Patents galore for Xiaomi and its future self-driving electric cars

The management team of Xiaomi EV.
BEIJING: With its new automotive division set to unveil a first prototype electric car before the end of this year, Xiaomi is filing patents at a furious pace.

After competing with Apple in the smartphone market, Xiaomi aims to go toe-to-toe with another US-based reference, Tesla, this time in the field of intelligent electric cars.

The Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has published a new patent filed by Xiaomi, relating to autonomous driving. It reveals, among other things, the presence of two blocks of cameras and sensors placed on the roof of the car, in order to give a 360-degree view of the area and detect all other road users and various potential obstacles.

In total, Xiaomi has filed more than 800 automotive-related patents, an impressive number that hints at the ambition of this new player in the sector.

It demonstrates the company's investment in the development of more or less autonomous driving systems. In addition to these patents, Xiaomi has also invested in many startups specialized in automatic driving software.

A bit of background: Xiaomi made its official entry into the electric car market in September 2021 with the creation of a dedicated subsidiary, Xiaomi EV.

No less than four models are said to be already in the works, with the first of them, an SUV or sedan, due out as early as 2024. In the meantime, Xiaomi EV is expected to unveil a first prototype before the end of the year.

As a newcomer to the market, Xiaomi EV intends to go head to head with Tesla, but also with the many Chinese manufacturers already involved in the production of electric vehicles, such as Nio.

Xiaomi is banking on its on-board technology and its autonomous driving features to make a difference.

Check back in two years' time to see if its wager pays off.


Mercedes-Benz launches X-Classes Element Edition pickup in Britain

                LONDON: Mercedes-Benz announced on Monday the launch of a limited-edition Element trim for its turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine-equipped X-Class Progressive pickup.

The Element Edition pickup will feature a new black roof liner, a set of 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, an Element livery, and a Sports bar in addition to the added Sports Pack which includes LED head- and taillights, privacy glass running boards and roof rails.

On the inside, users will benefit from the addition of the Mercedes-Benz Comfort pack which reupholsters the seating in Artico leather.

This trim option was created in response to the success of the STORM Edition last November which featured similar upgrades.

The Mercedes-Benz Element Edition of the Progressive X-Class pickup will be available exclusively in Britain for business lease on May 1 starting at £459 (RM2,442) a month with a 36-month agreement.


Ex-Lamborghini exec appointed to head Hyundai's Genesis luxury brand

                SEOUL:  Hyundai has named a former Lamborghini official to lead the Genesis brand.

Based in Hyundai Motor headquarters here, Manfred Fitzgerald will be in charge of establishing and executing strategies for the Genesis brand as the senior vice-president. For the brand to set a strong foothold in the global luxury car market, he will take a core role in brand strategy, marketing and other business operations within the Genesis brand.

During his 12-year career at Lamborghini, Fitzgerald had helped turned the Italian car maker from a prototype car company to a luxury car brand and increased its sales ten-fold as its brand and design director.

Fitzgerald, 52, would be working alongside Luc Donckerwolke, who will lead the Genesis brand’s Prestige Design Division as head of the Hyundai Motor Design Center.

Earlier this month, Genesis launched the EQ900, its first model, in South Korea. The car would start selling overseas as the G90 from next year.


Special RM50 rate applies to all traffic summonses except those pending court settlement

                KUALA LUMPUR: All traffic summonses issued for violations in 2022 and earlier are eligible for the special settlement rate of RM50 except those which are pending settlement in court as they are out of police purview.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mat Kasim Karim said the offer announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday (April 18) is different from the police's offer of up to 60% on summonses in conjunction with the 216th Police Day recently.

He said the Police Day discount did not cover some summonses, among them accident cases, non-compoundable offences, beating the red light and summonses with warrant status.

"But the special summons rate announced by the Prime Minister yesterday is different and is lower than the 60% discount for each summons.

"The public can settle their summonses online via MyBayar Saman application or physically at all traffic counters at police contingent and district headquarters nationwide from April 21 to May 21, 2023," he said today.

Mat Kasim said the police was also not placing a limit on the number of traffic summonses and welcomed them to settle all summonses received.

On Tuesday, Anwar announced the special settlement rate of RM50 for all traffic summonses issued in 2022 and earlier from April 21 to May 21.


Tesla supplier CATL plans major battery plant in Shanghai, say sources

                SHANGHAI: China's CATL is planning a major new automotive battery plant in Shanghai, continuing a blistering pace of expansion that will cement its lead as the world's No.1 supplier, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Locating the factory in Shanghai will put it close to Tesla Inc's Chinese production base after it began supplying batteries for the US automaker's Model 3 cars in China last year.

CATL hopes to rapidly expand that relationship, aiming to become its biggest supplier in the near future by providing half of the battery cells Tesla uses globally in electric vehicles and roof energy storage, said a senior source at the Chinese company.

The new plant would be able to make 80 gigawatt-hours of battery cells a year, a second person said, which would come on top of 69.1GWh in current production capacity and another 77.5GWh under construction.

CATL has been in talks with the Shanghai government about building the factory, the people said, adding that the location will also enable the company to draw upon a larger and more diversified talent pool than its headquarters in Ningde in southeastern China.

It was not immediately clear when a final agreement might be reached or when CATL hopes to have the new plant up and running.

CATL said that it is in talks with Tesla about more collaboration and Tesla is seeking help from the company on battery solutions, but declined to comment on any plans for additional production capacity.

The Shanghai government and Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The expansion plan is likely to add to competitive pressure on Tesla's other battery suppliers, Japan's Panasonic Corp and South Korea's LG Energy Solution, a unit of LG Chem.

Many battery makers are ramping up production to meet soaring worldwide demand as car makers accelerate their shift to electric vehicles to comply with tougher emission rules aimed at tackling global warming. Tesla in April also urged its suppliers to produce as much as they can.

In March, LG Energy Solution said it plans to invest more than US$4.5 billion in its US battery production over the next four years.

At 80GWh per year, the new Shanghai plant would be capable of powering some 800,000 electric cars, analysts said.

The plant is likely to be located south of Tesla's Shanghai factory in Lingang, Pudong New Area, said the second source, adding it will hire 5,000 workers and manufacture cell-to-chassis (CTC) batteries.

The new technology integrates cells directly onto an EV's frame to increase the energy density of battery systems.

CATL chairman Zeng Yuqun has said electric vehicles could attain driving ranges of over 800km with CTC technology, adding that CATL aims to launch the technology before 2030.

By comparison, CATL's cell-to-pack technology currently used in Tesla's Model 3 cars gives the vehicles a driving range of around 468km per charge.

CATL is also considering setting up a research centre and a global sales and operational centre in Shanghai due to difficulties in retaining and hiring staff in Ningde, the source said.

CATL, whose clients also include Volkswagen, General Motors, BMW and Daimler as well as Chinese auto makers, nearly quadrupled its battery sales to 21.4 GWh in the first four months of 2021, according to SNE Research.

LG Energy Solution saw sales jump 133% to 14.2 GWh during the same period while Panasonic's sales climbed 51% to 9.7 GWh, the report said.


Mercedes, BMW steer EVs to Europe's first car show since Covid-19

                MUNICH: After months of home-office work and Zoom calls, car CEOs are finally getting a chance to meet up in-person when the IAA Mobility car show kicks off Monday here.

It’s the first major auto-industry forum in Europe since the pandemic, so organisers are trying to spread out participants by holding some events outdoors and in Munich’s city centre.

Still, several companies are said to be dispatching smaller teams than usual due to concerns about the Delta variant, and some are forgoing the event altogether. The list of prominent no-shows includes Toyota, Nissan and even European giant Stellantis.

It’s still going to be fun, though, to mask-up and elbow-bump on site.

Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel will open the event Tuesday, and the likes of Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler will show off their latest wheels.

Visitors will be able to test-drive dozens of battery-powered cars, e-bikes and scooters on a seven-mile track that stretches from the conference venue into downtown Munich. So why not hop into an electric Porsche and head to the Hofbräuhaus for some roasted pork knuckle and Bavarian folk music?

Here’s what the car executives will be prodded for answers this week:

Chip crunch

The show won’t be all fun and games. Automakers are still reeling from the global semiconductor shortage that’s poised to be a hot topic in Munich, with chipmakers Qualcomm and Intel also happening to be in attendance.

Scarce supplies will be the norm for a while. Renault, which expects to lose output of 200,000 cars this year, will idle its Spanish plants for as many as 61 days until the end of December, and Stellantis’s Melfi factory in southern Italy will operate only five days in September. Tesla temporarily halted some operations at its Shanghai plant due to the crunch.

China concerns

After Western carmakers enjoyed many boom years selling seemingly ever-growing numbers of combustion-engine cars, their post-pandemic sales numbers aren’t looking as promising.

Long-dominant VW has slipped up, causing some consternation. BMW is trying to protect its Chinese investment by buying assets from Brilliance Auto Group Holdings, the in-default parent of the carmaker’s main joint-venture partner in the country.

President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of China boosting its own national brands and committed several-hundred-billion yuan to hastening the EV shift.

Chinese manufactures including Nio, BYD and Xpeng are now making more aggressive moves to sell their EVs in Europe.

New wheels

Volkswagen is bringing the ID.5 GTX crossover and the electric version of its hippie-era microbus called the ID.Buzz, prototypes of which are being used to test startup Argo AI’s self-driving system in Munich.

BMW is presenting the iX, its latest electric SUV, while Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz will show off the EQE sedan, which is a bit smaller and less-luxurious than its flagship EQS limousine.

Several startups are showing up with electric bicycles, scooters and motorbikes, as there’s a special focus on cleaner mobility in cities.

Protests

While most of the auto world’s incumbents have set fairly ambitious goals to electrify their lineups and bolster recycling and emissions-reduction efforts, executives should still brace for a bit of shouting and shaking of fists.

