2016 Chevrolet Camaro Revealed: All-New Muscle Car Receives More Tech To Go With The Brawn

The sixth-generation
Chevrolet
 Camaro was
revealed recently
 and featured a lot of improvements over its predecessor, offered in LT and SS models. A series of new powertrains, technologies, and most notably, an even more attention-grabbing design are just among the things that will further worry its closest rival, the
Ford

Mustang
.
Being an American muscle car, we begin with the power, naturally. Available are three powerplants beginning with a mild 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot (275hp/400Nm) to a slightly more exciting 3.6-litre V6 (335hp/385Nm) while at the top sits a new 6.2-litre LT1 V8 borrowed from the Corvette Stingray providing 455hp and 617Nm of torque. Each engine can be paired to either a six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.
Matching the impressive power outputs is a new sculpted exterior design that is more aggressive than before while retaining the Camaro’s distinct look with sharper lines at the front and rear. The new shape is a result of Chevrolet’s 350 hours of wind tunnel testing aimed at optimising aerodynamic efficiency. Overall, the new car is shorter, thinner, and shorter than its outgoing model.
These details include a subtle “air curtain” which channels air around the wheels to reduce drag. Elsewhere, there are integrated brake cooling ducts and a unique hood with functional air vents, which improve engine cooling and reduce front lift. Also featured are LED headlamps, reserved for the higher-spec variants.
Inside, the cabin receives a new design as well with an eight-inch display screen serving as the interface for the next-generation MyLink system. The climate system controls are now integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts as well to improve cabin space. As Chevrolet puts it, “Although the interior is an all new design, it is still instinctively recognizable as a Camaro.”
The changes aren’t limited to what can be seen either. Beneath the metal, the all-new Camaro’s platform is 28% more rigid than before and total curb weight is now 90kg lighter, courtesy of unique architectural components of which 70% are unique to it.
Handling is also unlike the stereotypical American muscle cars of old either. Multi-link MacPherson struts make up the front suspension while the rear receives a new five-link independent suspension setup. The SS variant is now available with Magnetic Ride Control for improved ride and control as well. Drivers will have access to the all-new Drive Mode Selector that sets up the vehicle according to four available modes - Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport, and – on SS models – Track settings.
Goodyear Eagle Sport tyres are fitted as standard on the LT model, wrapping around 18-inch wheels. However, 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric run-flat tyres are also available on the higher variants. Brembo brakes handle the stopping requirements. Where the LT gets 320mm with four-piston callipers up front and 315mm rear single-pistons at the back, the SS models has larger 345mm front and 338 mm rear rotors, each clamped by four-piston calipers.
All these enhancements in performance and handling add up to considerable effect. Chevrolet claims the all-new Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package which is a considerable machine as it is.

Watch the reveal here:


Toyota 86 To Get Mid-Life Facelift Next Year, Due For Power Boost

According to our friends over at
Motoring.com.au
, it seems that the
Toyota 86
 sports car will be up for a mid-life makeover come April 2016, and with it, more horsepower above anything else.
Typically, facelifts, makeovers, minor model changes (whatever you want to call it) bring more styling updates above anything else: maintaining its current powertrain and performance. For the 86, however, it appears that rather than adopt a grand new look, it’s under the hood where most of the changes will likely occur.
Limited Styling Updates:
A source within
Toyota
 that’s close to Motoring.com.au revealed: “
Look to some major body panel redesign. It won’t be too radical because the 86 is made on the same assembly line as the Subaru BRZ, so the restyling process must be carried out within set parameters
.”
More Power Coming Up!
Revisions, then, are reported to be more focused on the Japanese sports car’s performance, where more power is certainly on the cards. The Toyota source also revealed that the brand’s engineers have
“…focused on friction reduction engineering and a more efficient intake manifold design that will boost power and torque by around five per cent, while improving fuel efficiency by up to seven per cent.”
Currently, the 86 is powered by a 200hp naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine (4U-GSE) which also makes 205Nm of torque. If Motoring’s report holds true, the new 86 is expected to make 10 horses more. So, nope, this isn’t going to be the
300hp, AWD monster we once heard was in the works.
 What Else?
The emphasis on improved power and its delivery isn’t all Toyota appear to be focusing on. Despite the minimal exterior updates, there will be some treatment to the exterior in an attempt to refresh the 86’s visual appeal. As yet, Motoring reports that there will be a new front- and rear-end design, embellished with a new exterior go-faster kit.
Even the car’s chassis is likely to be further tweaked for handling gains – remember the
86 GRMN Concept
? The Toyota source revealed that the new 86 will benefit from the brand’s in-house racing team’s development and their recent victories at the Nurburgring 24-hour races in their 86-based racer.


3M Auto Care Essentials Kit Review - For The Fastidious Owner, Automotive Grooming Made Easy?

Ask yourself a quick question: do you care about your car’s appearance? Alright, let’s ask another: do you care about
your
 appearance? The reason I’m choosing to probe a little is for a tiny bit of self reflection - in more ways than one.

If you’re the kind of guy or gal that cares about their outward appearance (Really, it’s entirely fine if you do. It’s normal, in fact), then you’re also likely to care about the way your car looks. In today’s society of the curated lifestyle, some accurate, and others not so much (ahem, Instagram?), we’re all acutely aware of the outward projections we let inform other’s opinion of us. And my point is: if our personality, fitness, grooming, and clothes play a substantial role in our personal ‘brand’, it would spoil the broth if the car we pull up in was a messy, smelly, muddied up cacophony of metal.

Some of us have the erroneous notion of car care being a waste of time, and that it would indeed take up a lot of those precious minutes, not to mention a pretty penny. Having to exit your car and wait for your car’s turn to get that needed wash and clean up. But there’s an easier way: do it yourself.

It’s not very hard. Actually, I’d struggle to call it hard at all. 3M - the conglomerate known for their adhesives, post-it notes, hardware, and electronic products - have launched a line of car care products, available for purchase at AEON and Ace Hardware outlets. We have their kit that consists of a spray-on car wax (
3M Auto Essentials Wax,
RM39.90
), a spray-on leather and vinyl restorer (
3M Auto Essentials Leather and Vinyl Restore,
RM45.90
), and a spray-on tyre shine and conditioner (
3M Auto Essentials Tire Shine,
RM42.90
). Have their easy method of application made car care accessible to the average lazy-ish mortal, such as myself?

From here, I’ll run through my experience with applying the products onto my own car, a 2007
Proton

Gen2
, one by one and, crucially, how they fared under the blistering hot Malaysian sun and its sudden late-year Klang Valley rainstorms. My car has been through a lot these past eight years, so it’ll be interesting to find out if these products can bring back some of that showroom lustre. What follows may or may not be the result of incompetent interpretation of the product’s recommended procedures for proper usage.

3M Auto Essentials Wax

Obviously, the first order was to get the car shiny. According to the products usage instructions, I had the car washed, albeit cheaply at one of those machine-operated automatic car wash joints. Upon returning home, I quickly hosed the car down again and let it air dry for about 3 minutes.

Then I sprayed on the Wax (perhaps too generously) over a specific body panel and rubbed it in with that all-too familiar circular pattern using the included microfibre cloth, taking my time to make sure I was thorough enough to leave no spots untreated and repeated the steps for until the entire car was wiped clean. That was it. Simple. In all, I took around 15 minutes to cover the whole car in Wax. Should your movements be more graceful than mine, 10 minutes is possible.

Cleaning requires patience to cover all areas

When I was done, the car definitely had that extra level of sheen the RM5 car wash could not provide and, more importantly, once left to set, felt much smoother under the finger, confirming there’s now an extra layer of protection against the elements to lock in that glimmer. That evening, there was a very brief thunderstorm, the kind with more lightning than actual raindrops.

That night came a long with a bout of rain. And after intentionally leaving my car exposed until morning, the shine was still there. Upon inspecting my car on the soggy gravel of my driveway, there was a surprising lack of droplets on the car’s surface, most of them all having slid off upon contact.

The weather became annoyingly wet and miserable over the next four or five days but my Waxed-up Gen2 was still holding its shine. Yes, it wasn’t as fresh as it was upon application, but that clean look was still noticeable.

3M Auto Essentials Leather and Vinyl Restore

This one was a little trickier. Cleaning a car’s interior is usually the bane of the fastidious car owner that’s bent on having his or her car as clean as possible for as long as possible, but is also kind of slothful. It requires patience, finesse, even flexibility to reach and properly clean the many recesses of a car’s cabin. Frankly, I was questioning how a spray-on liquid could be of any help to this. Gingerly, I started to clean.

Miracles this product does not provide. It won’t help you magically clean narrow interior bits without having to contort your body, but once that inevitable and undignified position is managed, the Restore formula made quick work of most dirtied nooks. More accessible areas such as the interior door panel were easier to clean, and were given a shiny, if slippery finish and even a citrusy scent.

Shinied up

Even in my rushed approach, I was able to have my old Proton’s interior looking much newer than its actual age would lead you to believe. The spray nozzle did help out, allowing me to extra reach to areas I would otherwise might have to risk pulling a muscle to clean with just a cloth. Cleaning a car’s interior, especially the areas not usually given attention, are still a pain in the neck, requiring initiative and real effort. But it’s less so with this product.

3M Auto Essentials Tire Shine

Next, and finally, we move on to the tyre shine. An essential tool in the amateur auto detailer’s arsenal. They come in all shapes, sizes, and widely available in even in their most modest forms. Some merely claim to provide shine, while others guarantee a healthier tyre as a bonus. Dark, shiny tyres are the quickest and surest way for any car to look clean from a distance, and even an otherwise clean car’s look can be diminished significantly by the sight of unclean, grey tyres.

3M’s shiner claims a long lasting gleam that takes it back to that showroom fresh look. Application was easy enough with the spray nozzle quickly distributing the water-based formula onto my tyre. Care should be taken to keep the liquid off the wheels, lest dust from the brakes and other grime get stuck as you’re driving along. With a few swipes of my wheel brush, I had it spread over the the entire tyre, which was soon duplicated across all four. They do provide a good shine, and has that deep black but slightly matte finish that the cheaper alternatives cannot reproduce once dried. But my question was how it fared against our tropical and temperamental weather, a concern that mirrors the Wax product.

For the sake of testing, those following days riddled with bad weather gave me ample opportunity to take liberties with deep puddles, seeing how long the shine could cling to the tyres. It took a total of three rain-soaked days to fade the tyre’s shine enough for me to want to respray them again with the 3M product.  Given sunnier weather, that stretch could surely have lasted well over a week.

I’ve always been skeptical of a water-based tyre shine. I figured, somewhat logically, that it would wash off at the sight of a puddle. But 3M has fashioned a product that, while water-based, forms a protective layer that isn’t easily swayed away by water or other dirt that’s invariably encountered while driving.

Conclusion

These products are more expensive than the sort you’d find at your nearest Tesco, and being from 3M, you’re guaranteed a certain level of quality. In using the trio of products included in the kit, their value becomes clearer and clearer. For one, they’d last you a good long time. Perhaps the Tire Shine will drain quicker than the other two, especially if you’re like me and can’t stand tyres that aren’t a deep shiny black, but the Restore and Wax provides application intervals that are much farther apart, depending on how you look after your car in general.

