Acura NSX GT3 to go on global sale soon

                TOKYO: Anyone who follows the motor industry will know how long and protracted the wait was for the new version of the legendary Honda NSX to finally go on sale under the Acura banner. It was in the pipeline for years before it eventually arrived after much delay, but it doesn't look as though it's going to be a similar story with the track version, the Acura NSX GT3.

The GT3 is the racing version of the road-going NSX, and it was unveiled to the waiting world just over a year ago. The GT3 has been developed in a comparatively short amount of time, and it's already competed in a number of races under the factory banner, completing 50,000 miles and picking up two race victories along the way.

Honda and Acura have now confirmed the NSX GT3 will now also be offered for sale to private teams shortly.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the NSX GT3 is the fact that despite it being based on a stripped-down version of the NSX road car, one of the things that have been stripped-out is the hybrid propulsion system. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo remains in place, but the electric motors up front have gone and the power is now sent to the rear wheels through a XTRAC semi-automatic six-speed sequential transmission.

The chassis and the engines for the GT3 are built right alongside the road version at the Honda plant in Ohio, and components such as the block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, and the dry-sump lubrication system are exactly the same specification as the regular NSX. However, the final assembly of the race car is completed on the other side of the Atlantic in Italy.

The reason the car has ditched the hybrid system is the FIA weren't happy about allowing it to compete in the GT3 race series, which is the only place to showcase a global sports car of this stature. It's more cut-and-dry when it comes to all-wheel drive though, as that is specifically forbidden in GT3.

The exposed carbon, race-ready NSX GT3 will be offered for sale at a staggering starting price of €465,000 (RM2.3mil).


Tesla fires after hurricane raise alarm for Florida officials

                WASHINGTION: A Florida senator is calling for action from the US Transportation Department and automakers after a series of electric vehicle fires tied to Hurricane Ian.

The storm caused flooding and destruction across the state, and fire officials say they are still seeing its impact with EV batteries catching fire after saltwater damage.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of multiple fires in Tesla Inc. vehicles, the agency said in a letter sent Friday to a Florida official and obtained by Bloomberg.

Sen Rick Scott (R-Fla.) raised concerns about the fires to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and EV makers - including Tesla, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., and Stellantis NV - in letters sent Thursday, asking for guidance and whether any recalls are being considered.

"This emerging threat has forced local fire departments to divert resources away from hurricane recovery to control and contain these dangerous fires,” Scott said.

"Car fires from electric vehicles have proven to be extremely dangerous and last for a prolonged period, taking in many cases up to six hours to burn out.”

The fires could represent a new area of concern as the Biden administration seeks to rapidly expand electric vehicle use across the country. The administration is aiming to have 50% of all new cars sold in the US be electric by 2030.

Scott joins Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer and state fire marshal, in drawing attention to the issue.

Patronis said two houses burned down this week after an EV caught fire. He has asked manufacturers for help.

Patronis also wrote to NHTSA last week asking about the federal response and guidance.

In its reply, NHTSA pointed to existing technical information and guidance available from the agency and from Tesla.

Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Lithium-ion vehicle battery fires have been observed both rapidly igniting and igniting several weeks after battery damage occurred,” Jack Danielson, executive director at NHTSA, wrote in the letter to Patronis.

Fires in EVs "pose unique challenges” for firefighters, NHTSA said in a separate statement to Bloomberg Government.

The agency said it has been researching the effect of saltwater immersion on batteries when similar issues emerged with EVs after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

There are more than 95,000 electric vehicle registrations in Florida, the second-most state after California, according to the Energy Department.


Petron fuels Workshop on Wheels along PLUS Highway

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petron Malaysia has signed a six-month memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PLUS Malaysia to supply fuel to the highway concessionaire’s emergency roadside assistance provider – Workshop on Wheels (WOW).

The MoU sees Petron supplying all 28 WOW vehicles - comprising of 16 vans, six motorcycles and six tow trucks, with its Petron Blaze fuels in order to curb the number of cases of highway users being cheated by unscrupulous tow trucks and workshops.

There are currently nine Petron service stations located throughout the North-South Expressway, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway and Linkedua.

“We are pleased to be the partner of WOW in providing roadside assistance along an extensive stretch, which thousands of motorists use on a daily basis”, said Petron Malaysia retail head Faridah Ali.

Also included in the MoU was Petron Miles card-holders, who are now able to enjoy the serves of WOW without incurring a 6% GST surcharge.

In commemoration of the partnership, 20,000 limited edition PLUS Miles Touch ‘n’ Go Petron Cards were launched, offering motorists a 5% toll rebate on all PLUS Highways.

The card is currently available for sale at participating Petrono stations located throughout the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor at RM10.90 (inclusive of 6% GST).

WOW’s services covers strategic locations of the PLUS –operated highways, which includes the North-South Expressway, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway and Linkedua, 24-hours a day.

The basic services include towing of small and light vehicles to the closest rest areas or toll plazas, provide engine inspections and even minor repairs.

“Upon notification from highway users, a PLUSRonda team will be immediately dispatched to the designated location to conduct inspection, evaluation and assist in minor repairs,” said PLUS Malaysia CEO Mohd Fuad Kusairi.

He added that if more repairs were required, only then will the team contact the Traffic Monitoring Centre before a WOW unit is assigned for further assistance.

WOW can be contacted via the toll-free PLUSLine at 1800-88-0000 or 1800-22-3000 or via the emergency phones provided along the highway stretches.


CES 2016: In-car tech has eye on luxury and driver distraction

                LAS VEGAS: Garmin wants to bring current driver distraction features to the masses, while Harman is already looking quite literally to the future and at better ways of monitoring driver stress and alertness.

Volvo unveiled the world's first driver drowsiness detection system back in 2007. And while systems capable of measuring how alert or tired a driver is by steering wheel inputs, length of journey and other factors are now standard equipment on many cars, it's still mainly the preserve of premium automotive brands.

"The most exciting development of the new Garmin Drive line is that driver awareness features typically seen in luxury vehicles are now accessible as an aftermarket solution for all drivers," said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales.

The new Garmin Drive line of devices can pre-warn drivers about an upcoming hairpin turn, for example, give directions via landmarks rather than road signs for clarity, and automatically build in rest stops to a journey if it's calculated to be over a certain length. And, when hooked up to a dashcam, it can actively monitor the space around the car, alerting potentially distracted drivers when lights change or when the traffic ahead has started moving again.

One of the reasons why compressive driver assist and monitoring systems are still the preserve of brands like Mercedes and Audi is that they are very expensive and complex, often requiring an array of sensors as well as multiple driver facing cameras.

However, Harman may have found a new way of keeping a close eye on drowsiness, stress and distraction via a single, driver-facing camera. Billed as a world first, Harman's technology tracks the driver's pupils and monitors their dilation. Measuring pupil reflex is an accurate way of assessing mental workload as well as alertness. If a driver is struggling to concentrate or is becoming drowsy, the system can trigger active driver assistance systems if needed.


Hyundai offers unbeatable trade-in value offer

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched an amazing year-end trade-in campaign till Dec 31 that offers up to RM5,000 additional value on your trade-in value.

The RM5,000 above the trade-in market value applies when the old car is a Hyundai model.

Even if the existing car is of a different make, HSDM will still offer up to RM3,000 more than the trade-in price when purchasing a new Hyundai car.

HDSM rationalised that many used car dealers tend to undervalue second-hand Hyundai cars and will offer the lowest possible price in order to get a higher resale profit, presuming that such cars will be difficult to sell.

In actual fact, the resale value for Hyundai cars is only slightly lower or on par with other car brands of the same segment given the same year make.

However, HSDM’s year-end trade-in campaign, through a collaboration with multi-brand pre-owned car dealer Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), will allow car owners get competitive prices that are hard to beat.

HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the generous trade-in support was to ensure that customers get the best deal in the market and top value for their vehicle.

“This way, potential Hyundai car owners can shop with peace of mind, and perhaps consider buying a more premium model than they had initially planned.”

“Through our efforts, we hope to continue to invigorate the car industry, especially as the country manoeuvres through this challenging Covid-19 times,” he added.

Among some of the Hyundai models worth considering are the newly launched Elantra, Sonata, Kona, and, family favourite, 7-seater SUV Santa Fe which are currently on sale during this tax exemption period.

These distinctive models come with innovative features and impressive performance to cater to the different needs of car buyers.

To qualify for this special trade-in price, certain terms and conditions apply where car owners must ensure all their documents are genuine and meet Puspakom’s requirements.

The trade-in of the used vehicle must also go through Sime Darby Auto Selection Sdn Bhd.

For details, call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.


Next generation of Volvo XC90 may be the last to have internal combustion engine

The current XC90 is in its second generation.

GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars boss Håkan Samuelsson has signalled that the next generation of the XC90 could be the last one to have a conventional internal combustion engine.

The third-generation XC90, set to arrive by 2022, would be offered with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, and is likely to spell the end of the petrol engine in the XC90. After that, it would be offered in battery electric form.

"With the new-generation XC90, you will get all of the new electronics, all of the safety devices, but if you live somewhere [without charging infrastructure] there will be a hybrid version," Samuelsson told US publication Car and Driver.

"After that, let's see. We'll probably (have) more and more electric cars. It depends really on how fast customers will want to move, and how quickly electric infrastructure will be built up."

Volvo has long declared that half of its global sales volume will consist of fully electric cars by 2025, with the rest comprising hybrids.