A German activist group called Sand im Getriebe — sand in the gears — has been warning for weeks it will stage protests against “big auto” at the show, in line with efforts across Europe to push cars out of city centres to give more space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Sand im Getriebe has called for climate activists from all over the country to flock to Munich to “crash the German auto industry’s green-washing party.” Because of the spread-out and open nature of some of the events in Munich, carmakers’ PR departments are in all likelihood dreading the prospect of some less-fortunate photo ops.

Volkswagen’s premium-car unit Audi got a jump on the show by offering a first glimpse of a full-size electric sedan that will be key to narrowing a technology gap with Tesla.

The Grandsphere design concept is the precursor to a sedan slated for production in 2025 that will boast an all-new software stack capable of taking over the task of driving from humans under certain conditions.

Audi expects to almost double annual deliveries to 3 million cars in 2030 compared to 1.7 million last year. “This goal is very ambitious,” CEO Markus Duesmann told reporters days before the festivities get underway here.

“But in light of the market forecasts and our attractive product portfolio, it’s possible.”


VW Golf GTI: Fun in spades

Joy is a many splendoured thing. And it invariably includes a Golf GTI in hand.

The promise of fun is why you would feel compelled to pay nearly RM240K to the Das Auto crew. And if you so much as itch for more, Volkswagen wants to hold your attention with its hair-raising Golf R but you gotta cough up RM60,000 more to pump up the whoop-dee-doo. An already pricey model gets even more expensive very quickly, doesn’t it?

Let’s assume the GTI is what you are after – a hot hatch without pushing the limits of the turbocharged 4-cylinder mill.

The 7th-generation GTI, introduced locally in 2013, is due for a refresh in late 2016 with advanced gesture control and other niceties (we hear full digital instrument cluster is coming). But if you can’t wait for that to happen, the present GTI is eager to get to work on you. And it’s quite the charmer. Even the Mk6 of yesteryear.

Volkswagen’s brochure-ware says the GTI Mk7 is more fuel economical, powerful, lighter and faster compared with its predecessor. It’s also slightly longer and wider, and offers more space with its wheelbase increased by 56mm to 2,631mm.

The car carved out the hot hatch segment over 40 years ago and since then, has been the by-word for miles of smiles. It’s also a vehicle for the forty-something to “reclaim” some measure of lost youth. You know what we mean.

Externally, the GTI looks the part of the performance version of the standard Golf with crisp lines and a hunkered down stance for better aerodynamics and a lower centre of gravity. It’s styling is not as flashy as some other hatches, remaining understated as if to say: “Let my action speaks for itself.”

The GTI comes with red-painted brake callipers, honeycomb grille, two chrome tailpipes and sports suspension and a red stripe around the radiator grille and across the headlamps.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia offers a 3-door Pure GTI variant and the 5-door Advanced version, with the latter getting more bells and whistles.

Exclusive to the Advanced are bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, headlight range adjustment with cornering halogen light, front LED fog lights, as well as front and rear parking sensors, and a space-saving spare wheel.

The test car we got last month was an Advanced unit with options included. The Tech Pack comprised leather seats with red stitching, a 12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with five driving modes. We do wish VW could have included electric front passenger seat to even it out but RM10,000 doesn’t go that far these days. The RM225,888 car was also fitted with optional RM3,000 19-inch Santiago alloys, up from the standard 18-inchers, with low profile Dunlop tyres. All these serve to step up the GTI’s premium level while heightening the aggressive look.

Sit inside and the GTI starts telling you it’s special. Well-formed sport seats, red ambient lighting, a flat-bottomed sports steering with paddle shifters, black roofliner and stainless steel pedals welcome the driver. A 5.8-inch colour touchscreen is sl anted towards the driver from where the driving modes can be accessed.

Put your hand anywhere near the screen, and sensors below will trigger a menu that pops up for you to choose the commands or settings required. It’s the early stage of gesture control and Volkswagen will refine this new tech further in the upcoming iterations of its cars. No push/start button here as the GTI retains the traditional key slot to start up.

The GTI is not just about sheer performance; it is designed for everyday practicality as well. The extended wheelbase helps seat five people in relative comfort, enhanced by good cabin insulation that filters out much of the noise, vibrations and harshness.

A central air-cond vent at the back ensure rear row ventilation is taken care of. Two ISOFIX points are included for child seats, while boot space is of decent size. More cargo space is available when the rear seatback is folded forward.

The new GTI has a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, also found in the Porsche Macan, which pumps out 217hp of maximum power at 4,500 – 6,200rpm and maximum torque of 350Nm at 1,500-4,400rpm.

Armed with a six-speed direct shift gearbox, it can do the 0-100kph sprint in 6.5 seconds. Despite a performance boost, combined fuel consumption is 6.4 litre per 100km, down 14%, attributed to an engine start/stop system with regenerative braking and a lightened body.

All these are just numbers until validation time as you gun the engine and revel in the car’s masterly behaviour on the road. Simply put, the GTI is smooth, torquey and keeps egging you on to plant your right foot down, well, for the better part of the journey.

The GTI is also noted for its balanced handling and direct steering. In the straights, an urgent throttle and a carpet of torque lets you shoot for the horizon as fast as you want to, with the inevitable weaving through traffic executed cleanly and precisely.

The ride is very firm but not to the point of being hard. On poorly paved roads, there’s significant tyre roar from the low-profile 19-inch rubbers. A choice of five modes – Sport, Normal, Comfort, Eco and Individual – makes the drive more engaging, adjusting the running gear to suit the driving style of the moment.

The electrically adjustable damping system adapts automatically to the setting, as does the electromechanical power steering. The car’s DCC system responds continually to changing driving situations and takes braking, steering and accelerating actions into account. We often found ourselves setting the car to Normal or Comfort in urban traffic for a docile experience and Sport mode whenever approaching sweeping corners or tight bends for the cathartic rush, complete with sputters and growl from the exhaust.

Slam it into a corner and exit at speeds and marvel at the immense front wheel traction – thanks to the XDS+ advanced electronic differential lock and a well sorted out chassis.

It’s this sort of control that’s wonderfully reassuring and endears the GTI to the driving enthusiast. We kid you not.


Lotus Elise Cup 250 gets low in weight and high on power

                LONDON: Lotus, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, announced the arrival of the Elise Cup 250 - one of its "giant-killers" that's hand-built in Hethel, England.

At 931kg (dry), the Elise Cup 250 in roadster form (optional hard-top available), can shave its weight down by a further 10kg with the optional Carbon Aero Pack to 921kg.

The chassis is made of a lightweight, extruded aluminium that’s been bonded together, clear sill stone chip protection film as well as aerodynamically optimised parts such as a rear wing, front splitter, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions.

Inside, the ‘bare-as-knuckles’ cabin comes fully-wrapped in a choice of red or black Alcantara as standard and features a small diameter leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon sports seats, polished aluminium gear knob, leather handbrake sleeve, engine push-start button and an optional Leather Pack in black, red or tan.

While using a lightweight lithium ion battery for start-up purposes, propulsion comes from the rear wheels via the mid-mounted 1.8-litre supercharged engine producing 243hp at 7,200rpm and 250Nm of torque from 3,500 to 5,500rpm that’s managed by a six-speed manual transmission.

In terms of performance, the Elise Cup 250 can catapult itself to 100kph from standstill in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 248kph (240kph without roof).

It rolls on 16-inch (front) and 17-inch (rear) ultra lightweight black forged alloy wheels with 195/50 (front) and 225/45 (rear) Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres. A tyre puncture repair kit has been included.

Braking performance comes from a pair of twin-piston callipers (front) and single-piston callipers from AP Racing, which bite down on 288mm front and rear cross-drilled disc brakes.

It also gets a fully independent double wishbone sports suspension with adjustable front anti-roll bar that pairs Bilstein’s high performance gas dampers with springs from Eibach for the front and rear.

For safey there are two airbags, a track-tuned ABS system, Lotus Dynamic Performance Management, a T45 Motorsport hoop for roll-over protection and an optional fire extinguisher and batrtery isolator.

On the options list, there’s air conditioning, cruise control, a Clarion CD/MP3/WMA receiver with integrated iPod and Bluetooth connectivity with full carpet and sound insulation, floor mats, auxiliary driving lights, harness cross bar and four-point harness as well as a choice of signature or metallic paints.


Toyota and CP Group to explore making hydrogen from poultry manure

                BANGKOK: In a move towards achieving carbon neutrality in Thailand, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) will explore collaborating in hydrogen production using biogas derived from poultry manure.

Both companies will also explore the introduction of hydrogen-powered fuel cell delivery trucks into CP's fleet, as well as more efficient logistics by optimised delivery routes through connectivity technology.

Founded in 1921, CP is Thailand's largest agriculture-based conglomerate with businesses including retail (such as 7-Eleven), distribution, industrial product, and agriculture and livestock.

In a statement during his visit to Bangkok to celebrate Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd's (TMT) 60th anniversary, TMC president Akio Toyoda noted that the collaboration will include True Leasing Co Ltd, CP's transportation service business.

Also, the study will be conducted with Hino Motors Ltd together with Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corp (Isuzu Motors Ltd, Suzuki Motor Corp, Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd and Toyota).

Both CP and TMC will also work with potential partners who share the same view on carbon neutrality.

"We will proceed with what we can do now, by using each company's strengths and assets. I believe that taking this crucial step will will change the future landscape," said Toyoda.

Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of CP Group said, "We welcome any companies that share the same carbon neutrality ambitions."


S. Korea probes possible exaggerated advertising in Tesla's mileage

                SEOUL: South Korea's antitrust regulator is investigating Tesla Inc over allegations the company exaggerated the specifications of its batteries, an official at the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said today.

