarter, in light of His Majesty the King's passing, and that the market should return to normal within a few weeks.


Nissan Indonesia Debuts All-New Grand Livina – Rebadged Mitsubishi Xpander

PT Nissan Motor Indonesia, the Indonesian arm of Nissan has just launched the all-new Grand Livina - though the model is known simply as the Livina over there.
Talks
 of a replacement model for the Nissan Grand Livina have been ongoing since 2016, shortly after the showcase of the
Mitsubishi XM Concept
. The XM Concept eventually evolved into the
Mitsubishi Xpander
 in 2017, while the ageing Nissan Grand Livina soldiered on for another few more years.
Just last week, various Indonesian news portals posted spyshots of what appeared to be the next generation Nissan Grand Livina was caught in Indonesia, fueling speculations and confirming earlier reports that the next generation Grand Livina would be based on the Mitsubishi Xpander.
A total of five variants are available at launch, all powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that does 104 PS and 141 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels either via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
From the exterior, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina receives a pair of LED daytime running light and automatic halogen headlights, flanking Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille. Compared to the Xpander it’s based on, the Grand Livina receives a simpler-looking front bumper garnish.
Towards the side, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina is almost identical to the Mitsubishi Xpander, with the slight exception of the side character line. The character line on the Xpander curves downwards on the front doors, but are straight on the Livina. Though range-topping variants of both models receive 16-inch wheels with dual-tone finishing, wheel designs are slightly different.
The rear end of the all-new Nissan Grand Livina features a different number plate recess in the tailgate and silver trim towards the bottom of the bumper. While both the Grand Livina and Xpander have LED tail lights, the lighting element of both tail lights differ from one another.
Despite the subtle exterior differences, the interior of the all-new Grand Livina largely mirrors that of the Mitsubishi Xpander, down to the steering wheel. VE and VL variants of the Grand Livina are fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
All variants of the all-new Nissan Grand Livina are fitted with dual SRS airbags up front, but only the more expensive VE and VL variants of the new MPV receive stability control, traction control, and Hill Hold Assist.
ASEAN NCAP tested the Mitsubishi Xpander
 last year and awarded it a four-star rating.
With the all-new Nissan Grand Livina being basically a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Xpander, it comes to no surprise that the MPV bearing the Nissan design will be manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors at its Bekasi plant.
For the Indonesian market, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina has a lower starting price than the Mitsubishi Xpander (IDR 198,000,000 vs IDR 206,100,000). Interestingly, the most expensive Nissan Grand Livina also costs more than the equivalent Xpander (IDR 266,000,000 vs 260,900,000).


Kia Joins Forces With Peter Pan In New Global Ad Campaign

Kia Motors has launched a new global advertising campaign featuring characters from the classic children’s classic story of Peter Pan.
The three-minute film, entitled Peter Returns, is a re-imagining of the tale which offers a futuristic take on Peter’s ongoing conflict with Captain Hook.
It shows Peter, joined by trusted companions Wendy and Tinker Bell, on a mission to bring new technologies to the inhabitants of Neverland, who, until now, have been prevented from enjoying the fruits of technological progress thanks to the selfishness of nefarious pirate Hook.
In the film, the protagonists take advantage of multiple autonomous and advanced technology features in the
Kia Proceed Concept
 to win the day. These technologies include Smart Pixel Light, Valet Parking Pilot, Sound Focusing, Intelligent Agent and many more. Under the ‘Boundless for all’ thesis, Kia plans to commercialize Level 4 autonomous driving technology, with ‘Smart City’ autonomous vehicle testing due to commence in 2021
The short film is part of Kia’s ‘Boundless for all’ vision, in which opportunities for mobility are limitless, and where everyone can enjoy the infinite value that future transportation will bring.
“Kia is on a journey to become one of the leading mass mobility providers in the future,” commented Yong Won Cho, executive vice president and head of Global Brand & Marketing Division at Kia Motors.
“Through our original film, we wanted to show how something classical and loved by millions around the world can be re-interpreted and made relevant for modern times. Much like the people of Neverland in ‘Peter Returns’, everyone deserves to benefit from technological progress, not just the few.”
Peter Returns was directed by award-winning French filmmaker Phillipe Andre. Shot in Madrid, Spain, over a six-day period, the film involved 200 actors and crew members, with over 100 different props and costumes created specifically for the ad. The imaginary Neverland locations took approximately six months to be sketched and turned into computer graphics (CG).