I can foresee the Restore and Wax, in my personal case, lasting me close to a year or more with amount to spare, assuming I use them for a touch-up every month and a half. And for that longevity and ease of application, they seem quite worth their price.

They don’t take the chore of cleaning your car on your own and make it sudden a joyous activity. It’s one that still requires effort and some time set aside, but the pain of keeping a clean car is made much easier with 3M distilling the basics, the Essentials, into this kit. Literally spray and wipe in, it can’t be easier unless you pay someone else to do it. But for the owner that takes pride in the cleanliness of his or her automobile, if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.

The finished product. The old grey girl definitely has a healthy dose of that showroom lustre it lost over the last 8 years restored. Mission accomplished.


Kerajaan Putuskan Pengguna Perlu Diberi Pilihan – RFID, Touch ‘N Go, SmartTAG

Kabinet Malaysia telah sebulat suara bersetuju bahawa pengguna jalan raya perlu diberikan pilihan sama ada ingin menggunakan
sistem teknologi Identifikasi Frekuensi Radio (RFID),
 Touch ‘n Go atau SmartTAG.

Menurut Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, perkhidmatan
Touch 'n Go
 yang diperkenalkan kepada pengguna sebelum ini juga tidak dilaksanakan secara terus, namun berbentuk pilihan kepada rakyat.

Meskipun sistem teknologi RFID dikatakan lebih maju dan bagus untuk digunakan di plaza tol, namun penggunaan ini tidak diwajibkan kepada semua rakyat kerana para pengguna jalan raya bebas untuk memilih sama ada ingin menggunakan RFID, SmartTAG mahupun kad Touch ‘n Go.

Tambah PM, beliau menegaskan agar lorong-lorong di plaza tol tidak ditukar kepada RFID sahaja. Sebaliknya, jika ada 10 lorong, mungkin hanya beberapa lorong boleh dibangunkan sebagai lorong RFID, manakala selebihnya lorong SmartTAG dan Touch ‘n Go.

Mengulas lanjut, kerajaan tidak mahu ada sebarang tekanan dan paksaan terhadap pengguna jalan raya. Mereka berhak diberikan kebebasan untuk memilih kaedah pembayaran tol pilihan mereka. Jika ada yang merasakan bahawa sistem RFID lebih memudahkan, mereka boleh pilih untuk tukar.

Kenyataan Perdana Menteri ini dibuat susulan dakwaan orang ramai yang berang kerana tindakan sesetengah plaza tol yang menggantikan satu-satunya lorong Smart Tag dengan lorong RFID yang baharu di beberapa plaza tol PLUS. Ramai juga yang mengeluh jika
toll-reader
 yang terbina siap dalam kereta seperti
Perodua Myvi
 tidak akan lagi digunakan selepas ketiadaan SmartTAG.

Tindakan itu seakan-akan memaksa pengguna Smart Tag untuk berubah ke arah penggunaan RFID, meskipun sebelum ini, Pengarah Urusan PLUS, Datuk Azman Ismail telah memberi kenyataan bahawa pengguna masih boleh guna
Touch ‘n Go dan SmartTAG Hingga 2023.

Susulan itu, kabinet telah mengarahkan Kementerian Kerja Raya untuk memanggil syarikat konsesi tol terbabit untuk membincangkan perkara tersebut. Menurut PM, kerajaan akan pastikan bahawa semua pihak perlu merujuk dengan kabinet di masa hadapan sekiranya sesuatu itu melibatkan bayaran.

Menteri Kanan Kerja Raya Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof juga telah mengarahkan PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) agar mencari penyelesaian berhubung isu kesesakan yang dilaporkan berlaku di plaza tol berikutan pelaksanaan RFID. Untuk pengetahuan anda, RFID di Lebuhraya PLUS sedang dilaksanakan secara rintis oleh syarikat konsesi PLUS dan ia dibekalkan oleh syarikat Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd (TnG).


VIDEO: All-New 2015 Mitsubishi Triton Exterior And Interior Tour

The
Mitsubishi

Triton
 has been a big player in the pickup truck market in Malaysia. Walking the line between urban cruiser and utilitarian workhorse. And now that there’s a new one on the market, we bring you a detailed video tour.
You might have already seen a lot of this car. Indeed we’ve covered an
early picture of its interior
, previewed it while
on display at a showroom
,
showcased at Mid Valley
 Megamall, covered its
official launch
 and written about the
Mitsubishi’s shift to sub 3.0-litre diesel engines
.
But words can only take you so far. Our video below will take you through the nooks and crannies of the all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton so you can experience the pickup truck without having to set foot in one. Of course, should you want to, then by all means visit your nearest Mitsubishi Malaysia dealership.


New Volvo XC60 Receives Polestar Treatment, Kicks Out 421hp

Polestar, the performance brand of Volvo Cars has introduced the latest-generation powertrain optimisation for the new Volvo XC60.
With the Polestar enhancement, the new Volvo XC60 T8 delivers 421 hp, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.
Polestar says that there are two key features of the optimisation - the improved engine performance and gearbox functionality.
Firstly, the enhancements for the engine are said to provide greater power and torque in the middle of the rev range, the area most often used in everyday driving.
The gearbox on the other hand, has been calibrated to utilise the optimised mid-range engine performance, where it maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force in order to avoid unsettling the balance of the car.
According to Polestar, the enhanced performance come without affecting either emissions or the fuel consumption of the engines. The vehicles also continue to be covered by the standard Volvo factory warranty.
"Our goal is to create useable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience," said Henrik Fries, Vice President, Research and Development at Polestar."
"The new XC60 has provided us with an excellent base to work on with a dynamic chassis and a state-of-the-art powertrain, and with the Polestar optimisation, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers' car."
A total of four XC60 models are available for Polestar optimisation in Europe, including the T8, T5, D5 and D4.
For the D5, the Polestar optimisation boosts peak power from 235 to 240 hp, and peak torque from 480 to 500 Nm. The 0-100 kmh time is also cut from 7.2 to 7.1 seconds.


All-New 2021 Perodua Alza Coming In December?

It would seem, Perodua’s longest-serving model – the Alza – at long last will see a major refresh in 2021. The new model, internally codenamed D27A could see a formal market introduction as early as Q4 2021. So what do we know so far about the 2021 Perodua Alza?

A major vendor of parts for Perodua, Sapura Industrial Berhad (SIB) spilled the beans in an annual company report, stating that the company has been awarded the contract to supply the “Case Differential Assembly” for the D27A from Akashi Kikai – the company responsible for supplying the transmission for Perodua.

Current
Perodua Alza
 has been around since 2009 but remains popular due to great pricing and lack of competition.

The statement also reads that the company is already midway through the development phase of the parts that will go into the D27A, which are expected to go into production in Dec 2021.

Of course, there is much uncertainty given the situation of the pandemic in the country, but barring
major delays in the supply chains
, the latest generation of Malaysia's favourite mini-MPV should be with us in just over six months. In addition, with Perodua's accurate and yet conservative timelines when it comes to developing and introducing their cars, we can be assured that those timelines won't stray too far.

However, besides SIB’s statement and a few spyshots of test mules Perodua is reportedly running, not much is known about the technical specification of the final product. We can assume that it will be based on the
Daihatsu DNGA platform
 (like the Ativa) – as it’s the company’s latest front-wheel-drive platform – which can be adapted to different body styles and models given its modular nature and the high degree of parts commonization.

We can also be assured that it will offer Perodua’s latest ASA 3.0 advanced driver assistance features, like the
Ativa
.

A good indication of what the Alza could look like, or borrow some design cues from is the Daihatsu
DN-Multisix concept from 2017
. Unveiled at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2017, the DN-Multisix, is as the name implies, a six-seater MPV powered by a 1.5-litre engine (at least in the concept) which featured a rather futuristic design language incorporating angular lines and a large glasshouse from front to back. Sleek LED headlamps and taillamps added a nice premium touch alongside.

The DN-Multisix featured a very futuristic interior as well, with end-to-end screens on the dashboard, and a centre console with touchscreen controls more akin to a
luxury EV
 than a budget MPV. Though the interior will largely change in the production model it inspires, it does offer some visual clues into the overall occupant space that the six-seater offers.

The DN-Multisix was shown alongside the
DN-Trec compact SUV concept
which later went on to inspire the
Perodua Ativa
, Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize trio – therefore we can surmise that the DN-Multisix is more than just a design exercise for publicity. Separately, Indonesian site Autonetmagz also reported in 2020, that the
upcoming third-generation Toyota Avanza
 (and as an extension the Daihatsu Xenia also sold in Indonesia) will be introduced as front-wheel-drive MPVs as the parent company hopes to streamline its market offerings across the region.

Therefore, in much the same way as the Ativa/Raize and Rocky, the DNGA-based MPV could form the basis for the new Alza as well as
Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu Xenia (in Indonesia)
. However, only time will tell if all this comes to pass, as Autonetmagz also reported that the new Avanza/Xenia was due out in December 2020, which never came to pass.

The biggest question, for now at least would be what lies under the hood of the new Alza – will Perodua offer a naturally-aspirated engine or will they go the route of forced induction like the Perodua Ativa considering the
large investments
 made to improve their production resources and competencies? Time will tell.

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.

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Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz A-Class Interior To Be “Revolutionary”

With the
facelifted 2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 only just revealed to the world, with us lot getting a
glimpse of the new range in Frankfurt
, you shouldn’t be too surprised to learn that
Mercedes-Benz
 are already well into working on the next-generation model already.
There’s very little they, or anyone else will know about what the production version of the all-new
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
 would be like when it launches in several years’ time, but sitting with us for a quick dinner whilst in Frankfurt was one Oliver Schnell, head of interior design for the Stuttgart-based carmaker’s compact cars, who revealed to us that the name of the game for the next-gen A-Class (where his department is concerned, at least) is to be “revolutionary.”
As expected, the
new A-Class
 doesn’t feature as significant a departure from its pre-facelifted predecessor’s interior dashboard design, which itself has been made to look a little bit dated against what we’ve come to see in the latest-gen
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)
, despite the many improvements made to the new A-Class.
Itself inspired by the flagship W222 S-Class, the C-Class’s dashboard and interior wears a whole new look that we imagined then would begin a chain of similar developments in other models, and naturally, we’ve since seen it feature in the coming E-Class (from what
spyshots we’ve been able to gather
), and the likes of the
GLC-Class SUV
 too – don’t forget that the GLC-Class SUV borrows a lot from the C-Class (architecture, powertrains, etc) and its interior design is no exception.
Once the
E-Class
 is fully revealed with the similar theme interior as expected (albeit improved to be a bit more upmarket, befitting of its segment), the next-gen
GLE-Class SUV
 which is based on the E-Class, could follow suit to offer the same – much like the C-Class and GLC-Class. So on, so forth from there.
The A-Class Revolution
The A-Class, however, is expected to offer something a little bit more different. Naturally, it must give up its outdated dashboard, number pad and all, for something new. And, while it appears logical for the car to follow suit and adopt a similar interior design to the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz appears to have other plans for it.
As mentioned by Oliver Schnell, the new interior will be “revolutionary” – but of course: who’d have guessed otherwise, anyways? The all-new A-Class will be quite different from what it is now, when it does debut, several years from now.
What Schnell specifically points out to us is that the next all-new A-Class won’t simply take what the C-Class has, but given its focus on a younger audience, will showcase something completely new, and unseen before.
“The A-Class is something that needs to attract younger buyers, and to do this, we are working on concepts now that will be “revolutionary.” There cannot be a case of simply adopting the C-Class’s interior or any other of model’s designs, because those are designed for different types of buyers,” said Schnell.