Since the acquisition by Geely 10 years ago, Volvo has completely renewed its product portfolio of SUVs, estates and sedans, and became the first traditional carmaker to commit to all-out electrification, supported by the introduction of its Recharge range. The range offers a PHEV option on all of Volvo car models.

The Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, introduced in 2017, is the foundation for the new XC40 Recharge; the first of Volvo’s fully-electric Recharge range. Deliveries of the XC40 Recharge will start this fall.

“Volvo Cars today is stronger than it has ever been,” said Samuelsson, “and we still have much to do. We are excited to see our fully electric vehicle range reach the market, led by the XC40 Recharge, and we will keep this momentum going by investing in electrification, new technologies, and future mobility solutions.”


MINI Countryman gets two free instalment months

                KUALA LUMPUR: For this festive season, MINI Malaysia - the purveyors of all things MINI, is providing all those who buy a Countryman now with a two-month free instalment as a giving gesture.

In celebration of the Holy month of Ramadhan and the upcoming festivities of Hari Raya, the campaign till June 30, also provides special financing programmes, such as the MINI Financing Straight Line Monthly Instalment and MINI Financing Monthly Instalment.

The company is inviting all fans of the brand to visit their nearest MINI Authorised Dealership for a special test drive of the Countryman.

For more information, log on to www.mini.my/rayadeals.


Thai energy pioneer switches to electric buses in green push

The 29-seater Mine Bus has a maximum speed of 80kph.
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Energy Absolute Pcl is shifting its electric-vehicle strategy away from passenger cars to focus on buses, trucks and trains to capitalise on growing demand as the country phases out combustion engines.

The Bangkok-based firm plans its first shipment of 120 buses this month to a company that operates several routes in the Thai capital, according to deputy chief executive officer Amorn Sapthaweekul.

It aims to deliver as many as 600 buses by the end of the year. The 29-seater Mine Bus has a maximum speed of 80kph.

Energy Absolute previously planned to sell electric passenger cars through its subsidiary Mine Mobility, which unveiled its SPA1 model in 2019 but hasn’t delivered any.

The coronavirus was blamed for the cancellation of an order for 3,500 of the cars by a group of taxi unions because their income dried up as the pandemic crushed tourism.

“Buses and trucks will be our key market,” Amorn said in an interview Monday. “We’re not discarding our passenger cars, but we have to assess the market.”

Competition is hotting up in Thailand’s EV sector, with the likes of China’s Great Wall Motor Ltd. planning to start local production by 2023. State-owned PTT Pcl and Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group said in May they will also collaborate on hardware and software for EVs.

“If we jump into that market now, we won’t survive,” Amorn said. “Once we build our brand reputation and once people trust in our brand, we can eventually move to passenger cars.”

While South-East Asia has been slow to adopt passenger EVs because of high prices and the popularity of motorcycles, Thailand has set 2035 as the target year from which all vehicle sales will be zero emission models.

Energy Absolute, which sources lithium-ion batteries from Taiwan, is building a US$3 billion factory in Chachoengsao province to the east of Bangkok to supply some of its buses. The facility has production capacity of 1 gigawatt-hour per year, compared with Tesla Inc.’s 35 gigawatt-hour factory near Reno, Nevada.

Energy Absolute's shares have climbed back towards 2018 peak. The first phase of the battery plant should be operational by August, Amorn said.

“We’re at 98% now after some delays from Covid travel restrictions, which prevented some work by technicians from abroad,” he said. “We can’t wait until Covid is over. Businesses have to continue.”

While the new facility is capable of expanding to 4 gigawatt hours, it will remain lower than that for now to match demand in Thailand. “In the long run, we could add more plants to take the capacity up to 50 gigawatt hours,” Amorn said.

EVs and batteries should account for about 20% of Energy Absolute’s revenue this year, according to Amorn.

In addition to buses, the company this month signed a memorandum of understanding with China Railway Construction Corp.’s South-East Asia unit to research hybrid battery locomotives, potentially paving the way for electric-battery trains, Amorn said. It also makes electric-powered river boats, which it says can charge up to 80% in 15 minutes.

“Commercial vehicles are more heavily used and that deterred some competitors whose batteries don’t have fast-charging capabilities. But that’s our strength,” Amorn said. “Drivers of passenger cars wouldn’t care so much about a fast charge because they usually plug in overnight with minimal use during the day.”

The efforts of Energy Absolute founder Somphote Ahunai to diversify from renewable energy into EVs and batteries has prompted comparisons to Tesla and Elon Musk. Somphote’s stake in his company is worth about US$1.6 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.


City-Link Express takes delivery of 277 Isuzu vehicles

From left: Jumbo Arena managing director Yeo Ann Siong, City-Link Express CEO Ronald Tan, City-Link Express executive chairman Datuk David Tan, Isuzu Malaysia CEO Koji Nakamura, Isuzu Malaysia commercial vehicle division COO Atsunori Murata and Isuzu Malaysia chief operating Officer aftersales division Mitsuo Muto

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia announced the delivery of 277 units of various models including light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks and Prime Movers to City-Link Express Malaysia ) Sdn Bhd.

Part of the light-duty trucks are equipped with the Isuzu Safety Plus platform, which adds on safety systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-slip Regulator (ASR) and Airbags.

With this truck delivery, City-Link Express becomes the first Malaysian customer to own the Isuzu Safety Plus in its fleet after the recent launch of the safety platform by Isuzu Malaysia on
Sept 1.

An official vehicle handover ceremony marked by ribbon-cutting and mock key presentation was held recently at Dataran City-Link Express in Jenjarom, Selangor and was attended by the
senior management and key support teams of Isuzu Malaysia, Jumbo Arena and City-Link Express.

“Our trucks are built with the Isuzu S.E.E Technology at its core, which represents safety, economy and environment to offer all our customers like City-Link Express the reliability, efficiency and versatility that they demand to help increase their business sustainability and output,” said Isuzu Malaysia CEO Koji Nakamura.


Lotus launches fastest Exige ever

                LONDON: The final iteration of the mid-engine hardtop Lotus sportscar is the Exige Race 380, a dedicated track-only car that weighs less than 1000kg and will cost over US$100,000 (RM447,000), but for that owners will get a car that meets FIA regulations and that has set a new record around Lotus's own Hethel test circuit.

Now that Lotus's finances are well and truly back on track it's about to start developing a flagship Esprit and testing the feasibility of a crossover or SUV.

However, it hasn't forgotten its hardcore fans and the reason why the company has managed to weather the storms of financial uncertainty - it makes some of the greatest track-focused cars that any amount of money can buy.

And the new Lotus Exige Race 380, announced on Thursday, continues in this tradition.

Built exclusively for racing, it starts out life as the already ferocious yet road-legal Exige Sport 380 and jettisons regulatory elements like headlamps and airbags that hold back performance.

"The Lotus Exige Sport 380 is a real giant slayer on the road," said Group Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. "It gave us the ideal platform from which to develop the new Exige Race 380."

It keeps the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 but now it's mated to a six-speed Xtrac sequential transmission complete with carbon fiber steering column-mounted paddle shifts. There's a limited slip differential, the gearbox gets its own oil cooler and the exhausts are lightweight titanium.

Built for teams and for individuals to race in sanctioned competitions, the car meets FIA criteria for its class so there's a roll cage, racing seats with six-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher system and motorsport towing eyes for those moments when the car eventually runs out of grip and leaves the track.

However, thanks to adjustable dampers and roll bars all round plus external aerodynamic improvements that increase downforce to 240kg, it's going to take some very heavy-handed piloting for the car to come unstuck.

As for performance, because the car tips the scales at just 998kg, it will go from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds but, more importantly, laps the Lotus Hethel test track in one minute, 23.5 seconds, making it the fastest Exige ever.

"By setting its weight below 1000kg, its power to weight is unsurpassed in its class. When lapping Hethel, it's a phenomenal 1.5 seconds faster than the previous Exige Cup R - a massive performance gain," said Gales.

Available to order now, the Lotus Exige Race 380 will cost £99,500 (RM540,000) excluding taxes, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in May in time for the 2017-18 race season.


Land Rover celebrates 50 years of its Range Rover

                STOCKHOLM: Land Rover has celebrated the Range Rover golden jubilee by creating a giant piece of sub-zero art at its cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, close to the Arctic circle in Sweden.

The 260m-wide artwork filled the centre of the steering pad at the test track where all future Land Rover models are put through their paces during development.

Land Rover’s Arjeplog facility uses a frozen lake to provide the perfect conditions for engineers to test and assess the latest models.

Renowned snow artist Simon Beck created the 53,092 square metre anniversary logo by walking more than 45,000 steps across the powdery surface inside the steering pad, accompanied by a quartet of the latest Range Rover SV models.

Since 2014 the expert engineers, craftsmen and women at Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) have been responsible for designing and producing the fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive Range Rover models in the British luxury SUV’s 50-year history.

The elevated luxury, performance and capability of the SV family represent the pinnacle of Range Rover development.

The luxurious Range Rover family will mark 50 years of pioneering innovation and peerless refinement in June, on the anniversary of the introduction of the two-door Range Rover in 1970.

Since then, the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar have expanded the family into a four-strong line-up of the world’s most desirable and advanced SUVs.

The original Range Rover was the four-wheel-drive SUV that introduced anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control and automatic electronic air suspension while the 2012 Range Rover pioneered aluminium body architecture in large SUVs.

