Everything you need to know about Kia EV9

                SEOUL: With the EV9, Kia aims to set a new standard for electric vehicles that revolutionises the concept of travelling in style and comfort.

Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 promises athletic performance, complemented by a targeted all-electric range over 541 km (WLTP).

Ultra-fast 800-volt charging capability enables the EV9 battery pack to be replenished with sufficient charge to power the vehicle for 239 km in approximately 15 minutes.

Numerous technological breakthroughs include the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, available in the Kia EV9 GT-line in the future, enabling conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets.

It also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to purchase digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with Over the Air (OTA) updates at any time.

Design

Guided by the brand’s 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the EV9 re-envisions the all-electric SUV with a unique balance of natural and modern elements. The ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar, which inspires the combination of elements from the natural and material worlds, has played a pivotal role in forming the design of the EV9.

The Kia EV9’s exterior provides a sense of serene contemporary calmness befitting of a sophisticated EV for a new age of sustainable mobility. The vehicle features a 3,100-mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 21-inch, 20-inch or 19-inch wheels. With an overall length of 5,010 mm, it stands at 1,980-mm wide and 1,755-mm tall4, displaying a bold and contemporary appearance while still maintaining its unique character.

The EV9's front exudes confidence, clarity, and calmness with its clear-cut lines and surfaces. The SUV’s signature 'Digital Tiger Face' showcases its unique identity, which is accentuated by the 'Digital Pattern Lighting Grille'5 and vertical headlamps, giving the EV9 a visionary and futuristic look.

The Digital Tiger Face also features two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each headlamp. The EV9's 'Star Map’ LED daytime running lights (DRL) create a sophisticated animated lighting pattern that will signify Kia's Digital Tiger Face for future EV models, while providing a new illumination experience.

In addition to the standard model, Kia has unveiled the GT-line model design, which features a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from the standard model.

The front and rear bumpers, wheels, and roof rack have undergone a transformation, and the GT-line features a distinctive black colour palette exuding a strong and assertive presence, setting it apart from its standard counterpart.

Notably, the GT-line includes an exclusive ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ that adds an element of dynamism and sophistication to its already impressive design.

Beyond its stunning exterior, the EV9 also delivers on performance with an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28. This has been achieved through the implementation of several advanced features.

These include Kia's first-ever 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear, along with aerodynamic wheels, and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper. These elements combine seamlessly to provide superior airflow control and optimized performance and efficiency, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

The Kia EV9 offers a range of seating options that cater to diverse needs. It offers seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options, totalling to four, suitable for different situations such as moving, charging, and resting.

The first-row features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row, for the first time among global EV models, offers four seating options, including 3-seater bench seats, basic-type, relaxation-type, and swivel-type two-seater independent seats, providing customers with a variety of usage methods to choose from.

When equipped with the second-row relaxation seats, the EV9 allows first and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging. With the swivel seat option, the second-row seats swivel 180 degrees to enable conversations with those seated in the third row. Occupants in the third row are provided with charging points and cup holders.

Sustainability

Kia aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. This would be achieved via its zero-emission EV drivetrains and the materials used in the vehicle’s construction.

The Kia EV9 marks a pioneering milestone as the first model to embrace the brand’s three-step Design Sustainability Strategy, initiated to phase out the use of leather, apply 10 ‘must-have’ sustainable items to all new Kia models and continuously increase the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils.

Kia’s target is to increase the proportion of recycled plastics it uses to 20 per cent by 2030. The EV9's colour palette draws inspiration from nature's four core elements, namely light, air, earth, and water, to establish a connection with nature's beauty and fuse it into the EV9's design philosophy.

The EV9's interior features a total of six different combinations, from a light modern grey to elegant natural tones and a more sporting version for the GT-line.

Electric drivetrain

The EV9 features a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and utilising Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.

A 76.1-kWh battery is offered exclusively with the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard model, while a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted in both the RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.

The RWD Long Range model utilizes a 150 kW / 350 Nm electric motor, endowing the SUV with the ability to accelerate from 0-to-100kph in 9.4 seconds, as preliminary data reveals.

Also powered by a single electric motor, albeit a more powerful 160 kW / 350 Nm variant, the Standard RWD EV9 can accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 8.2 seconds.

The AWD variant is equipped with two electric motors that together unleash a total power output of 283 kW and a combined torque of 600 Nm.

This potent combination enables the SUV to surge from 0-to-100kph in just 6.0 seconds. And even greater levels of performance are available with an optional Boost feature, available for later purchase at the Kia Connect Store. The combined torque is increased to an exceptional 700 Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The EV9 comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality through its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), enabling the discharging of energy from the vehicle battery. Families can use up to 3.68 kW of power for laptops or camping equipment.

Highway Driving Pilot

The EV9 will take a significant step towards full autonomy. Key to achieving this is Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which will provide the EV9 with conditional Level 3 autonomous driving.

Fifteen sensors, including two lidars, enable it to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.

By providing intelligent, proactive, real-time assistance across a wide range of conditions, Kia’s Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system will meet the criteria required to deliver Level 3 autonomy in certain areas of the world. The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.

Kia is planning to offer the HDP in the EV9 GT-line model in the future. Further details on the HDP will be disclosed nearer its market availability.

Kia Connect Store

Kia’s fresh thinking as to what a family SUV should be extends to how customers can select the equipment specification of their EV9.

Beyond the standard features of the EV9, the Kia Connect Store offers a wide array of options. This enables customers to keep their EV9 constantly updated by upgrading the SUV’s digital features and services without any need to take the vehicle to a dealership.

The EV9’s ‘Digital Pattern Lighting Grille’ technology can be further enhanced with the addition of the ‘Lighting Pattern’ feature. Customers can also specify additional performance for the AWD EV9 with an optional Boost feature unlocks an extra 100 Nm of torque for the electric motor for a more thrilling and dynamic driving experience.

Kia's Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) is also offered as a digital feature, as is content streaming for occupants to enjoy through the vehicle’s Audio Visual, Navigation and Telematics (AVNT) system.

Safety and convenience

The EV9’s numerous additional features facilitated by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2). This technology enables the EV9 to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle, with the driver initiating the procedure via the Kia smart key called Digital Key 2.

By using ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, the RSPA 2 automatically manoeuvres the EV9 into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in the vehicle’s path.

The EV9 also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.

Alongside these features, the vehicle incorporates numerous advanced driver assistance systems from Kia to enhance passenger safety, such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), designed to aid drivers in potentially dangerous scenarios.

The Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) ensures safe driving on highways and automobile-only roads, while Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) enables lane changes and uses a hands-on detection (HOD) sensor to ensure driver engagement.

In addition, the EV9 offers pre- and post-driving safety and convenience with features such as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA). Finally, Digital Key 2 utilizes Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, allowing users to open and start their car using their smartphone, even when the key is in their pocket or bag – another first for Kia.

The EV9’s chassis frame structure features an exceptionally high-torsional stiffness and the world’s first patent-pending B-pillar connection structure technology featuring an extended overlap between crash barrier and side sill.

These technological advances provide class-leading levels of protection and safeguarding for both occupants and batteries, with in-cabin protection enhanced by 10 airbags (varies by market).

READ MORE: Kia unveils first three-row EV9 electric SUV as automakers go big


CarSifu Auto Show is back again! It starts Aug 22

PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group’s biggest automotive event is returning and this time it’s bigger and better than before.

THE CarSifu Auto Show will be held at Mid Valley Megamall again from Aug 22-26 (10am to 8pm).

Unlike the previous editions, this year’s show will be held ahead of the awards night on Oct 4 at Dorsett Grand Subang.

The usual crop of car brands will make a beeline to the annual show to promote their 2018 line-up of sedans, SUVs/crossovers, hatches and pick-up trucks.

Expect mainstream names to be there, making it the perfect place for everyone to shop for their first or next car. Some of the car makers are also offering attractive deals for every purchase, only at the auto show.

 File pic of the 2017 show.

This year is also special as it will be the first time CarSifu is introducing motorcycles - big and small - to the exhibition site that has been relocated to the top floors instead of the foyer for a much expanded space.

The car scene is also changing and electrified cars are a byword for the future of the industry as plug-in hybrid vehicles are slowly but surely changing the local landscape.

Some of them will be at the auto show as well as be in the running for the 2018 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards.

To participate or for sponsorship in the auto show, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1529/1466 for Faiz or Nigel (Mon - Fri, 9am to 5.30pm).

You can also email the following: events@thestar.com.my (participation) or sheralynlisa@thestar.com.my (sponsorship).


These are the two best areas in Malaysia to be a Waze user, says poll

                KUALA LUMPUR: Waze is back for its third annual Driver Satisfaction Index. And for the first time, the infographic offers region-specific data for countries in Asia Pacific. Two Malaysian territories - Central Malacca, as well as Larut & Matang in Perak, clinched the fourth and fifth rank as the best places to be a driver in the region.

Only Perth, Melbourne and Sydney - all in Australia, beat Malaysia to the top three spots.

The Waze Driver Satisfaction Index analyses the driving experience of millions of monthly active Waze users in 39 countries and 217 metros to create a single numeric score, from a satisfying (10) to a miserable (1). Malaysia ranked 21 on the global index.

While Waze has more than 90 million monthly active users globally in more than 185 countries, Waze chose to focus on countries and metros with more than 40,000+ monthly active users to ensure data accuracy and fair market comparisons.

Many traffic indices only look at a single quantifiable factor such as time spent in traffic. The Driver Satisfaction Index measures six qualitative and quantitative attributes — traffic, safety, driver services, road quality, socio-economics and Wazeyness — to provide an unprecedented look at the overall driver experience in towns or cities and countries worldwide.


Are you up to the Challenge of Ferrari's latest car?