Goodwood 2017 Honours F1’s Bernie Ecclestone With Massive Sculpture

The 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) has chosen to honour the life and career of Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, with a massive sculpture on the event grounds. For the first time ever, the 'Central Feature' at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed will celebrate an individual rather than a marque.
Bernard Charles Ecclestone, known the world over simply as Bernie, is one of the most influential people in the history of motorsport. Over the last 40 years, he has transformed Formula 1, using his legendary vision and business acumen to develop the sport into a multi-billion dollar global spectacle.
Dubbed 'The Five Ages of Ecclestone', designer Gerry Judah hoped to celebrate five defining eras of Bernie’s career, as a driver, manager, team owner, impresario and finally as a legend of the sport. Each age is portrayed on the ‘Central Feature’ by a different car, glinting high up on five arms, and shooting out of a perfect, white circle.
The five racing cars chosen to highlight Bernie’s five eras are:
Driver
A regular competitor in 500cc Coopers during the late-1940s and early- ‘50s, the climax of Bernie’s driving career came in 1958, when he entered the Monaco Grand Prix in a Connaught, having bought the team’s assets the previous year.
Manager
After retiring from driving himself, Bernie turned his hand to management, guiding the careers of Stuart Lewis-Evans and Jochen Rindt. The latter became the sport’s only posthumous World Champion in 1970, driving the iconic Gold Leaf Lotus 72.
Team Owner
At the end of 1971, Bernie purchased the Brabham F1 team, forming a formidable partnership with designer Gordon Murray, and drivers including Carlos Pace, Carlos Reutemann, Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet. The latter took the first of two World Championships for Brabham under Bernie’s ownership in a BT49 in 1981.
Impresario
Beginning in the 1970s, Bernie took control of Formula 1’s commercial rights, transforming the sport into a truly global powerhouse. The Ferrari F2001 represents Michael Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000s when manufacturer involvement reached an all-time high, and blue-chip sponsors sought to benefit from F1’s glamour and TV ratings.
Legend
There is only one ‘Bernie’ in motorsport. The 2016 World Championship-winning Mercedes-AMG W07 brings the story of his time in Formula 1 right up to date.
In addition, Goodwood will honour 70 years of Ferrari, 110 years of Brooklands, Tom Kristensen’s 50th birthday and the 20th anniversary of his first Le Mans win.
The 25th edition of Goodwood also presents its first ‘FoS Future Lab’, an exhibit exploring the travel, transport, and technology of the future, featuring autonomous Robocars, 'VR' drone racing, flying cars and never-seen-before NASA photography.


12 Days Of Christmas - Jingle Bells - Best Audio Setups To Sing Along With This Christmas

Christmas songs can really amplify the Christmas mood, so here are some cars with the best sound systems!

What is Christmas without music? It's pretty hard to imagine the Christmas period without songs such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "White Christmas" or even "Silent Night".

Despite the overzealous airing of Christmas tunes in shopping malls and radio stations, secretly, almost everyone enjoys them. For those who really enjoy Christmas songs, nothing beats listening to them on a good sound system, especially when you are driving.

Some cars come out of the factory equipped with a quality sound system. Manufacturers usually work with audio specialists like BOSE, Meridian, Mark Levinson, and Harmon Kardon for example, so if you want to listen to those Christmas tunes as clearly as possible, perhaps these cars are the best for you.

2020 Lexus LS 500 Kiriko

The
Lexus LS
 is one of the best-insulated cars around. This combined with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson system that includes speakers in the ceiling, ensures unprecedented sonic quality in an accurate and enveloping soundstage that will surely give you the clearest and warmest sounding Christmas songs in a car.

Since most stream music these days, the LS's Clari-Fi feature will give you the ability to appreciate the dynamics and depths of your digital music, regardless of source.

2020 Audi Q7

When you talk about high-end sound systems, there's no running away from the fact that Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is one of the best out there. Although B&O has equipped many different vehicle manufacturers with sound systems, the one in the
Audi Q7
 is the most impressive in our opinion. Listeners experience astonishing sound separation in perfect harmony, as they sit enveloped within an enlarged 3D sound stage spanning openness.

The system is powered by Bang & Olufsen’s Class-D BeoCore amplifier and delivers over 1,900 watts of efficient power. The system consists of 23 fully active loudspeakers. Each amplifier channel powers its own loudspeaker, including accurately positioned loudspeakers built into the upper section of each A-pillar. The system’s patented ALTs (Acoustic Lens Technology), delivers a 180° sound dispersion, incorporating newly redesigned tweeters.

2020 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

Although the
XC90
 only has a 19 speaker system (that's obviously low compared to 23, duh!), the number of speakers they have makes you feel like you have a whole orchestra in the car with you. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system gives a true high-fidelity experience, with top-end quality and the latest audio technology as the starting point. The system was developed in close collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins engineers and Volvo Cars’ own audio experts as an integral part of the cabin design with precisely positioned state-of-the-art loudspeakers.

The numbers are impressive: one 12-channel amplifier, an astonishing 1400W output and up to 19 separate high-end speakers including two automotive innovations: a unique open-air sub-woofer and a tweeter-on-top centre speaker facing the occupants for a sound that’s detailed and true to life.

2020 Mercedes Benz S-560 e

While we're all used to seeing Burmester speakers around in Mercs, but it's the sound system in the
S-Class S-560 e
 that is most impressive out of them all. In the S-Class, there are 27 Burmester speakers strategically located so that you can feel like you are part of the music. Burmester calls this their HIgh-End 3D Surround System where a 1,590-watt system uses a combination of digital and analogue amplifiers to deliver natural high-quality sound throughout the interior.

If you're an audiophile and a sucker for some Christmas carols then these options above should give you many kilometres of aural delights!


Why You Need A Tyre Air Compressor During Lockdown?

Tyre air compressors (tyre inflator) are cheap now, it's worth having one lying around at home in order to keep your tyres properly inflated during this lockdown.

The ongoing lockdown has really made us car enthusiasts worry about our cars.

Being immobilised for long periods is not healthy for our mechanical friends, especially when we're not prepared to rest it for more than two months.

The batteries have depleted, the tyres have lost air, and only God knows what the condition of the oil and fluids are like. Saying that however, it's best to change oil and fluids when we can properly finally get our cars back on the road, but in the meantime, the only thing we can do to keep it tip-top is to stay on top of its
battery voltage
 and
tyre pressure
.

One cause of tyre pressure loss is the permeation of air molecules right through the rubber, as the air inside the tyre tends to equalise itself with the air from outside. This will happen regardless of whether the tyre is being used or not, but it's worse when the tyre has not moved.

Rotating
tyres
 absorb external air pressure created in the area of contact between tread and road, which is why they lose much less tyre pressure compared to ones that have not moved.

Pic credit: Rezulteo tyres

The problem with losing tyre pressure is that underinflated tyres are more susceptible to flat spotting. A flat spot is a condition that occurs when a tyre has been stationary for a prolonged period-i.e. like most cars in Malaysia right now. The tyre can get a flat spot on the area in contact with the ground.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is an effective way to lessen the chances of flat-spotting. Continental
tyres
 say that you should keep the correct tyre pressure to avoid flat-spotting. They also say that If you're about to park your car for a long time without driving, then slightly increasing the tyres' inflation pressure by 3 PSI before parking will help to reduce the chances of flat-spotting.

This might not be easy for you to do if you do not have an air compressor at home, but the world of internet shopping has really made them accessible as well as affordable.

But before you explore the web for one, if you have one of those fancy cars, it's worthwhile checking your boot to see whether it is equipped with a mini air compressor. We know that some of the German manufacturers include them as part of their spare tyre package.

But if you don't, do not worry, as you can get one from Shopee or Lazada at an affordable price.

Most portable or mini tyre air compressors are priced between RM150-RM200 these days. They can be had either in plug-in or rechargeable form. The plug-in air compressor gets its power through the lighter socket in your car, while the rechargeable one is battery-operated.

The advantage of the plug-in air compressor is that technically, it should never run out of steam since it is plugged straight into a power source. The disadvantage of the plug-in air compressor is that it relies on your car's power source, so if the battery is dead or weak, you might not be able to get it working correctly.

The good thing about a battery-operated tyre air compressor is that it is more portable as it is not plugged into a power source, but the limitations of its power through the capacity of its battery is its main weakness. What this means is that it's probably got enough juice to pressurise four tyres before the batteries run out. However, portable tyre air compressors are a bit more convenient than a plug-in compressor.

Since it is portable and does not need to be attached to a power source constantly,  you can pretty much use it anywhere, for many different things, such as inflatable balls, bicycle tyres, motorcycle tyres, and even blow up swimming pools.

Even though they are small, they still pack a punch. As an example, the Xiaomi Mi Portable Electric air compressor that I own can pump up a tyre all the way up to 3.5 bar. That's around 50 PSI, and with cars averaging around 32 PSI to 35 PSI when they're cold, you could say it has enough power to inflate them properly.

If you feel like you need a more powerful air compressor, there are many out there that can provide that, but since this is all about maintaining tyre pressure on the cheap, we're pretty sure most can stomach around RM150 for the sake of their car's well being.

If not that, you could also consider the air compressor as a lifesaver, as there have been many times it has saved me or my friends from being stranded due to a flat tyre. It's just a piece of equipment that will come in useful one day, and you'd be glad you own one.

It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure once every couple of weeks, especially if you're planning to drive it out after a long period of it being stationary. If they aren't checked regularly, you can get flat spots as well as the excessive and uneven wearing of the treads.

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.

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2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid To Be First Toyota Hybrid Model Assembled Locally In Malaysia

UMW Toyota has just confirmed that the soon-to-be-launched 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid will be the first Toyota hybrid model to be assembled locally in Malaysia.

UMW Toyota has already opened the order books for the
2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
 with Hybrid Electric Technology (HEV). Prices are estimated to start from RM137,000. Customers also have the non-hybrid variants to choose from - the Corolla Cross
1.8V
 or
1.8G
.

“This is a major milestone in the history of Toyota in Malaysia, and we are excited about launching the first locally-assembled Toyota model with Hybrid Electric Technology. Assembling locally means more attractive and affordable pricing so that more people can enjoy the benefits of the advanced technology,” said Mr. Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

The first batch of
Corolla Cross
 models sold to the Malaysian public was in CBU form from Thailand. All assembly now will take place in Toyota's ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Klang.

The hybrid-electric powertrain powering the 2021 Corolla Cross Hybrid is the
fourth generation of  Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System.