Yonhap news agency late on Monday reported the KFTC had sent a report to the electric vehicle (EV) maker stating that it had exaggerated the mileage of some of its models, including Model 3, in violation of the Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising.

"We plan to hold a meeting to decide the level of sanctions against the automaker," said an official at the KFTC.

Tesla, on its website, says its Model 3 can travel 528km on a single charge. The KFTC says however that the range may fall short of that should the temperature drop below freezing.

Analysts said most electric vehicles could generally experience some loss of driving range in cold weather.

Tesla was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.


'World's cheapest car' nears end of the road in India

The Nano was also plagued by safety concerns. — AFP
HYDERABAD: It was billed as the world's cheapest car and shaped like a jelly bean - but after a bumpy 10-year ride India's Tata Nano is nearing the end of the road.

Tata Motors, India's top automaker, said on Thursday that it could stop manufacturing and selling the vehicle from April next year due to new safety and emissions rules that would require major investment.

"We may not invest in upgrading all the products and Nano is one of them," Mayank Pareek, president of passenger vehicles at Tata, told reporters here.

Tata launched the Nano, a compact four or five-door hatchback, with great fanfare in 2009 when its first edition went on the market for around US$2,200.

It was the brainchild of the former boss of the tea-to-steel Tata Group conglomerate Ratan Tata, who wanted a budget car for the masses.

Tata, now 81, was sure that aspirational lower-class Indian families would trade in their two-wheel motorcycles for the prestige, and comfort, of owning a car.

Analysts were similarly convinced, believing the Nano would transform how millions of Indians travelled, and it quickly became known around the globe as "the world's cheapest car".

It was a tag that would prove to be the vehicle's undoing, however, as sales of the car failed to take off.

"It was a marketing failure," said Hormazd Sorabjee, the editor of Autocar India magazine.

"The car was positioned as a poor man's car and India is very status conscious.

"The whole thing about it being an alternative to a motorcycle was great as a concept but not as a marketing slogan," he added.

The car was also plagued by safety concerns after a number of high-profile cases of engines bursting into flames.

Tata, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, had initially hoped to sell 25,000 units a month but within a couple of years they were shifting just a few hundred.

In 2013, Tata Motors unveiled a new version in a bid to reverse the sales slump but the following year the Nano and several other small models from India failed independent crash tests.

A spokesman for Tata Motors said on Friday that a final decision on whether to upgrade the Nano so that it meets the new regulations coming into force next year, or kill it off, had yet to be taken.

But Indian media said Pareek's comments, carried by the Press Trust of India news agency, sounded the death knell for the Nano.

"The end of a dream," ran a headline in Mint, a business daily.


Heavy Singapore-bound traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint due to slowness in automated clearance system

                SINGAPORE: Motorists entering Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint this morning were met with heavy traffic, with queues stretching for over two hours.

The republic's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a Facebook post at 10.30am that the traffic had built up quickly due to the morning peak period, "coupled with intermittent slowness of our automated immigration clearance system".

The authority added that the system is now operating normally and the clearance system at other checkpoints is not affected.

"ICA regrets the inconvenience caused to travellers," it said, adding that travellers should check the One Motoring website for updates on the traffic situation before embarking on their journey.

"Woodlands checkpoint is currently experiencing heavy traffic. Travellers are advised to check One Motoring website before embarking on their journey," the post said.

In another Facebook post an hour later, ICA said that traffic at the Woodlands Checkpoint remains heavy.

The authority said that this coincides with the morning peak period and it has deployed more resources to manage the situation.

"Motorists are advised to maintain lane discipline and cooperate with officers on site. Travellers may wish to postpone non-essential travel," the post said.

Many netizens took to social media to post photos of the snaking queues, including Facebook user Joanna Shuck who showed several passengers alighting from their bus to walk to the checkpoint.

A few also noted that cars have since been directed to the immigration clearance lane for lorries.


Brabham offers road legal version of BT62 supercar

                LONDON: Brabham's ballistic BT62 supercar can be made street legal with a nifty kit that raises the ride height and adds creature comforts like air-conditioning, the company has announced.

The so-called Road Compliance kit is being offered in Europe and Australia and adds £150,000 (RM790,000) to the sticker price of £1 million (RM5.3mil).

The Australian high-performance maker built the BT62 to be an uncompromising track car. It is now responding to the wish of some customers for occasional road use.

It seems some wealthy owners want to drive their BT62 to and from the circuit on race days.

Brabham has not tamed the BT62 for use on public streets and the street-legal version boasts the same bonkers performance from the 700-hp V8 engine.

No official figures have been released but experts say the car can top 320kph, with acceleration from zero to 100kph in around three seconds.

At this rarified end of the supercar market, Brabham is keen to pamper customers with options. Each car is built to an exclusive specification.

The road kit can be fitted by Brabham Automotive ahead of registration or after the owner has tried out the BT62 on a race-track.

The kit also includes a handy increase to the steering lock range, door locks and anti-theft immobilisers, along with upgraded upholstery in the interior.


US opens criminal probe into Ford emissions certification

                WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Ford Motor Co’s emissions certification process in the United States, the automaker disclosed on Friday, saying it was cooperating fully with the probe and still conducting its own internal review.

Ford said in a statement the Justice Department had notified it earlier this month of the criminal investigation, which made the automaker the latest to come under scrutiny for adherence to emissions standards by US officials.

“Ford is fully cooperating with the government, and we’ll keep them posted on what we’re finding through our investigation and technical review,” the company said.

Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr declined to comment. The Environmental Protection Agency also declined comment.

Ford has held meetings with the California Air Resources Board and EPA officials and turned over documents related to its review, a person briefed on the matter said. The No. 2 US automaker has also submitted a testing plan that has been approved by regulators, the person said. The first vehicle Ford is evaluating is the 2019 Ranger pickup truck.

Ford potentially faces significant financial penalties as regulators have taken a tough line on emissions issues.

EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler said earlier this month the agency had other enforcement actions against other automakers “in the works.”

“When people are not playing by the rules and they are creating more pollution ... we will catch them, we will hold them accountable,” Wheeler said.

Ford disclosed an issue with emissions to the EPA and the California in February, and hired outside law firm Sidley Austin and experts to investigate its vehicle fuel economy and testing procedures after employees raised concerns about analytical modeling that is part of its fuel economy and emissions compliance process.

Ford said previously it did not know whether it would have to correct data provided to regulators or consumers. But the company reiterated in a regulatory filing Friday that the emissions issue does not involve the use of so-called defeat devices.

US and California regulators have been cracking down on automakers for emissions cheating following revelations in 2015 that German automaker Volkswagen AG had used defeat devices to make models equipped with diesel engines appear to comply with emissions standards when they emitted far more pollution than allowed in real-world driving.

Ford said it had been looking into concerns raised by employees since last fall that incorrect calculations were used to translate test results into vehicle mileage and emissions data submitted to regulators.

Ford is evaluating changes to the process it uses to develop fuel economy and emissions figures “including engineering, technical and governance components,” the Dearborn, Michigan-based company said.

In January, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV agreed to an US$800 million settlement to resolve claims by the US Justice Department and the state of California that it used illegal software to produce false results on diesel-emissions tests. A Justice Department criminal investigation is pending.

US regulators are also investigating Daimler AG for alleged excess emissions in Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles, but the Justice Department and EPA have declined to comment on the status of the probe.

Daimler has declined to comment, but has previously acknowledged it faces investigations in Germany and the United States.

In total, Volkswagen has agreed to pay more than US$25 billion in the United States over the diesel emissions scandal, for claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers, and it offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting US vehicles.

Ford has been embarrassed in the past by errors in fuel economy claims. In 2013, the automaker cut by seven miles (11 km) per gallon the claimed fuel economy for its C-Max hybrid model following complaints that real-world mileage did not match the claimed fuel economy.

In 2014, Ford lowered fuel economy ratings for six other models and offered compensation to customers.


Nissan recalling older Frontier, Sentra and X-Trail

                KUALA LUMPUR: Some Nissan Frontier, Sentra and X-Trails are being recalled in Malaysia because they are using defective Takata airbags. The latest recall involves nearly 53,000 vehicles.

This Takata recall exercise does not affect the X-Trail (T32), launched in January 2015, as well as all other current Nissan models.

All customers of the affected Nissan vehicles will be notified by letter through Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis. Customers receiving the letter are advised to call the nearest Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis outlet for an appointment. Selected outlets have extended their operation hours and now opens daily.

Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd is also providing for Takata airbag inflator replacements during the Test Drive Carnival, held on May 19-20 at AEON Mall Kota Baru in Kelantan from 10am till 10pm. All labour and replacement parts are free.

Call Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1800-88-3838 for details.


Nissan LEAF launched at RM190K

                SHAH ALAM: The second-generation Nissan LEAF (ZE01) electric vehicle is finally in Malaysia.

Priced at RM188,888 on-the-road without insurance, the LEAF was launched today and is available in six colour choices of Pearl White with Deep Blue Pearl roof, Magnetic Red with Super Black roof, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Gun Metal Grey and Deep Blue Pearl as well as two interior colours of Graphite Black or Stone Grey.

For a monthly instalment of RM3,200 (based on a five-year loan tenure with a 10% down payment and 2.6% interest rate), buyers can drive off with the LEAF from the showroom.

The car is covered for up to three years or 100,000km and this includes a three-year maintenance service of up to 60,000km as well as an eight-year lithium-ion battery warranty of up to 160,000km - whichever comes first.

To sway an owner's range anxiety concerns, local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has also introduced a Nissan LEAF Owners' Privilege Programme that lasts for the first three years of owning the electric car.

The programme allows users up to 23 days per year of usage of one of three Nissan vehicles namely the X-Trail sport utility vehicle, Serena multipurpose vehicle and a Navara pickup truck.