                MARANELLO: Since launching in 1992 as a way of letting Ferrari's biggest clients take their driving skills to the next level with dedicated track cars and pit crews, Challenge has grown into a serious, global race series. And, with the unveiling of the latest client competition car, the Ferrari 488 Challenge, the company is taking everything to another level.

In fact, in the 25 years since the Challenge program launched, the only thing that has remained constant is that the cars being raced are all Ferraris and that the latest track-only model is derived directly from the latest street legal V8 supercar.

The 488 Challenge looks like the standard 488 GTB even with the huge rear spoiler. Ferrari says that keeping the car aesthetically similar while endowing it with sufficient strength and downforce for serious competition was tough. Its race engineers needed to work with the Ferrari Styling Centre (the division that usually handles one-off bespoke commissions) to preserve the car's good looks without compromising performance.

And in terms of this performance, this is the fastest Challenge car in history. It has set a new lap record on Ferrari's Fiorano circuit of one minute, 15.5 seconds - a full second faster than the Ferrari 458 Challenge EVO.

This should also be the most customizable Challenge car in history so that owners really can set everything up to match their own driving style rather than simply the track conditions -- settings and calibration for traction control, braking and the e-diff differential are all separate and can be adjusted while racing via steering wheel-mounted controllers.

 An initial design sketch for the Mercedes-AMG GT4.

The new customer racing car, unveiled at the Daytona circuit in Florida, arrives as Mercedes signals its intention to start offering its customers even more choice when it comes to competition cars. Due to the overwhelming success of its latest car built to GT3 racing specifications, Mercedes AMG is going one better with a GT4 model derived from the Mercedes-AMG GT R.

"The development of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is another important step in the continuing expansion of our Mercedes-AMG motorsport program. The excellent feedback of our Customer Sports teams concerning the AMG GT3 and the increasing interest for GT4 race cars strengthened us in our decision. We are delighted to address an even larger target group of amateur and professional drivers and teams in the future with it," said Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers.


Shell creates fully synthetic oil for compact cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new Shell Helix ECO 0W 20 engine oil caters to compact cars with engine capacities below 1200cc in Malaysia.

The new low-viscosity, fully-synthetic engine oil is specifically developed for small cars, where the engines are often subjected to high stress, stop-start driving conditions in the city.

It promises better fuel economy and superior protection for engine parts against wear and friction.

It also features a low evaporation formula that helps to keep the engine well lubricated and protected.

“The new Shell Helix ECO, with its lower viscosity, can help lower fuel consumption and ensure a smoother ride. Car owners will now be able to enjoy savings from lower maintenance costs as it is a premium fully synthetic engine oil that is able to cleanse your engine as well as provide optimal engine protection until your next oil change,” said May Tan, general manager, Shell Lubricants Marketing.

Available in a 3.5-litre pack, the Shell Helix ECO 0W 20 has recommended retail prices of RM143.50 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM144.20 in Sabah and Sarawak.

Every 3.5-litre pack of genuine ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ Shell Helix ECO 0W 20 comes with a free sunshade from March 1, 2020 while stocks last.

Buyers of genuine ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ Shell Helix from authorised Shell Helix workshops can join the Shell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE) programme (https://share.shell.com/consumer/my).

SHARE members are entitled to one pack of free Shell Helix engine oil for every four packs purchased from authorised retail outlets.


Volkswagen Passat Plus variants at RM144,990 and RM169,980

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Volkswagen Passat is now offered in two improved Plus variants, namely the Trendline Plus at RM144,990 and Comfortline Plus at RM169,980.

The Passat Trendline Plus get leather seats, 17-inch Istanbul alloy wheels, and window tint worth RM8,000.

The Passat Comfortline Plus receivea upsized 18-inch Monterey alloy wheels and window tint, valued at RM12,000.

Till September 30, 2017, the Passat PLus is offered with a special interest rate from as low as 0.88 per cent on hire purchase loans of five to nine years.

The entire Passat range, including the Plus variants, also comes with 5-year free maintenance, or 75,000km (whichever comes first) with registrations by September 30, 2017.

The Passat Plus variants are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI engine with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with 180ps and torque of 250Nm between 1,250 to 5,000rpm, and fuel consumption rated at 5.7 litres per 100km.

Features include start/stop function, regenerative braking, electric parking brake with auto hold function and with 3-zone climatronic air conditioning for comfort.

Safety features include six airbags, driver alert system and front fog lights with cornering light functions.


March 15 to 21: Fuel prices down across the board

KUALA LUMPUR: Fuel prices are down across the board for the next seven days (March 15 to 21, 2018).

RON95 will be priced at RM2.18 per litre (drop of 3 sen) and diesel at RM2.16 (drop of 1 sen).

Meanwhile, RON97 petrol price droped by 2 sen to RM2.45 per litre.

The new prices were announced on RTM1 today and will take effect from 12.01am.


Tesla flies in new battery production line for Gigafactory

                FRANKFURT/SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc has flown six planes full of robots and equipment from Europe to California in an unusual, high-stakes effort to speed up battery production for its Model 3 electric sedan, people familiar with the matter said last week.

Transporting equipment for a production line by air is costly and hardly ever done in the automotive industry, and the move underscores Tesla chief executive Elon Musk’s urgency to get a grip on manufacturing problems that have hobbled the launch of the high-volume Model 3 and pushed Tesla’s finances deep into the red.

“As usual with Tesla, everything is being done in a massive hurry and money seems to be no obstacle,” said one of the two sources.

Tesla on Friday declined to comment on whether it has shipped in any new production equipment from Europe.

Investors are closely watching Tesla and its high-profile, often brash CEO to see if the upstart electric vehicle maker can pull off high-volume production of the Model 3, a car with the potential to catapult the niche automaker to a mass producer and assure its financial stability.

But manufacturing missteps have led Tesla to repeatedly miss production targets for the sedan, and raised doubts about Musk’s promises that the company will stop burning cash by the third quarter of this year.

Tesla had free cash flow of negative US$1 billion in the first quarter, and earlier this month disclosed that it could offer its Fremont, California, vehicle assembly plant as collateral for debt.

Engineers from Tesla’s German engineering arm, Grohmann, are now reworking the battery production line at the Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada, in a bid to free up bottlenecks, the person said. The line will become more automated gradually over time, added the source, who was not authorised to speak for attribution.

Musk first disclosed plans for this line on a conference call with analysts in November, after complaining of problems with an original line built by a subcontractor.

Musk has told investors the new battery production line will help the carmaker achieve a quantum leap in productivity. The company has noted, however, that it will still be able to reach its target of building 5,000 Model 3s per week by June without the addition of the new line.

But Tesla’s lack of consistency in its factories has undercut Musk’s production promises in the past.

Under time pressure to fix problems, Musk has now insisted the new production line should be a no-expenses-spared effort, the source said. That led to the decision to airlift the new production equipment to the United States from Europe, a step carmakers usually avoid by planning production equipment installations months or years ahead of a production launch.

The shipments of new equipment began arriving in Reno last week, the two sources told Reuters.

It is not clear when the new production system will be ready to start running. Robots frequently need to be recalibrated to adjust for minimal differences in the quality of raw materials they are working with or temperature and humidity differences. Steps to test the quality of materials and recalibrate robots have proven to be a bottleneck that Tesla managers had underestimated, the first source said.

Musk has repeatedly complained of “manufacturing hell” trying to ramp up the Model 3, which began production, albeit slowly, last July.

In February, Musk said the main bottleneck was still its battery module production, saying Tesla had become “a little overconfident, a little complacent” in its ability to execute.

The Gigafactory’s battery production is divided into four zones, two of which have experienced problems. Responsibility for two of these zones was originally delegated to subcontractors specialized in integrating complex systems, Musk said.

“We were promised they would work, and it just didn’t work,” Musk said during a February conference call. A new design for an automated system for those zones was nearing completion, Musk said in November, adding that Grohmann was “working on the issue and making very rapid progress.”

One of the problems, both at the Gigafactory and at Tesla’s Fremont vehicle manufacturing factory, has been the interface between Tesla and the subcontractors it hires. Sources have told of communication problems and high managerial turnover, which complicate the execution of big projects.

Musk said in early May he planned to rid the company of “barnacles” – contractors and subcontractors – saying Tesla’s reliance on them had become “out of control.”


Here's the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase

                LONDON: Bentley has unveiled a long-wheelbase Bentley Bentayga as widely expected.

It launches with Bentley’s 4.0-litre 550 PS V8 engine.

Deliveries will start in Q4 2022, and the new model variant is expected to generate up to 45% of all Bentayga sales in future, making it the sales leader for the company.

No price has been revealed yet but expect it to exceed £300,000 (RM1.6mil).

Among the highlights are:

> A new focus on wellness, with integrated world-first seat technology
> Airline Seat Specification includes world-first auto climate sensing and advanced postural adjustment systems
> Three seating configurations, including all-new 4+1 layout alongside four- and five-seat versions
> Driving dynamics comparable to the Bentayga V8 thanks to new rear wheel steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard
> First application of Bentley Diamond Illumination – delivering cabin lighting through handcrafted leather
> Offers 24 billion different trim combinations
> Finer sewing threads create Bentley’s softest lofted quilted to date

Two enhanced specifications of this Rolls Royce Cullinan and Maybach GLS fighter will be available at launch.

The Azure offers elegant and timeless design with unique signatures, focusing on maximum comfort and well-being with an effortless drive.

Unique specification includes a unique 22” ten-spoke directional wheel, bright lower bumper grilles, Azure embroidery and badging.

Additional features include unique quilted seats, mood lighting, heated steering wheel, and increased driver’s assistance aids.