The system consists of a 1.8-litre petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor, controlled by a computer using power from the engine or motor depending on driving conditions.

Power output is rated at
72 kW/98 PS with 142 Nm of torque from the petrol engine. The electric motor churns out 53 kW (equal to 72 ps) and 163 Nm of torque. Power is delivered via an E-CVT with 4 drive modes - Eco, Normal, Sport and EV.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid will further benefit from Toyota's Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 comprising of:

Pre-Collision System (PCS)

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Automatic High Beam (AHB)

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The
Corolla Cross
 will be available in Celestite Grey Metallic (exclusive for the Corolla Cross Hybrid), Platinum White Pearl, Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Silver Metallic.

This signals the beginning of UMW Toyota's electrification programme here in Malaysia with the 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, UMW Toyota's first-ever Hybrid Electric Vehicle to be assembled locally. UMW Toyota believes this to be the best approach at this time so that no customer is left behind.

“Even before COP26, Toyota has been actively working on reducing emissions from vehicles and the solution has not been just by full electrification. Depending on each country’s conditions, the approaches taken are different to ensure that no customer is left behind. In the case of Malaysia,  Hybrid Electric Technology is the most suitable and Toyota offers the best and most advanced technology because we have been developing it since the late 1990s,” said Akio Takeyama.

“The reduction of CO2 emissions from having more hybrid vehicles on the road in Malaysia will help to meet the Malaysian government’s commitment to cut greenhouse gases, as well as contribute to Toyota’s own goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in all its products and activities,” he added.

We look forward to the impending arrival of the CKD 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.


At Least Six New Electric Mercedes-Benzs Are Coming – The EQS Is First In 2021

Having recently concluded a virtual conference with key investors and analysts, Mercedes-Benz has revealed its key strategies for its car business in the forthcoming years leading up to 2025.

In addition to slated cost reduction plans to down capital expenditure and R&D costs, the company also plans to lower its break-even point in hopes of improving cash collections and conversion rates.

Alongside, intensive product and technology introductions centred around electrification which in their own words “ will enhance the Mercedes-Benz brand’s luxury status, raise the product portfolio’s positioning and mix, pursue significant growth for sub-brands AMG, Maybach, G, and EQ and accelerate the development of electric drive and car software.”

What’s EVA and MMA?

Mercedes’ EV sub-brand ‘EQ’ is key to this model expansion, and new models will be positioned around two platforms – the new (large vehicle) Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) platform and the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform which is in development for compact and medium-sized cars.

The EVA and MMA platforms will make possible the introduction of at least six new models, confirmed to hit the market starting in 2021, with the EQS saloon. This in line with its aspirations of having electrically powered cars including all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for more than half of its sales already by 2030.

In addition, given Mercedes-Benz, breakneck speeds of development and “accelerated introduction of new technology” as part of its “» Electric First «” strategy, the following six-models could well be introduced to markets around the world within the next two years:

The Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE sedan

Inspired by the Vision EQS first unveiled in 2019, the EQS will be the first flagship all-electric member of the new S-Class range and arrive in 2021. The EQS is the second model to use the EVA platform (after the EQC SUV) and will boast a 700km driving range (on the WLTP cycle).

The EQS and is currently in the final stages of testing. We also know that the EQS will include and expand on some technologies that are familiar to us already, such as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) suite for control and display systems or the driving assistance systems. The EQS will also be produced alongside the latest-generation S-Class in "Factory 56" in Sindelfingen.

The EVA platform allows for the vehicle's wheelbase and track as well as all other system components, especially the batteries, to be variable thanks to its modular design, insofar that the platform architecture makes it possible to build both saloons to large SUVs, and everything in between.

This will allow for the introduction of the smaller EQE sedan, parallel to that of the iconic E-Class, Mercedes have confirmed that the EQE will be the next model to follow the EQS in 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE SUVs

The introduction of the EQS and EQE sedans will be swiftly followed by their SUV counterparts – the EQS SUV is already in various stages of testing, alongside the EQE and EQS sedan. Therefore, a late-2021 and early 2022 introduction respectively seems entirely possible.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB

In the compact class, production of the EQA, the all-electric sibling of the GLA, will start later this year, followed by the EQB in 2021.

Details are light for now regarding the MMA platform, but it’s highly likely it will possess the same amount of drivetrain flexibility as the EVA platform. The EQA is currently at an advanced stage of testing.

But what about Mercedes-Benz’s 2022 plans?

Mercedes-Benz has previously stated that they plan to introduce ten different all-electric vehicles by 2022 – stating that customers “will have the choice of at least one electric alternative in every Mercedes‑Benz model series, taking the total (models) to 50 overall.”

The six-aforementioned models, including the inaugural EQS from 2018, and the all-electric EQV (parallel of the V-Class) from last year - takes the total count to eight vehicles. Leaving two more.

Image credit:
Mercedes-Benz Worldwide

Our most educated guess for the remaining two models, if it were to fit within the aforementioned 2022 plans – would be the introduction of a sedan version of the EQC SUV, and perhaps most interestingly – the production version of the Vision EQXX.

The Vision EQXX is a new prototype electric currently in development, which will reportedly offer a total driving range of 1,200 km making it the most efficient electric car in the world. The EQXX is said to be a showcase of the EQ brand’s technological know-how and nothing else for now.

However, it seems entirely possible that the tech trickle-down from the EQXX could find its way onto an entirely different genre of vehicle - perhaps a sportscar?


GIIAS 2021: Daihatsu Xenia Dilancarkan - Kembar Toyota Avanza - Harga Bermula Dari RM55k

Daihatsu
 turut tidak ketinggalan untuk melancarkan jentera generasi ketiga Daihatsu Xenia di
Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2021
 yang juga merupakan kembar kepada
Toyota Avanza 2022
 dengan harga yang lebih mampu milik.

Seperti yang anda tahu, Toyota Avanza, Veloz dan Daihatsu Xenia ini berkongsi
platform DNGA
 dan hampir keseluruhan komponen yang sama. Dari segi reka bentuk dalaman dan luaran, Daihatsu Xenia ini lebih kelihatan sama seperti Avanza berbanding Veloz. Yang berbeza hanyalah beberapa perubahan kecil seperti
styling
 atau
design
 kereta.

Berbeza dengan Veloz dan Avanza, Daihatsu Xenia dijual dengan harga yang lebih murah dengan harga bermula dari RM55k. Harga Toyota Avanza 2022 pula berharga dari RM60k manakala Veloz tampil dengan harga permulaan yang lebih tinggi iaitu RM73k.

Daihatsu Xenia 2022 ditawarkan dalam 5 varian:

1.3 M

1.3 X

1.3 R

1.5 R

1.3 R ASA

Dari segi janaan kuasa, Daihatsu tampil dengan dua pilihan enjin yang yang sama seperti Toyota Avanza iaitu 1.3L 1NR-VE dan 1.5L 2NR-VE. Enjin 1.3L 1NR-VE NA DOHC 4-silinder dengan dual VVT-i menghasilkan 98 PS dan 121 Nm tork manakala enjin yang lebih besar, 1.5L 2NR-VE menghasilkan 106 PS dan 137 Nm tork.

Berbeza dengan Avanza, enjin 1.3L Xenia ini turut hadir dengan pilihan transmisi D-CVT selain transmisi 5 kelajuan manual manakala enjin yang lebih besar, 1.5L turut digandingkan dengan dua pilihan transmisi sama.

Rupa luaran Xenia ini tidak jauh berbeza dengan Avanza. Tetapi perbezaan dapat dilihat pada bahagian gril di mana Xenia menggunakan gril jenis honeycomb bersama kemasan merah di bahagian atas lampu utama
LED
 serta skirt sisi kereta. Daihatsu Xenia tampil dalam 7 pilihan warna seperti
Midnight Black Metallic, Icy White, Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Compagno Red, Purplish Silver dan Greenish Gun Metal.

Bahagian dalaman kereta juga menyaksikan beberapa persamaan dengan Avanza 2022. Ia turut hadir dengan fungsi mod sofa, paparan skrin sentuh infotainment jenis terapung dan stereng dengan pelbagai butang di bahagian kiri. Kemasan merah yang berada di luar turut terdapat pada bahagian papan pemuka kereta ini seperti di corong penyaman udara dan butang
start/stop
enjin
.

Penyaman udara
 kereta ini bersifat digital manakala terdapat juga corong penyaman udara yang disediakan di bahagian bumbung bagi penumpang belakang. Menurut Daihatsu, ia bagi menjimatkan ruang serta memberikan rupa moden pada interior kereta ini. Bagi varian 1.5 R, ia turut dilengkapi dengan pelaras ketinggian tempat duduk pemandu.

Dari segi keselamatan, Daihatsu Xenia dibekalkan dengan sistem Advance Safety Assist (ASA) yang meliputi:

Kamera 360 darjah

Amaran Pra-Perlanggaran

Pedal Misoperation Control

Bantuan Mula Mendaki

Pengelap cermin dengan Penderia Kelajuan

Kawalan Kekal Lorong

Amaran Keluar Lorong

Kawalan Cengkaman

ABS, EBD

Harga jualan bagi Daihatsu Xenia 2022 ini bermula dari Rp 190,900,000 (RM55k) hingga Rp 244,200,000 (RM71k) bagi varian tertingginya. Walaupun model ini tidak memasuki Malaysia, namun kembarnya, Avanza tetap akan masuk ke pasaran negara ini. Tetapi ia masih menjadi tanda tanya sama ada Malaysia akan menerima Avanza 2022 atau versi yang lebih atas, Veloz.

Tidak dinafikan, timbul juga khabar angin mengatakan
Perodua Alza
 yang bakal dibangunkan dengan platform DNGA kelak mungkin akan dibina sebagai kembar Avanza dan Xenia seperti
Toyota Rush dan Perodua Aruz
. Jika benar, mungkin spesifikasi Alza nanti akan lebih berpandukan Daihatsu Xenia ini. Namun buat masa ini, masih tiada sebarang pengumuman rasmi dibuat oleh Perodua berkenaan model generasi baharu Perodua Alza. Sama-samalah kita nantikan!


Penunggang Motosikal Dinasihatkan Berhenti Di Kawasan Berteduh Jika Hujan – PLUS Malaysia

PLUS Malaysia
mengingatkan
penunggang motosikal
 di lebuh rayanya supaya sentiasa menggunakan tempat perlindungan hujan yang disediakan khas untuk motosikal jika perlu berhenti.

Menurut Ketua Komunikasi Korporat PLUS, Syed Mohamad Idid, ini adalah untuk keselamatan semua, terutamanya bagi penunggang motosikal.

Kawasan Perlindungan Hujan PLUS

Ketika ini, terdapat 184 kawasan perlindungan hujan untuk penunggang motosikal berteduh di sepanjang rangkaian lebuhraya PLUS.

