Governor aims to make Florida ‘most autonomous friendly-state' in country

                TALLAHASSEE: Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill late last week that would allow autonomous vehicles to be tested and operated without a backup human driver inside.

In January, "CS/HB 311: Autonomous Vehicles" was first filed.

The bill specifies, however, that a remote human operator who is monitoring the vehicle's activity is required.

According to the governor's staff, this bill eliminates "unnecessary obstacles" that slow the technological advancement of autonomous vehicles and therefore hinder the development of smart cities.

CS/HB 311 also outlines insurance and vehicle functionality requirements to operate said cars as well as lays out the laws regarding autonomous vehicles in a uniform fashion.

The bill will officially go into effect on July 1.


myTukar Extends Touch ‘n Go eWallet collaboration to reward customers with eWallet credits

                KUALA LUMPUR: myTukar is extending its cashback collaboration with Touch ‘n Go eWallet till March 31, after an initial successful run and reception to the promotion.

Touch ‘n Go eWallet customers can continue to receive an exclusive cashback of RM350 in eWallet credits when they successfully sell or trade-in their car with myTukar.

myTukar CEO Derrick Eng said the company wanted customers of the country's fastest-growing digital pre-owned car ecosystem to continue experiencing an enjoyable, safe, smooth and seamless vehicle shopping journey.

“In addition to the many great pre-owned deals on myTukar, we want to spread even more happiness and satisfaction when they make their purchase. For example, customers who sell their used cars can enjoy higher price guarantees, payment within 24 hours, and hassle-free transfer of ownership.

“Those who are looking to trade-in can select from a huge range of myTukar Certified vehicles that guarantee the highest quality of used cars giving purchasers peace of mind and assurance,” he said.

He also said the company has transformed the traditionally complex and troublesome trade-in and buying process into something that is hassle-free and quick.

“And we want to expose even more Malaysians to our elevated customer experience,” he said.

Touch ‘n Go eWallet users can access the promotion through their eWallet app.

They will be directed to myTukar’s website, where they can schedule a free car inspection with myTukar to get started.

Once that is completed, they will receive an offer from myTukar within 24 hours to sell or trade-in their vehicle.

The credit of RM350 will then be credited to the customer’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet account within 20 business days of the sale or trade-in of the vehicle.

TNG Digital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Alan Ni said the company was excited to partner with myTukar which is one of the largest car resellers in the market today.

“We are constantly looking for ways to add value for our users, and this collaboration with MyTukar provides our users a one-stop platform to sell their old cars and get a new one via a seamless and convenient process on their eWallet.

“They also get the added benefit of receiving eWallet credits if their transaction is successful,” he said.

To find out more information on myTukar and its latest initiatives, visit https://mytukar.com.

To access the cashback promo from myTukar visit: https://www.touchngo.com.my/promotion/mytukar/


Nismo festival confirmed for Fuji Speedway

                YOKOHAMA: The annual NISMO Festival in Japan has been confirmed for 2016 for Fuji Speedway on December 11.

This year will be the 19th running of NISMO Festival that brings together the stars and cars from Nissan's global motorsport activities – both past and present.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Fuji Speedway, historic Nissan race cars that have a deep connection with the circuit will not only be on display but are also planned to run on the course.

Also, Nissan race car drivers from Japan and abroad, team principals and legendary former drivers will converge on Fuji to take part in fan events and autograph sessions.

"The NISMO Festival is just an incredible event," said NISMO's Blancpain GT Series ace Alex Buncombe.

"Fans not only get the chance to see these amazing cars up close but see them run on track as well. From a driver's perspective, we get the chance to sample some amazing pieces of Nissan motorsport history on a brilliant circuit. Last year we had drivers from Japan, the U.S., Europe, Australia all coming together to put on a great show for the fans."

NISMO technical partner MOTUL will join forces with Nissan at the festival this year as an event sponsor.


BMW M cars gain Competition Package

MUNICH: The BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and M4 Convertible will now be available with a Competition Package from the company’s M performance division.

The optional package promises to improve driving dynamics; the upgraded chassis tuning is combined with a 19hp power hike that takes output to 450hp with exclusive equipment added.

The M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch transmission sprint from rest to 100kph in 4 seconds, while the M4 Convertible reaches the same speed in 4.3 seconds. The sprint time for models with the standard 6-speed manual transmission is likewise 0.1 seconds faster in all cases compared to the standard car.