The company has also introduced a three-year"'Pay & Use" subscription programme at RM3,500 per month. This means the subscriber will need to pay RM42,000 per annum for a total of RM126,000 after three years.

On the outside, the new LEAF has been fitted with front and rear fog lamps, power-adjustable foldable wing mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and LED headlights with LED boomerang-design daytime running lights,

The car has a wheelbase of 2,690mm and measures in at 4,480mm-long (+35mm), 1,790mm-wide (+20mm) and 1,540mm-tall (-10mm) against the outgoing first-generation LEAF.

This gives the LEAF a 435-litre boot (with Tonneau cover) that's expandable to 1,176 litres after folding down the 60:40-split rear backrests.

The e-powertrain uses a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack (with bi-directional charging) that's located beneath the seats and sends power to the electric motor to generate 150PS and 320Nm of torque for up to 311km of emissions-free range.

Via usual A/C 6.6kW wall-plug charging, the battery will take seven hours to fully charge or one hour with a quick D/C 50kW CHAdeMo charger.

At present, CHAdeMO quick chargers are available free-of-charge at ABB Malaysia in Subang Jaya, Nichicon Sdn Bhd in Bandar Baru Bangi and PLUS Ayer Keroh R&R (Malacca - Southbound) or drop by one of ETCM's 17 locations nationwide.

Plans are under way to install chargers at more ETCM locations in the future.

According to ETCM, the LEAF is able to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.9 seconds. With a low drag coefficient of 0.28Cd, it can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155kph and travel up to 311km.

Power delivery is managed by a single-speed reduction gear and has five driving modes of e-Pedal, D Mode, B Mode, ECO Mode and B-ECO Mode.

In e-Pedal mode, the accelerator pedal also takes on braking duty and is particularly convenient during start-stop traffic situations.

While D Mode indicates normal driving mode, B Mode puts regenerative braking into its most aggressive setting and can help minimise usage of the disc brakes.

As for Eco Mode, this limits the electric motor's output while slightly increasing regenerative braking to help improve the LEAF's overall range.

At about 1.6-tonnes (kerb), the LEAF uses front independent struts and a rear torsion beam suspension system and rolls on 17-inch turbine-design wheels with 215/50 series tyres.

The seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara while the cabin is further equipped with keyless-entry with push-start button, leather-wrapped multi-function speed-sensitive electric power steering wheel, power windows with driver one-touch function, automatic climate controls,

Entertainment-wise, a four-speaker sound system connected to a 5.0-inch display with radio, USB and AUX ports as well as Bluetooth connectivity is standard.

The LEAF is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle dynamic control and hill-start assist.

Safety is bolstered by the Nissan Safety Shield technologies such as forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, around view monitor with moving object detection, driver alertness ride control and trace control.

"Available in a single high-spec premium grade, the LEAF is technologically advanced, contemporary in its design, enjoys strong driving range and is  fun to drive," said ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan.

From July 27 to July 28, the public can test-drive the LEAF at ETCM outlets at Glenmarie, Petaling Jaya, Jalan Raja Laut, Klang, Butterworth, Bayan Lepas, Johor Jaya and Kuantan.


Paris bans cars along part of River Seine

 The banks of the Seine are a magnet for tourists and locals. - AFP
PARIS: Strollers and cyclists can breathe easy on the banks of the Seine after Paris on Monday approved a plan to ban cars on a long stretch of riverside road cutting across the city.

Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed the move as a "historic decision, the end of an urban motorway and the taking back of the Seine."

A centrepiece of her battle against pollution, the plan has divided opinion in the French capital.

"We need to slow down a bit, let go, stop and relax," said Violetta Kolodziejczak, a restaurant greeter.

"If you're in a car, who has time to appreciate all this?" asked the Polish 56-year-old, sweeping an arm towards the turret-topped stone facades on the riverside, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. "It's magnificent."

A recent opinion poll found 55 percent support for the plan among Parisians.

Nearly 19,000 people signed a petition in favour, while a motorists' association gathered 12,000 signatures of members who oppose it.

The car ban applies to 3.3 kilometres of an expressway on the Right Bank of the Seine.

The project, with a cost estimated at eight million euros, will add wooden walkways and greenery while leaving a lane for emergency vehicles.

As expected, left-wing and environmentalist members of the city council approved the plan on Monday, while the minority right-wing opposition voted against it.

The right-dominated greater Paris region has been hostile to the plan, citing fears that bottlenecks on alternative routes will hurt businesses and delay commuters.

Pensioner Veronique Gryson, out walking along the Seine with her husband, said the car ban could be "an expensive privilege" for pedestrians.

"For us, it's very pleasant," she said. "But during the week if there are 200 pedestrians and at the same time you have 20,000 disgruntled motorists up there (on another road), that might be a problem."

Opponents have also complained of a lack of consultation and insufficient testing of the plan.

Paris police chief Michel Cadot, whose remit includes ensuring smooth traffic flows, said Monday that a committee would track the impact of closing the road previously used by around 43,000 cars each day.

The banks of the Seine, a magnet for lovers as well as tourists thronging to the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Louvre museum, have been classed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991.

The newly pedestrianised section has been car-free for a month every summer since 2002, for the hugely popular Paris Plages riverside beach bonanza. This year, it remained closed to traffic for an exhibition after the sand was cleared away.

Hidalgo's "Paris Respire" (Paris Breathes) anti-pollution programme has also included banning cars from the Champs-Elysees avenue on the first Sunday of every month.

Another nine new routes are reserved for pedestrians and bicycles every Sunday and public holiday.

The mayor is determined to fight pollution in a city where air quality regularly violates EU norms, sometimes rivalling that of heavily polluted cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Medical experts blame air pollution for 2,500 deaths each year in the city, and 6,600 in the greater metropolitan area.

On Sunday, a large part of central Paris was closed to cars, repeating an exercise first carried out a year ago, when nitrogen oxide emissions dropped by between 20 and 40 percent.

Socialist Environment Minister Segolene Royal has praised Hidalgo's "courage" for the latest initiative, saying that banishing cars from the Right Bank puts Paris "on the right side of history".

To ensure its effectiveness, the city plans to monitor traffic on other main arteries, as well as noise and emissions levels in the area - as well as use of the river bank by pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers.


Return of the bench seat: Concept EVs show space big enough for sofas

                SHANGHAI: Electric vehicle (EV) concepts shown here last week, such as the Audi AI:me and Infiniti QX Inspiration, point to a future of living-room-like comfort in cars with flat floors and ample space for sofa-like bench seats.

In the design studies, automakers have taken advantage of the space freed up by the electric motor, which takes less room than the bulky internal combustion engine, cooling apparatus and complex transmission gears needed for gasoline cars.

As most batteries in an EV are laid out flat under the floor, the EVs shown in the Shanghai auto show, which started last Tuesday, also have more height and, in fact, many are sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).

 Interior of Audi AI:me.

Both the AI:me urban car and Infiniti’s QX Inspiration SUV have flat floors, interiors large enough to accommodate what looks like a sofa in the back and more leg room and storage.

Because there is no tunnel, which often houses the drive shaft and exhaust apparatus in a gasoline car, running through the length of the EV cabin, the center of the rear seat “can become just as valuable” as the space on its sides, design chief for Nissan’s premium brand Infiniti, Karim Habib, said.

That in turn points to the possibility of “a return of the bench seat” in the front and the rear - a throwback to American cars of a bygone era, said Habib.

 Infiniti QX Inspiration.

The EV’s flat and slightly elevated floor allows passengers to slide into it, Habib said. “You can kind of comfortably sit into it ... You can cross your legs, stretch your legs out,” he added, referring to the QX Inspiration concept car.

Audi’s AI:me offers what the company’s China operations chief, Thomas Owsianski, described as “maximum space comfort” despite its smallish urban car profile.

“We are fundamentally changing the perception of a (urban) car, particularly car experience,” Owsianski said here last Monday. “The AI:me has very compact dimensions but ... it shows the urban mobility, especially premium mobility, doesn’t need to feel small. Cars are becoming a living room space.”


BMW to release electric version of X1 SUV

                MUNICH: BMW is launching the next generation of the X1 in autumn, and for the very first time the small SUV will also be available as a fully electric vehicle.

Buyers can choose between three different powertrains. In addition to combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, the X1 will also be available with an all-electric drive system.

The iX1, powered by an electric motor with 230 kW/313 hp on tap, has a maximum range of 438km, according to the German brand.

While the electric version is scheduled to launch by the end of the year, BMW says the X1 will be available with a range of diesel, 48V mild-hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid engines from October.

With the arrival of the new generation, prices for the X1 have slightly gone up, starting at €41,400 for the smallest petrol engine model and €43,950 for the basic model of the diesel, according to BMW.

Customers will probably have to pay at least €55,000 for the electric iX1.


Volvo Cars Tech Fund invests in AI start-up CorrActions

                GOTHENBURG, Sweden: Volvo Cars has invested in CorrActions, an Israeli deep-tech brain monitoring AI start-up, which has developed a technology that the company believes will disrupt brain activity monitoring and may help the Swedish premium automaker understand drivers even better.

The AI-powered software built by CorrActions is said to be able to detect abnormalities in the cognitive state of drivers and passengers, based on micro muscle movements that reflect brain activity.

By using existing sensors in, for example, the steering wheel, such movements can hint at a variety of cognitive symptoms, including a driver being distracted, intoxicated or overly tired.

In a statement, Volvo Cars said the investment was made by its Tech Fund as part of a Series A funding round by CorrActions.

“With the Tech Fund, we aim to be a strategic partner of choice for exciting start-ups that can help boost our position as a tech leader in our industry,” said Alexander Petrofski, Head of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

“CorrActions fits the bill perfectly and focusses on a mission that is close to our heart: making cars and the people in and around them safer.”
Volvo Cars said CorrActions had piqued its interest because "they clearly try to solve the same issues as our safety engineers."