The First Edition specification builds further, including Bentley Diamond Illumination, metal overlays in the veneer, Naim for Bentley Premium Audio and LED welcome lamps. Unique embroidery, inlays and badging identify this as a highly exclusive and distinct model.

Bentley sought to create a new model that provides the best rear cabin experience since a Mulsanne, whilst retaining the Bentley hallmarks of effortless performance, exquisite handcraftsmanship and endless personalisation.

Bentley said the car has been extended by 180mm and boasts a cabin that is longer than any other luxury SUV competitor by over 40mm.

The Bentayga EWB also provides an extra 10 mm of headroom compared to a Mulsanne, whilst having a roofline 100 mm lower than competitors providing a sporting and well-proportioned silhouette.

The Bentayga EWB offers the ultimate in rear passenger indulgence, with the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, three different seat configurations, new dual air ionisers and increased cabin space.

As standard, a 4+1 seating configuration is offered with two outer rear seats providing outstanding comfort, 16 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation and five individual massage programs. There is an occasional middle seat, easily accommodating a third adult and giving access to a ski hatch in the backboard.

A new feature with the larger cabin is the Bentley Airline Seat Specification.

The new Bentley Airline Seat specification is the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and world-firsts in a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.

In Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees.

In Business Mode, the seat moves into its most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.

The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing.

The introduction of Electronic All Wheel Steering, a first for the Bentayga, ensures that there is no shortfall of dynamic ability despite the longer wheelbase.

In fact, the turning circle is 7% less than a standard Bentayga, at just 11.8 metres. This also guarantees no compromise between high-speed confidence and low speed convenience.

The Bentayga EWB is powered by Bentley’s proven 4.0-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel economy.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the V8 offers supercar performance, developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 770Nm of torque, resulting in a top speed of 290kph and 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds.

Over 2,500 new parts have been introduced to produce the Bentayga EWB including significant Body-in-White changes and a complete new underfloor.

This has led to new manufacturing processes, layout changes and infrastructure specifically for the new model.

With over 50 pre-series vehicles, nearly 2,000 weeks of collective testing have been incurred in the development of the new Bentayga EWB.


Ford's new muscle truck, Ranger Raptor, made possible by EVs

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co today unveiled the latest addition to its muscle truck franchise - a Ranger Raptor midsize pickup with a 405-horsepower engine and a suspension designed for racing across the desert, made possible in part by Ford's electric vehicles.

The Ranger Raptor, and the rest of the new generation of Ford Ranger pickups, will launch in North America later this year, illustrating how established automakers are shifting their combustion-vehicle lines towards more powerful, higher-profit variants as regulators clamp down on carbon emissions.

For Ford, the Ranger Raptor is part of a broader strategy to develop performance variants of popular vehicles that share 80% of the parts of the basic truck or SUV, but can deliver an average 30% more profit margin over the cost of building the vehicle. Ford is expected to highlight this strategy at an investor event on May 22.

Prices for the new Ranger will start at US$34,160 (RM153,000). But a Ranger Raptor will start at US$56,960 (RM254,000), Ford said.

"This is a very successful and profitable derivative," Jim Baumbick, vice president for product development and quality for the Ford Blue unit, told Reuters.

Ford is also ramping up production of its Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning and Transit electric vehicles - generating credits that allow it to sell more high-performance, combustion vehicles such as the Ranger Raptor, the Bronco Raptor and the F-150 Raptor.

"We're doing it through a portfolio of products" that includes electric vehicles and a hybrid Maverick pickup, Baumbick said.

Like other established automakers, Ford is using profit from combustion vehicles to subsidize losses on its electric models. How far Ford can push that strategy will depend on consumers, and also government regulators.

This week, the US Environmental Protection Agency began hearings on a proposal to dramatically tighten vehicle CO2 emissions limits with the goal of pushing electric vehicles to 67% of US new vehicle sales by 2032.

The redesigned Ranger will compete in a global segment dominated by Toyota Motor Corp's (7203.T) Tacoma and Hilux trucks.

Toyota will reveal the next generation of its North American Tacoma midsize truck on May 19. Rival General Motors Co added two off-road performance variants of its midsized Chevrolet Colorado pickup trucks last year, as well as more powerful engine options.


Arrinera Hussarya GT is first Polish supercar to grace Goodwood

                LONDON: The Arrinera Hussarya GT took part in the Michelin Supercar Run, a traditional component of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and was among the world’s most exciting cars contesting the famous hillclimb twice a day.

The prototype supercar is now the first Polish car to ever spin its tyres on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb tarmac.

The company says the car should be arriving some time during the fourth quarter of 2017 in road-legal trackday trim, with a road-going Arrinera Hussarya 33 following soon after.

Carbon fibre panels wrapped around the Hussarya GT's tubular space-frame/roll-cage, that's made of British BS4 T45 seamless steel tubing - also used in the structures of the Hurricanes and Spitfires flown in WWII by Polish pilots, and is also the same type of steel used in the motorsport community.

The aerodynamics of the car was designed by Professor Janusz Piechna of Warsaw Technical University and further honed in the MIRA wind tunnel in the UK.

The current car has been built to FIA GT specifications and is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 to 650bhp (depending on its state of tune) and is managed by a Hewland LLS sequential gearbox with paddle shifters before sending it a limited-slip differential for the rear wheels.

Handling is taken care of by a set of custom Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers with pushrods, while braking is handled by a quartet of 380mm discs with Alcon six-pot monoblock calipers and racing ABS system from Bosch.

The exterior of the Arrinera Hussarya GT wears a light-blue colour for Goodwood, reminiscent of the hue of the photo-reconnaissance Spitfires, which, when unarmed, flew higher and faster than regular variants of Reginald Mitchell's creation.

The Hussarya's name comes from a legendary type of Polish cavalry, which distinguished itself by winning battles at Kircholm in 1605 and at Vienna in 1683.

While armed with lances, long straight swords and special Polish curved sabers, they remained invincible for over 100 years.

Such cavalry are readily identifiable from their tall wings attached to their body armor as well as their preceding reputation for being victorious against overwhelming odds.

The Polish fighting spirit is symbolized on the Arrinera by white and red hussarya pennants, and by the white and red checkerboard insignia of the Polish Air Force, utilized since 1920.

In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the RAF fighter force faced the onslaught of the Luftwaffe and among those who fought to repel the invaders were two Polish fighter squadrons - 302 and 303.

They were staffed by experienced veterans of the 1939 campaign in Poland and during the defence of France earlier in 1940.

The Poles quickly learned how to best use the Hawker Hurricanes to their advantage, and were able to contribute greatly to the success of Winston Churchill's "The Few".

Finally in November, 1940, the Polish 302 Squadron was transferred to RAF Westhampnett - now known as the Goodwood Aerodrome.


GreenTech: Who says we are selling Tesla cars to the public?

Ahmad Hadri showing the charging cable for the Model S to the media late last year.UPDATE:  Ahmad Hadri Haris resigned from Greentech in 2017 after four years. The current CEO is Tan Sri Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians can buy Tesla cars from parallel importers. But certainly not from GreenTech Malaysia. The government agency has dismissed claims by a local motoring website earlier this week that it has started selling the Model S to the public.

GreenTech said it is only acting as a facilitator for the Tesla Special Programme, which remains restricted to government-linked organisations or government companies. It is not an authorised Tesla agent or distributor, it said.

"GreenTech Malaysia is not in the business of selling Tesla vehicles. As per Tesla’s conventional business model, customers are advised to deal directly with Tesla on the acquisition of the vehicle," it said in a statement issued today.

GreenTech, headed by Ahmad Hadri Haris, introduced the Tesla Special Programme to help develop awareness, understanding and confidence in EV technology as the first step to lay the foundation for a domestic EV market with a long-term target of encouraging Tesla to set up an office in Malaysia.

To recap, the programme is open to government-linked companies for now and may later include multinational corporations and listed companies.

The programme provides two options: lease only and lease-to-own. Qualified applicants can contact GreenTech for further details on the leasing mechanism and benefits.


Kia teases Sorento SUV ahead of global launch

                SEOUL: South Korean carmaker Kia has teased latest iteration of its fourth-generation flagship Sorento sport utility vehicle ahead of its full unveil via an online broadcast that's been set for tomorrow with UK sales to commence in the third quarter of 2020.

Due to have its covers pulled off via Facebook live stream, the global unveiling of the Sorento will be showcased in European specification at the Geneva Motor Show which was cancelled at the last minute due to the growing risks associated with the spread of COVID-19.

The online event will take place at 11:30am (GMT) on Thursday 19 March on Kia Motors Worldwide Facebook page where viewers can participate in the broadcast, with Kia representatives from responding in real-time to questions from viewers following a short presentation.

Facebook users submitting questions have the chance to win one of 60 six-month print and digital subscriptions to TIME magazine with the winners picked based on the quality of their questions.

The Sorento SUV is being touted to be powerful, progressive and versatile after having been designed and engineered to take on everything that life can throw at it.

Externally, it will feature sharper lines, high-tech details, and elongated proportions to give it a more confident and mature presence while the three-row cabin introduces premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, and above all else - a stunning new design.

The South Korean carmaker also announced that for the first time, the Sorento line-up will feature the company's new hybrid "Smartstream" electrified powertrain that will help provide improved fuel economy, lower emissions and higher performance compared to its predecessors.


Ferrari pushes back profit goal, but keeps electric pledge

                MILAN: Ferrari pushed back its profit target for next year after delaying investments and some deliveries in the pandemic, but stuck to its timetable for a first electric car by 2025.

The luxury carmaker famed for its "Cavallino Rampante", or "Prancing Horse", badge had predicted adjusted core earnings of 1.8-2.0 billion euros (up to RM9.9bil) in 2022.