Nissan's 'Brain To Vehicle' Technology Will Enable Your Car To Read Your Mind

Nissan has unveiled their latest research project called the ‘Brain-to-Vehicle’ (B2V) technology, which will enable vehicles to interpret signals from the driver’s brain, redefining how people interact with their cars.
The technology, which is the first of its kind in the world, interprets the brain signals of the driver and allows the vehicle to predict the driver's actions in advance, and also mitigate to any discomfort experienced.
By catching signs that the driver’s brain is about to initiate a movement – such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal – driver assist technologies will begin the action more quickly, improving reaction times.
“When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines. Yet B2V technology does the opposite, by using signals from their own brain to make the drive even more exciting and enjoyable,” said Nissan executive vice president Daniele Schillaci.
Other possible uses of the technology include adjusting the vehicle’s internal environment, said Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, senior innovation researcher at the Nissan Research Center in Japan, who’s leading the B2V research.
For example, the technology can use augmented reality to adjust what the driver sees and create a more relaxing environment.
The upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week will see Nissan demonstrating the capabilities of the B2V technology using a driving simulator, where Gheorghe will also be on hand to answer questions.


Next Generation Mazda 3 Bids Farewell To Multilink Rear Suspension, Adopts Torsion Beam Instead

When the next generation Mazda 3 arrives in 2019, we can expect the new model to drop its existing multilink rear suspension set up, replaced by a new torsion beam suspension design.
Has the makers of Jinba-Ittai gone mad with their decision to change to a seemingly inferior torsion beam suspension set up?
Not quite, as Mazda's head of research and development Kiyoshi Fujiwara has justified the company's decision for the change.
For starters, he said that it was not a cost factor that steered Mazda away from the multilink rear suspension set up. Instead, Fujiwara-san told
GoAuto
 that the company's goal was to deliver better value for the customers
On top of that, chassis engineers from Mazda has tested the new torsion beam set up on various conditions, including high-speeds and bumpy roads. The end result is a torsion beam rear suspension that is more superior than the existing multilink unit.
In fact, Fujiwara-san mentioned that the torsion beam design was inspired by the current generation Peugeot 308.
Special bushes in the upcoming Mazda 3 has allowed the company to strike the balance between ride comfort, reliability and vehicle dynamics.
Last but not least, Fujiwara-san added that utilizing a torsion beam rear suspension allowed Mazda to improve the NVH levels on the 3, as the current generation model was riddled with road noise.


Ford Holds First Ever "Driving Skills For Life" Workshops in East Malaysia

As part of the efforts to promote safe driving behavior and road safety awareness in Malaysia, Ford and its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) recently launched Ford’s flagship safe driver training programme called the ‘Driving Skills for Life’ (DSFL) for the first time in Sabah.

More than 80 Ford customers and members of the public participated in a half-day workshop which consisted of both classroom and practical hands-on sessions. A total of four training sessions were organised over the weekend of 16-17 November.

The workshops were held in conjunction with the ‘Carlist.my DRIVE: Off-road Edition 2019’ event, allowing more of the public to learn about the DSFL programme and gain safe-driving information. The classroom and practical sessions took place at the SDAC Kota Kinabalu Branch and Likas Stadium respectively.

Provided free-of-charge, the DSFL programme aims to raise awareness of road safety, and aid the reduction of traffic fatalities and injuries, by helping educate drivers on the skills and techniques needed to drive more safely.

The workshops addressed various driver risks with trainings which focused on:

Distractions - Making smart decisions behind the wheel to limit distractions such as mobile phone usage, and staying focused on the task of driving

Hazard recognition - How to scan the road ahead for potential dangers, particularly approaching intersections and safety zones

Speed and space management - Learning how to adjust speed to maintain safe space around, ahead, and behind a vehicle while avoiding being rear-ended

Vehicle handling - Understanding the vehicle’s capability and learning to better control it by leveraging its safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP), Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning

An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated as part of the programme. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination, and alertness are impaired.