"Our decades of research teach us that distraction and tiredness are facts of life, and that you may not always be at your best when driving, for whatever reason. And in traffic, it takes only a few seconds for the unthinkable to happen," said the automaker.


Mitsubishi plunges further into the red, will discontinue Pajero SUV

                TOKYO: Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp today forecast its second straight year of losses hurt by a plunge in sales due in part to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan’s No. 6 automaker anticipates an operating loss of 140 billion yen (RM5.7bil) for the year ending March 2021 just as it embarks on a plan to shrink its workforce and production, and close unprofitable dealerships to cut 20% of fixed costs in two years.

This would be Mitsubishi’s biggest loss in at least 18 years according to company financial records dating back to 2002.

As part of its restructuring plan, Mitsubishi, a junior member of the Nissan-Renault automaking group, said it would stop making the Pajero SUV crossover model next year, and close the plant in Japan which makes the vehicle.

The maker of the Outlander SUV said it would reduce its presence in Europe and North America and focus on growing in Asia.

“To pave the way to recovery, the top priority of all executives is to share a sense of crisis with employees to execute cost reductions,” chief executive Takeo Kato told reporters.

The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated struggles at the company that had already been battling falling sales in China and southeast Asia, its largest market which accounts for a quarter of its sales.

The restructuring plan is designed to lift the company’s operating profit to 50 billion yen in 2022/23 and boost operating margin to 2.3% from -9.5% now.

Mitsubishi reported a 53.3 billion yen operating loss in the first quarter ended June 30, its second operating loss in three quarters after vehicle sales more than halved to 127,000 units from a year earlier.

The company booked extraordinary losses of 116 billion yen in the period and expects such losses to total 220 billion yen this year.

To preserve cash, the automaker said it would not pay a dividend this year.


Latest Audi SQ7 and SQ8 SUVs are heading to US

                INGOLSTADT: Audi announced on Monday that the 500hp SQ7 and SQ8 high-performance SUVs, previously sold only in Europe, are slated to hit the US market this year.

The SQ8 will find its place in Audi's US vehicle portfolio between the flagship Q8 and the RS Q8, whereas the SQ7 will top the variant range of the Q7 SUV.

Despite the difference in model types, both are equipped with a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that can deliver up to 500hp and 773Nm of torque. Complemented by an eight-speed transmission and four-wheel-drive, this powertrain can push the vehicles from a standstill to 100kph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed measures in at 250kph.

Each comes as standard with all-wheel steering which allows the "rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels to aid low-speed maneuverability and handling."

This, along with electromechanical active roll stabilisation, gives the models heightened stability no matter the terrain on which they're cruising.

To ensure driver comfort, the two models are equipped with sport seats with heating and ventilation finished in an S-exclusive cross-stitched leather.

The 2020 SQ7 and SQ8 will hit US showrooms in late spring. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

 SQ7.


First drive: Mercedes-Benz E 350 e PHEV

                Driving a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is not much different from driving a conventional engine-only car. The basics are the same. Start it up, get in gear, and off you go. But one has to get accustomed to a few things about PHEVs.

You will visit the petrol station less often provided you don't have a heavy right foot by default. That's the delightful part. The tedious part is having to deal with a long power cord if you want to charge up the Li-ion battery.

You don't ever have to, of course, as the car can do it on the go with the engine charging it but at the expense of using more fuel. We reckoned some owners will not bother using the cable or use it sparingly because it’s simply one task too many for them.

Patience is also required when topping up a PHEV to full charge. Using the portable charger supplied, it will take around three hours to bring the battery from minimal to full charge. With PHEVs, the ideal situation is to charge them up at home overnight to keep running costs down, so the battery is fully juiced up for the next day. The battery is also charged during regenerative braking.

READ MORE: Mercedes-Benz E 350 e now available

With a plug-in car, the whole point is to charge it from an external power source to get the most out of it. If not, kiss the 2.1l/100km fuel efficiency goodbye!

On top of such considerations, you will have to buy a different type of cable (the so-called Type-2 cable will run a few thousand ringgit) if you want to use the free public chargers in the Klang Valley. Until wireless charging become mainstream, feet-tripping cables are the way to go for the next few years.

If you manage your expectations - cost of car notwithstanding – the next PHEV to hit the local scene could be up your alley.

CarSifu had first crack at the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e over an August weekend. This is the first PHEV in the E-Class after the Malaysian rollout of the C 350 e, with Mercedes promising many more across its product line.

The E 350 e will replace the E 300 as the top variant in the model range once it's launched soon. It's common knowledge that Mercedes-Benz  wants to price it at under RM400,000, as it will be locally assembled compared to the RM459,000 fully imported E 300.

 Press this button to toggle through the various hybrid operating modes.

As a thoroughly modern E-Class, the E 350 e conforms to the model range mission to broaden its appeal and draw in a youngish crowd with its youthful styling, made sportier with AMG kit.

The add-ons include AMG exterior and interior styling, AMG sports steering wheel, 19-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, air suspension, Multibeam LED headlights, perforated brake discs, panoramic sliding glass roof and front sports seats.

A prominent grille, short overhangs, a long bonnet, and a coupe-like rear are ingredients to inject a sporty flair in an executive car we have grown familiar with through an earlier review of the E 250.

The E 350 e doesn’t so much shout its hybrid status as hint it through small side emblems, a rear bumper charging port and blue front callipers.

The well-appointed interior is a mix of black and brown nappa leather upholstery, carbon-fibre-like inserts and plenty of soft touchpoints to infuse the cabin with an ambience of luxurious comfort. There’s the dual 12.3-inch widescreen digital screens as seen in the E 250 and a choice of meter displays – Classic, Sport or Progressive – to choose from. In the E 350 e, the meter cluster has been tweaked to show hybrid-specific info such as electric range and hybrid operating modes.

Adequate headroom and legroom make the rear bench seats comfortable for two; the middle passenger will have to compromise on comfort as he straddles the transmission tunnel in the rear-wheel drive car.

Meanwhile, it’s all good upfront as sports seats with side bolsters help to keep driver and front passenger firmly in place during frisky turns.

At night, an ambient glow makes the interior more attractive, and you can switch between various colours.

The bulky Li-ion battery is stashed in the boot, resulting in a terraced boot floor and reducing usable storage space to 400l, 10 litres less than what the BMW 530e offers, and 140 litres less than what is found in the non-hybrid E-Class.

The E 350 e doesn’t have a spare tyre onboard as it rides on Michelin MOExtended tyres that offer temporary extended mobility. They are not run-flat tyres per se but allow the car to travel 30km to 80km at up to 80kph after a puncture.

Not that a luxury car is ever going to see towing duty but it's good to know that the E 350 e is the first hybrid from Mercedes-Benz with a high trailer towing capacity of up to 2,100kg.

Charging the car at PJ’s Paradigm mall via the normal 3-pin plug of the portable charger, we managed to get the battery level up to 90% from 50% in 1 hour. Full charge from depleted state, as mentioned earlier, would be around 3 hours.

The mall, like a number of other commercial premises and selected Petronas stations, have a few Greentech ChargEV chargers installed but we were not supplied the charger-specific cables to see if full top-up from the 3.7kW charger could be achieved in half the time of the portable charging cable. The Klang Valley hosts some 22kW fast chargers that would reduce the wait time even more.

Both the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and 6.2kWh battery are the same as those used in the C 350 e but the E 350 e gets a more powerful electric motor that has been specially designed for the 9-speed plug-in hybrid transmission.

The 2.0-litre engine in the E 350 e produces 211hp and 350Nm of torque, while the compact electric motor, housed within the transmission, delivers 87hp (+7hp) and 440Nm (+100Nm). Combined output and torque are 286hp from 3,800rpm to 5,500rpm and 550Nm.

Zero to 100kph is reached in just 6.2 seconds, with top speed capped at 250kph.

The old road from Rawang town to Kuala Selangor afforded a good gauge of the E 350 e's driving manners, with some long stretches to drive it fast and plenty of bends and potholes to assess its handling. The occasional monkeys scavenging for food by the road liven up the route further by helping us to brake-test the car.

 The electric motor of the E 350 e is more powerful than the one in the C 350 e.

The instant torque of the electric motor, paired with a high-revving engine, makes the E 350 e feel agile.

If the battery has sufficient charge, the car will start in electric mode and goes fast – quietly. The initial feeling is surreal but you quickly get into it after a few hours with the car. Mercedes-Benz claims it can run on electricity for 33km at a top speed of 130kph but it’s more like 20-plus km in real world conditions.

Once the battery is low on power, the engine quickly takes over, noticeable by the rather diesel-like note it transmits into the cabin. However, the noise fades rapidly once the car musters up speed.

In day-to-day driving, the E 350 e offers the characteristic comfort and refinements expected of an E-Class. Corners are where it starts to roll noticeably but it’s reined in when you set the air suspension in Sport or Sport+ mode for a more controlled entry and exit out of the twisties. While visually appealing, the big wheels do relay some of the jarring effects of going over sizeable potholes.

The driver can toggle through four operating modes in the hybrid system except in Sport setting. The default hybrid mode turns on all hybrid functions, such as electric mode, boost and recuperation and are deployed for optimum fuel efficiency.

E-save tells the hybrid system to maintain the charge status of the battery to allow for all-electric driving at a later stage in the journey.

As the name implies, Charge instructs the engine to charge the battery while on the move, to enable all-electric driving later.

E-mode is where the car is set up for all-electric driving for instances where the battery holds sufficient charge for the remainder of the journey. It’s also appreciated in traffic jams; you will love the fact that you are not wasting fuel like the rest around you and doing your bit for the environment.

The accelerator pedal even offers haptic feedback via rapid pulsation as a way to further help the driver drive economically.