In 2015 the Range Rover was the first vehicle to be fitted with Land Rover’s innovative All-Terrain Progress Control – now available across the Land Rover line-up.


Ferrari accelerates its move into hybrid cars

                MARANELLO: Ferrari presented a luxury car with a difference on Wednesday — a hybrid model that can cruise silently through city streets on electric power as well as hitting a top speed of 340kph.

Fitted with a 1,000 horsepower engine developed from Formula One, the new 4WD SF90 Stradale hybrid sports car was proudly displayed at the company’s historic base in Maranello, near Modena, in northern Italy.

Chief executive Louis Camilleri described the new car as “astounding, fast and completely revolutionary”.

As well as offering the traditional thrill of high speed and performance, the new car permits 25km of electric-only power, allowing drivers to leave home quietly and pass through city centers free of noise or dirty emissions.

“It will be silent, we don’t want to hide that this car can run electric too,” chief technology officer Michael Leiters said.

Smartphones of the 130 journalists attending the launch were taken away to prevent unauthorised photos of the new model leaking out.

Ferrari has already made one hybrid model — the limited series LaFerrari — but the SF90 Stradale will be its first to be more widely produced.

The unveiling comes in the same week that former Ferrari parent Fiat Chrysler pitched a merger deal with French peer Renault in part to catch up in electric vehicles.

Ferrari was spun off from Fiat Chrysler and listed separately. The two companies share the same top shareholder, the Agnelli family’s Exor holding.

Hybrid power units where introduced into Formula One racing in 2014, helping to facilitate the transfer of technology to Ferrari road cars.

About 2,000 selected customers from all over the world have been invited to Ferrari between Wednesday evening and Friday to view and reserve the new car, which will be delivered within 12 months. Its price will be announced this week.

Other buyers will have to wait more than a year. Ferrari sells over 65% of its cars to clients who already own one.

There is also an emerging new breed of premium or high-performance electric sports cars. These so-called supercars include Tesla’s upcoming Roadster Founder Series, which will sell for over US$200,000 and the Rimac Concept Two, priced in the region of $2 million.

Ferrari said last year it planned 15 new models, including hybrids, a utility vehicle and special editions, in its drive to hit mid-term earnings target.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSInternal combustion engine
Type V8 - 90° - turbo – dry sump
Total displacement 3990 cc
Maximum power output* 574 kW (780 cv) @ 7500 rpm
Max torque 800 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Specific power output 195 cv/l
Max. engine speed 8000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.5:1

Hybrid system
Maximum power electric motors 162 kW (220 cv)
Battery capacity 7.9 kWh
Max. range under electric power 25 km

Dimensions and weight
Length 4710 mm
Width 1972 mm
Height 1186 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Front track 1679 mm
Rear track 1652 mm
Dry weight** 1570 kg
Weight distribution 45% front - 55% rear
Boot capacity 74 l
Rear shelf capacity 20 l
Fuel tank capacity 68 l (2 reserve)

Tyres
Front 255/35 ZR 20 J9.5
Rear 315/30 ZR 20 J11.5
Brakes
Front 398 x 223 x 38 mm
Rear 360 x 233 x 32 mm

Transmission and gearbox 8-speed, F1 dual-clutch transmission

Electronic controls eSSC: E4WD (eTC, eDiff3), SCME-Frs, FDE2.0, EPS, high performance ABS/EBD with energy recovery

Performance
Maximum speed 340 km/h
0-100 km/h 2.5 s
0-200 km/h 6.7 s
100-0 km/h <29.5 m
Dry weight/power 1.57 kg/cv
Laptime at Fiorano 79s

Fuel consumption and emissions

Under homologation

* With 98 octane petrol
** With optional extras


Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N EV prototype conquers extreme cold

                ARJEPLOG, Sweden: Hyundai N is testing the all-electric, all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 N under extreme arctic winter conditions in Arjeplog, Sweden.

The Ioniq 5 N is planned to debut in July 2023 as N brand’s first high-performance mass-production EV (electric vehicle).

Given its position adjacent to the Arctic Circle, the Hyundai Mobis Proving ground in Arjeplog offers everything an automaker needs for comprehensive winter testing, such as low-grip coefficient icy surfaces and deep sub-zero temperatures as low as -30°C.

This allows Hyundai N engineers to test new models, such as the IONIQ 5 N, in the most extreme low friction conditions to achieve the optimal balance between the car’s responsive ‘fun-to-drive’ character and its ability to perform safely and predictably in sub-zero conditions.

For Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai Motor has combined the EV’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and expertise to raise the bar for electrified high performance and set the stage for what is sure to become the true driving enthusiast’s choice for a year-round performance EV.

“Just as our N models are honed at the sharp corners of the Nürburgring, our N models are also honed at the sharp corners and icy surfaces of our proving ground in Arjeplog, ensuring maximum performance in the most extreme winter conditions,” said Till Wartenberg, vice president of N Brand Management & Motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“We’re proud to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N perfectly meets our broad performance criteria, ensuring N Brand success as our first EV production N model.”

For Ioniq 5 N, N brand engineers have optimized the E-GMP’s dual-motor architecture for high performance in all driving conditions — even the frozen ice lakes of Arjeplog — with knowhow transfer of all-surface AWD capabilities demonstrated by Hyundai i20 N WRC Rally 1 car in Sweden.

Ioniq 5 N will be the first N brand production vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD). N’s AWD story began in 2015 through competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Over eight years of WRC participation, Hyundai has earned numerous accolades, including two world championships.

Ioniq 5 N’s corner-carving capability is further bolstered by the N Drift Optimizer, which integrates front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, steering effort and the e-LSD (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) system to create a driving mode dedicated for drifting.

It helps drivers of all skill levels to enjoy drifting and it is designed with particular care for drivers who are entering the sport of drifting for the first time.

With e-LSD specifically tuned for Ioniq 5 N, the electronic control unit monitors input from wheel sensors to accurately identify when a certain wheel needs extra torque to enhance overall vehicle grip.

That means e-LSD improves handling during cornering and high-speed driving on the racetrack as well as during adverse driving conditions, such as slick ice and deep snow.

The e- LSD designed specifically for the Ioniq 5 N provides quicker response and accuracy, which are especially important considering the faster reacting torque delivery of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

In addition, Ioniq 5 N uses N Torque Distribution that is optimized for different drive modes, allowing the driver to select the torque level to both front and rear wheels.

N Torque Distribution and e-LSD work together to distribute power to all four wheels in varying ratios and are specifically designed to quickly respond to the instantaneous and seamless power delivery inherent in EVs — even in extreme low-friction conditions like those found in Arjeplog.


McLaren unveils new lightweight chassis

                LONDON: McLaren Automotive has introduced its new vehicle architecture that will become the base of the company's next-generation of electrified supercars.

Much like the MonoCell chassis used in the company's 12C range of vehicles, the new carbon fibre composite architecture has been completely developed and engineered in-house in Sheffield, UK at the brand's £50mil (RM270mil) state-of-the-art McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC).

The new lightweight architecture will be able to accommodate new future hybrid powertrains and has been earmarked for use in the company's new hybrid supercar due to arrive in 2021.

Characteristics of the new architecture boasts of lightweight construction and greater structural rigidity as well as safety levels as they begin to transition towards 100% electrified supercars.

“For us, light-weighting and electrification go hand-in-hand to achieve better performance as well as more efficient vehicles,” said McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt.


Here's Artura: McLaren's first plug-in hybrid supercar arrives in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: McLaren Kuala Lumpur today launched the Artura - the company's first plug-in hybrid model in series production.

It is available for booking now, and base price starts from RM1.05mil (before taxes  and options). The left-hand drive unit on display is a pre-production model and is on a world tour; it will be in Malaysia for only two weeks

The Artura promises true supercar performance with hatchback-level emissions. It made its world premiere in February 2021.

The midengine two-seater can drive about 30km on battery power alone.

McLaren's answer to the Ferrari 296 GTB is expected to account for about a third of its total sales going forward.

The car was launched during Mike Flewitt's tenure as CEO. He announced his resignation from MCLaren in October last year.

Ex-Ferrari executive Michael Leiters will take over from July 1.

The Artura is the first model to be built on the all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that is designed for High-Performance Hybrid powertrains and built in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre. It has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 481hp/tonne at lightest dry weight.

Until now, hybrid-powered McLaren cars were only found in the rarified Ultimate Series, the legendary McLaren P1 pioneering the technology, followed by the Speedtail Hyper-GT using an electrified drivetrain to achieve a top speed in excess of 400kph.

The 671bhp/720Nm Artura is powered by a twin-turbo six-cylinder V6 engine. The 94hp/95PS electric motor alone delivers instant torque of up to 225Nm, ensuring the  sharpest-ever throttle response from a McLaren supercar.

McLaren expects it will accelerate from zero to 100kph in three seconds with a top speed of 330kph — specs comparable with production cars from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. It goes from 0-200kp in 8.3 seconds; and 0-300kph in 21.5 seconds.

At around 4.7l/100km (WLTP), the Artura is the most fuel-efficient McLaren ever produced.

While the architecture was developed in-house, the company is open to partnering with other carmakers on individual technologies as the industry electrifies.

McLaren has invested about £400 million (RM2.2bil) in the development of its hybrid platform which it plans to use for additional models.

The Artura’s eight-speed transmission will be McLaren’s first to integrate an electronic differential system that will control torque across the rear axle for better cornering.