But on Tuesday, the Italian company said it was postponing that target to 2023 because of the pandemic, even though it expects results to grow this year and next.

"We expect the prudent steps we took in 2020 and are continuing in 2021 to adjust our expenditure in response to the COVID-19 emergency will postpone by one year the achievement of our year-end 2022 guidance," chairman John Elkann said.

In a call on first quarter results, Elkann told analysts the pandemic had also taken its toll on Ferrari's drive to diversify its brand into other luxury areas and on its Formula One-related activities.

A Milan-based trader said the target delay was bad news for Ferrari's highly-valued shares. "This has raised concerns that the COVID-19 impact on the company could be greater than expected," he said. Ferrari shares closed down 8% here.

But the company said excellent quarterly results, robust net orders and a record order book made it confident of reaching the top end of its 1.45-1.5 billion euros adjusted earnings forecast for this year.
"Our 2022 results will be better than 2021, which ... we believe will be very strong," said Elkann, the scion of Italy's Agnelli family, which controls Ferrari through its holding company Exor.

Morgan Stanley analysts said the delayed guidance did not change Ferrari's long term challenges, such as the industry shift towards electric vehicles.

It "leaves plenty of room for new management to discuss the potential beyond 2023 including an expanded model range," they said.

Elkann, who confirmed Ferrari would launch its first SUV next year, the Purosangue, said an electrification drive was already included in the group's capital spending targets, without the need for any additions. Ferrari last month promised a first full-electric model for 2025.

The company, which is still searching for a permanent replacement for former CEO Louis Camilleri, who stepped down in December, repeated it was making good progress with a shortlist of strong candidates.


Top battery makers CATL and LG Chem in talks over US$20bil Indonesia EV plans

A factory worker showing a ahndful of nickel ore. Indonesia holds almost a quarter of global reserves of nickel, a key metal for electric cars. — Reuters
JAKARTA: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) and LG Chem Ltd., two of the world’s top producers of batteries for electric vehicles, have signalled they may join projects that could see US$20 billion (RM83bil) more invested in supply chains in Indonesia, according to the country’s government.

The firms signed separate heads of agreement with Aneka Tambang Tbk last month aimed at manufacturing higher value products for batteries from the state-owned miner’s nickel output, said Septian Hario Seto, deputy for investment coordination and mining at the coordinating ministry for maritime affairs and investments.

It’s a strategy that would involve development of new capacity for metals processing to battery pack assembly, according to Seto.

"This is a race on technology,” he said in an interview. "LG Chem and CATL are two front-runners in lithium battery technology.”

Indonesia holds almost a quarter of global reserves of nickel, a key metal for electric cars, and is seeking to use that advantage, along with cheap power prices and low-cost manufacturing, to build a domestic battery industry.

 Nickel processing lines are seen at a smelting plant in an Indonesia plant. — Reuters

LG Chem and Aneka Tambang have agreed to explore joint venture options, though the plan is at a very early stage, a spokesman for the South Korean battery maker said.

A full agreement would help provide LG Chem with stable access to nickel, according to the company.

China’s CATL, already part of a consortium building a nickel processing plant and other battery supply chain infrastructure in central Sulawesi, declined to comment.

Aneka Tambang is examining cooperation with third parties, and studying plans to develop a downstream industry for nickel ores, the firm said.

Projects worth more than US$30 billion have already been announced under Indonesia’s bid to become a hub for production of battery materials, the packs themselves and electric vehicles, including existing commitments from LG Chem and CATL.

Additional investments would offer further support to President Joko Widodo’s ambition of developing the country as a key regional centre in the industry.

Firms including PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, known as Inalum, and state power producer PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara will collaborate under the Indonesia Battery holding company.

That business will produce lithium-ion cells and work with Aneka Tambang and others, Inalum president director Orias Petrus Moedak said Tuesday.

The nation’s lack of existing lithium-ion battery production makes the task of developing an end-to-end EV industry more challenging, while Indonesia ranks behind some neighbouring countries on research and development spending, according to Allan Ray Restauro, an analyst with BloombergNEF.

More needs to be done to stimulate local demand for electric vehicles, he said in an April report.

Existing efforts to lift production of nickel materials for batteries through development of four high pressure acid leaching sites — plants that are able to convert Indonesia’s lower quality ores into battery-grade chemicals — are advancing, Seto said in the interview last week. At least one of the plants could begin production before the end of next year, if environmental approval and waste management plans are completed, he said.


Eight automakers adopt US EV fire response recommendations

                WASHINGTON: Eight electric vehicle manufacturers have adopted a US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation to improve emergency response guides and incorporate vehicle-specific information for fighting lithium-ion EV battery fires.

Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Proterra, Belgian manufacturer Van Hool, Volkswagen and Volvo have successfully completed the actions asked for in the NTSB recommendation.

NTSB issued the recommendation in January 2021 to 22 EV manufacturing and said 12 including Ford, General Motors, Tesla and Toyota are making progress on steps identified in the recommendation.

READ MORE: Explosives on wheels? The truth about electric cars catching fire


No toll hike for six highways, says PM

                PETALING JAYA: The toll rates on six highways in the Klang Valley will remain unchanged until the end of the concession period – with three likely to see the toll lifted earlier.

Three others, however, may see an extension, although much will depend on the traffic volume.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who announced a restructuring of four highway concession companies today, said it would also save the government about RM4.3bil in toll subsidy.

“The government has agreed to the proposed restructuring of four Klang Valley highway concessionaires.

“This is after undertaking a thorough study on all aspects which include consumer cost, concession agreement obligations and the government’s financial burden.

“Through this restructuring, toll rates will not be increased and will remain the same until the end of the concession.

“We will be able to save on compensation payments from Jan 1, 2022 until the end of the concession period,” Ismail Sabri said in a statement.

The four highway companies are Kesas Sdn Bhd which manages Kesas, Syarikat Mengurus Air Banjir dan Terowong Sdn Bhd which manages the SMART Tunnel, Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat Sdn Bhd which manages the three SPRINT (Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme) highways and Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd which manages the LDP.

Under the current agreement, the concession period for the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) is scheduled to end in six years, while that of Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) is due to end in eight years. Both may see extensions.

Of the three highways under SPRINT, the Penchala link may also see an extension.

However, toll collection on SPRINT Pantai and SPRINT Damansara, both scheduled to end in 2034, and the SMART tunnel toll, due to end in 2042, may be lifted early.

“The RM4.3bil savings on toll subsidy payments can be channelled to projects that will benefit the rakyat,” said Ismail Sabri.

According to sources, toll collection on all six highways may end simultaneously in 2032.

As such, it is believed that LDP, Kesas and Penchala Link of SPRINT (end date 2031) may see extensions to 2032.

As for toll on SPRINT Pantai and SPRINT Damansara, which are both scheduled to end in 2034, there is a likelihood that it will end two years earlier while the SMART tunnel toll, due to end in 2042, may be lifted 10 years early.


Dog lovers will love Tesla ‘Dog Mode'

                SAN FRANCISCO: To fulfill the promise he made last October, Elon Musk announced that the Tesla ‘Dog Mode' feature will be arriving this week.

Back in October, the Tesla CEO responded to a tweet requesting that a "dog mode" be integrated into the Model 3 with an unquestioning "yes." Last week, he confirmed that the feature will be arriving this week.

The request made last year suggested that the mode plays music, keeps the AC on, and activates a display screen to say, "I'm fine my owner will be right back," in order to keep pups safe and happy, and passers-by from being alarmed and taking unnecessary action.

This will come in addition to the Cabin Overheat Protection, a feature released in 2016 that ensures the cabin temperature does not exceed 40.5 degrees Celsius up to 12 hours after you leave your car.

While Musk did not offer any more details about what Dog Mode will entail, he accompanied the announcement with confirmation that Sentry Mode will also be coming out this week; therefore, if someone does break in to make sure your dog is safe, you'll know exactly who it was thanks to this 360-degree surveillance system.


BP sees self-driving electric vehicles crimping oil demand by 2040

                LONDON: The emergence of self-driving electric cars and travel sharing are set to dent oil consumption by 2040, oil and gas giant BP said, forecasting a peak in demand for the first time.

In its benchmark annual Energy Outlook, BP forecast a 100-fold growth in electric vehicles by 2040, with its chief economist Spencer Dale painting a world in which we travel much more but instead of using private cars, we increasingly share trips in autonomous vehicles.

While travel demand more than doubles over the period as economies in countries such as China and India grow, higher oil demand will be more than offset by increased engine efficiency standards as well as the larger number of EVs and shared travelling.

Unlike many other forecasts, including previous BP Energy Outlooks, which looked solely at the growing share of EVs in the car fleet, BP this year focused on the share of vehicles kilometres powered by electricity.

 Dale.

Under BP’s Evolving Transition scenario, which assumes that policies and technology continue to evolve at a speed similar to that seen in the recent past, some 30 percent of car kilometres are powered by electricity by 2040 from almost zero in 2016.

At the same time, the number of EVs is set to increase from 3 million today to over 320 million by 2040, representing roughly 15 percent out of a total car fleet of 2 billion.

The gap between the increasing number of EVs on the road and the kilometres powered by electricity is due to the expected growth in so-called shared mobility by EVs, Dale said.

“Cars will be used much more intensely over time,” Dale told reporters in a briefing.

As a result, fuel demand from the car fleet is forecast to dip to 18.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2040 from 18.7 million bpd in 2016, when it represented around one fifth of total oil demand, according to BP.

BP expects autonomous vehicles to become available in the early 2020s. Their initial high cost means the vast majority of the cars will be bought by fleets offering shared mobility services.

The average electric car is expected to be driven about two and a half times more than an internal combustion car, according to Dale.