The other nice part of this PHEV? It alerts and guides you to the nearest petrol pump on the sat-nav once the tank is low on fuel.

All said and done, the E 350 e looks like a great commuter car for those working in KL/PJ but staying on the outskirts. Doing 60km to 150km a day with some of it pollution-free driving does sound eminently pleasing.

Even the city-bound will not be averse to coveting a car that has the hallmarks of a Mercedes and is technologically innovative for the times.


Renault takes India-only KWID in different directions

NEW DELHI: Renault is taking the wraps off two show cars that show the potential of the KWID model that is selling in India.

It unveiled the KWID Climber offroader and KWID Racer race car at the 2016 New Delhi Auto Show.

With its high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs and the specially designed pattern of its tyres, the KWID Climber promises has all the qualities of an off-roader, including a compact footprint, high ground clearance, big bumpers, side protective mouldings, and generous, diamond-effect wheels. Its deep Flame Orange finish underscores the sculpted lines of the body.

The wheel arch extensions are highlighted in electric blue. The special protective housings of the car’s lights heighten its all-terrain feel. A born off-roader, the Climber draws on the DNA of the Renault KWID to develop its SUV capability to the extreme. The result is a distinctive personality all set for adventure.

In contrast, the KWID Racer is a race car, with 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. It boasts of a sporty metallic blue finish. Its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the spoilers and diffuser suggest good handling. The C-shaped LED lighting signature and the high-tech treatment of the lights signal compliance with Renault’s new design strategy.

The inside of the car features materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon. The Titane Black trim is emphasised by touches of anodised red that is suggestive of the world of motor racing.

The totem console in the centre of the dashboard displays the telemetry data so the driver can track his or her performance in real time.

Tightly strapped into a four-point harness in the bucket seat, the driver benefits from a digital rev counter and a leather-trimmed steering wheel which boasts an alloy frame specially designed for racing.

There are no plans to commercialise the KWID in Europe.

At the show, Renault also previewed a new 1-0 litre engine and a new transmission.

The KWID 1.0 litre SCe engine is said to have an optimised design for better performance. Renault claims the advanced engine offers excellent drivability for city streets and the open highway.

The Easy-R Gear Box is a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This clutch free driving experience combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting.

Renault said it plans to launch the new engine and transmission "sometime in the future.”


Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé makes world premiere

                STUTTGART:  The BMW X4 will have  to contend with a new rival following the world debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé today.

It was only last year at the Shanghai auto show that the concept first showed up and less than a year later, it's in production form.

It unites the typical stylistic elements of a coupé with the design language of current SUV models. Just one year later, this promise has become a reality: the new GLC Coupé translates the design idiom of the show car, with its distinctive basic structure and stretched greenhouse, virtually unchanged into series production.

At the same time, the sports car among Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size SUVs impresses with its brand-typical safety, modern assistance systems and an especially sporty-dynamic character.

The as-standard sports suspension as well as more direct sports steering, DYNAMIC SELECT and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility.

Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with steel springing as well as the already familiar AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension. Both options make for further enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.

“The GLC Coupé reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupé design while symbolising the bipolarity of our brand – it is ‘hot and cool’,” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “With its design idiom of sensual purity, it perfectly embodies our styling philosophy while at the same time representing contemporary luxury.”

The GLC Coupé owes its distinct character to a typically coupé-esque, single-louvred diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roofline. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular rear end typical of a coupé. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window.

The striking features of the front end are its dominant, steeply raked diamond radiator grille with single louvre and integral star, short overhang and SUV-inspired override guard. The innovative headlamp concept, optionally in LED High Performance technology, sports the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature.

The styling of the rear end gives added emphasis to the vehicle’s coupé genes. With its pronounced shoulders, muscular bumper design with integral exhaust tips and underride guard in the form of a diffuser, the wide rear end of the GLC Coupé underlines the vehicle’s athletic looks while enabling the Coupé to hug the road. Narrow, split tail lights, a centrally positioned brand star and a sharp spoiler lip reflect a design that made its debut with the S-Class Coupé and which all Mercedes-Benz coupé models have since followed.

The new GLC Coupé is available in a total of eight model variants: customers can choose between four diesel and four petrol engines, including a plug-in hybrid as well as a powerful Mercedes-AMG model.

The entry-level models are the four-cylinder diesel-engined GLC 220 d and GLC 250 d 4MATIC coupé with outputs ranging from 170hp to 204hp as well as the four-cylinder petrol engined GLC 250 4MATIC coupé rated at 211hp.

With the GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé, Mercedes-Benz also offers a plug-in hybrid that combines agile all-wheel drive with a system output of 320hp, thus setting a new best-in-class value. The semi-electric vehicle can cover up to over 30km in zero-emission all-electric mode.

For dynamically minded coupé fans, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé is the right choice: this powerful top-of-the-line model comes with perfect on-road performance, dynamic styling and an attractive equipment package. The V6 biturbo engine puts out 367hp.


Perodua Bezza to drive auto sales, B10 biodiesel use still up in the air

                SUBANG JAYA: The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) expects vehicle sales in the second half of 2016 to surpass that of the first six months of this year, driven by new models such as the Perodua Bezza, which will be launched later today.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said sales in the second half of the year should account for about 53% of total industry volume (TIV) for 2016.

“Introduction of new models, like the Bezza, will boost vehicle sales,” she said during a review of vehicle sales for the first half of 2016 yesterday.

“The Bezza model will be well received. The Proton Perdana, which was launched recently, was also received well, but it’s more on the upper-end segment so sales will not be so high.”

The Bezza is priced competitively between RM37,000 and RM51,000. Perodua is reported to be targeting initial sales of 10,000 units per month within the first three months of the launch.

Meanwhile, the MAA has revised its 2016 TIV forecast downwards to 580,000 units from 650,000 units initially, due to lower vehicle sales in the first half of this year, which plunged to 275,459 units from 322,254 units in the first six months of 2015. A total of 244,357 units of passenger vehicles were sold in the first half of 2016, compared with 286,608 units in the previous corresponding period.

Sales of commercial vehicles meanwhile dropped to 31,102 units in the first six months of 2016, compared with 35,646 units a year earlier. In January, the MAA had projected a drop in TIV by 2.5% from 666,674 in 2015 to 650,000 this year.

Aishah said the contraction was due to the volatility in the global economy, which in turn had affected consumer sentiment. She however said Bank Negara’s recent decision to cut the benchmark overnight policy rate (OPR) to 3% from 3.25% previously may help to stimulate domestic spending.

“The OPR will help. But the new hire purchase rates have not been announced yet,” she said.

On the upgrading of the B7 (petroleum diesel blend consisting of 7% palm methyl ester) to the B10 (10% palm methyl ester) biodiesel blend, Aishah said that local players are not ready for this transition and need more time.

“We had a meeting with the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities yesterday (Tuesday). The Government was initially supposed to implement it on June 1, then July 1.

Earlier, the Government announced June 1 (for implementation), but then they delayed it to July 1. So far, no date has been set because they are still listening to the stakeholders,” she said.

Aishah said that the main concern for the MAA was that its principals were unable to provide a warranty for vehicles if B10 biodiesel was implemented. She added that the association has suggested that the Government provide stations that have both B7 and B10 diesel at the fuel pumps.


No touching: Geely uses drones to deliver keys to new car buyers

                HANGZHOU: Geely Auto adds a new twist to social distancing in using drones for contactless home delivery of car keys to customers.

Only select locations in China will benefit from this service for now.

All confirmed orders and confirmed leads are sent to local dealers who process orders and begin the home delivery process for those who choose the option.

Geely Auto said each vehicle is disinfected by the dealership before it is delivered to the customer on a flatbed carrier. A drone then passes the key to the customer at his home or workplace.

Geely Auto launched its own proprietary online sales system on Feb 10, which offered consumers a one-stop solution for ordering online that included the modification of vehicle specifications, online financing and insurance as well as the option for contactless home delivery.

Since the platform was launched, over 10,000 consumers have ordered and paid for vehicles on Geely’s online mall with a further 110,000 users registering their interest to buy a Geely vehicle in the short term.

“Geely Auto’s ability to adapt to market requirements and consumer concerns is the driving force behind its continued success in the Chinese market," said Geely Auto's sales vice-president Victor Yang.

For your information, the compact SUV shown in the video is the Geely ICON, which was launched only last month. It's also built to fight bacteria and viruses, as it is equipped with N95-certified smart air purifying system that works in tandem with the ICON’s air conditioner to isolate and eliminate harmful elements in the cabin air including bacteria and viruses.

It is the first in its segment to make use of 48V mild hybrid technology that bring fuel consumption down to new lows of 5.7 litres per 100km. The 48V system is paired with Geely Auto’s leading 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that offers 174hp of power and 255Nm of torque in base form. The addition of the 48V system provides a further 13hp of power and 45Nm of torque giving a total of 188hp and 300Nm of torque. The Icon also uses a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to enable it to sprint from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.


Toyota must do more, faster to meet China market expectations, says new CEO

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp's chief executive today gave a stark assessment of the Japanese automaker's work ahead in China, saying it must move faster as its competition in the world's biggest auto market surges.

Toyota is under pressure in China from local brands such as BYD Co Ltd that have moved aggressively in tapping into the country's growing market for battery-powered and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs).

"We need to increase our speed and efforts to firmly meet the customer expectations in the Chinese market," Toyota CEO Koji Sato, said during a roundtable interview with members of the foreign media here.

"Considering the impact of the Shanghai motor show, I believe China will become an advanced market for EVs."

The world's biggest automaker by sales used the Shanghai show this week to unveil two new EVs, a move that will double the number on offer in China under its mainstream brand.

The company said this month it will launch 10 new battery-powered models and establish a specialised unit to focus on next-generation battery EVs, as it seeks to step up its foray in battery EVs under its new leadership.