Kawasan
berteduh
ini terbahagi kepada tiga iaitu:

Kawasan berteduh berasingan di kawasan selamat

Kawasan berteduh di bawah jambatan dan jejambat

Kawasan berteduh di bawah persimpangan bertingkat

Daripada 186 kawasan itu, sebanyak

85 tempat perlindungan terletak di belah Selatan

70 tempat perlindungan terletak di belah tengah

31 tempat perlindungan terletak di belah Utara

Daripada jumlah ini, PLUS juga sentiasa menilai lokasi baharu untuk menambah bilangan tempat perlindungan hujan motosikal.

*Kredit infografik: PLUS

Keselamatan Adalah Keutamaan

Meskipun pengguna motosikal tidak membayar tol dan tidak mendatangkan untung buat PLUS, namun Syed berkata keselamatan semua penggunanya adalah keutamaan utama bagi mereka.

Anda tidak boleh meletakkan had pada nilai nyawa seseorang manusia,” kata Syed. Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata terdapat had kepada bilangan dan lokasi tempat perlindungan hujan boleh ditempatkan kerana ruang dan pertimbangan reka bentuk jalan.

*kredit foto: Sinar Harian

Syed juga berkata pengguna lebuh raya perlu mengambil tahu dan mengikuti petua memandu dan menunggang yang disediakan PLUS terutama ketika cuaca buruk serta sentiasa mematuhi peraturan lebuh raya dan had laju.

“Keselamatan lebuh raya adalah satu perkara penting untuk semua pihak untuk mengambil bahagian secara aktif dan bekerjasama. Rangkaian lebuh raya PLUS direka untuk perjalanan yang cekap dan menawarkan kadar tol bagi setiap kilometer yang terbaik di Malaysia,” jelas Syed.


In Two Months Police Able To Detect Unpaid Summonses With New ANPR Cameras

Police will begin the use of their 20 newly acquired automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to take action against hardcore traffic offenders within the next two months.
According to
The Star
, these cameras are mountable onto any police cruiser (or even an unmarked police vehicle) and will allow the detection of any passing car whose registration number is linked to an outstanding summons in the Bukit Aman database. From that point, it is at the officer’s discretion whether to stop the vehicle and take necessary action.
The report said these cameras will be deployed at strategic locations. Police have so far identified nine entry and exit points into the country where they could be used. This first phase of ANPR would cost a reported RM30 million.
Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said these new methods will be put into practice to nab the most resistant of traffic offenders with numerous outstanding summonses.
“A total of 1.06 million outstanding summonses have yet to be settled and we are looking at bringing down this number,”
“Besides using the ANPR cameras to trace errant motorists, the CID and Narcotics Crime Investigation Department will also benefit from the use of the system,” SAC Mohd Fuad told reporters.
He said that the ANPR camera system were designed for placement on police vehicle dashboards and will capture an image of an oncoming vehicle’s number plate for remote database cross reference. If there is a match, police personnel will be informed and appropriate measures can be taken.
SAC Mohd Fuad added that this system would let the police work smarter and could avert the conducting of road blocks that cause traffic problems.


MINI To Enter John Cooper Works Rally And Buggy Into The 2018 Dakar Rally

Following on from their successes over the last few years, X-Raid is returning to the Dakar Rally in partnership with MINI. They are in the final phases of their preparation for the event, and this year they will be running both the MINI John Cooper Works Rally and MINI John Cooper Works Buggy. The former claimed sixth overall when it debuted during this years rally, while the latter will be having its maiden run for the 2018 event.
X-Raid has improved on the John Cooper Works Rally model given their experiences this year, and it maintains the all-wheel drive setup. The differences are fairly minor, although the team will no doubt have valuable experience from putting it through its paces across South America. The John Cooper Works Buggy, on the other hand, is an entirely different animal- created to take advantage of a shift in the Dakar Rally rules for 2018.
Unlike the lion's share of vehicles participating in the rally, the buggy is rear-wheel drive- as the rules provide certain advantages for two wheel drive vehicles. It's powered by a BMW TwinPowerTurbo 3.0-litre diesel, making a modest 340 hp and a whopping 800 Nm of torque. Like its more conventional sister, the buggy is built on a tubular steel space frame with bodywork made largely out of carbon fibre reinforced polymers and Kevlar.
The buggy was tested across some punishing terrain in Hungary and Morocco, and rather surprisingly it never once ran into an issue despite its disadvantageous powertrain for offroad work. But of course, the older John Cooper Works Rally still has plenty of potential and a lot of fight left in it with the tweaks made after feedback from this year's Dakar Rally. The new chassis features extended suspension travel and weight reduction- the latter being to cope better with powdery surfaces where the car can bog down easily.
For the coming rally, X-Raid and MINI will be entering a contingent of seven cars, three of which will be the newer buggy model. The three MINI John Cooper Works Buggies will be piloted by Mikko Hirvonen (FIN), Bryce Menzies (USA) and Yazeed Al-Rajhi (KSA). The driver seats in the MINI John Cooper Works Rally will be occupied by Orlando Terranova (ARG), Jakub Przygonski (POL), Joan “Nani” Roma (ESP) and Boris Garafulic (CHI).


Team FALKEN Motorsports Fought Through The 24 Hours of Nurburgring And Survived

Endurance racing is one of the most interesting and exciting forms of motorsport, because it can be so unpredictable and gives plenty of room for teams to gain or lose ground. One of the most gruelling events in the endurance racing calendar is the 24 Hours of Nurburgring - combining the long race duration with the longest and most treacherous track in the world. Many teams enter the race - and even making it to see the chequered flag drop is an achievement all on its own.
This year, Team FALKEN Motorsports fielded two cars in the SP9 class, which follows the rough guidelines for the FIA-GT3 class. Both the BMW M6 GT3 and the Porsche 911 GT3R were decked out in the most instantly recognizable livery of all time - the signature two tone design with the scallops on the front door, a dazzling mix of teal and blue that is instantly recognizable no matter where they're racing in the world.
Despite the good weather through the race, numerous unforeseeable incidents wreaked havoc on team strategies and plans, forcing improvisation in order to survive the race. The BMW M6 GT3 started the race in 31st place, fighting through the field to take sixth place overall, an undoubtedly impressive display in adverse conditions. Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 GT3R managed a 20th place finish after 24 hours of racing.
The reality of endurance racing is that more than simply going quickly, drivers in large part have to learn how to manage their cars. This is what separates the good drivers from the great drivers, as an understanding of how best to balance pace and longevity is the key to maintaining the highest average speed and keeping the cars running well. Being a FALKEN team, both cars ran on slick tyres developed by FALKEN themselves - which was key to their solid performance through the race.
Not all motorsport tyres are created equal, and it's far harder to design a tyre for endurance than one for a shorter sprint race. Endurance racing may see track temperatures and surface conditions varying wildly, which means that the more consistent a tyre can feel through all of these constantly changing conditions, the better a driver can perform. It's a highly understated concept when manufacturers say that their road-going tyres are derived from motorsport experience, because there is an incredible amount of truth to the statement.
While FALKEN full slick tyres aren't available here, there is still a range of road-going FALKEN tyres that you can purchase at your nearest Stamford tyres outlet. The entry level Sincera SN832i fulfils tyre requirements from 12 to 16 inches in size, with 50 to 70 series sidewalls, with a focus on better economy and comfort. For the 15 to 18 inch range and 35 to 65 series sidewalls, the Ziex ZE914 combines low rolling resistance and low noise for great efficiency and refinement. Even further up is the Azenis FK510, sized for 17 to 22 inch wheels - as well as 17 to 21 inch wheels for the FK510 SUV range - and designed for better wet grip, braking performance, directional stability, and driving dynamics.
The nearest Stamford Tyre outlets in the Klang Valley are in Glenmarie (017 669 1219) or Cheras (012 722 7237), along with other FALKEN dealers. For more information, head to
http://www.stamfordtyres.com.my/
 or contact the Stamford Tyres office at 03 5569 3090/3094/3397.


Supercar Dan Api Berpisah Tiada – Kompilasi Kebakaran Supercar Di Malaysia

Pernahkah anda tererempak dengan mana mana supercar yang terbakar dan musnah dijilat api di tepi jalan? Kalau tak pernah nampak depan mata pun, mesti pernah di akhbar atau internet. Kan?

Memiiliki Supercar semestinya merupakan idaman banyak pihak. Tak percaya? Tanyalah para pengguna
Myvi
. Mereka memiliki semangat yang seakan sama seperti pemilik Supercar. Sebab tu Myvi digelar ‘King of The Road’! Namun terdapat satu perbezaan antara Myvi dan Supercar di mana jarang sekali kita nampak Myvi terbakar secara tiba-tiba tanpa terlibat dalam kemalangan. Tapi berbeza dengan Supercar, benda ni macam selalu pula jadi pada mereka.

Tak percaya? Jom tengok sebahagian kompilasi Supercar yang kecundang dijilat api di Malaysia:

1. Ferrari F430 (anggaran harga: lebih RM900K)

Ferrari dan api, ada lagi ke gandingan yang lebih serasi daripada dua ini? Model Ferrari F430 ini hangus terbakar dalam kejadian di susur keluar Permatang Pauh di Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim (BKE), pada sekitar jam 2 petang, 27 Januari 2021.

*Kredit foto Harian Metro

Lebih memeritkan, Ferrari ini musnah 80 peratus, namun pemandunya sempat menyelamatkan diri dan tiada kemalangan jiwa dilaporkan. Kebakaran ini dapat dipadamkan oleh Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM), tetapi punca kebakaran dan jumlah kerugian masih dalam siasatan.

2. Lamborghini Aventador (anggaran harga: RM2 juta)

Pada tahun 2020, sebuah
Lamborghini Aventador
 kecundang setelah musnah 40 peratus setelah dijilat api di kawasan parkir di Pavilion Residences, Bukit Bintang. Kebakaran itu memusnahkan bahagian depan kenderaan terbabit, namun tidak dapat dipastikan sama ada enjin raksasa ini turut rosak kerana enjinnya berada di bahagian belakang. Kerugian yang ditanggung akibat kebakaran ini dianggarkan bernilai kira kira RM 1 Juta.

*Kredit foto Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM)

Menariknya, kejadian ini tidak melibatkan sebarang kemalangan jiwa kerana kereta itu difahamkan kosong ketika terbakar. Hasil siasatan polis, rupanya ia perbuatan khianat! Bahan bukti seperti mancis dan botol minyak turut ditemui. Jadi selain daripada terbakar akibat kesilapan teknikal, khianat turut menjadi salah satu sebab kenapa Supercar boleh terbakar!

3. Ferrari F458 (anggaran harga: lebih RM1.2 Juta)

*Kredit foto Facebook Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

Seorang lelaki berusia 40 tahun berjaya menyelamatkan diri selepas Ferrari F458 yang dipandunya tiba-tiba terbakar berhampiran bulatan Batu Caves, pada tahun 2019. Dalam kejadian awal pagi itu, kebakaran pada kereta yang berharga lebih RM1.2 Juta itu bermula di bahagian enjin sebelum merebak ke bahagian pemandu. Pasukan bomba mengambil masa 10 minit sebelum dapat memadamkan api yang memusnahkan jentera hitam itu sepenuhnya. Tiada kecederaan dilaporkan dan punca sebenar kebakaran tidak diketahui.