According to McLaren Kuala Lumpur chief operating officer Ravinder Singh, customers who booked the Artura this month can expect to take delivery of the car within the first quarter of 2023.

The supercar comes with a five-year vehicle warranty, six-year battery warranty and 10-year body warranty.

> PRODUCT OUTLINE & SPECIFICATIONS (pdf)


SoftBank, Toyota venture unveils van with enhanced airflow as Covid-19 measure

A converted Hiace van is displayed by Monet, a mobility joint venture from SoftBank Corp and Toyota Motor Corp, in Tokyo today. — Reuters
TOKYO: A Japanese mobility venture has unveiled two adapted vans, one which can serve as a workspace or a mobile shop, and another that pumps fresh air through the vehicle to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading between passengers.

It is the first commercial offering from Monet, a joint venture between SoftBank Corp and Toyota Motor Corp.

In one version, the adapted Toyota Hiace van takes in outside air and circulates it through the interior, which is also fitted with screens and curtains to limit virus transmission. It can seat eight passengers in the back.

The other version of the van allows users to fix fittings to the floor and arrange the interior as a shop or work space.

The Monet joint venture was first announced in October 2018 with the goal of becoming a platform for driverless services.

Neither design incorporates self-driving technology and, in the case of the multi-purpose design, Japan’s road rules require fittings such as tables to be stored before moving off.

The venture hopes to sell 100 units in Japan to customers from government and companies this financial year.

Monet is the first alliance between Japan’s largest automaker and its No.3 wireless carrier and has attracted support from other domestic automakers as the industry races to develop autonomous vehicles and services.


Flyover to open by February

                PETALING JAYA: The much-delayed flyover linking the Federal Highway to Section 7 Shah Alam near i-City is expected to open by February next year.

The flyover’s project manager, PKNS Infra Bhd, said it would hand over the flyover to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) by mid-February.

“It will be handed over after several modifications are completed, including elevating the multiclass lane barrier,” said PKNS public relations manager Ishak Hashim.

The modifications are part of new conditions set by LLM.

The flyover is owned by Mentri Besar Incorporated and built by PKNS Infra Bhd.

 The RM45.9mil flyover was completed in July last year, with developers in the area contributing some RM45,996,691 to the project.

The RM45.9mil project was completed in July last year, with the cost borne by developers in the area.

The flyover was built to ease congestion into Section 7, a residential and commercial area.

Two universities are also located there – Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

The newly built Shah Alam Hospital will also be opening its doors to the public in January.

The new medical facility is expected to cater to the Subang and Shah Alam population and will ease the burden of Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang, which is overcrowded.

As such, the opening of the flyover is timely and expected to draw even more people to the area

Selangor Tourism and Culture Department director Arshad Mustapa acknowledged that people were frustrated about the delay.

“We can understand their frustrations because it can get quite congested, especially during the school holidays,” he said.

Arshad said the opening of the flyover was important as i-City had become a top tourist draw in Selangor.

He added that LLM was conducting several tests and was confident that the flyover would be open by next year.


Ford revamps leadership to quicken transformation plan

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Company announced both leadership and organisational changes to its global automotive operations to accelerate its Creating Tomorrow Together transformation plan.

The revamp, to take place on May 1, is the result of a 10-week deep dive led by Ford COO Jim Farley. It is aimed at sharpening Ford’s focus on product and launch execution; fully leveraging smart, connected vehicles and big data to better serve customers; improving quality and lowering costs; and creating a dedicated commercial vehicle business in the US and Canada.

“Under Jim Farley’s leadership, we are empowering a talented and diverse group of leaders – from inside and outside the company -- to continue to drive our transformation into a higher-growth, higher-margin business,” said Ford CEO Jim Hackett.

Farley said Ford is urgently moving forward to improve the health of the business and its launches, while at the same time modernising it.

Among the key changes are the following:

> Kumar Galhotra, 54, takes on an expanded role as president, Americas & International Markets Group, and continues to report to Farley. The North America, South America and International Markets Group business units will report to Galhotra. He will also take charge of a newly established commercial vehicle business for the US and Canada.

> Retired Col. Gil Gur Arie, 44, joins the company from the Israeli Military Intelligence Corps as chief, Global Data Insight and Analytics, reporting to Farley. In this position, he will lead the Ford team through the digital revolution and develop Ford’s big-data and AI strategy in the coming years.

> Stuart Taylor, 48, is appointed executive director, Enterprise Connectivity, reporting to Hau Thai-Tang, chief product development and purchasing officer. In this newly created role, Taylor is responsible for developing and implementing a suite of connectivity solutions that will support all areas of our business.

“The creation of the Enterprise Connectivity organisation provides seamless end-to-end ownership for connectivity between the vehicle, consumer, and infrastructure within Ford. Establishing this new organisation, along with these appointments will help us accelerate the delivery of human-centred, connected experiences for our customers and realise our vision of delivering intelligent vehicles in an increasingly connected world,” said Thai-Tang.


Proton's partner evaluation in final stages, Parliament told

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton is in the final stages of evaluating its foreign strategic partner, which is expected to be finalised in the first half of this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Calling for all quarters to be patient, Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said some matters were still being discussed, especially on equity participation.

"Proton might follow the direction taken by Perodua, but not necessarily so," he said on Tuesday when responding to a question from Wong Chen (PKR-Kelana Jaya).

He cited Perodua's strategic partnership with Daihatsu as an example, with Daihatsu owning 51% of the equity.

"Daihatsu has to have a 51% stake as Perodua requires huge high-technology investment," he said.

Ong said he hoped Proton's partner would be able to elevate the national carmaker's position, both locally and internationally.


Biodiesel fuel: Out of the frying pan into a vehicle

                PARIS: Running vehicles on used frying oil is a no-brainer for Gecco in Lille. Using a patented process, it enables this food waste to be recovered and converted into biodiesel.

In France's northernmost regions, chips are considered an institution. Belgians, Walloons, the Flemish and the Dutch, each lay claim to the invention of these fried strips of potato.

In fact, the inhabitants of Hauts-de-France use some 5,000 litres of frying oil each year. Seldom reused, this oil quickly ends up in our pipes. The water in the cities' pipes is highly polluted as a result and requires treatment that costs several hundred thousand euros.

Gecco was created with the aim of benefiting ecological and interdependent transition, by offering solutions for the local and innovative recovery of waste, thus helping to reduce it. Since 2007, Gecco has specialized in catering waste.

In this way, the Lille-based company has been recovering cooking oil from businesses and individuals to recycle into biodiesel. Today, it recovers oil from over 2,050 establishments, collecting some 4,000 tonnes of waste in 2019.

Once collected, the oil is treated, filtered and mixed with ethanol. Up to 30% of it can be incorporated into a traditional diesel fuel. Consequently, the company's director, Michel Milaeres, plans to operate his business according to an interdependent, social model.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia gets new vice-president

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the appointment of Bettina Plangger as its vice-president and head of marketing and sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and SEA II effective April 17.

She takes over from Micheal Jopp who had completed his tenure in Malaysia since his appointment at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in 2019.

Plangger was previously the Head of Sales of Passenger Cars for Munich, Germany.

She started her career in 2000 at Daimler AG and worked in product management.

She also held various positions in marketing and sales including market management responsibility for the Eastern European markets of Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Serbia.

In 2016, she was appointed as Head of Sales at Fleetboard, where she was responsible for 35 markets
globally.

In 2018, Plangger took over Mercedes-Benz‘s owned retail in Augsburg and was instrumental in implementing the new retail brand concept at all customer touchpoints.

During her tenure, Plangger was instrumental in implementing the brand’s luxury strategy and led her team to top-ranking positions in sales and customer satisfaction.

Plangger said: “This is indeed an opportune time as the Malaysian automotive industry is undergoing dynamic progress, especially with the country steering towards electric mobility.

“I’m excited and truly geared up in engaging with our leadership team locally and globally, aligning with our Ambition 2039 towards the future of mobility, in support of the sustainable and digitisation of the Malaysian automotive market,” she said.


Hyundai introduces world's first multi-collision airbag system

                SEOUL: The South Korean car maker has developed an airbag system that offers additional protection in multiple-impact accidents, where an initial collision is followed by secondary impacts with other objects such as trees and electricity posts etc.

The new cutting-edge airbag technology has been developed to reduce the risk of driver and passenger injuries from multi-collisions.

Unlike current systems that offer no protection from secondary impacts in cases where the initial collision is insufficient to trigger airbag deployment, Hyundai's new technology allows them to open, and to do so in a manner that takes into account the relative position of cabin occupants and the intensity of impacts.

To develop its new system, Hyundai analysed a broad range of multi-collision scenarios with a view to improving the precision of airbag triggering in the widest possible variety of accidents.

The new safety systems will ship with forthcoming models by Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia.


Side camera system comes standard for Honda e

                LONDON: Honda has confirmed that the Side Camera Mirror System of the new Honda e urban electric vehicle will be available as standard when the car enters production.

As seen on the prototype version, the technology is a first in the compact segment and brings significant benefits for styling, safety, aerodynamics and refinement.

The Side Camera Mirror System replaces conventional side view mirrors with compact cameras providing live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle. Integrated at either end of the dashboard, these ergonomically positioned screens ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver.

The next-generation camera technology helps the car retain a modern, clean and simple design, and complements the stepless A-pillars and flush ‘pop out’ door handles, also confirmed for the production version of the Honda e.