The Competition Package includes Adaptive M Suspension, which has been tuned to the enhanced performance and handling, features new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+).

The standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have likewise been configured to match the upgraded dynamics. Exclusive forged, machine-polished, weight and rigidity optimised 20-inch M alloy wheels with exclusive multi-spoke M styling and mixed tyres (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20) complete the list of chassis upgrades.

For the M3 and M4 Coupé, the Competition Package includes lightweight M sports seats that combine better support under hard driving with improved comfort on long journeys. Seatbelts with woven-in M stripes cap off the sporty theme.

Exterior highlights of the Competition Package include the M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes.

The most distinctive feature of the M sports exhaust system is its sound, which brings added emotional resonance to the driving experience.

 The M4 with Competition Package.

The starting rumble and the distinctive burble on overrun is expected to be a talking point among driving enthusiasts.

The Competition Package for the M3 and M4 is topped off by extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. The high-gloss Black finish has been applied to the side window trim, window recess finishers and exterior mirror frames and bases, and the kidney grille, side gills and the model badge on the tail.

Unique BMW M Carbon Compound wheels will be offered for the M4 GTS and its six-cylinder in-line engine that develops 500hp with the help of the water injection system employed for the first time. This results in a significant reduction in unsprung and rotating masses creating a positive effect on the car’s acceleration and deceleration, steering responses and vibration levels.

Designed for the race track and approved for road use, this technological showpiece is the world’s first series-produced vehicle that can be fitted with wheels boasting a CFRP/aluminium-composite construction. They enable around seven kilograms to be shaved off the weight of a M4 GTS fitted with the already extraordinarily lightweight forged aluminium wheels specified as standard.

Rim wells in exposed carbon also lend the M Carbon Compound wheels exclusive visual accents. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres adapted specially for the BMW M4 GTS.


13th edition BMW Shorties goes Uncharted

                PETALING JAYA: BMW Group Malaysia announced the 13th installment of the BMW Shorties, one of Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest running short film competitions.

“The BMW Shorties has discovered more than 900 talents for the film and digital content industry in the last 12 years. As Malaysia’s most established and celebrated short film competition, the BMW Shorties will continue to provide emerging filmmakers and digital content creators with a platform to express their creativity once again this year.

"We are proud to be part of countless milestones achieved by the alumni the BMW Shorties has cultivated since 2006. With successes in the likes of Shanjey Kumar’s ‘Jagat’, Quek Shio Chuan’s ‘Guang’ and Zahir Omar’s ‘Fly By Night’, we are excited to discover more talent from BMW Shorties 2019,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia.

The theme for the 13th edition of the BMW Shorties is “UNCHARTED”. The grand discovery and the celebration of pursuit, UNCHARTED symbolises the perfect combination of curiosity and tenacity.

“Our aim with UNCHARTED is to allow the creative minds of our nation the freedom to explore. When we first introduced the BMW Shorties 13 years ago, we had waded through uncharted waters to give an opportunity to local up-and-coming film talent when opportunity was not present.

"That unprecedented leap ahead by BMW Group Malaysia has and continues to elevate undiscovered filmmakers and digital content creators so that they may also chart new frontiers in the industry for the future,” added Ambi.

This year's line-up of judges comprises of award-winning filmmakers and veterans of the local film industry such as Saw Teong Hin (Puteri Gunung Ledang and Rise: Ini Kalilah); Indrani Kopal (The Game Changer and Incarcerated Rhythm), Amanda Nell Eu (Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu), as well as panel advisers for the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) – Nadira Ilana (The Silent Riot) and Adrian Teh (Ice Kacang Puppy Love and PASKAL The Movie).

The BMW Shorties 2019 will award the grand prize winner a production grant of RM 80,000.

Recognition for filmmaking talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design and the People’s Choice Award, along with this year’s new category for Best Student Award.

The BMW Shorties is open for entries from Aug 8, 2019 and aspiring filmmakers as well as digital content creators will have until Oct 11, 2019 at 6pm to submit their entries.

This year, the BMW Shorties will also be leading the film segment of Urbanscapes – Malaysia's longest-running creative arts festival.

For further information on the BMW Shorties and how to participate, visit the official BMW Shorties website.


Breathing, muscle exercises help release stress in a traffic jam

                BERLIN: Any road trip will eventually across a traffic jam at some point. But extended congestion doesn't have to degenerate into a high-stress situation for drivers with the right techniques.