Sato acknowledged today that Nagoya-based Toyota was producing a small volume of battery-powered vehicles compared to other automakers, adding the company was taking a phased approach to accelerate the battery EV rollout.

The first phase of that plan is marked by improving battery EVs following the launch of the company's first models. After that, Toyota aims sell an annual 1.5 million battery EVs in 2026.

Toyota last year sold just 24,466 battery EVs worldwide, including those of its luxury Lexus brand, accounting for 0.25% of its global sales of 9.5 million vehicles. Of those, 2.7 million were hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles.


First CarSifu awards ends on high note

Roslan of Honda Malaysia (third from left) receiving the 'Car of the Year' award for the Civic from Lee. With them are (from left) Lim, Fu and Kan.
PETALING JAYA: It was a glitzy affair at the first CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016 as CEOs of car companies and their senior executives showed up in force to honour the best cars the local auto industry has to offer.

It’s not often that key players in the business get together and the CarSifu event on Oct 6 was an opportunity for them to mingle, talk shop and build rapport with each other at a cocktail reception prior to the awards announcement. Many of them were seen happily posing together in small groups at the CarSifu photowalls.

Everyone proceeded to the grand ballroom of The Royale Chulan Damansara hotel in Petaling Jaya as the guest of honour, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong, arrived accompanied by Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, chief operating officer Calvin Kan and chief revenue officer Lim Bee Leng.

READ MORE:
Honda Civic bags 'Car of the Year' title
CarSifu Editors' Choice Awards 2016 in pictures

Following the opening speeches by Kan and Lee, it was full throttle as award after award was announced to cheers, hearty claps and hoots of delight as winners were declared before the demonstrative crowd. Three of the winning cars - Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Perodua Bezza 1.3 (A) Advance - were lined up in front of the stage to add to the atmosphere.

SUVs or crossovers dominate the line-up of winners in a list of 22 categories but ultimately it was a sedan that seized the imagination of the CarSifu editors to win the coveted top award.

That car, as we all know, is the Honda Civic that has become CarSifu’s “Car of the Year” for 2016. The 1.5-litre turbocharged sedan also grabbed the Best Mid-Size Car award for its styling, features, sharp handling, comfortable ride and accessible (on-the road) pricing of RM135,800.

Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah, who received the trophy from Lee, expressed delight over the Civic’s double win.

We at CarSifu can’t wait to see who the contenders will be in 2017 and which model will be crowned the next “Car of the Year”.


Volkswagen service centres fully operational nationwide

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) announced today that all its service centres will be operating at full capacity.

The company said it is conducting a "Safe Hands" campaign for its dealers nationwide that employs contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitization before
and after repairs as well as cashless payments with e-invoicing as a standard operating procedure.

Additionally, selected dealers will offer vehicle pick-up and drop-off arrangements.

Other safety precautions implemented at service centres include regular sanitization of the premise and regular temperature screenings on all staff and customers.

Services will strictly be on an appointment basis and owners are advised to get in touch with their preferred service centres to schedule an appointment.

For Volkswagen owners and frontliners who previously made appointments via the "Welcome Back" campaign will receive priority and depends on availability.

“As we prepare to attend to the aftersales needs of our customers, we keep in mind that social distancing is the new normal and that hygiene and sanitization is now an essential part of daily precautionary measures," said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

Winter added that their "Safe Hands" operating procedures will apply to all aspects of the company's operations as well.


MINI Clubman Sterling Edition sold only online: priced at RM268,888

                CYBERJAYA: The new MINI Clubman Sterling Edition has only 40 units available exclusively online for booking at mini.my/clubman-sterling beginning January 11, 2018.

The estimated retail price (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) is RM268,888.

Once the flash sale goes live, customers will have to keep their eyes peeled for the right time to book their limited New MINI Clubman Sterling Edition.

This is done by filling up the booking form on the page and making the booking fee payment when the time is right.

It is sold with MINI 4 Years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, and covered by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance program, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200km from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.

The MINI Roadside Assistance program can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.

Han Sang Yun, managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “It was a first in the Malaysian automotive industry when we introduced the new MINI Clubman Sterling Edition exclusively online and we are pleased to see the successful delivery of all 20 units. Within less than two weeks of its introduction, the limited edition MINI was fully booked online thus proving that Malaysians appreciate the exclusivity of exceptionally well-made premium cars. Because of the successful response, the new MINI Clubman Sterling Edition will make a comeback in celebration of the New Year, and with new technology for an even more unique experience."

The New MINI Clubman Sterling Edition has an exclusive Melting Silver body colour with subtle Matte Black Jack mirror caps and roof décor.

This is complemented by Black Union Jack symbols located at the side scuttles as well as bespoke 18-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece wheels in burnish black.

Inside, the car wears a combination of Indigo Blue and Pure Burgundy tones.

While seated on supple seats in luxurious Chester Leather upholstery in Indigo Blue, drivers and passengers will also enjoy the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior in Pure Burgundy.

This premium ambience is further enhanced with the ability to choose from 12 pre-set colours to the trims.

Additionally, the driver will enjoy the MINI Yours Walknappa Leather steering wheel.

The bottom of the steering wheel is also adorned with the signature Union Jack insignia.

There is also the MINI Navigation System with a 6.5-inch screen in the MINI Centre Instrument.

This puts a wealth of navigation information at the driver’s fingertips, easily operated via the MINI Controller.

There is also the Parking Assist function, which automatically steers the car into parallel parking spaces as well as the Rear View Camera, which eases reversing in and out of tight spots.

Owners of the new MINI Clubman Sterling Edition will also enjoy MINI Connected, a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring over 30 million songs streamed live to the car.

The 6.5-inch high resolution LCD also presents an intuitive Spotify Interface on top of the standard readings such as current fuel consumption, current fuel range and last known locations which can also be viewed on the MINI Connected phone app.

Meanwhile, the MINI Touch Screen Display supports multi-touch with pinch to zoom in functionality for maps and typing.


2019 Ford Focus ST deliver nimble hot-hatchback thrills

                LONDON: Ford has revealed the all-new Focus ST – developed by Ford Performance to deliver nimble hot-hatchback thrills in a stylish, comfortable and practical family car.

The all-new Focus ST builds on the class-leading driving dynamics of the fourth generation Focus in five-door hatch and estate body styles.

Ford’s new C2 architecture is enhanced with unique suspension, braking and powertrain configurations for the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever – on road and track.

A new engine line-up creates up to 12 per cent more power and 17 per cent more torque compared with the previous generation Focus ST.

Ford’s 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and 190PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine both deliver a broad spread of power and torque across the rev-range.

Ford’s first application of an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) for a front-wheel drive vehicle further enhances the cornering and stability of new Focus ST, sharpening responses to changing grip levels and driver inputs using computer-controlled pre-emptive actuation.

A choice of six-speed manual or new, quick-shifting, seven-speed automatic transmissions is offered, and Selectable Drive Modes technology is introduced to the Focus ST for the first time, enabling drivers to adjust the vehicle’s character to suit the driving scenario.

Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) – standard for five-door EcoBoost variants – enhances the short long arm (SLA) independent rear suspension configuration for ultimate refinement.

“Intelligent technologies like eLSD and CCD make our all-new Focus ST the most ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focussed performance car at the push of a button,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve incorporated learnings from programmes including the Ford GT and Focus RS to develop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that’s unique in its segment.”

A new generation of Ford’s 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost all-aluminium engine is the most powerful ever offered for a Focus ST.

With 280PS power at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque from 3,000rpm to 4,000rpm, it is also the most free-revving Focus ST engine ever, and supports anticipated 0-100kph acceleration in less than six seconds.

Ford’s 190PS 2.0-litre diesel EcoBlue engine is the most powerful diesel engine ever offered for a Ford Focus model, delivering peak power at 3,500rpm and 400Nm of torque between 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm – and 360Nm from 1,500rpm – for immediate and linear acceleration.

The Focus ST’s six-speed manual transmission enables more urgent gear-changes and provides a sportier feel with a shift-throw reduction of seven per cent compared with the standard all-new Focus.

Ford’s new rev-matching technology that debuted on the new Ford Mustang is also introduced as part of an optional Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.

Delivering smoother, faster downshifts, the technology is accompanied by a shift indicator light, and uses the engine’s electronic control system to briefly “blip” the throttle as the driver engages a lower gear – matching the engine rotation speed to that of the gear that is being selected.

Rev-matching enables less-experienced performance drivers to benefit from the seamless, momentum-maintaining gearshifts delivered by the “heel-and-toe” driving technique, while also enabling experienced performance drivers to deactivate the system if they prefer.

Gear differentiation on the new seven-speed variant of Ford’s automatic transmission is optimised for performance, and Adaptive Shift Scheduling – which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings – is enhanced to offer more flexibility and the ability to differentiate between road and track use. Drivers can select gears manually using steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

Ford’s sophisticated CCD technology is offered as part of the Performance Pack for five-door EcoBoost models, and every two milliseconds monitors suspension, body, steering and braking inputs to adjust damping responses.

The driving experience is further enhanced using eLSD technology for Focus ST 2.3-litre EcoBoost models. Incorporated into the transmission, the system uses hydraulically activated clutches to limit the engine torque delivered to a wheel that has reduced traction on the road surface, and redistributes up to 100 per cent of available torque to the wheel with more traction to counteract wheelspin that can hamper acceleration through, and out of, corners.

The Borg Warner-developed technology is faster to deploy and offers greater precision than a traditional mechanical LSD. The system can pre-emptively adjust torque distribution using inputs from powertrain and vehicle dynamics sensors, rather than responding to wheelspin as it occurs, and can gradually apply differential locking for fine-tuning performance.

Focus ST 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel models feature Torque Vectoring Control technology, which improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering.