Unlike conventional side mirrors, the cameras are contained within the width of the car and do not extend beyond the wheel arches.

As well as improving visibility, these compact cameras reduce aerodynamic drag by around 90% compared to conventional door mirrors.

The result is an approximate 3.8% improvement for the entire vehicle, contributing towards the models overall efficiency and range. Furthermore, there is a significant reduction of wind noise compared to normal side mirrors at higher speeds.

The Honda e compact electric car is a bold step for the brand in terms of design and technology, and forms part of the brand’s strategy to feature electrified technology in all cars it sells in Europe by 2025.

It will feature a competitive range of over 125 miles and ‘fast charge’ functionality providing 80% range in just 30 minutes.

Inside, the spacious, contemporary interior creates a comfortable lounge-like feel with an intuitive and customisable dual touch-screen interface to keep passengers engaged with their connected lifestyles.


Kia Sportage gets J.D. Power quality award

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kia Sportage has secured first place in the 2016 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, earning the award for its quality and reliability.

In J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, a long-term product quality survey conducted in Europe, the Kia Sportage stood out with an extremely low number of faults, measured by J.D. Power in problems per 100 cars (PP100).

The Kia Sportage’s result of 45 PP100 not only resulted in victory in the compact SUV segment, but also placed the car first among 68 models from 24 manufacturers in the overall ranking.

“Kia has received critical acclaim from JD Power throughout this year, ranking the brand the highest in JD Power USA’s Initial Quality study, placing Naza Kia Malaysia in fourth place in J.D. Power Malaysia’s Customer Service Index (CSI) Study and now first place in JD Power Europe’s Vehicle Dependability Study. This is a testament to the fact that we have the best auto designers, engineers and a dedicated team who are constantly improving the Kia brand. We have no doubt that this latest achievement will increase the Kia Sportage’s already encouraging sales and further strengthen its position as a premier SUV,” said Datuk Samson Anand George, group chief operating officer, automotive group, Naza Corp Holdings.

The Kia Sportage displayed no weaknesses in any of the study’s disciplines and in fact achieved the best ratings of any car in the categories for exterior, interior and air conditioning in the survey.

The Vehicle Dependability Study is conducted annually and is the largest long-term satisfaction survey of German car owners.

This year, J.D. Power surveyed 15,453 motorists.

Launched in Malaysia in May earlier this year and making its grand entrance into the East Malaysian market in August, the Kia Sportage offers breathtakingly distinct design, an attractive interior, cutting-edge technology and advanced features.

The Kia Sportage was also a proud winner at the 2016 ‘Red Dot Awards’ for Product Design and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top award for Top Safety Pick+ in 2016.

It is the biggest selling model globally for Kia in 2016 with 349,431 units sold as of August 2016 year to date.

The Kia Sportage comes in two variants, the Kia Sportage Kx which is priced at RM121,888 on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia and the Kia Sportage GT Line which is priced at RM141,888 on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia.

Both come with five years warranty with unlimited mileage.


PLUS to finetune RFID tech for wider usage

                KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Bhd will continue to gather data and make further refinements and explore potential integration with new emerging technologies from 2023 and beyond as it transitions towards RFID adoption.

The highway toll operator said it also looks forward to seeing the introduction of RFID for heavy vehicles such as lorries and buses.

"The year 2022 will continue to be a year for data collection via AI machine-learning, system enhancement, and fine-tuning to make the journey experience even smoother,” it said in a statement.

Since the RFID launch, the company said it has used and applied the best global industry practices and equipment.

"All our gantry-mounted readers conform to the ISO IEC180000-6C certification requirements.

"The implementation of the automated number plate recognition technology and our toll validation centre support complement RFID and takes us towards multi-lane free-flow,” it added.

The company also said the RFID tag retail price is not decided or levied by PLUS but is set by Touch ‘n Go, the owner of the payment gateway products including the Touch ‘n Go card and SmartTAG device.

"The remit for PLUS is the installation, system integration and operation of the gantry-mounted readers at the toll plazas, while maintaining the ISO IEC180000-6C standard,” it said.

RFID is an additional choice for highway toll payment besides Touch ‘n Go and SmartTAG.

"It offers the customers the freedom to choose whichever lane is most free-flowing to maximise their toll payment convenience,” PLUS said.

"There are 24 fitment centres along PLUS highways, which are part of over 60 Touch ‘n Go RFID fitment centres nationwide.”


VW and Daimler going electric overwhelms German auto suppliers

                BERLIN: Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler are pushing hard to electrify their offerings, but Germany's US$94 billion car-parts industry is struggling with the once-in-a-generation shift.

More than half the country’s auto suppliers are overwhelmed by the pace of the transformation to battery-powered vehicles, according to a study released this week by consultancy Roland Berger.

After spending decades perfecting the production of crankshafts, diesel injectors and other components not needed for electric motors, the industry is now scrambling to adapt as its traditional products become obsolete sooner than expected.

From global players like Robert Bosch and Continental to the hundreds of small- and medium-size companies, parts makers are key to Europe’s biggest economy.

Roughly 75% of the value-add of a car made in Germany comes from this supply network, which employs more than 300,000 people. Many of those jobs are dependent on how swiftly the sector can change.

Doing so will be a bit like merging onto a crowded autobahn at high speed. Suppliers started cutting personnel and pushing into electric-vehicle technologies before the pandemic hit.

The global health crisis hasn’t just devastated auto demand; it’s also led to a global chip shortage and fuelled material-price increases. In the midst of all this, carmakers and European regulators came out with more ambitious EV sales and emissions-cutting targets, hastening the demise of internal combustion engines.

“The ability to transform their product range is becoming an existential question for suppliers,” says Jan C. Maser, a partner at Roland Berger and one of the study’s co-authors.

“Companies have to invest heavily in new technologies — and that with stagnating production volumes and tight margins.”

Carmakers are exacerbating issues by producing more components in-house.

Tesla, VW and Porsche are making car batteries themselves or with a partner from outside the traditional car-parts industry.

VW aims to cut procurement costs by 7% and fixed costs by 5% over the next couple years, potentially pressuring suppliers including Continental, Magna and ZF Friedrichshafen, my colleague Joel Levington wrote for Bloomberg Intelligence.

During a visit to Germany earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly called out Bosch for not supplying chips quickly enough.

The industry’s struggles won’t be over soon. The semiconductor shortage will cut worldwide auto production by as many as 7.1 million vehicles this year, with pandemic-related supply disruptions hobbling output well into 2022, according to IHS Markit.

This week, VW's Wolfsburg plant — the world’s biggest, employing some 60,000 people — restarted from its usual summer break running only one shift.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government, which has been kind to the industry in past years, earlier this month green-lighted a 1 billion-euro “future” fund to help German regions reliant on autos survive the shift away from the combustion engine. Still, analysts anticipate greater consolidation of the parts industry.

So, what can suppliers do? Roland Berger says they must overhaul long-established processes to become leaner, invest more in software and digitization, become more open to R&D partnerships and look to Asia for potential growth.

Some have started the process. Hanover-based Continental, which abruptly replaced its CEO last year after falling returns and slow progress shifting to electric-vehicle components, is spinning off its powertrain unit Vitesco Technologies next month — albeit long after similar moves by rivals.

Germany’s auto suppliers are known to be great at solving problems. They’ll develop new products, raise efficiencies and carve out new niches. Still, the industry’s glory days are probably over: While a combustion drivetrain contains roughly 1,500 individual parts, an electric one has only 250. That’s a lot fewer slices of pie from which to feast.

Almost a decade ago, the potential for defective Takata air bags to explode in a crash erupted into the auto industry’s most complex and far-reaching safety crisis.

Roughly 100 million were recalled worldwide. Although the issue has largely faded from the public eye, defective parts continue to put drivers at risk, Andrea Navarro and Ryan Beene write in Businessweek.

As of early July, more than 14 million airbags still hadn’t been fixed in the US alone.

Millions of car owners remain unaware that the propellant used in their cars’ air bag inflators could be degrading as a result of heat and humidity, posing potentially deadly risk to those sitting in driver and passenger seats.


CarSifu Auto Show 2016 goes into full swing

Poey and his wife, Lee, scouting for a bigger car at the auto show. They are standing next to the Proton Persona.
PETALING JAYA: The CarSifu Auto Show 2016 is picking up steam with more visitors dropping in to inquire about the latest cars in the market and promotional deals.

“I knew about the car show from The Star newspaper, that’s why I’m down here with my family to have a look,” said 56-year-old retiree Tan Hooi Jun, who came with his wife Siew Luan and daughter Sue May.

“Other than a Volvo, I was also looking at Mazda and Citroen. It’s just very convenient because I get to see many cars in one location,” added Tan.

The five-day event, ending on Sunday, is being held at the Highstreet concourse area of the 1 Utama Shopping Centre here. Some of the exhibits such as passenger cars and pick-up-trucks are to be found also outside the building near the concourse area.

More than 30 vehicles from brands such as Chevrolet, Citroen, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Perodua, Proton, Renault, Volvo and Volkswagen are being displayed.

Those who book their vehicles during the show are automatically eligible for the Book and Win contest and be in the running to win 10 television units – two 58in Full HD and eight 50in UHD.

They will also stand a chance to win a pair of AirAsia return tickets each to Sapporo, Japan; Hong Kong; Bali, Indonesia; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Luang Prabang, Laos.