4. Ferrari F458 Italia (anggaran harga: RM1.8 Juta)

Sebuah lagi
Ferrari F458
 hangus 100 peratus di Lebuhraya KESAS pada Julai 2018. Menariknya, kereta ini milik seorang ahli perniagaan terkenal, Datuk Aliff Syukri. Menurut beliau, kereta yang dibeli pada harga RM1.8 Juta itu tiba tiba terbakar dan hanya mengambil masa 10 minit untuk memusnahkan kereta itu sepenuhnya.

*Kredit foto dan video mStar

Walau bagaimanapun, Datuk Aliff tiada di tempat kejadian dan kereta itu dipandu oleh seorang lelaki warga Australia ketika insiden ini berlaku. Kebakaran dikatakan berpunca di bahagian ekzos sebelum memusnahkan kereta mewah milik ahli perniagaan ini sepenuhnya. Ahli perniagaan itu turut memuat naik video beliau menangisi pemergian kereta mewahnya di laman Instagram peribadinya. Kalau Ferrari dah terbakar, mesti lah menangis!

5. Porsche 718 (anggaran harga: RM300K – RM600K)

Porsche turut menjadi antara jenama Supercar kegemaran rakyat Malaysia. Tapi ia tidak terlepas daripada menjadi mangsa api yang marak. Porsche ini musnah sepenuhnya dalam kebakaran di Kilometer 36 Jalan Naik Genting Highlands, pada tahun 2018.

*Kredit gambar Berita Harian

Walau bagaimanapun, pemandu dan penumpang kereta ini tiada di tempat kejadian ketika kebakaran ini dipadamkan oleh pihak bomba. Anggaran harga
Porsche 718
 ini bernilai sekitar RM300 Ribu hingga RM600 Ribu mengikut harga yang ditawarkan di Carlist.my.

6. Ferrari F430 (anggaran harga: RM900k)

Lagi Ferrari terbakar? Apa masalah Ferrari dengan api sebenarnya ni? Berdasarkan kejadian yang berlaku di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang pada tahun 2016 ini, seorang lelaki terselamat apabila Ferrari yang dinaikinya tiba-tiba terbakar ketika di tempat letak kereta. Menurut pihak bomba, ketika mereka tiba di lokasi, kereta tersebut sudah 50 peratus terbakar sebelum pihaknya memadamkan api tersebut setengah jam kemudian. Tambah pihak bomba, api tersebut dipercayai bermula daripada bahagian enjin sebelum disedari oleh pemilik kereta yang bergegas menyelamatkan diri. Anggaran kerugian serta punca sebenar tidak diketahui.

7. Lamborghini Aventador (anggaran harga RM1.2 Juta)

Sebuah lagi Lamborghini Aventador kecundang setelah rentung terbakar di Kilometer 113.8 Lebuhraya PLUS arah utara berhampiran Yong Peng, Johor. Kejadian yang berlaku pada 2014 ini tidak melibatkan sebarang kemalangan jiwa selepas pemandu lelaki dan penumpang wanita kenderaan terbabit sempat menyelamatkan diri apabila sedar kereta mereka mula terbakar. Menurut siasatan bomba, kebakaran berlaku ketika kereta sedang bergerak. Lamborghini yang rentung ini menyebabkan pemilik berdepan kerugian sebanyak RM1.2 Juta berdasarkan nilai kereta.

Daripada 7 kenderaan yang terdapat dalam kompilasi ini, 4 daripadanya merupakan model keluaran
Ferrari
, 2
Lamborghini
 dan sebuah
Porsche
. Berminat untuk dapatkan Ferrari atau mana mana Supercar dalam masa terdekat? Pastikan anda betul betul faham tentang keadaan Supercar tersebut bagi mengelakkan kebakaran secara tiba-tiba berlaku pada anda di masa hadapan!

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

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CarlistBid.my
.


Tips Elak Kereta Bahang Jika Diletakkan Di Kawasan Terbuka

Kalau anda dah letih kerana sering masuk kereta dalam keadaan panas dan bahang, kami ada beberapa tips untuk mengurangkan kepanasan melampau ketika parking.

Tahukah anda suhu di dalam kereta yang ditinggalkan di bawah sinaran matahari adalah lebih panas berbanding suhu di luar. Apabila cahaya matahari ditujukan secara terus menerusi
cermin kereta
, bahagian dalaman kereta anda seperti tempat duduk dan papan pemuka akan menyerap haba tersebut membuatkan bahagian dalaman kereta menjadi lebih bahang.

Untuk mengelakkan diri daripada berperang dengan haba ketika ingin memulakan perjalanan, kami akan kongsikan beberapa cara mudah untuk mengurangkan kesan
panas dan bahang di dalam kereta
 sekiranya ditinggalkan di tempat terbuka di bawah cahaya matahari.

1. Gunakan Mod Kitaran Udara Luar Ketika Parking

Cara paling mudah untuk mengurangkan haba dalam kereta adalah dengan memastikan kereta ditinggalkan dalam mod kitaran udara luar. Mod ini berfungsi untuk membenarkan udara luar untuk keluar dan masuk ke dalam kereta. Dengan ini, udara panas tidak akan terperap di dalam kereta dan kereta anda tidak akan menjadi bahang seperti sebelumnya.

Pastikan anda menggunakan mod ini ketika
parking
 sahaja kerana jika anda menggunakannya ketika memandu, udara di dalam kabin tidak akan sesejuk seperti menggunakan mod udara dalam kerana udara luar masih boleh masuk. Tambah-tambah bila tersangkut dalam kesesakan jalan raya. Penggunaan mod udara dalam akan membuatkan pengudaraan kereta beredar di dalam kabin sahaja sekaligus dapat mengekalkan tahap kesejukan ruang dalaman.

2. Pelindung Matahari

Bagi yang tak tahan panas, anda boleh mendapatkan pelindung matahari untuk diletakkan pada
cermin kereta
 anda bagi menghalang gelombang haba yang dipancarkan melalui matahari tidak menembusi cermin anda. Ada pelbagai jenis pelindung matahari yang boleh anda dapati secara dalam talian mengikut jenis cermin seperti cermin hadapan,
cermin belakang
 serta cermin tingkap. Semasa meninggalkan kereta, letak saja pelindung matahari ini di bahagian cermin kereta anda.

3. Turunkan Tingkap

Menurunkan semua tingkap sedikit ketika parking merupakan cara paling popular yang dilakukan sejak dulu lagi untuk mengelakkan kereta daripada panas. Ruang yang terbuka itu boleh digunakan sebagai laluan keluar masuk udara supaya udara panas tidak terperap di dalam kereta. Sekiranya anda menggunakan kaedah ini, jangan turunkan tingkap terlalu luas kerana kereta anda berisiko untuk dipecah masuk oleh penyangak. Cukuplah sekadar 1-2cm.

4. Alas Tempat Duduk

Sesetengah material tempat duduk dihasilkan menggunakan bahan yang menyerap haba dengan baik seperti tempat duduk balutan kulit. Untuk mengurangkan panas pada tempat duduk berkenaan, anda boleh menggunakan alas atau melindungi tempat duduk terbabit dengan baju atau tuala supaya sinaran matahari tidak menembak tepat ke arah tempat duduk anda. Jika tidak, kerusi anda akan menjadi panas ibarat seperti duduk di atas kerusi yang dihasilkan di neraka. Takkan nak berpeluh-peluh dalam kereta?

5. Cermin Gelap (Tinted)

Kalau dulu
penggunaan cermin gelap (tinted)
 ini dianggap sebagai aksesori sahaja, kini ianya merupakan satu keperluan memandangkan cuaca panas terik yang dihadapi oleh negara ini. Pernahkah anda memandu kereta yang tidak mempunyai tint pada cerminnya ketika panas terik? Rasanya seakan-akan seperti berada di dalam akuarium di tengah-tengah padang pasir, bukan?

Jawapan terbaik bagi menyelesaikan masalah ini ialah dengan menggunakan cermin gelap pada kenderaan anda. Lapisan filem gelap pada cermin kereta anda akan membantu menghalang sebahagian daripada sinaran matahari sekaligus menjadikan kereta anda kurang panas berbanding kereta yang tidak menggunakan cermin gelap. Meskipun cara ini sedikit mahal berbanding yang lain, namun ia amat membantu mengurangkan haba ketika parking mahupun ketika memandu.

Berikut merupakan tips yang boleh anda ikuti untuk memastikan kereta anda kurang panas dan bahang ketika diletakkan di kawasan terbuka di bawah cahaya matahari. Cara-cara yang disebutkan ini bukanlah dapat mengurangkan bahang yang ada di dalam kereta 100%, namun ia terbukti mampu mengurangkan suhu dalaman kereta anda.

Jika kereta anda masih bahang meskipun telah mengikuti segala cara-cara yang disebutkan, anda boleh menggunakan cara-cara seperti berikut untuk mengeluarkan udara panas dalam kereta ketika ingin memulakan perjalanan:

Turunkan semua tingkap kereta.

Hidupkan penyaman udara.

Pastikan mod kitara udara diletakkan pada mod udara dalam.

Pandu untuk beberapa minit untuk membenarkan udara luar masuk menggantikan udara dalam yang panas.

Tutup semula tingkap dan teruskan pemanduan


The Top 5 Longest EV Car Ranges in 2020

The first mass-produced, purpose-built full electric (EV) car of the modern era was the General Motors (GM) EV1. First launched in 1996, just over a thousand units of these revolutionary cars were leased to buyers who resided in parts of Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson, as sort of a testbed for future development and sales of full-electric vehicles.

EV1s were powered by an induction motor with an integrated power inverter, which delivered approximately 137 bhp and 149 Nm. Early Gen 1 models were powered by Lead Acid batteries, while the later Gen 2 models were powered by Nickel Metal Hydride batteries which gave EV1s a driving range of up to 89 km and 169 km respectively, according to current testing standards.

Which got us thinking, what is the furthest you can travel on a single charge on an EV today and which vehicle has the longest range?

In all cases, we have included an A-to-B destination to make the discussion more relatable, and "local" shall we say. Note, however, that overall electric range varies depending on driving style, speed, temperature, and terrain - as they do with any car, and hence we have placed a buffer distance lower than the actual total range.

5. Porsche Taycan 4S Performance Battery - 463km (WLTP Rating)

The
Taycan 4S
 is the entry point of the Taycan range and is available in some markets with Porsche's 93.4 kWh Performance battery. The Performance battery replaces the single-deck battery with the optional two-deck setup for a total WLTP driving range of up to 463km. The bigger battery also delivers a boost in power from the Taycan 4S' (530 PS) to 571 PS; good for a 4.0 second 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 250km/h. Elsewhere, it's sublime design and proportions not only look good but give it a slippery c
d
 value from 0.22, aiding overall efficiency.

Battery capacity: 93.4 kWh

Power: 571 PS/650 Nm

Single-charge range: Kuala Lumpur to Gurun, Kedah (400km)

4. Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S – 549km (WLTP Rating)

The
Volkswagen ID.3
 (ID stands for Intelligent Design) is the most attainable car on this list. Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's "MEB" modular EV platform, the ID.3 is similar in size to the seminal Volkswagen Golf. The ID.3 is offered in three different battery variants: 48kWh, 62kWh, and 82kWh. The largest 82kWh battery pack is claimed to give the ID.3 a total driving range of up to 549km on the WLTP cycle. The ID.3 Pro S variant also supports 11kW AC charging and up to 125kW DC fast charging.