“What we expect to see in the 2030s is a huge growth in shared mobility autonomous cars ... Once you don’t have to pay for a driver, the cost of taking one of those share mobility fleets services will fall by about 40 or 50 percent,” Dale said.

The vast majority of the shared mobility is expected to be EVs because of their lower maintenance costs.

Car makers including General Motors and high-tech giants such as Google Waymo and Uber Technologies have poured billions into the autonomous vehicles industry hoping gain a first-mover advantage. Robo-taxi services are seen as the main use for most self-driving vehicles.

BP sharply raised its estimate of growth in electric vehicles in the coming decades from last year’s forecast that EVs would reach 100 million by 2035. The big upwards revision is due to an increase in hybrid cars and an expected sharp growth in EV purchases in the second half of the 2030s, Dale said.

London-based BP joined other oil companies such as Royal Dutch Shell in forecasting a peak for oil demand in the late 2030s, when it is expected to slightly decline at around 110 million bpd. It did not foresee a peak in demand in its previous outlooks that stretched into 2035.

While the transportation sector will continue to dominate the growth in oil consumption, demand for plastic manufacturing will become the main source of growth in the 2030s.

Oil companies such as BP, Shell and France’s Total are betting on growing demand from the petrochemical sector in the coming decades.

Dale however said changes in regulations for plastics consumption such as stringent policies on plastic bags and packaging could dent oil demand by as much as 2 million bpd, roughly the same as the impact of EVs.

Overall energy demand will continue to grow in the coming decades, rising by a third into 2040, or roughly 1.3 percent per year, driven by growth in China and India, but the world is learning to “do more with less energy” as economies become more efficient, Dale said.

For example, the European Union’s gross domestic product is set to treble in 2040 from 1975 but the level of energy demand will be the same.

China’s energy demand will continue to grow but at a slower pace by the 2030s, when India will become the main driver of growth.

BP once again revised upwards its forecast for growth in renewable power, which is set to grow by 40 percent by 2040, with its share in the energy mix increasing from 4 percent to 14 percent.

The revision is due to technological gains as well as more aggressive government policies, particularly in India and China.

“There is plenty of scope for policy to continue to surprise us” to further boost the growth in the renewables, Dale said.


Toyota sees 80% profit wipeout, slow recovery expected

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. warned profit will tumble 80% to a nine-year low and predicted it could take another year before global car sales return to pre-virus levels, the latest sign that expectations for a quick economic rebound are fading.

Japan’s biggest automaker is targeting operating profit of 500 billion yen (RM20bil) for the year through March, the company said today. That compares with analysts’ average projection for 1.8 trillion yen (RM72bil) and is about a fifth of 2.44 trillion yen (RM105bil) in the prior period.

Toyota is caught up in the pandemic that has forced automakers to shut down factories and showrooms, while consumers in locked-down economies are holding off on big purchases due to the uncertain economic and employment environment.

Honda Motor Co. also reported a surprise operating loss in the first three months of the year, and held off on issuing an outlook due to uncertainty. Even so, there are signs of a budding recovery, with US plants coming back online and a recovery in China auto auto sales.

"The fact that Toyota issued a forecast when they could’ve withheld their outlook is positive,” said Koji Endo, an analyst at SBI Securities. "Still, it is a difficult environment.”

READ MORE: Toyota Malaysia resumes car assembly

Shares of Toyota were down 2% at the close in Tokyo, after the company reported during the trading session. Honda shares fell 3.5% at the close before the company reported an operating loss of 5.6 billion yen (RM225mil) for the fiscal quarter that ended in March, compared with analysts’ average prediction for 44 billion yen (RM1.7bil) in profit. Sales fell 15% to 3.46 trillion yen (RM139.4bil) in the same period.

Toyota’s outlook calls for full-year revenue of 24 trillion yen (RM967bil), below analysts’ prediction for 27.6 trillion yen (RM1.1tril). The company declined to provide a forecast for net income, citing the impact of the pandemic. Vehicles sales will decline about 15% to 8.9 million units, the carmaker said.

While the car market is expected to reach a bottom this quarter, it may take until the first half of next year to fully recover, Toyota said.

"The biggest concern is whether the company will recover to full production like before,” said Tatsuo Yoshida, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

With their ratings being cut, automakers have tapped banks for at least US$100 billion (RM433bil) in financing to secure cash. Toyota sought a 1 trillion yen (RM40.2bil) credit line from Japanese megabanks in late March. The outbreak will reduce Japanese automakers’ operating profit by 38% this fiscal year, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.


Audi Q8 e-tron highlights

                > More battery capacity and higher charging performance

> Fresh exterior, new brand design, and dynamic driving characteristics

> Net-carbon-neutral production and the first-time use of recycled materials in a safety-related component

INGOLSTADT: The Audi e-tron came to market in 2018, marking the start of the electric future for the four rings. It has since sold 150,000 units.

Audi's electric portfolio now comprises eight models. By 2026, it will have more than 20. At that point, Audi will only be releasing fully electric models on the global market.

By calling this model the Q8, Audi is making a clear statement that the Audi Q8 e-tron is the top model among its electric SUVs and crossovers. The Audi Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable as fully electric models at first glance.

This is thanks to the new front and rear designs with the characteristic Singleframe mask, the inverted grille, and blade above the redesigned rear diffuser, which systematically carry Audi’s electric design language forward. An exclusive highlight on the edition S line package is the Singleframe grille, which is finished in body color.

The Q8 e-tron ushers in the new corporate identity with a two-dimensional design of the four rings on the exterior.

Additionally, the Q8 e-tron is the first model to feature the new model badge with Audi lettering on the B-pillar.
Maximum amount of space and comfort

With a vehicle length of 4.915 metres, a width of 1.937 metres, and a height of 1.619 metres for the Sportback and 1.633 metres for the SUV, the Q8 e-tron offers a maximum amount of space and comfort.

The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are each 2mm lower and 39mm wider. Its wheelbase of 2.928 metres allows for a lot of legroom in the back seats too. It has a generous storage volume of 569 litres for the SUV and 528 litres for the Sportback.

There are also 62 litres available in the front storage area, the so called “frunk”.

Three drivetrain variants

For both body shapes, three drivetrain variants with electric all-wheel drive can be selected.

With their two motors, the base models of the Q8 50 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron generate 250 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque, and they get a range of up to 491km (SUV) and up to 505km (Sportback), in accordance with the WLTP.

With their two motors, the Q8 55 e-tron and Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron generate 300 kW in boost mode and 664 Nm of torque. Their ranges are up to 582 km for the SUV and up to 600 km for the Sportback, in accordance with the WLTP. Their top speed, and that of the Q8 50 e-tron, is limited to 200kph.

The top-end SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are powered by three motors. Their boost performance amounts to 370 kW and 973 Nm of torque.

The range of the S models is up to 494km for the SUV and up to 513km for the Sportback. Their top speed is limited to 210kph.

Two battery sizes can be selected. The battery of the Q8 50 e-tron has a storage capacity of 89 net kilowatt-hours (95 gross kWh), while the more powerful versions of the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron have 106 net kWh (114 gross kWh).

Thanks to an adjustment to the battery management system, the battery capacity usable for customers has increased as well. At a high-powered charging station, the Q8 50 e-tron reaches a maximum charging performance of 150 kW.

With the Q8 55 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron , the maximum charging performance increases to up to 170 kW. The big battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent during a roughly 31-minute charging stop – under ideal conditions, this corresponds to a range of up to 420km (according to WLTP).

At an AC charging station or wallbox, the Q8 e-tron charges at up to 11 kW. Audi offers an optional AC charging performance of up to 22 kW.

Under ideal conditions, the Q8 50 e-tron can completely charge in around nine hours and 15 minutes (22kW: around four hours and 45 minutes) using alternating current.

The big battery’s numbers are around 11 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW and six hours at 22 kW.

The Q8 e-tron comes standard with the Plug & Charge function. At compatible charging stations, the vehicle authorizes itself when inserting the charging cable and activates the charging point. Billing happens automatically.

The new charging service Audi charging, which is set to launch in 2023 and will in the future replace the existing e-tron Charging Service, will allow for convenient access to around 400,000 public charging points across Europe.

Improved dynamics

For the new Q8 e-tron, the asynchronous motor concept on the rear axle was modified. Instead of 12 coils generating the electromagnetic field, there are now 14. The motor consequently generates a stronger magnetic field with similar electricity input, which in turn allows for more torque.

If this isn’t needed, the electric motor requires less energy to generate torque. This lowers consumption and increases range. With the e-tron range’s S version, Audi used a three-motor concept for the first time in large-scale production.

This was refined for the new SQ8 e-tron. A 124-kW electric motor is at work on the front axle.

On the rear axle, there are two electric motors each with 98 kW of output that each separately power a rear wheel. This allows for a boost performance of up to 370 kW. The drive torque can be distributed across both rear electric motors between both wheels within a split second.

The new Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with an air-spring suspension with controlled shock absorption. The height of the car body can be varied by a total of 76mm, depending on the driving situation. To optimise the lateral dynamics of the vehicle, its air-spring tuning was adjusted.

Aerodynamics has been improved, resulting in a reduction of the drag coefficient from 0.26 to 0.24 cw for the Q8 Sportback e-tron and from 0.28 to 0.27 cw for the Q8 e-tron. The wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody help divert airflow around the wheels. The spoilers on the front axle were enlarged, and the Q8 Sportback e-tron now has spoilers on the rear wheels as well.

With the SQ8 Sportback e-tron, spoilers are only mounted on the rear axle. In the area around the grille, this is the first time an Audi model has had a self-sealing system in addition to the electric shutters that automatically close the radiator.