Meanwhile, Naza Kia Malaysia is offering a zero interest rate or a three-year free service package for selected models.

During the show, visitors can participate in fun quizzes and win perfume cards, drawstring bags, luggage tags, umbrellas, key chains, road tax stickers, non-woven bags, backpacks and car-branded badges.

 Tan Hooi Jun with wife, Siew Luan, and daughter Sue May. The family may consider buying a Volvo.

Visitors can also enter the CarSifu Snap & Win contest where they can present creative selfies taken at the show and win prizes.

Newly-weds Poey Shao Hui, 27, and Beatrice Lee were at Proton’s booth, looking at a Persona model as a possible upgrade.

“I currently drive a Hyundai i10 and am thinking about upgrading to a bigger car, so I’m just having a look around for the time being,” he said.

Datin Zaiton Ishak, 58, who came with her 14-year-old son Zahari, was thinking of changing to a new a car.

“It’s good to have these promotions at a shopping mall, because not only can you enjoy the variety of cars, but you can also have a look at them in good comfort and then go shopping after that,” said the housewife.


Heads of US automakers, other Michigan companies condemn racism, injustice

                DETROIT: Top executives of the Detroit Three automakers and other major Michigan employers on Wednesday condemned racism and injustice in the United States following the death last week of an unarmed black man at the hands of Minneapolis police, carefully joining a charged national debate.

General Motors Co chief executive Mary Barra, Ford Motor Co executive chairman Bill Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) North America chief operating officer Mark Stewart were among the nine executives who called for independent prosecution of those involved in Floyd’s death, and agreed to invest in programmes and policies to help transform communities with racial disparities.

“We unequivocally condemn intolerance,” Barra said at the event at Detroit’s municipal office which was livestreamed. “When hatred exists in our house, we will root it out.”

Barra said inclusion would be GM’s guiding principle, and called on GM employees to speak up and tell her what needs to be done.

“We want to be part of meaningful, deliberate change,” she said. “We will act.” Barra said earlier this week she will form a new “inclusion advisory board” to advise the company’s top executives.

FCA’s Stewart called Floyd’s death “senseless” and said the tolerance for social injustice was at an end. “I say to you today, no more,” he said.

The auto executives join a wide range of senior figures across Corporate America who are condemning Floyd’s death as tens of thousands of people have protested, sometimes violently, in cities across the United States and elsewhere.

None of the executives mentioned President Donald Trump, who has threatened to deploy the military to put down the protests. A Reuters poll released on Wednesday found that a majority of Americans disapproved of Trump’s hardline response.

The issues raised by Floyd’s death and the resulting protests have put pressure on CEOs from Silicon Valley to Wall Street to wade in to a charged and increasingly politicised debate.

Detroit’s automakers must walk a fine line. They sell many of their pickup trucks, which generate most of their profits, in states that voted for Trump in 2016.

The Trump administration has put pressure on the auto companies over issues ranging from fuel economy to plant shutdowns.

At the same time, the auto companies have struggled with racial tensions in their US factories, committed to increasing the diversity of their workforces, and are now trying to recruit technically skilled workers like those who protested Facebook Inc CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision not to take down inflammatory posts by Trump.

“There are no easy answers and we aren’t interested in superficial actions,” Ford executive chairman Bill Ford said during the appearance here.

“The recent tragic events remind us of how far we have yet to go,” he added.

Others at the event included the heads of DTE Energy Co, TCF Financial Corp, Henry Ford Health System, Quicken Loans, Ilitch Holdings and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.


Ghost decals put the fright in high-beamers

                BEIJING: Chinese drivers are sticking reflective ghost transfers on the rear windows of their cars to deter other motorists from using high beam headlights.

But people caught using the light-reflecting printed decals could face fines for posing a risk to road safety, Xinhua news agency reported.

Traffic police in Jinan, eastern Shandong province, have noticed some vehicles with pictures of ghosts with pale skin and red tongues stuck on their rear windows. On e-commerce site Taobao, dozens of shops are selling such scary rear-window decals.

The graphics range from women with bloody mouths to green or blue-eyed wolves.

The sellers say the decals, hardly visible in the dark, can reflect light when high beam headlights are shone on them and shock motorists who use such headlights.

Some products listed on Taobao have received hundreds of reviews.

“It looks great,” one buyer said. “Let’s see who still follows my car with full beam headlights on.”

In Jinan, drivers who have ghost decals on their cars can be fined 100 yuan (RM63) each, Xinhua said. Police say such driver will tougher punishments if the decals cause road accidents by scaring other drivers.

Chinese media have previously reported several accidents in which people have died after drivers were dazzled by bright, full beam headlights.

Police usually dock points from drivers’ licences for breaching rules on the use of headlights, or fine motorists up to several hundred yuan. – South China Morning Post


New EV owners resist petrol cars, J.D. Power survey shows

                DETROIT: First-time owners of electric vehicles were reluctant to switch back to petrol-fuelled cars even as concerns continued to loom about the availability of charging infrastructure, a report from J.D. Power showed on Thursday.

Sales of EVs in the United States jumped to a record high earlier this month with 434,879 new units on the road, however, demand for their hybrid counterparts remained strong as many customers withdrew from EVs due to higher prices, limited driving range and fewer charging stations than required.

"We know from our research that many consumers have concerns during the purchase consideration process with aspects like battery range and vehicle charging," said Brent Gruber, senior director of global automotive at J.D. Power.

"However, once someone has purchased a BEV, they're pretty much hooked."

The 2022 US Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) ownership study showed that satisfaction among owners who are new to BEVs averaged 754 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is comparable to 766 among BEV veterans (those who have owned a BEV prior to their current one).

The study found that Tesla's Model 3 ranked highest overall and highest in the premium BEV segment with a score of 777. The Kia Niro EV ranked highest in the mass market BEV segment for a second consecutive year with a score of 744.

The study took into consideration factors including accuracy of stated battery range, availability of public charging stations, cost of ownership, driving enjoyment, ease of home charging, interior and exterior styling, safety and technology features, service experience, and vehicle quality and reliability.


Japan pushes to remove zero-emission vehicle target from G7 statement, draft shows

                TOKYO/BRUSSELS: Japan is pushing to remove a target for zero-emission vehicles from a G7 communique expected this week, according to a proposed draft seen by Reuters, a move that would water down language on climate change from the leaders' summit in Germany.

The pressure from Tokyo, an influential member of the Group of Seven rich nations, comes as the Japanese auto industry has faced scrutiny from green investors who say it has been slow to embrace zero-emission vehicles and lobbied against regulations that would encourage quicker transition to the technology.

Reuters reported last week that Toyota Motor Corp's head lobbied the Japanese government to make clear it supported hybrid vehicles as much as zero-emission battery electrics.

G7 leaders are meeting in the Bavarian Alps for a summit where climate change figures on the agenda.

Japan has proposed removing a reference to a "collective goal of at least 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030", according to a draft of the communique reviewed by Reuters.

In its place, it has proposed a less concrete target of "significantly increasing the sale, share and uptake of zero-emission light duty vehicles recognising the range of pathways that members are adopting to approach these goals", according to the draft.

A person familiar with the matter confirmed that Japan had proposed the changes, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. It was not clear whether the proposed changes would be in the final version of the communique, which is due to be released at the end of the summit today.

Japan's foreign ministry said it was not immediately able to comment.

Range of options sought

Separately, Japan had pushed to remove a goal for all new car and van sales in G7 countries to be "zero emission vehicles" by 2035, in the G7 climate ministers' communique in late May, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Ultimately, the 2035 target was not included in the final statement, which pledged instead to achieve a "highly decarbonised road sector by 2030" by "significantly increasing" zero-emission vehicle sales.

Reuters reported last week that Toyota Motor Corp's head lobbied the Japanese government to make clear it supported hybrid vehicles, which burn fossil fuels, as much as zero-emission battery electrics.

Both Japan's auto industry lobby and leading automaker Toyota say automakers should not be limited to specific technologies and needed to keep a range of options towards reaching a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Toyota, the world's biggest automaker by sales, has said fossil fuels, not internal combustion engines, are the problem.

As well as the hybrids it popularised more than two decades ago with the Prius, it also champions hydrogen technology, although that has so far not caught on the way battery-electric cars have.

Energy and climate think-tank InfluenceMap has rated Toyota the worst among major automakers for its lobbying record on climate policy, which includes public statements and interaction with governments.


Electric cars a major challenge for supermarkets, gas stations

                LOS ANGELES: The rise of electric cars is proving a challenge not only for auto makers but also gas stations, supermarkets and malls forced to adapt as more and more electric vehicles hit the road, experts say.

"I've been dealing with convenience and fuel retail for 20 years and I'll tell you, three years ago they had no interest in electric vehicle charging at all, they wanted EV to die," said John Eichberger, executive director at Fuels Institute, a research-oriented think tank.

"They thought it was the biggest threat to their business model," added Eichberger, who was speaking at a panel discussion this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. "But now, they realise that they are their customers."

One major problem for traditional gas stations is the minimum 20 to 30 minutes it takes to charge an electric vehicle as opposed to the average three and a half minutes customers typically spend today filling their cars with gasoline.

That includes a quick run to the bathroom, buying coffee or snacks while filling the tank, Eichberger noted.

He said even though most people today charge their electric vehicles at home or work, traditional gas stations — some 145,000 in the US — could install fast electric chargers in order to cater to the rising number of EV owners.