Battery capacity: 82.0 kWh

Power: 204 PS/310 Nm

Single-charge range: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis, Perlis (495km)

3. Tesla Model X Dual Motor Long Range Plus – 561km (WLTP Rating)

The
Model X
 is the first of three Tesla models on this list. The Model X is the premium SUV of the Tesla range. It borrows the same chassis underpinnings, drivetrain bits and motors as the flagship Model S, which means it can house the same 100kWh battery as the Model S Long Range Plus. Though arguably, the impressive range and seven-seat capacity are not even the coolest features of the Model X – that has to be its Falcon Wing rear doors, which open upwards for the ultimate sidewalk pageantry when stepping out of your zero-emissions vehicle.

Battery capacity: 100.0 kWh

Power: 541 PS/755 Nm

Single-charge range: Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar, Perlis (505km)

2. Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range – 580km (WLTP Rating)

Tesla’s entry-level
Model 3
 is now offered in “Long Range” and “Performance” variants, which boast an 82.0kWh battery; a substantially larger battery than the “Standard Range’s” 50kWh battery. The larger battery capacity gives the Model 3 Long Range a claimed maximum driving range of 560 km. It does this while still offering a super-quick 4.4 second 0-100km/h time. The Performance variant gives away some of its drive range for a far more potent 3.3-second blitz to 100km/h. The biggest advantage the Model 3 has over other Tesla models, is its compact size, and lower weight which aids overall efficiency.

Battery capacity: 82.0 kWh

Power: 441 PS/493 Nm

Single-charge range: Port Dickson to Kuala Terengganu (537km)

1. Tesla Model S Dual Motor Long Range Plus – 652km (WLTP Rating)

With a claimed range of over 600km, the U.S. market only
Model S
 Long Range Plus is the ultimate long hauler in 2020. The company’s goal of building the first “400-mile electric car” was realised through several improvements such as weight reduction in the construction of the vehicle, lighter weight materials used in the battery pack and drive units, a low-drag new wheel design, and new electric oil pump for the AC-induction drive unit. All in all, the new Long Range Plus offers a significant 20 percent increase in range when compared to a 2019 Model S100 D with the same battery pack design.

Battery capacity: 100 kWh

Power: 541 PS/755 Nm

Single-charge range: Muar, Johor to Kota Bharu, Kelantan (615km)

While the Tesla Model S may remain at the top of the tree, for now, but the next two years will signal one of the most competitive and exciting times for electric vehicles, with the introduction of hotly anticipated models such as the
Lucid Air
, Lightyear One, Audi
e-Tron GT
, and the hypercar rivaling, Tesla Roadster.

For the article above we limited our list to electric vehicles that are already on sale today in various markets around the world. Therefore this leaves out certain upcoming models such as the Lucid Air, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and BMW i4 which are all slated to be launched within the next two years.

Note, however, that we are discounting the drivetrain technology, battery density and capacity, and power management systems to simply rank (in ascending travel range), how far one can travel in an EV car today.

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
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.

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Carlist.my.

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 website now.


Toyota To Reproduce A70 And A80 Supra Parts

At the launch of the all-new A90 Toyota Supra in Japan, Shigeki Tomoyama, the head of Gazoo Racing said that Toyota will soon be reproducing parts for the A70- and A80-generation Supra models.
Speaking to
JapaneseNostalgicCar
, Tomoyama-san announced that the GR Heritage Parts Project will be reproducing parts for the older Supra models. However, Tomoyama-san did not mention which specific parts will be reproduced, but ensured owners that they will make every effort to meet their expectations.
Toyota joins Nissan, Mazda, and Honda as car manufacturers to offer heritage parts for their cars. Nissan currently offers various parts for the R32, R33, and R34 GT-R, while Honda does the same for the NSX and Beat.
Mazda takes it even further, as they are able to fully restore the first generation MX-5 for owners that are willing to pay the price. But if budget is an issue, Mazda says that owners can purchase parts from various Mazda dealers located across Japan.
Looking for a new Toyota? Find the for the best deals
here
.


Honda CR-V Black Edition Kini Di Malaysia – RM161,914

Inginkan
SUV
 serba hitam ala-ala kenderaan rasmi kerajaan? Mungkin
Honda CR-V Black Edition
 ini mampu memuaskan tekak anda.

Honda Malaysia
 secara rasminya telah melancarkan Honda CR-V Black Edition sebagai varian terbaharu
SUV segmen-C
 berkenaan. Terdahulu, CR-V versi Black Edition ini hanya diperkenalkan di pasaran Thailand pada Ogos lalu. Sekarang dah ada di Malaysia, takkan nak tengok sahaja?

CR-V Black Edition ini hanya akan ditawarkan dalam varian 1.5L TC-P 2WD dengan kod warna Crystal Black Pearl. Kehadiran model serba hitam ini sedikit sebanyak telah mengembangkan lagi varian CR-V yang ditawarkan di Malaysia selain 3 varian sedia ada seperti 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L TC-P 2WD dan 1.5L TC-P 4WD.

Pada yang tidak tahu, Honda CR-V merupakan model
CKD
pertama yang dihasilkan oleh Honda Malaysia pada tahun 2003. Kini, lebih 108,000 unit CR-V telah terjual setelah 5 generasi CR-V telah dibesarkan di pasaran negara ini.

Selain daripada faktor warna, faktor keselamatan pun tip top juga untuk CR-V ini. Honda CR-V merupakan model pertama Honda di pasaran negara ini yang memperkenalkan sistem keselamatan
Honda Sensing
. Jadi dengan kereta ini, pemandu bukan sahaja boleh kelihatan segak dan bergaya tetapi ia turut memberikan keselesaan serta keselamatan.

Rupa depan CR-V Black Edition tampak lebih agresif dengan gabungan warna hitam pada gril dan kemasan pada bampar hadapannya sambil ditemani lampu utama LED. Manakala bahagian belakangnya pula tampil dengan kemasan bampar yang lebih maskulin.

Antara penambahan luaran lain pada CR-V Black Edition ini adalah rim aloi bersaiz 18 inci yang didatangkan dalam kod warna
piano black
. Penggunaan warna hitam pada kenderaan ini tidak berhenti setakat luaran kereta saja, malah ia turut merebak ke bahagian dalam.

Stereng, paparan meter interaktif TFT 7-inci serta kemasan penyaman udara disediakan dalam warna hitam
piano black
 sementara konsol tengah, papan pemuka serta kemasan pada pintu diberikan warna hitam kekayuan. Pilihan warna hitam itu turut merebak ke bahagian kerusi serba hitamnya yang tertera dengan tulisan Black Edition.

CR-V Black Edition ini juga padat dengan ciri-ciri inovatif dan canggih seperti
Remote Engine Start
 yang membolehkan pemilik menghidupkan enjin dengan menekan butang pada kekunci pintar dan menghidupkan penyaman udara sebelum memasuki kereta. Nak bawa masuk barang di ruangan kargo belakang? Mudah sahaja dengan
Hands-Free Power Tailgat
e atau
kick sensor
 untuk membuka pintu kargo.

SUV CR-V generasi ke 5 ini menggunakan enjin 1.5L VTEC Turbo yang menghasilkan output 193 PS dan tork maksimum 243 Nm. Honda juga mendakwa enjin ini lebih berkuasa daripada enjin sebesar 2.4L di samping dapat menjimatkan
minyak
.

Berminat untuk menyusuri lebuh raya dengan SUV serba hitam? Anda boleh dapatkan Honda CR-V Black Edition pada harga RM 161,914. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari laman web Honda atau muat turun aplikasi HondaTouch di App Store atau Google Play untuk membuat tempahan.


Works Engineering Umum Bakal Keluarkan Komponen Prestasi Untuk Proton X50

Works Engineering telah mengumumkan berita gembira kepada pemilik serta peminat
Proton X50
 dengan mengumumkan bahawa mereka kini akan menghasilkan komponen serta produk prestasi yang boleh digunakan pada
SUV popular
 keluaran
Proton
 itu.

Ini bukanlah kali pertama pembuat peralatan prestasi ini menghasilkan peralatan prestasi untuk kereta keluaran Proton. Pada tahun 2011, Works Engineering telah menggunakan
Satria Neo
 serta
Preve
 sebagai kereta projek mereka dan telah melancarkan pelbagai komponen prestasi seperti seperti pulley aci sesondol boleh laras, kit induksi, dan lain-lain untuk enjin S4P Proton dalam versi Campro dan CFE.

*Kredit foto: Facebook Works Engineering

Berdasarkan sebuah hantaran di akaun Facebook Works Engineering, mereka telah melantik pemandu utama
Proton R3
, Fariqe Hairuman yang juga merupakan
juara S1K
 selama dua tahun berturut-turut – 2018 dan 2019. Menerusi gambar yang disiarkan, kereta yang bakal ditala sebagai kereta projek mereka merupakan Proton X50 varian Executive.

Seperti yang anda tahu, Proton X50 varian Standard, Premium dan Executive memberikan output kuasa yang lebih rendah berbanding varian tertinggi Flagship. Meskipun hadir dengan enjin turbo 3 silinder berkapasiti 1.5L yang sama, namun 3 varian selain Flagship itu hanya dipadankan dengan sistem suntikan bahan api pelbagai titik (MPI) yang menghasilkan kuasa 150 PS dan tork maksima 226 Nm. Bagi model Flagship pula, enjin berkenaan menerima sistem suntikan bahan api terus (GDI) yang menghasilkan output 177 PS dan 255 Nm Tork. Tak tahu nak beli varian mana? Lihat perbezaannya di
sini.

Walau bagaimanapun, jenis komponen serta produk yang bakal dihasilkan bagi model X50 ini masih belum didedahkan buat masa ini. Namun jika Works Engineering menawarkan peluang untuk menutup jurang perbezaan output kuasa antara varian tertinggi dan varian bawahan, ianya memang sesuatu yang menggoda, terutama bagi pemilik varian Standard, Premium serta Executive. Bagi mereka yang hidup berpaksikan kelajuan, inilah peluang anda untuk menyinar!

*Kredit foto: Facebook Works Engineering

Menurut Works Engineering, mereka teruja untuk melantik Fariqe sebagai duta kerana beliau mempunyai pemikiran serta matlamat yang sama yang mampu membawa pasukan ke tahap yang lebih tinggi sekaligus menawarkan produk yang berkualiti tinggi, luar biasa serta memberikan pengalaman pemanduan yang lebih baik kepada pengguna dalam pasaran.

Dengan pelantikan pelumba Proton R3 itu, adakah Works Engineering akan mengeluarkan custom body kit untuk Proton X50 kelak? Perkara tersebut bukanlah mustahil, lihat sahaja pada sambutan luar biasa yang diterima oleh Proton X50 sewaktu pelancarannya. Malah, ada yang masih sanggup nak beli walaupun kena
tunggu berbulan-bulan
 untuk mendapatkan kereta. Ini menunjukkan bahawa SUV keluaran Proton ini mempunyai pasarannya yang tersendiri. Kalau ada kit badan yang dibuat khas untuk X50, pasti ianya bakal mendapat sambutan yang hangat daripada komuniti X50 sendiri.