There are around 40 driver assistance systems available in the Q8 e-tron. Up to five radar sensors, five cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide environmental information that’s then analyzed by the central driver assistance control unit.

Something new is remote park assist plus, which will be available to order starting in 2023. With its help, the Q8 e-tron can maneuver into even the tightest parking spaces. Customers can control the parking procedure through the myAudi app on their smartphones.

The Q8 e-tron optionally comes with digital Matrix LED headlights. While driving on the highway, the orientation light marks the car’s position in the lane and helps the driver remain securely in the centre in narrow spaces.

Three other new features are available as well: enhanced traffic information, the lane light with a direction indicator and the orientation light on country roads.

Luxury-class interior

The glass panorama roof makes the interior appear lighter and reinforces the sense of airiness and expansiveness.

As an alternative to the standard two-zone automatic climate control, Audi is also offering four-zone automatic climate control and an air quality package. The three-stage ventilation provides for comfortable seating, even at high outdoor temperatures.

Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system. Its two large high-resolution displays – the top one with a 10.1-inch diagonal and the bottom one with an 8.6-inch diagonal – replace nearly all conventional switches and knobs.

Beyond operation with the two touch displays, a lot of features can be activated through natural voice control. The digital display and operating concept in the Audi Q8 e-tron is rounded out by the standard Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution.

On the German market, the Audi Q8 e-tron will come standard with MMI Navigation plus.

The Audi Q8 e-tron will be certified as net-carbon-neutral1 for customers in Europe and the USA. Audi also uses recycled materials for some components in the Q8 e-tron. These materials, treated through a recycling process, reduce the amount of resources used and ensure a closed, efficient and sustainable material loop.

In the interior of the Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi uses recycled materials for insulation and damping, as well as for carpeting. The decorative inlay above the display, called the Tech Layer, is available with a new anthracite-coloured technical material that’s partially composed of recycled PET bottles.

With the S line equipment package, the sport seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and the microfiber material Dinamica. Dinamica is made from up to 45 percent polyester fibers that are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, used textiles and fiber residue. In contrast to previous microfiber quality, the production of Dinamica is also solvent-free – another contribution to environmental protection.

The market launch of the new Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron, which will be available to order starting in mid-November, is planned to happen at the end of February 2023 in Germany and the most important European markets. In the US, the model is expected to come to the market at the end of April. It is expected to arrive in Malaysia in early summer 2023.

The base price for the Audi Q8 e-tron in Germany will be €74,400 (RM348,000).


Hail Toyota Hilux

                The new Toyota Hilux, now in its eighth generation, has taken a big leap from the previous model which was launched in Malaysia 10 years ago. And rightly so. The pickup segment has become increasingly crowded as almost all automakers have it on offer.

The new Hilux comes in no less than six variants - you can choose between the new 2.8 and 2.4-litre diesel engines; single or double cab; auto and manual transmissions and even 4x4 or 2x4.

We spent a weekend with the top-of-the-range 2.8G which came with modern-day conveniences such as push start button, upper glove box with cooler, LED projector headlights with auto levelling, as well as the optional 2-Din Head unit DVD Player with 7in touch screen, Smartphone Connectivity, Internet Browser, Voice recognition, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB ports, navigation and reverse camera with guide lines.

The standard audio system consists of the 2-DIN Head Unit DVD Player with a 6.1in touch screen, tuner, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB, SD card and Bluetooth.

The new diesel Intercooler VNT 2.8litre engine produces 177PS at 3,400rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,600rpm and 2,400rpm and is mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Also new is the chassis which is more rigid and robust thanks to the use of high tensile steel plates and thick steel plates under the vehicle to protect the engine, transmission and fuel tank.

The new Hilux also has undergone changes in the looks department with a bolder front-fascia featuring the pronounced front bumper and split grille - the upper grille remains slender with chrome slats and flow seamlessly into the headlamps and daytime running lights (DRL).

Inside, the cabin has been refined with an entirely new dashboard and an emphasis on user-friendliness and comfort. The 2.8G is decked in leather upholstery including leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gear knob as well as 8-way powered seat for the driver.

There is also the Optitron meters with cool blue illumination on the instrument panel which was originally developed for Lexus luxury models and an upper glovebox with a cooling function.

The new 2.8G Hilux offers an easy and enjoyable drive what with the new engine which is smooth and powerful and all the creature comforts usually found in passenger cars. Likewise, the suspension and handling offers very good ride comfort while the insulation in the cabin keeps noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels to a minimum.

The pickup is no longer just a workhorse these days but one that balances functionality, good looks and extensive features to suit the needs of the modern consumer.

The Hilux already has a reputation of reliability and robustness and that tradition continues with the new generation Hilux.


Would you assemble your car the way you assemble Ikea furniture?

                PARIS: If you like Citroën's Ami, you're going to love Höga. Höga is the work of a young American design student, Ryan Schlotthauer, who imagined what a basic electric car could look like -- no frills and to be assembled by the customer, like a simple piece of furniture.

Ultra-compact with its 2.23-meter length (compared to the 2.41 m of the Ami), the complete assembly of the Höga requires a little more than 370 parts in total. All the components of the concept are recyclable, and together they would cost the buyer US$6,500 (RM27,000).

This project will probably never see the light of day, but it shows that a small modular electric car, to be built by oneself, is not necessarily just science fiction.

Check out the Höga concept: behance.net/gallery/117550475/HOEGA-IKEA-MOBILITY


RM155,000 worth of BHPetrol vouchers on Shopee

                PETALING JAYA: Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) will be rewarding Shopee customers with BHPetrol vouchers up to RM155,000 when they shop on Shopee.

The promotion is held in conjunction with the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, its annual regional shopping event that takes place from 27th August to 9th September, 2018.

Users can buy items directly from Shopee’s warehouse, thus ensuring quick delivery at the best prices.

During the 14 days, users stand a chance to win RM3 BHPetrol vouchers with every purchase on Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS) stores.

Be sure not to miss BHPetrol Day on 7th September where users stand a chance to receive RM10 BHPetrol vouchers.

Customers who win the RM3 or RM10 BHPetrol vouchers can redeem it with a minimum spend of RM20 fuels and goods (excluding Touch n’ Go, e-Pay services and tobacco) at all BHPetrol service stations.

BHPetrol will be working hand in hand with Shopee to bring added value for all purchases on Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS) stores.

For more information on BHPetrol, log on to www.bhpetrol.com.my or to find our more on Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, head to www.shopee.com.my/99


D-Max's new feat: From Bangkok to Singapore on one tank of diesel

 Putting on the seal to ensure no hanky panky results.

BANGKOK: Several car companies have been boasting about their fuel efficiency figures of late. All part of the bigger goal to sell more cars as they chalk up bragging rights from fuel economy runs.

Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Isuzu come immediately to mind.

In the latest round of the Dura-Miles Challenge, Isuzu is at it again and the achievement is indeed remarkable for the distance travelled.

It has once again pushed the envelope by using the D-MAX pick-up truck to go from Bangkok to Singapore, a distance of 1,809km, using less than the full content of its 76-litre fuel tank.

 On the move in Thailand.

This historic achievement is the first for the second-generation D-MAX, eclipsing the previous version’s record in 2011 when it completed a similar drive from Bangkok to Malacca, a distance of 1,600km.

Four trucks were involved in the feat. They were  a pair each of 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre models with manual and automatic transmissions – all featuring similar selectable 4x4 drivetrains that have long been branded as fuel guzzling features.

The vehicles and the drive were monitored by an Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) officer who also verified upon completion of the Dura-Miles Challenge that all the vehicles were according to manufacturer’s specifications.

 Crossing the border to Malaysia from Thailand.

The trucks were driven through extreme conditions including 40-degree ambient temperatures through much of Thailand and faced thunderstorms in the evenings in Malaysia. Throughout the drive, the drivers kept the air-conditioning on to fight the sweltering heat.

“While four-wheel drive vehicles offer highly practical solutions to active lifestyle seekers, it suffers from a bad reputation for being heavy on fuel. However, due to Isuzu’s amazing engineering and remarkable power balance, the Isuzu D-MAX is able to offer uncompromised performance and fuel efficiency to motorists,” said Isuzu Malaysia executive director Daisuke Ishida, who was on hand at the Singapore Discovery Centre to welcome the convoy.

 Singapore, here they come. Breaking the seal in Singapore.


Hennessey beefs up Ford Mustang to 804bhp.

                HOUSTON (Texas): For its 25th anniversary, US-based tuning house - Hennessey Performance Engineering, has announced that it will be building only 25 beefed-up examples of the 25th Anniversary Edition HPE800 Ford Mustang.

Using the 717bhp HPE700 as a base, the US-based tuning-house has effectively added 87bhp and 22Nm more performance to give rise to the HPE800 - now producing an insane 804bhp at 7,000rpm and 879Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.

With each car getting its own serialised plaque, we'd doubt there's a chance of catching that number since the HPE800 has cut its 0-100kph sprint time down by about 0.5 seconds from the HPE700, taking about 3.3 seconds to achieve the feat, before reaching a top speed of 335kph.

In terms of parts upgrades, the HPE800's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 retains the 2.9-litre supercharger system from the HPE700, but adds on a high flow carbon fibre air induction system, new performance exhaust system, carbon fiber coilpack covers, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump system and slapped on a carbon fibre body kit.

As standard, the HPE800 now rolls on 20-inch wheels with 265/30 (front) and 295/30 (rear) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres taking care of grip, while stopping power is enhanced by Brembo's 15-inch front-brake upgrade and a set of KW Variant 3 Lowered Suspension upgrade takes care of handling.

There's no mention of price, but it's sure going to cost a pretty penny to own one.