"Along with food service offers and free wifi, it could give that opportunity to develop a business model around that customer base that can be added onto the existing business mode," he said.

"We're seeing a lot of them start to do that and figure out what makes sense for their customer."

The same challenge is facing grocery stores that are increasingly offering charging stations.

"The data that I see is suggesting that in 20 years, over 30 percent of the vehicles on the road will be some from of electric car that requires some form of charge," said Ed Hudson, senior director for corporate research for Kroger, one of the biggest US supermarket chains.

Changing parking lots

"It is going to change the parking lots," Hudson said. "How are we going to change our designs of customer drop-off pick-up? Where are we going to put all these EV chargers? How many different companies try to do their own proprietary system, like Tesla?

"That's going to make it very complicated," he added, pointing to the high cost of installing charging stations in parking lots.

One challenge, experts said, is the fact that the majority of electrical vehicle sales in the United States — the second biggest market after China — are concentrated on the West Coast and East Coast where grocery chains have small lots and where real estate is very expensive.

The same applies to shopping centres that often have to abide by strict regulations.

"There are numberous lease restrictions that restrict our ability to work within certain sites," said Daniel Segal, vice president of business development at Simon Property Group, a global leader in the ownership of shopping centers.

"We're not only constrained by what we do with EV charging," Segal said. "We still have this thing called shopping and building retail shopping ... further putting pressure on our parking structures themselves."

According to the Edison Electric Institute, there were nearly 1.2 million electric vehicles on US roads at the end of March, with sales jumping 81 percent in 2018 from the previous year.

That number of electric vehicles in the US is projected to reach 18.7 million in 2030.


New 600e expands Fiat's electric offering

                LONDON: Fiat has entered into the competitive compact electric SUV segment with its new 600e.

Building upon the existing electric 500 model, the new 600e delivers more space and practicality as well as a range of more than 400km on the combined cycle.

Fiat says that if the 600e were used predominately in urban environments, it could travel for up to 600km, too.

Thanks to 100kW fast charging capability, the 600e can also be charged from 0 to 80% in less than half an hour. Plugged in at an 11kW domestic charger, the 600e will take less than six hours to fully charge.

Inside, there's seating for five people while a 360-litre boot is accessible at the rear.

Available to order this autumn ahead of deliveries later in the winter, the 600e will be available in two specifications – La Prima and (RED).

The exterior of the car is highlighted with chrome "600" badging at the front and on the sides, while LED headlights and matte black wheel arches give it more presence. There's also an Italian flag motif in the rear bumper.

(RED) specification models get the team's hallmark exterior colour both inside and outside, though buyers can also choose from black and white shades. La Prima versions, meanwhile, can be specified in one of four different colours.

Inside, the 600e features electric seat adjustment with a back massage function, as well as wireless smartphone charging and a number of USB and USB-C charging points for topping up devices.

Fiat has also included a number of assistance systems into the 600e, such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and 360-degree parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

A 10.25-inch infotainment screen provides access to navigation and media functions, while both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard too.

Fiat's Uconnect service also allows for real-time navigation functions and charging point locations, while owners can also use the feature to remotely operate the car's lights, horn and door locks via a smartphone app. — PA Media


Importance of having the right tyre pressure

                PETALING JAYA: As the sole connection between vehicle and road, tyres are one of the most important safety components of a vehicle. Yet, many vehicle owners are ignorant of tyre maintenance.

A survey conducted by Bridgestone with 2,623 vehicle owners between 2014 and 2015 revealed that as many as 82% of respondents do not know the correct tyre inflation for their ride. Ignorance of tyre maintenance can lead to danger on the road as traction, performance in wet weather conditions and braking distance are all dependent on tyres.

So what causes tyres to blow out? The leading cause of tyres blowing out is under-inflation. Like balloons, tyres lose air over time. When tyres are underinflated, the sides of the tyres wear out faster and they become dangerously hot. The build-up of heat can lead to tread separation and tyre blowout.

Another leading cause of tyre failure is over inflation. Contrary to common thinking, pumping more air into the tyre is not always better. Pumping too much air into tyres will wear out the middle section of the tyre prematurely. This can cause the cord to break and reduces tyre life over time.

To stay safe on the roads, it is necessary to have proper tyre maintenance knowledge. Sometimes, just by looking, it is not possible to tell whether tyres are under or over inflated. As such, get a tyre pressure gauge and periodically check tyre pressure once a month, preferably in the morning before you start your driving journey in order to get the most accurate reading.

All tyres should have the same inflation pressure. Find the proper air pressure guidelines in your vehicle manual and never inflate a tyre past its maximum acceptable air pressure.

Drive safely, and stay safe on the roads!


Skoda already planning eRS models

Skoda's Vision E concept.
PRAGUE: Even though we're still a considerable way away from the point where Skoda's first all-electric car goes on sale, the company is already making plans for highly desirable RS versions of its electric vehicles.

Skoda has a proud history of producing impressive RS performance versions of its mainstream models, and the UK's Auto Express reports the all-electric vehicles will be getting similar treatment.

The manufacturer's first EV will be a production version of the Vision E concept that was extremely well received at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, though the model won't come to market until late 2020.

The EV will be based on the same Volkswagen Group MEB platform that underpins the upcoming VW I.D. hatchback. Alain Favey, Skoda's board member for sales and marketing, confirmed to Auto Express that there are already plans in place for electric versions of the vRS, which will predictably be labelled eRS.

Favey said, "The logic is the same – it's not about performance as such. Our most powerful engine is 245bhp so by any stretch of imagination we're not talking about challenging Ferrari."

Unfortunately, it seems Skoda will only offer a single battery output with its EV. That suggests any eRS version will have to concentrate on handling and aesthetic enhancements rather than offering seriously upgraded performance.

"It's about the look, it's about the sporty feeling when you're driving the car, it's about the seats, it's about the experience and I think that's what our customers like," said Favey.

"It's about the experience and that's something we can do very well in our future electric cars. Definitely, we will have RS versions of our electric cars – it's part of our brand."

One thing to look forward with the upcoming Skoda EV is the range of more than 480km on a fully charged battery. But this will come at a cost, as it's expected to start at about £30,000 (RM160,000).


China's BYD launching in Europe with three models

Tang.
BERLIN: BYD might be a household name in China, but many drivers in Western markets have never even heard of this electric car brand.

That's about to change, and the Chinese electric market leader is launching with three cars in Europe by the end of the year.

The first model is the Atto 3, which is 4.45 metres long and is set to compete with electrics like the VW ID3. It's designed as an SUV with a 204-hp motor on the front axle which can help it reach a top speed of 160kph, BYD says.

The battery has a capacity of 60.5 kWh and is said to allow a range of 420km.

The big brother of the Atto is the 4.87-metre-long Tang, in which one motor per axle provides all-wheel drive.

 Atto 3.

According to BYD, they have a combined output of 517hp and allow up to 180kph top speed. The battery in the floor under the cabin with a maximum of seven seats provides 86.4 KWh - enough for up to 400km, BYD says.

Third in line is the 5-metre Han saloon, which rivals pricier electrics like the Tesla Model S or the Mercedes EQE. It uses the same motors and has a battery capacity of 85.4 kWh. Due to more favourable aerodynamics, however, it can travel up to 521km.

While the Chinese are already giving relatively precise details about the technology, they are still silent about distribution, pricing and in which exact markets the cars will be offered. So far, the cars have only been confirmed for Germany.

 Han.


Chip shortage casts shadow on China's auto industry recovery

An Arcfox aS HI (Huawei Inside) autonomous car is seen during the 19th Shanghai auto show.— AFP
SHANGHAI: Auto industry executives are rattled by a global shortage of semiconductors which is hitting production in China, after hoping the world's biggest car market could spearhead global recovery in the sector.

Automakers around the world have had to adjust assembly lines due to the shortages, caused by manufacturing delays that some semiconductor makers blame on a faster-than expected recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Volkswagen AG, China's biggest foreign automaker which wants to sell over four million vehicles in the country, said the impact of the shortage remains unabated in the second quarter this year.

Stephan Woellenstein, Volkswagen's China chief, told reporters on Sunday it was hard to gauge how much production Volkswagen might lose week to week or even month to month because of the chip shortage.

"It's really like fire-fighting... In some cases, we have switched to another chip so we changed suppliers," he said, ahead of the Shanghai auto show which opened today.

China, where over 25 million vehicles were sold last year, become a ray of hope for automakers, including Volkswagen and General Motors, as the global auto industry was hit hard by the pandemic.

However, China is also where news of the auto chip shortage first emerged last year. The shortage was worsened by a fire in Renesas Electronics' chip factory in Japan in March.

In 2019, automotive groups accounted for roughly a tenth of the US$429 billion semiconductor market, according to McKinsey, with NXP Semiconductor, Germany's Infineon and Renesas among key suppliers to the sector.

Automakers, including Nissan Motor, Ford Motor and Nio Inc said they cut production due to the chip supply shortage.

Li Shaohua, senior official at China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said chip supply shortage hit auto production by 5% to 8% in the first two months this year and expects the impact to ease from the third quarter of this year.

As a result, China Automobile Dealers Association, said it expects car inventory to continue to drop in China as the chip shortage hits overall auto production. Supply of some car models might not be able to meet demand, it said.