The all-new Focus ST steals Ford’s fastest-steering-response crown from the acclaimed Fiesta ST. The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system is 15 per cent faster than the standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock.


Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD now available

                SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE (Italy): Behold, Automobili Lamborghini's latest evolution of its popular Huracán "bull" that now sends power purely to the rear.

With deliveries to begin the second quarter of 2020, the Italian supercar maker has revealed that its Huracán EVO RWD variant will cost USD$208,571 (RM855,000).

On the outside, the Huracán's skin is made out of a combination of aluminium and composite materials that have been fitted onto an aluminium-carbon fibre hybrid chassis.

With a 2,620mm wheelbase, the Huracán's dimensions are locked in at 4,520mm-long, 2,236mm-wide and 1,165mm-tall.

The entire body has been suspended by an aluminium double-wishbone suspension setup fitted with steel springs and hydraulic dampers or a “MagneRide” electromagnetic damper control that's also available as an optional extra.

At the rear, under its aluminium skin is a venerable 5.2-litre (5,204cc) naturally-aspirated V10 engine that drinks from an 83-litre fuel tank while possessing a 90-degree cylinder bank as well as a compression ratio of 12.7:1.

Power output has been rated at 610hp at 8,000rpm and 560N of torque at 6,500rpm - all of which gets managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped with a 187mm double-plate clutch before sending it to the rear.

Doing so allows this Huracán to launch from 0 to 100kph in 3.3 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 325kph.

With all the twist headed to the rear wheels alone, the Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) had to be re-calibrated so that it can deliver torque even when the car is going side-ways.

For stopping power, this Huracán uses a hydraulic dual-circuit brake system that comes with a vacuum brake servo unit.

This comprises of a pair of front eight-piston and rear four-piston aluminium callipers that "crush" the specially contoured 365 x 34mm (front) and 356 x 32mm (rear) ventilated and cross-drilled steel discs.

This allows the 1,389kg (dry) Huracan to come to a complete stop from 100kph in 31.9m.

The excess heat generated by the brakes get vented past the staggered 19-inch wheels - 8.5J (front) and 11J (rear), wearing 245/35 (front) and 305/35 (rear) Pirelli P Zero tyres.

As an optional extra, 20-inch wheels and carbo-ceramic (carbon + ceramic) brakes are also available.

Inside, the cockpit features an HMI 8.4-inch touchscreen in the centre console and gets Bluetooth connectivity, internet access and Apple CarPlay among others.

Both inside and out, Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program provides unsurpassed options for colour and trim personalization, allowing owners of the Huracán EVO RWD to impose their individual style and personality onto their new Lamborghini driving machine.

In order to emphasize the shape of the car the new colour, Giallo Belenus (yellow), has been developed together with a dedicated leather and Alcantara colour for the interior trim to match the new exterior paint.


Nissan develops techniques to speed up production of carbon fibre parts

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co said today it has developed techniques that help speed up production of automotive parts made from carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP).

The techniques can cut the lead time to develop such components by as much as half, and cycle time for molding by about 80%, compared with conventional methods, the Japanese automaker said.

They involve accurately simulating the behaviour of resin injected into carbon fibre when shaping CFRP components, according to Nissan.

CFRP, a lightweight yet strong material, can be used to make cars safer and more fuel efficient.


PLUS offers toll discount on first day of CNY

                PETALING JAYA: Road users will enjoy a 20% discount in toll charges on the first day of Chinese New Year, says PLUS Malaysia Berhad.

The 20% CNY discount is for all private passenger vehicles on the North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway (SPDH), North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Highway (Linkedua), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), Penang Bridge and the East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2).

“On Jan 25, our highway customers will enjoy a discount of 20% on all our tolls between midnight till 11.59pm,” said PLUS Malaysia managing director Datuk Azman Ismail.

“If a customer enters the highway at 7pm on Jan 24 and exits the highway at 12.15am on Jan 25, they automatically enjoy the discount.

“We also take this opportunity to wish our customers ‘Chu Ru Ping An’, (Peace and Safety Wherever You Go) and have a wonderful celebration with your loved ones,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The discount will not be offered for toll transactions made at the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza.

It also excludes those who are currently enjoying the existing Penang Bridge 20% toll discount via their Touch ‘n Go cards.


First official images of new 2019 Suzuki Jimny revealed

                TOKYO: With just about every vehicle manufacturer coming up with a steady stream of new SUV models, it could be easy to forget that Suzuki was producing and selling affordable SUVs long before it became fashionable.

The Japanese automaker is now looking to reassert itself into the conversation with a new generation of its small, tough off-roader, the Jimny. And it's ramping up the anticipation with the release of the first official images of the all-new model.

It's entirely possible Suzuki wasn't planning to reveal any official images at this point, but after a set of unofficial images from a presentation were leaked on the Internet last week the company has now put these official renderings on its global website.

Although the website doesn't reveal much that wasn't already known by the public after the recent leaks, it does confirm the fact this is something of an evolutionary redesign and not a radical overhaul to take the Jimny in any sort of new direction.

In fact, some observers might revel in the fact the new Jimny will be a slightly retro design when compared to much of the competition. Although there will be an extensive palette of funky, youthful exterior colours, the unashamedly boxy shape remains and it will also be one of very few SUVs to still store the spare wheel on the rear tailgate.

On the inside there's plenty of similarity with the current model, but there will be at least one or two very important changes. Amid the refreshed switchgear and new instruments housed in retro, boxy binnacles, there will now be a touchscreen infotainment system sitting on top of a new center console.

Back in 2015 Suzuki announced it was going to be introducing five new vehicles in five years. Time is now getting on and it's clear the new Jimny will be the first of the proposed five, so the company will have to get a move on if the other four are to come to fruition inside that timescale.

Although full details such as engine specifications are yet to be revealed, it's clear the new Jimny will stay true to more than two decades of tradition of being a rugged, compact, capable and affordable SUV and not be morphing into some sort of soft-roader.


Suzuki Across SUV based on Toyota RAV4: 75km all-electric range

                LONDON: Suzuki has launched its new 2.5-litre Across plug-in hybrid SUV, with a E-Four electronic 4x4 system and an all-electric driving range of 75km.

The Across is the first model from the Toyota-Suzuki joint venture, and based on the Toyota RAV4.

Sales will start in autumn of 2020 in Europe.

Exterior highlights include LED headlamps with a bi-beam projector (combining low and high beams), LED daytime running lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior was designed to evoke a sense of comfort, and features soft padding on the dashboard and door trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen display that works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

The Across has a big 490-litre luggage compartment, in addition to storage spaces including driver’s and passenger’s side trays, centre tray, cupholders and a console box.

At the core of the plug-in hybrid system is a front electric motor that delivers torque at low speeds and combines with the 2.5-litre petrol engine for rapid acceleration at higher speeds.

With 134kW and 270Nm of torque, the electric motor draws its energy from an 18.1kWh (50.9 Ah) high capacity lithium ion battery that is mounted beneath the floor.

Paired to the electric motor is the A25A-FXS Dynamic Force engine, which functions as a charger for the battery and provides power assistance to the electric motor during high-speed driving if required.

The engine features both direct cylinder fuel injection (DI) and port fuel injection (PFI) that vary depending on driving conditions to raise output and fuel efficiency while lowering emissions.

The Plug-in Hybrid system is equipped with four modes—the default EV mode, Auto EV/HV mode, HV mode, and battery charger mode—which the driver can select depending on driving conditions and battery status.

In EV Mode the vehicle is driven entirely by the power of the electric motor even under full acceleration.

When in Auto EV/HV mode and HV mode, the engine contributes to power delivery when required, such as when the accelerator is pressed strongly.

To store electricity for EV mode when the charge is low, the battery charger mode runs the engine to re-charge the battery.

Some of the key safety features include driving assist functions such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which use a millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera.


Decontrolled vehicle drivers allowed to use Class D licence, says Dr Wee

                PETALING JAYA: Drivers of decontrolled vehicles with unloaded weight (BTM) of more than 3,500kg but not over 4,000kg are now allowed to drive using a Class D licence.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this special permission is effective immediately and will expire at a time to be determined.

“This special permission also aims to help the industry in reducing the cost of doing business, as well as making it easier for industry players to get drivers who have a valid Class D licence, especially as the country is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This will also open up additional job opportunities for all Malaysians in order to achieve the wishes and objectives of the Malaysian Family,” Dr Wee said in a statement today.

He, however, noted that decontrolled vehicles with unloaded weight exceeding 4,000kg must be operated by drivers with a valid Class E licence.

Decontrolled vehicles are vehicles with a laden weight (BDM) not exceeding 7,500kg that are used to carry the owner's own goods only.

Dr Wee said around 96% of registered decontrolled vehicles have an unloaded weight of less than 3,500kg, which allows drivers to use a Class D licence.

However, there are a small number of vehicles, around 3% of decontrolled vehicles, with a gross vehicle weight of between 3,500kg and 4,000kg, he said.

The majority of the vehicles involved are models that have the same vehicle identification number or chassis, said Dr Wee.

However, following construction, design and materials used to build the space to transport goods, the unloaded weight limit has exceeded about 500kg of the unloaded weight limit of a motor car, he said.

This resulted in a small number of drivers having to obtain a Class E licence as the unloaded weight has exceeded the motor car category, even though the original model and chassis of the vehicle is the same as the original model vehicle whose unloaded weight is less than 3,500kg, said Dr Wee.

He added that the Transport Ministry had been aware of these difficulties faced by operators, owners and drivers of decontrolled vehicles on having to possess another class of licence when driving the vehicle.

“It is hoped that with this special permission to now allow the drivers to use a Class D licence, it can help restore and boost the country's economic growth which will ultimately benefit all Malaysians,” said Dr Wee.