Drivers should concentrate on their breathing, with focused inhaling and exhaling, advises Tuv, a vehicle safety organisation.

Another tip: progressive muscle relaxation. For this, drivers can flex a certain muscle, such as in their forearm, several times for about five to 10 seconds, and then relax the area again, all without moving that body part. Similarly, the shoulders could be raised and then lowered again, or drivers can bend and stretch out their back.

Drivers can also reduce stress by making the most of the time spent at a standstill, such as by listening to audiobooks.

Those who factor in delays when calculating travel times can also remove time pressure from the trip, making everything less stressful.


Mitsubishi flaunts its next generation of SUVs in Geneva

                GENEVA: Mitsubishi is making a statement at the Geneva Motor Show by updating its SUV range.

The Japanese manufacturer has given a facelift to its ASX model, while also teasing the next generation of the Outlander.

The ASX retains its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while improving its exhaust behaviour. There's also a fresh design on the inside with more assistance systems and a new front on the outside.

The Mitsubishi ASX is expected to go on sale early 2020.

Even farther away is the next generation of the Outlander. The concept shown in Geneva is named after the Swiss ski resort Engelberg and boasts a significantly more powerful engine than the current production model.

While the design is still heavily overproduced, the car's technology is already close to production, according to Mitsubishi. Under a rather angular hood is the evolved plug-in hybrid of the current Outlander with a 2.4-litre petrol engine and two electric motors.

This should drive the off-road vehicle 70km without fuel and have a total range of about 700km. When we can expect to see it on our roads, is still to be determined.


Germany to test VW diesel emissions again after fixes, says paper

                BERLIN: German authorities will review emissions and fuel usage of Volkswagen diesel vehicles in a second testing round once the company has installed fixes in cars caught up in a cheating scandal, a German newspaper reported on Monday.

To guarantee transparency, the test results including raw data will be published in full, Die Welt daily quoted a spokesman for Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt as saying.

Die Welt's report did not indicate when the tests would be carried out. Transport ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.

Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, admitted in September it had cheated US emissions tests by installing software capable of deceiving regulators in up to 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide. The news wiped billions of euros off VW's market value and forced out its long-time CEO.

The company has said only a small group of employees was responsible for tricking US diesel emissions tests and there was no indication board members were involved in what has become the biggest business crisis in its history.

In another scandal involving the understatement of carbon dioxide emissions, Volkswagen said last week that many fewer vehicles were affected than initially feared.

After the second scandal came to light last month, Dobrindt said all current models sold under the VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat brands - with both diesel and petrol engines - would be tested for carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.

In the medium term, Berlin wants to prevent cheating in car approval procedures by agreeing joint rules and methods in Europe. "We will work towards a standardization in Brussels," an official at the transport ministry told Die Welt.

Volkswagen has set aside 6.7 billion euros (US$7.38 billion) to help cover the costs of diesel recalls and another 2 billion euros for compensation payments related to its manipulations of carbon dioxide emission levels.

VW has said it has the approval of Germany's KBA motoring watchdog for fixes for more than 90 percent of the affected cars, including models with 1.6 litre and 2 litre engines.

In China, a local environmental group said it is suing Volkswagen over its use of software to rig emissions tests, in what state-owned media calls the first public interest lawsuit over the scandal in the German company's biggest global market.

The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation said in a three-sentence statement on its website that it has filed a public interest suit in a court in the eastern port city of Tianjin.

State-owned China Daily reported the lawsuit today, quoting the group as saying it filed the case because VW "produced the problematic vehicles for the pursuit of higher profits and circumvented Chinese laws, which has worsened the air pollution and affected public health and rights".

Volkswagen has said it made 3.2 million vehicle deliveries in China in the first 11 months of 2015. While the rigged tests only affect 1,950 vehicles in the country, China's quality watchdog said in October it was "highly concerned" about the misleading software and would take appropriate follow-up measures.


Californians can now wrap their front licence plates

An LPW customer car with the licence sticker. No drilling required. — Photo from LPW

SACRAMENTO: California has given the green light for residents to wrap their front licence plates in lieu of using metal plates.

The traditional licence plate and its placement, though legally required, can often mar the looks of a car especially a sports car.

The wrap is simply a sticker that car owners can affix to the front of their cars.

The requirement for front licence plate vary from state to state in the US, with 31 of the 50 states making it mandatory.

California has been looking for alternatives to the metal licence plates for the past seven years.