Now in its 16th year, Ford Driving Skills for Life has provided free training to more than one million newly-licensed drivers in 40 countries, which equates to an investment of more than 50 million USD, highlighting Ford’s commitment to promoting safety on the road.


Ferrari Celebrates 70 Years of Existence

This year will be Ferrari's 70th year since they unveiled the 125S- the first ever car in the world to wear a Ferrari badge. In the late 1940s it saw a number of victories despite a few "failure to launch" moments during its initial runs, and hence cemented its place in history and established Ferrari as a brand with which one should not trifle. With its 12 cylinder engine and steel chassis it was primitive, but it was a Ferrari.
And as you would expect, Ferrari has to celeberate with something special- and this time around the honour goes to the LaFerrari Alperta. Launched at the Paris Motorshow last year and probably all accounted for, this open top version of the LaFerrari bears some similarities with the original 125S- chiefly in the number of cylinders and the Ferrari badges.
The celebrations will be taking place in various countries around the world as the year progresses, starting with Australasia. The theme is "Driven by Emotion" as Ferrari is so keen to highlight how their cars are emotional works of art in a sense, and the celebrations will culminate at Maranello around September after going through 59 other countries. A website has also been set up to mark the anniversary, which you can visit
here
.


Perodua Sold Over 145,000 Cars (So Far) - 48% Jump From 2021

Perodua
 sales and bookings are still going strong even after the
sales tax
 was reintroduced in July 2022.

A total of 24,265 orders have been placed in the month of July alone, which shows very healthy and strong demand for the brand's model offerings, particularly the
all-new Perodua Alza
.

Almost 50% more sales compared to 2021

Perodua also reported that their sales numbers from January until July of 2022 sit at 145,689 units - 48.7% more compared to the same period in 2021 when they managed to deliver 97,945 new cars within that particular timeframe.

According to Perodua's President and CEO, Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, "The sales increase can be attributed to two main reasons, the first is due to the strong demand for our vehicles, especially between January and June this year as customers wanted to take advantage of the government’s sales tax exemption initiative."

"The second reason why the 2022 year-to-date numbers are stronger is due to the nationwide Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that happened between June and mid-August last year,” added Dato' Sri Zainal.

Almost 40,000 bookings for the Perodua Alza

It seems that Perodua timed it right with the launch of the new Perodua Alza model as they've received around 39,000 bookings so far and 9,000 of them were placed in July. Perodua is also targetting a monthly sales target of 3,000 units of the new Alza.

"While the year-to-date numbers are encouraging, we are still cautious as there are still lingering issues in the automotive ecosystem last month, which include shortage of labour and residual semiconductor supply availability."

"As a result, our month-to-month sales were reduced by 13.3% to 18,346 units in July compared with 21,164 units registered in June this year," Dato’ Sri Zainal said.


Spyshot: All-New Tenth Generation Honda Accord Seen In Thailand

The all-new tenth generation Honda Accord has been caught in Thailand, more specifically in the Kaeng Khoi district where the company previously tested the fifth generation CR-V.
Despite the heavy camouflage, the prominent front fascia makes its evident that this pre-production car is the all-new Accord.
The new model was
announced
 back in July 2017, before going on sale in October the same year. Built on the same platform as the Civic, the all-new Accord features two turbocharged powertrains, a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. Honda also offers a hybrid powertrain for the Accord, featuring a two-motor 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.
According to
Headlightmag
, the all-new Accord is only expected to be launched in Thailand in early 2019, after the all-new Toyota Camry’s debut there later this year.
For us Malaysians however, the all-new model isn’t likely going to arrive until the
end of next year
. This is according to an investors’ newsletter published by RHB Research Institute, which keeps track of the performance of DRB-Hicom’s shares. The newsletter mentioned that Honda is not expected to introduce any new model in 2018.
Photo credit:
Headlightmag