Silap silap, dengan forced induction, Works Engineering mampu hasilkan output kuasa yang lebih tinggi pada varian Executive berbanding varian Flagship keluaran kilang. Persoalannya, adakah anda cukup berani untuk batalkan waranti kilang anda dengan melakukan talaan pada enjin anda?

For more latest car news, reviews, car buying guides and videos visit us at Carlist.my
Auto News
.

Check out all the best new & used car deals in Malaysia at
Carlist.my.

Sell your car fast with the best offer? Visit us at
CarlistBid.my
.

Get the latest new car promotions at
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RM160 Million Is Needed To Upgrade And Set Up New Early Flood Warning System.

RM160 million is needed to upgrade and set up new early flood warning system infrastructure.

According to a report by The Star, Deputy Environment and Water Minister, Datuk Mansor Othman has come out and said that a sum of RM160 million is needed to upgrade and set up new infrastructure for the early
flood
 warning system.

Picture credit: Utusan

The funds will help upgrade 516 existing siren stations and 155 existing webcam stations with an allocation of RM1.13 million and RM6.2 million respectively. He also added that RM32.5 million would be spent on installing 361 new webcam stations.

"The Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) have already identified sirens stations in flood-prone areas across the country that needed to be upgraded.

"A total of RM160 million is needed for efforts to upgrade the sirens and the early warning system to tackle the issue of floods," he told the Dewan Rakyat during a special emergency sitting conducted on March 9 to tackle the recurring flash floods that have hit the Klang Valley.

While Mansor believes that the Meteorological Department can give early warning for floods, there are weaknesses in predicting specific locations that could be hit.

"What happens is that MetMalaysia can give an early warning, but there is a shortfall in the accuracy of the exact locations where floods will occur."

Picture credit: The Vibes

DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) on the other hand, has appointed consultants to study and redesign monsoon drains and general drains to increase the capacity of the infrastructure to accommodate the amount of rainwater, thereby overcoming the problem of flash floods.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said the appointed consultants have been instructed to complete the study within 12 months based on an average repeat period - Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).

Shahidan also explained that the flash flood in Kuala Lumpur on March 7 was not due to the
failure of
 the six JPS water retention ponds in the region, instead, the pools functioned with sufficient capacity to accommodate rainwater and operate according to standard operating procedures (SOP).

Picture credit: Malay Mail

The six water retention ponds are Kolam Batu (Batu); Nanyang Pool (Jinjang); Kolam Batu 4 ½ (Jalan Klang Lama); Kolam Delima (Kepong); Taman Wahyu Pool (Selayang); and Taman Desa Pond (Seputeh).

However, he said, the Boyan retention pond in Sungai Bunus, Titiwangsa, could not accommodate the unusual amount of rainwater exceeding the reservoir's capacity, and there was an overflow of water to the surrounding areas.


Mercedes-Benz Unveils First Childseat With Belt Pre-Tensioner And Body Sensors In ESF 2019 Concept

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first of its kind child safety seat with integrated belt pre-tensioner and body sensors in its
ESF 2019
 experimental safety vehicle concept.
Called the ‘Pre-Safe Child’ (seat) in Mercedes speak, the seat belts of this child seat are preventively tensioned before a crash – as in most Mercedes passenger car models - and side impact protection elements are extended. Monitoring of seat installation and the child's vital signs are other functions integrated into the seat.
The networked child seat (connected with the vehicle via a wireless link) also reduces the risk of incorrect installation because it is equipped with its own installation monitoring system: eight symbols directly on the seat guide the user through the individual installation steps in a self-explanatory manner and indicate when the seat has been fitted correctly.
The link with the vehicle means that installation of the seat can also be checked and monitored on the media display from the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. The child seat can be used from birth to four years of age (0-18 kg / 40 - 105 cm) and must be rearward facing until the child is 15 months old.
The protective functions of the child seat are also activated by a wireless connection. When the vehicle's sensors detect a Pre-Safe relevant driving situation, the child seat's five-point belt system is tensioned within milliseconds and a side impact protection element is extended.
The advantage of this system is that the tensioned belt allows the child is more firmly and accurately fixed in the seat and belt slack is reduced. The loads acting on the child during an impact can be reduced substantially in this way. The side impact protection elements also follow this approach.
The Pre-Safe child seat has an integrated camera and special sensors to monitor the child's temperature, pulse, and breathing and to establish whether the child is asleep. These additional features are useful to ensure the child is correctly transported in a rearward-facing position on the rear seat. Animations (e.g. "Everything OK" or "Child waking up") will also be beamed on the car's media display to provide information about the state of the child during travel.
The display is intuitive and requires no additional mirrors in the interior. When the vehicle is stationary, at traffic lights, it is additionally possible to switch briefly to a live video image on the media display. If required, and with the help of the Mercedes me App, all the vital signs can also be transferred to a smartphone.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet been decided whether such a seat will go into series production but add that it is highly likely that many of the presented innovations will be implemented at some point in the future.
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Moving Forward With Proton – Improved Service, Satisfied Owners

Over the past few years, national carmaker Proton has seen improvements in various aspects of its business.
Be it in terms of product quality, after-sales services, or even availability of spare parts to name a few, the brand has not only been able to meet customers’ demands but has managed to keep most of them happy and proud as well.
One of them is Mohd Asyraf Hafizi Mohd Abidin, a proud owner of a Proton Saga 1.3 FLX Executive for the past three years who recently shared his ownership experience.
“Overall, I’ve had a very good service experience with Proton over the past 3 years. In the first year after buying the car, I was facing the issue of having to wait very long to service my car.”
“However, now I can clearly see that Proton is improving.  For instance, I can make a service appointment easily thanks to the mobile app. Besides that, I can also service my car over the weekend. This is very convenient as I no longer have to take leave or time off my hectic work schedule,” said Hafizi.
Convenience aside, Hafizi says that the level of professionalism, expertise, and passion among Proton service advisors have also increased.
“Not only are they nicer to me nowadays, but also more passionate and suggestive. They know exactly what needs to be done in case of a problem, which exact part needs to be replaced, and what I should not do as well.”
Speaking of spare parts, Hafizi says that he has never had any issues with his car over the past 3 years, and that parts which are prone to “wear-and-tear” were easy to find, affordable, and could be found easily as they are all available under one roof at the Proton parts centre.
Hafizi, who resides in Puchong, said that the Proton Saga 1.3 FLX Executive is his first car which he purchased after comparing it thoroughly with a few other models in the market.
“After comparing it with a couple of other models in the market, I felt that the Proton Saga offered the most space at a reasonable price, which was a key requirement for me.”
He also said that it costed the least to service compared to the other cars he was considering.
“I am not only happy with my car, but also very proud to be a Malaysian because of Proton,” said Hafizi.
Dr.Li Chunrong, the new CEO of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PONSB) said, "We care for our customers’ needs and we want to emphasise that customer satisfaction remains our key priority. Most importantly, we want to convey the message of a brand new PROTON moving forward.”


MAA Keeps Asking For SST Exemption Until End Of 2022

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is unrelenting in its requests to the Finance Ministry to extend the SST exemption period. Will their wishes be granted?

As it stands, June 30th, 2022 is the last day that the Malaysian government will be offering a 100% SST exemption on locally assembled passenger cars and 50% tax exemption on fully imported passenger cars, though this has seen numerous extensions since the temporary policy was enacted on June 1st, 2020.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has already stated back in February that his ministry remains firm in its decision to provide
no further extension
 beyond June 2022, which would cap the SST discount period at a full 2 years, but that has not stopped MAA from spamming their proverbial inbox with requests for appeal.

Back in late March
, the MAA cited the ongoing chip shortage and resulting slowdown in factory outputs as being the main cause for a possible extension, and this has continued until May as explained by association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad to The Star.

“The MAA has appealed to the finance ministry to extend the sales tax exemption, but so far, we have not received any feedback,” she said.

The newspaper also obtained comments from RHB Investment analyst Jim Lim, who expected strong customer demand in Q2 2022 to take advantage of the remaining SST discount period.

“From the latest March production figures, we can see that carmakers are ramping up production to the best of their abilities, and amidst chip and parts shortages, to help customers take advantage of the sales tax exemption before it ends,” he said.

“When the government zero-rated the goods and services tax (GST) for three months in 2018, the temporary tax holiday created a huge surge in demand for cars.”

He also adds that local automakers Proton and Perodua, whose customers are more sensitive to price fluctuations, are more likely to be impacted by the reintroduction of SST while those shopping for cars from premium marques are less likely to be bothered by the overnight hike.

Vehicle sales in March 2022 showed very strong numbers with a total of 73,222 vehicle deliveries representing a 62.5% (28,171 unit) increase in volume over February of this year.

It is yet unclear if the
projected Total Industry Volume for 2022
 will be impacted should the Finance Ministry not yield before the June 30 2022 deadline as this entirely depends on the public’s response, or rather its severity.

The SST discount/exemption period that has been ongoing for almost 2 years at this point has helped the automotive industry rebound after a near standstill following the nationwide lockdown from the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In 2022, the automotive industry faces yet more challenges in this crucial period of the nation’s economic recovery with the aforementioned worldwide
semiconductor shortages
,
soaring crude oil prices
, an unstable Ringgit, and an aggressive push toward the adoption of fully electric vehicles.


Perodua Launches New Road Safety Campaign. Child Seats At Special Price Until CNY 2018

Perodua has launched a five-year-long nationwide road safety campaign aimed at improving the behaviour of Malaysian drivers.
The programme’s initial focus is to promote four good driving habits - wearing of seat belts, non-usage of mobile devices while driving, the usage of turn signals and the usage of child seats.
In line with the campaign launch, Perodua is offering the Gear Up child seats for customers at introductory offer prices from now until Chinese New Year 2018:
Infant Seat: RM660 (Normal price – RM790)
Toddler Seat: RM780 (Normal price – RM980)
While the Infant Seat is designed for infants weighing up to 13 kg and is available in red or grey colours, the toddler seat is for children weighing 9-36 kg, and is offered in red or black. Both seats come with ISOFIX and can be easily fixed in any Perodua model (2012 onwards).
“In addition to selling these child seats to our customers, our authorised sales and service advisors will also demonstrate how to install them properly for your peace of mind,” said Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh, President and CEO of Perodua.
And then, there is the Tweckbot social media-based safety campaign. Offering a free 50-point vehicle inspection for all Perodua vehicles every festive period, Tweckbot has inspected around 5,000 vehicles since its inception, representing Perodua’s efforts to ensure the safety and roadworthiness of its vehicles.
As part of this 5-year Road Safety Programme, Perodua will be working with various government agencies such as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Raya (JPJ), Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya (JKJR) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to make the roads safer.
“We are firm supporters of the government’s efforts in enhancing road safety and want to play our part.” Aminar said.