Perodua swings back into business

                RAWANG: Perodua has resumed operations at all 182 sales, 202 service and 68 Body & Paint outlets nationwide, after a two-month movement control order (MCO) closure.

“We have put in place the necessary safeguards at all our outlets nationwide to ensure that our valued customers and employees will be sufficiently protected in the light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“Production in Sungai Choh began partially on May 11 and is now in full swing. We hope to fulfil demand as quickly as possible,” he added.

Perodua outlets restarted operations on a staggered basis from May 12.

Customers need to secure an appointment slot beforehand with their service centre of choice – walk-ins will not be accepted at present to avoid crowding.

All visitors must undergo temperature checks, register their details and adhere to social distancing markers.

Hand sanitisers are placed at key locations, and the outlets are sanitised regularly.


Indian mob vents anger at Lamborghini and Ferrari supercars

A screen grab of the attack on the exotic cars that was captured on video.
NEW DELHI: An angry mob and supercars in their midst do not mix.

The owners of this Lamborghini Aventador and a Ferrari 458 Italia found out the hard way when they were caught in a hail of stones that came, not from the sky, but from the angry crowd during a political rally in Uttar Pradesh, India.

This YouTube video, posted up on Sunday, showed the vehicular attack, as the cars make a hasty getaway to avoid further damage to bodyshell and drivers.

It is not known what set off the attack on the prized cars but there have been a number of cases in India where unruly crowds went on the rampage and damage property and vehicles as emotions run high.

The state of Uttar Pradesh is heading for elections in the coming weeks.

Other than the Bollywood big-wigs and scions of the ruling elites, India is also home to a rapidly emerging class of superich entrepreneurs who are firing up sales of supercars. But crowded metro roads and the presence of free-roaming cattle and dogs make it a dicey affair for supercar owners to play with their "toys" except in the early hours of the morning or on the tracks.


Trump says US will finalise new fuel efficiency rules next year

                WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said his administration will finalise its rollback of Obama-era vehicle emissions standards next year and expected it would provoke a new legal challenge by California.

The administration had signalled in recent months it could finalise its proposed revisions to the requirements before the end of 2019.

The administration has argued that the rollbacks are necessary for economic and safety reasons but California and environmentalists reject that analysis, saying consumers would spend hundreds of billions more in fuel costs.

In August 2018, the administration proposed freezing vehicle efficiency requirements at 2020 levels through 2026, which would result in average fuel efficiency of 37 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2026, compared with 46.7 mpg under rules adopted in 2012.

The Trump administration’s “preferred option” would hike U.S. oil consumption by about 500,000 barrels per day by the 2030s but reduce automakers regulatory costs by more than $300 billion.

Republican Trump has sought to reverse his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama’s climate change policy, which was aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Trump said on Friday that the dispute was over “a tiny amount of fuel - of which we have plenty.” He said the rules would lead to “safer and more affordable vehicles.”

Trump, without citing any evidence, said the existing rules would require “extra computers put on the engine.”

The administration has said the rules would reduce traffic deaths because it would cut future vehicle price hikes and prod speedier purchases of safer vehicles.

But some EPA staff disputed that contention, according to documents released last year, arguing it would actually lead to more traffic deaths in some years because of an increase in vehicle travel.

Last month, California and 22 other states sued to challenge the administration’s decision in September to revoke California’s authority to set stiff vehicle tailpipe emissions rules and require a rising number of zero emission vehicles.

Major automakers - including General Motors Co, Toyota Motor Corp, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV - backed the administration’s effort to bar California from setting tailpipe standards.

The US Department of Justice in August opened an antitrust investigation into four major automakers that struck a deal with California and has issued civil subpoenas to Ford Motor Co, Honda Motor Co, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG.

The administration’s final requirements are expected to modestly boost fuel efficiency versus the preferred option, with several automakers anticipating annual increases of about 1.5%, much less stringent than the Obama rules.


Auto Bavaria delivers first BMW i3s in Malaysia

Lim (right) receiving the i3s from Loke Win.
PENANG: Auto Bavaria recently delivered the all-electric BMW i3s to its first customer in Malaysia.

The first-ever  i3s was presented to Lim Chau Wei at a vehicle handover ceremony in conjunction with the unveiling of two BMW i chargers at Hotel G Kelawai here. The chargers occupy 256 square feet at Level B1.

Auto Bavaria Penang dealer principal Wong Loke Win said the company has the ability to fully support the needs of BMW i customers. He said more chargers would be installed nationwide.

 Loke Win (centre) with Kim Kooi (second from left) and Hanratty unveiling the chargers.

“Our collaboration with Hotel G Kelawai Penang is our third BMW i charging facility in the northern region after Hotel St. Giles and Queensbay Mall. We are optimistic with the future of the BMW i brand in Malaysia,” said Wong.

Among those present to witness the handover were Auto Bavaria Penang sales head Wong Kim Kooi and  G Hotel general manager Michael Hanratty.

Auto Bavaria is the largest BMW dealership in Malaysia.


Tesla imposes masks rule at Nevada battery plant, says WSJ

                NEW YORK: Tesla Inc is telling workers at its Nevada battery factory they will be required to wear a mask indoors starting today regardless of vaccination status, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

Workers at the Reno, Nevada-area facility had previously been required to wear a mask if they were not vaccinated, but could avoid that requirement if they were, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Tesla is the latest company to mandate masks after the Delta variant forced the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reverse course and recommend that even fully vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside business hours.


MINI celebration hits the road nationwide

                PETALING JAYA: MINI Malaysia is organizing the MINI “The Nation’ Roadshow, a nationwide roadshow celebrating the heritage, performance and innovation exemplified by MINI.

The nationwide roadshow which runs from Sept 22 to Dec 3, 2017 features specially tailored test drives of new MINI vehicles, offering special gifts as well as amazing deals with high rebates and low interest rates including a Malaysia Day special with an attractive RM6,000 rebate offered for MINI hatches in the colours of the Jalur Gemilang.

The MINI ‘The Nation’ Roadshow also offers special MINI Financing plans including the Straight Line, Balloon and Full Circle payment packages where you can get into a MINI from RM1,970 onwards.

The MINI JCW Pro Boost Kit reinforces the MINI Cooper S 5 Door with MINI’s sporting heritage, combining over 50 years of racing experience with state-of- the-art technology and lightweight materials.

Making a strong performance impression coupled with blistering capability for the MINI Cooper S 5 Door, the MINI JCW Pro Boost Kit includes 18” JCW Pro Cross-Spoke 506 wheels, the JCW Pro Tuning Kit and the JCW Pro Valve Silencer System.

A prime example of engineering masterclass, the JCW Pro Tuning Kit harnesses extra power for the most demanding high-performance driving capabilities of the MINI Cooper S 5 Door. It boosts the standard engine performance from 192hp to 211hp (+19hp) and the torque also peaks at 300Nm compared to the original 280Nm (+20Nm).

The MINI JCW Pro Boost Kit is only applicable for new car purchases of the MINI Cooper S 5 Door at the MINI ‘The Nation’ Roadshow and offers five Signature MINI colours - Blazing Red, British Racing Green, Pepper White, White Silver, and Volcanic Orange.

The retail price of the MINI Cooper S 5 Door with JCW Pro Boost Kit (inclusive of MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Roadside Assistance) is RM249,888.00.

The retail price of the MINI JCW Pro Boost Kit for the MINI Cooper S 5 Door at the nationwide roadshow is RM 10,000 which includes installation in comparison to its normal retail price estimated at RM 26,000.

Venues and dates for the MINI the Nation Roadshow are as below:
Paradigm Mall Sept 22 – Sept 24 2017AEON Seremban 2 Sept 29 – Oct 1 2017Setia City Mall Oct 6 – Oct 8 2017Gurney Plaza Oct 13 – Oct 15 2017Suria Sabah Oct 20 – Oct 22 2017Sutera Mall Johor Oct 27 – Oct 29 2017Desa ParkCity Nov 10 – Nov 12 2017The Spring Kuching Nov 17 – Nov 19 2017Sunway Velocity Mall Dec 1 – Dec 3 2017
For more information on the MINI roadshow, please visit mini.my/nation-roadshow.


Pagani Huayra now in roadster form

                ROME: According to Pagani CEO Horacio Pagani, "this is the most complicated project we have ever undertaken," when commenting about the roadster version of its Huayra supercar, with only 100 units being built. Unfortunately, all of them have already been purchased.

That's right, the Italian supercar creator that brought us the Zonda, has put its Huayra coupe under the knife and sliced off the roof to help put some air through the hair (or scalp), while having a base price that starts at 2.28mil euros (RM10,996,440) before anything bespoke touches it.

The new addition to the Huayra stable now has a removable roof made with a combination of glass and carbon fibre, while the exterior's mainly carbon fibre panels have been dipped in an "ink-insh blue" colour that helps the many curves, cut-outs, fins and vents on it to become more pronounced.

It still maintains use of the a 7-speed sequential gearbox mated to a 6.0-litre (5,980cc) Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 60-degree V12 that's a little more powerful than the coupe at 764hp at 6,200rpm and 1,000Nm of torque from 2,400rpm.

With a dry weight of 1,280kg (70kg lighter than the coupe), the supercar with a targa roof rolls on 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) forged aluminium alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa or Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.

All that means is that the roadster will not only out-accelerate the coupe's 2.8 second century-sprint time, but also stop in a shorter distance with its set of six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) callipers biting down on the four ventilated 380mm Brembo carbon ceramic discs.