Volvo Puts the Car Key into Your Phone

Volvo plans to sell you a car without giving you a set of keys in the not too distant future and this is not a joke.
Beginning 2017, Volvo will be rolling out an app that can be installed into your smartphone that will replace the physical key fob with a digital one.
The system operates via Bluetooth and incorporates all operational functionalities currently used in smart keyless access systems – locking/unlocking as well as starting the engine.
Within the app, users can store the digital key of more than one Volvo vehicle, giving this technology potential application in the car sharing and car rental business as well.
According to Volvo, a user can potentially book a rental vehicle online and have the vehicle’s digital key relayed to their phones. Upon arrival, the said user can utilize his or her phone’s GPS function to find the car’s precise location. (Guess that means us motoring journalists will need to download this app too when reviewing future Volvo test cars.)
Volvo will pilot this technology in spring 2016 via its car sharing firm Sunfleet, stationed at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017.
Volvo will give this technology its first public appearance next week at the Mobile World Congress 2016 (22-25 February) in Barcelona at the Ericsson booth.
If the idea of having your car key stored virtually on your phone frightens you, Volvo has assured that physical keys will continue to be available for as long as there is demand for them.
For keen adopters of this new technology when it hits the market, remember to keep your phones charged at all times.


2017 Toyota Prius C Minor Change Introduced, Crossover Variant Now Available

Toyota just released the updated Prius C in Japan with revised exterior and a crossover variant. The Toyota Prius C is known as the Toyota Aqua in Japan.
For the facelift, Toyota gave the Prius C new headlights and a new front bumper with Toyota's latest design language incorporating a large black centre piece. Moving to the rear end, tail light design is also new. Alongside the new tail light design, Toyota has moved the position of the rear reflector to the bottom of the bumper.
As for the interior, a new TFT LCD multi info dfisplay is standard for all variants, except the Prius C in L trim. Seat upholstery is also new, as Toyota has stated that the Prius C now gets soft white leather.
In terms of ride and handling, Toyota has increased the body rigidity and increased the tyre size from 175/65R15 to 185/60R15, improving the car's steering stability and ride comfort.
Last but not least, Toyota has introduced a new Crossover grade for the Prius C. Here, the Crossover variant of the Prius C receives more rugged-looking front and rea bumpers, roof and fender molding and16-inch alloy wheels. Toyota added that the Prius C Crossover also benefits from a different suspension tuning from the regular Prius C, improving steering feedback and ride comfort.
According to Toyota, the base Prius C L is able to return 38 km/L under the JC08 test cycle, while upper grades of the Prius C is able to return up to 34.4 km/L. Powertrain remains identical, with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-litre 1NZ-FXE petrol engine being the sole engine choice. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
Prices start from JPY 1,785,240 for the base Toyota Prius C. The Crossover variant will set buyers back for JPY 2,062,800.


Toyota Vios 2020 Facelift Launched In The Philippines

Just last week after Honda Malaysia teased the arrival of the
All New Honda City 2020
 to Malaysia, Toyota, specifically in the Philippines has launched the Toyota Vios 2020 facelift.

So just what's new in the Toyota Vios 2020 facelift?

Exterior

New three-tier headlights, a new grille and a new bumper to bring the whole package together. The headlights are now LED reflectors. The rear lights also get the same LED treatment, however, this only applies to the more premium variants. Fog lights that sit nicely into the new front bumper housing also come as standard on the upper trim levels.

The new grille by far is the biggest departure from the current Toyota Vios, the facelift just flows more seamlessly, it doesn't gape at you like a rapper with diamond teeth akin to the current version. It's more Sam Smith than Lil' Wayne which I think is a step up.

Everywhere else...

the
 Toyota Vios
 is the same as the current one. The same rear, the same wheel size options, Phillipines has the same similar fuel-efficient 2NR-FE Dual VVTi engine paired with a CVT-type automatic that we get here too.

It retails for RM91,200 in the Philippines for the range-topping 1.5G CVT.

How much will cost in Malaysia? When will it get here? - not so soon I think seeing as how we only received the current model last year. Why is everything so slow in Malaysia?