All-wheel drive for the BMW M3

                LOS ANGELES: BMW will fit all-wheel drive technology into the M3 for the first time, according to BMWBlog.

The online magazine focused on BMW says the BMW M xDrive will be available for both the G80 M3 and G82 M4, but only in the Competition models.

BMWBlog also spoke to Dirk Hacker, BMW M Head of Development, and learned that the all-wheel drive system in the M3 and M4 will be similar with the one in the M5 and M8.

In the M8, the M xDrive allows the driver to switch from the normal 4WD mode to a sportier 4WD Sport mode.

The latter will keep more power at the rear axle and will allow for some tail spins, says BMWBlog.


Britain eyeing 10 centres for post-Brexit customs checks

Freight trucks moving through the terminal at the Port of Dover, Britain last October. — Reuters
LONDON: Britain may build up to 10 centres to process customs checks and paperwork for trucks bound for Europe after Brexit and will fine drivers who head to ports without the correct documentation.

Britain will fully leave the European Union on Dec 31, meaning businesses will need declarations to import and export into the world’s biggest trading bloc for the first time in years.

With less than three months to go, the government is still setting out its plans for trade after it warned that a lack of preparation by many companies could lead to queues of around 7,000 lorries in the southeast of England.

It said on Thursday it had identified 10 sites around the country including in the county of Kent - home to the ports of Dover and Folkestone which sail to Calais - in central England and near the ports sailing to Ireland.

In the area of Ashford, near Dover, it has started work on a site in Sevington which may hold trucks if traffic is disrupted, and where goods and declarations could be checked to make sure they are ready to travel. Other sites still require planning permission.

In a bid to prevent trucks from clogging the roads of Kent, the government will also introduce a Kent Access Permit which truck drivers must carry to access the main roads to the ports.

“HGV (lorry) drivers on those key roads in Kent without one could be stopped and issued with a £300 (RM1,611) on-the-spot fine,” it said.

The government’s latest document on the Border Operating Model said lorry drivers operating in the Kent area but not bound for Europe should also carry paperwork, in a sign of the increased bureaucracy business is likely to face next year.

“With fewer than 3 months to go, businesses need to prepare now for new procedures whether or not we reach a trade agreement with the EU, so that they can seize the significant opportunities that lie ahead,” said Michael Gove, the minister overseeing Brexit planning.


'Fastest woman on four wheels' Jessi Combs killed in bid to break land-speed record

Combs, 39, was attempting to become the fastest woman on Earth in her 52,000hp jet-powered car when she was killed. — AFP
LOS ANGELES: Race car driver Jessi Combs, host of the television series “All Girls Garage,” was killed in a high-speed crash while trying to set a new land-speed record, her family said on Wednesday.

Combs, 39, was attempting to become the fastest woman on Earth in her 52,000hp jet-powered car when she was killed while racing on Tuesday on the Alvord Desert, a dry lake bed in south-eastern Oregon, the family said in a statement.

The details of the crash were not released.

“Jessi’s most notable dream was to become the fastest woman on Earth, a dream she had been chasing since 2012,” the statement said. “Combs was one of the rare dreamers with the bravery to turn those possibilities into reality, and she left this earth driving faster than any other woman in history.”

Combs earned the title of “fastest woman on four wheels” after breaking 640kph in the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger in 2013.

Combs, who began her career as a builder of hot-rod cars, was seen on television in a number of auto shows, including “Overhaulin’,” “Truck U,” “MythBusters” and “All Girls Garage.”

Combs’ close friend and teammate Terry Madden called her an “amazing spirit.”

“Unfortunately, we lost her yesterday in a horrific accident, I was the first one there and trust me we did everything humanly possible to save her!,” he said in an Instagram posting.

Combs had chronicled her attempt on social media to beat the 823kph women’s land-speed record set in 1976 by American Kitty O’Neil, who died last November.

In a posting on Instagram this week, Combs wrote, “It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. People say I’m crazy. I say thank you.”


Drivers to Thailand must fill in passenger manifest

                BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Thai immigration now wants Malaysian motorists entering the country from Kedah to provide passenger “manifests” in a move believed to be part of the kingdom’s effort to stop human-trafficking activities.

Foreigners going in and out of the kingdom are required to fill out two additional forms, the “Information of Conveyance Form” (TM.2) and the “Passenger List Form” (TM.3).

This ruling was conveyed to Kedah Immigration Department, which then issued a letter to the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Durian Burung Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex.

The letter stated that the policy came into effect yesterday.

It is learnt that the notice came from the Songkhla Immigration office at the end of October, announcing that the new forms must be filled out starting yesterday.

This red-tape is expected to cause delays for Malaysians driving into Thailand in their private vehicles at Bukit Kayu Hitam, which is among the busiest entry points to Thailand.

Previously, motorists only needed to show their passports and vehicle registration certificates, while such forms were only required for minivans and express buses crossing the border.

No reason was given by the Thai border authority on the new policy. It is understood that Malaysian drivers can obtain the forms at immigration counters on the Thai side, and the Malaysian Immigration Department personnel have been disseminating the information to locals at the border checkpoint.

It is also understood that Thai-registered vehicles entering Malaysia need not fill in any other documents besides showing travelling documents and car registration certificates.

Kedah Immigration Department director Mohamad Yusri Hashim, said the ruling was not only imposed on the ICQS in Kedah, but at checkpoints in other bordering states as well.

“This is a national policy and I think it is better for the Home Ministry to comment on it. I think such a policy may be good for security in both countries,” he said.

Tourism Authority of Thailand public relations manager C. Somboon believed that tourism would not be much affected.

“Maybe it would cause inconvenience at the early stage, but people will get used to it,” he said, and agreed with Mohammad Yusri that the move would boost border security.

The Malaysia-Thai border has seen numerous trans-border crimes such as vehicle and goods smuggling, as well as human trafficking.

Mass graves and detention camps for Rohingya and Bangladeshi people were also found at Wang Kelian, Perlis, in May.


Pre-launch booking opens for new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid estimated below RM150,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has opened pre-launch booking for the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid that features premium styling and the latest safety features.

Orders are now accepted at all authorised Nissan showrooms nationwide with first deliveries to start next month.

Prices in Peninsular Malaysia without insurance but inclusive of sales tax are estimated at:

> Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star - below RM150,000
> Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star - below RM165,000

The seven-seater Serena S-Hybrid was among the first hybrid models to be assembled in Malaysia and is still the only locally-assembled hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

ETCM encourages customers to make their booking early (minimum amount of RM1,000) to secure a booking in the system.

The company says it will also help the assembly plant to schedule production more accurately and minimise waiting time as disruptions continue due to semiconductor microprocessor shortages and global shipment delays.

Depending on the variants, the new Serena S-Hybrid comes in four colour choices.

For the ‘early birds’ making bookings, ETCM will be providing a special package of:

> Five free Maintenance Services (inclusive of parts & labour) at alternate intervals of 10,000km, 30,000km, 50,000km, 70,000km and 90,000km,

> Warranty period will also be up to five years with unlimited mileage.

Asides from the premium styling and new safety technologies, the new Serena S-Hybrid continues with thoughtful convenience features such as a dual back door, hands-free dual power sliding doors on both sides, and up to seven USB ports.

The spacious interior has a versatile 13 Seating Configuration with Captain Seats on the second row equipped with individual armrests and extra-long slide adjustment.

Front passengers and those in the second row enjoy fatigue-free comfort in the Zero Gravity Seats.

Combination Nappa leather upholstery is also used to provide better comfort and premium feel.

Included are the Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) which features a suite of advanced technologies such as Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Also included is Nissan’s renowned Around View Monitor (360 camera) as standard equipment.

Powering the new Serena S-Hybrid is a 2.0-litre Twin CVTC hybrid drivetrain that comes with an ECO (Energy Control Motor) electric motor to provide torque assistance at take-off to reduce demands on the petrol engine and improve fuel efficiency.

Details will be announced closer to the launch date early next month.

Interested parties can also visit Nissan Malaysia website at www.nissan.com.my or contact the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838, or contact any Nissan sales advisor.


Samsung drives into the connected car market

BARCELONA: Alongside new smartphones and a virtual reality camera, Samsung will be demonstrating Samsung Connect Auto at this week's Mobile World Congress here.

Described by its makers as ushering in "a new era of driving experience", the Samsung Connect Auto is a dongle that plugs into the diagnostics port of potentially any car built since the 1990s in order to bring it up to date technologically speaking.

"We have been listening to our customers and pushing boundaries to create a connected car ecosystem that seamlessly integrates our products and partner services for a better driving experience," said Dr. Injong Rhee, Executive VP and Head of R&D, Software and Services, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. "Through collaborations with valuable partners and experts across many industries, we are carrying out our vision of bringing IoT technology to people's everyday lives."

The device offers Wi-Fi, monitors driving behaviour, and provides tips for saving fuel. It can also give maintenance advice, serve as a vehicle locator and tracker in case of theft; and as a black box for helping users lower their insurance premiums. The final touch is support from a number of partners including Cisco, Orange, Here, and AT&T.

"Samsung's willingness to work with others to create an ecosystem of true interoperability will allow it to be one of the leaders in the aftermarket connected vehicle space," said Chris Penrose, Senior Vice President, Internet of Things, AT&T Business Solutions.

However, the gadget is not a new idea. US startup, Automatic Labs has been selling its own US$99 plug-in dongle and smartphone app offering almost identical services since 2012 and in 2015 launched an ecosystem of car-focused apps from other companies.

At MWC, Samsung is also partnering with Seat and SAP to develop solutions for the connected car of tomorrow. The first solutions include a method of reserving a parking space and paying for it without leaving the car and a digital key that lets owners share their cars.

Volvo is also demonstrating a very similar system at MWC. However, unlike the Swedish brand, Seat is a true mass-market marque, meaning this technology could soon be available to everyone.

"For Seat, connectivity is a key factor. This technological alliance with Samsung and SAP strengthen Seat's aim of becoming a reference in the field of connectivity," said executive committee president Luca de Meo.


Jeep freshens up Compass with smart interior you can talk to

                DETROIT: The biggest change to the Jeep Compass might have already come last year with the arrival of a new plug-in hybrid, but this compact crossover is now also polishing up its interior with a digital upgrade, as well as a new diesel and an exterior facelift.

Four years since the last revisions to the Compass design, the SUV is getting digital instruments and other features as standard, Jeep has announced.

Drivers will be able to control playblack and communication using a new, bigger touchscreen next to the steering wheel and with wireless smartphone integration and voice control.

Like Apple's Siri and Mercedes' MBUX systems, the Jeep's voice control system responds to the command "Hey Jeep." To make it easier to store increasingly large smartphones, Jeep has also created more space in the centre console.

In addition to the new cockpit, Jeep is promising slight touch-ups to the front and rear, installing LED headlights as standard and now also offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

Jeep says it has also revised its 1.6-litre diesel and increased performance by almost 10 per cent to 130 horses, while also reducing consumption by 10 per cent to 5.1 litres (121 g/km CO2).

The 1.3-litre petrol engine with 130hp or 150hp and the two plug-in hybrids remain unchanged with a system output of 190hp or 240hp and an electric range of around 50km.


2015 Tokyo Motor Show: The craziest concept cars ever seen

                TOKYO:  Concept cars that are never going to make their way to production are a staple of any car show. With that disclaimer out of the way, it's fair to say the Tokyo Motor Show has become particularly well known for the boldest, strangest, most off-the-wall concepts the motoring world ever sees. Let's have a look at some of the highlights over the years.

 Nissan 315X.1970 - Electric cars make their debut
Long before the Nissan Leaf, the Tesla Model S, or the BMW i3, there was the 315X, a (plaid!) two-seat electric car concept that displayed at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show.

1977 - Toyota unveils a sedan with sliding doors
Ever think to yourself, “you know, what I could really use is a car with sliding minivan doors''? No? Maybe it's no wonder then that Toyota's experimental F110 luxury sedan concept never made its way to the showrooms.

1979 - A concept car for the Walkman generation
Whereas carmakers are now trying to cater their cars to the iPhone generation, in the late 1970s, Japan's automakers were doing their best to appeal to young people in the early age of the Sony Walkman. Some of the features: digital meters and gauges, funky hinged doors and headlines and vent on the hood, well removed from their usual area near the front bumper.

1987 - Finally, a simple jet-ski storage solution
Everybody's gone surfin'? Toyota shows Mobile Base, a Hilux Surf pickup equipped with automatic loading deck for heavy equipment, such as one's jet ski.

1991 - A Batmobile without the inconvenience of a cabin
How about a half spaceship, half Batmobile car? An Avalon design concept this year was an open convertible on the road. When parked, it was capable of converting into a car with no cabin, as the windshield and air spoilers folded down and flush with the body.

 Nissan Nails Concept.2001 - An early example of a car with built-in connectivity
As the mobile phone begins to take off, integration into the vehicle using some form of connectivity begins to show up in the Nissan Nails concept, a two-seat mini pickup. Inside was a pocket within the instrument panel for plopping one's phone into.

2001 - A van with see-through sides
Honda covered its Unibox, a tall hybrid van concept, with transparent polycarbonate panels that bared its interior for all to see, including skeleton-framed seats.

2003 - A vehicle for the solo traveler
Again, a Japanese carmaker showcases bits of technology that were before their time. Toyota's PM concept, a one-person electric vehicle, boasted a virtual display capable of sensing driver finger position and showing vehicle data and the locations of other PMs on the road through the use of early vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

2005 - An electric three-seater for the city
Nissan continues its pursuit of electric vehicles, this time with a three-seat urban commuter concept called Pivo, complete with an onboard robotic interface. The cabin was capable of revolving 360 degrees and wheels could move forward and backwards, making parking in tight city spots a cinch. Nissan has ended up showing Pivo 2 and Pivo 3 models in the years since.

2007 - Honda goes environmentally friendly and joystick-operated
Time to bring on the fuel cells. Honda pitched its Puyo concept as both environmentally conscious and “friendly'' looking, with a corner-less, boxy design. The car could be operated by joystick.

 Micro Commuter concept.2011 - A motorcycle-automobile hybrid
Honda puts together the brains of its motorcycle and automobile engineers to come up with the Micro Commuter concept, an electric city commuter on two wheels.

2013 - A mood-sensitive, color-changing vehicle
Underscoring just how far it's willing to go to establish some fun-to-drive credentials, Toyota displays its FV2 concept. It's meant to envision a vehicle that can connect with a driver's emotions, using voice and image recognition to determine his or her mood and suggest destinations. The body color can change depending on whether a driver is happy or sad using an exterior display. - Bloomberg


Renault's Mobilize in talks with European retailer to provide charging boxes for EVs

                PARIS: Renault's new Mobilize unit is in advanced talks with a major European retailer to provide charging boxes for electric vehicles, a Mobilize spokesman said today.

The spokesman was confirming comments made earlier by chipmaker STMicroelectronics.

Frederique Le Greves, CEO of STMicro France, had told the VivaTech conference here that this would the first contract for the Mobilize PowerBox terminal, developed by Software Republique, a tech partnership that counts Renault and STMicro among its members.

The future Renault 5 electric car will be the first in a long series of cars to come equipped with an onboard bidirectional charger that will work with the Mobilize Powerbox.

The terminal is able to communicate with the car and the cloud under a V2G (vehicle to grid) network to determine whether it should recharge the battery or send power back to the grid depending on battery charging needs, domestic needs, and incentives from the energy market and power grid.

The Mobilize Powerbox can charge at between 7 kW and 22 kW, and it would be compatible with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.


VPCM's Volkswagen Cares mobile app hits 30,000 downloads.

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia's (VPCM) mobile app - Volkswagen Cares,  has managed to garner 30,000 downloads thus far.

The app (a locally developed and managed vision) was launched by the company as part of its aftersales initiative to help improve the ownership experience of owners.

“The app was created to make our services more accessible to our customers, and further improve their overall ownership experience," said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

Available for free via Apple's App Store for iOS users and Google PlayStore for Android users, the app saw significant growth in 2019 with 16,498 downloads.

As of today, the app has managed to welcome an additional 9,483 new members to mark a 46% increase in downloads.

"The convenience of accessing the Volkswagen world via a mobile app is offered in different Volkswagen markets around the world, and what we are also delighted to note is that our app has seen an unparalleled take-up rate compared to other markets managed by the Porsche Holdings Group,” he added.

Those new to the app are given access to aftersales offers such as free three-year service vouchers and service package vouchers that are linked to the app exclusively.

Those with vehicles five years and older under the Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) programme may also view and access their benefits through the app.

“This success will only spur us to continue improving to engage and serve our customers better, and in fact, we are already looking into revamping and further enhancing the app’s features and offerings by next year,” said Winter.

Other features available on the app include the latest sales and aftersales offerings, rewards, educational videos, event updates, and 24-hour roadside assistance - all at the touch of a button.

Non-Volkswagen owners are also invited to download the mobile app to access sales offers, video content, and receive sales and event updates via push notifications.

For more information, log on to www.volkswagen.com.my.


Want to be a commercial driver? Govt to subsidise training costs

                PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has begun registrations for the MyLesen Goods Driving Licence 2.0 (GDL 2.0) programme, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said GDL 2.0 is aimed at helping logistics and transport companies address driver shortages while also providing job opportunities for up to 700 Malaysians.

"The initiative will help 700 Malaysians qualify as professional movers at a time when many are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact," the MCA president said in a Facebook post today.

Under the GDL 2.0 initiative, the government will subsidise candidates in taking their E Full and Articulated GDL licences to enable them to take advantage of vacancies in the logistics industry. Candidates will also receive a one-off allowance of RM500.

Dr Wee said registrations for the initiative are subject to terms and conditions and lessons will be conducted at qualified driving schools.

Registration for this initiative under the Logistics and Trade Facilitation Masterplan and the National Transport Policy (DPN) 2019-2030 is now open until Dec 31, 2021 for Malaysians aged 21 and above who possess Class D or E Competent Driving License (CDL). Candidates must not be blacklisted by the courts, JPJ or the police.

The implementation of MyLESEN GDL 2.0 is an initiative under the aspirations of the Malaysian Family (Keluarga Malaysia) and to bolster the logistics industry and support its workforce.

Interested candidates can register here for companies, or here for individuals.

For more queries on the GDL 2.0 initiative, email mygdl2.0@mot.gov.my.


Maserati to invest heavily in electrified cars

                MODENA: All new Maserati models will be 100% developed, engineered and built in Italy, and will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems.

Maserati’s electrification programme starts this year, and the first hybrid car to be built will be the new Maserati Ghibli.

Production of the new Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the Brand's first cars to adopt 100% electric solutions, will commence in 2021.

Maserati has decided to build the GranTurismo and GranCabrio at the Mirafiori production hub, with an investment of 800 million Euros.

The latest generation of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, two iconic cars for the Trident Brand, have totalled more than 40,000 units sold from 2007 to 2019.

In 2020, the first of the new Modena-built Maserati models will be the super sports car.

Major modernisation work is in progress on the production line at the Modena plant, partly to accommodate the electric version of the new super sports car.

Also upcoming is a new Maserati utility vehicle, to be built at Cassino.

About 800 million Euros will be invested in construction of the new production line, scheduled to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2020.

The first pre-production cars are expected to come off the line by 2021.