It favoured and trialled the wrap proposal from a Huntington Beach, CA company called License Plate Wraps (LPW).

The pilot project in 2015 involved 28 vehicles from the California Highway Patrol starting in 2015. It went well and the state is now offering the wrap option to residents who are interested.

The pilot programme is ongoing until 2023.

To get the wrap, residents have to visit the LPW website and submit licence plate details.

LPW offers a choice of eight licence plate designs.


Toyota Vios, Honda CR-V and Isuzu D-Max get top ratings in J.D. Power survey

                SINGAPORE: The Toyota Vios, Honda CR-V and Isuzu D-Max have the lowest complaints about quality issues in their respective segments, according to the latest J.D. Power 2018 Malaysia Initial Quality StudySM.

The Toyota Vios (77 PP100) ranks highest in the entry midsize segment. The Honda CR-V (48 PP100) ranks highest in the SUV segment and the Isuzu D-Max (44 PP100) ranks highest in the pickup segment.

The 2018 Malaysia Initial Quality Study (IQS) is based on responses from 2,766 new-vehicle owners who bought their vehicle between September 2017 and July 2018. The study includes 55 passenger car, pickup and utility vehicle models of 13 brands. The study was fielded between March and September 2018.

The overall initial quality for the industry averages 92 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). While problems related to manufacturing quality continue to encompass most of the problems owners experience (48 PP100), design-related issues (39 PP100) have increased over the last 5 years.

Nearly half of all problems experienced by new-vehicle owners in Malaysia are design-related, according to the Oct 31 J.D. study.

The study found that 42% of all problems experienced in the first 2-6 months of ownership are related to aspects of the vehicle’s design; in particular, audio, communication, entertainment and navigation (ACEN) and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems—as opposed to manufacturing defects. Some of the problems owners report with their vehicle relate to the driver interface, including issues with Bluetooth-pairing and connectivity with different brands of mobile phones, media device ports and navigation systems, among others.

“As manufacturers invest in new product development, they need to ensure that the design and functionality, especially of elements related to human-machine interface, is intuitive and easy to reach and operate,” said Shantanu Majumdar, Regional Director, Automotive Practice at J.D. Power.

“Furthermore, as vehicles increasingly come fitted with technologically advanced features, it is important for dealerships to demonstrate the operation of such features during new-vehicle delivery.”

The following are additional key findings of the study:

> Vehicle problems with national vs. Japanese brands: Car owners of the two national brands report a higher problem count, on average than owners of Japanese brands (105 PP100 vs. 77 PP100, respectively). Owners of national brands who have driven over 5,000 kilometers on their vehicle report more problems than owners of Japanese brands (131 PP100 vs. 81 PP100, respectively).

> Most cited problems: Among the top five problems reported, four are design-related problems. Excessive wind noise is the most cited problem (7.5 PP100), followed by excessive road noise (4.1 PP100) and the radio having poor/ no reception (3.1 PP100).

> Younger car owners report more problems: Customers who are 29 years or younger report more problems than those who are 30 years or older (103 PP100 vs. 82 PP100, respectively). Younger car owners report more problems in the audio/ communication/ entertainment/ navigation (ACEN), exterior and engine/ transmission categories.

> Quality and loyalty enhanced when no problems cited: New-vehicle owners who indicate they have not experienced any problems with their vehicle demonstrate higher loyalty, with 24% saying they “definitely will” repurchase the same make. This percentage decreases to 15% for owners who experience three or more problems.


Mercedes-Benz EQC on course for production

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has announced that its EQC's development puts it on schedule to hit the production line in 2019.

The first all-electric model to bear the three-pointed star completed its winter testing in northern Sweden from January to March and will be taking on more suspension / powertrain tests as well as integrated complete-vehicle high-temperature testing in southern Europe.

In the case of the EQC, special attention is paid to the electric powertrain and battery.

A special role is also played by the acoustics of an electric vehicle, as, unlike in a combustion-engined vehicle, there is hardly a sound from the powertrain.

This makes sounds such as the rolling of the tyres or wind noise more prominent.

All in all, the EQC will have been in development for around four years and would have been subjected to over three extreme winters and three extreme summers from negative 35 to over plus 50-degree  Celsius.

Before coming to market in many countries around the world, the EQC will have undergone extensive testing in Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the USA and China.

To meet the targets for every component and the complete vehicle, the EQC will soon undergo a stress programme in the heat of Spain.

Here the effects of temperature during driving is tested under extreme conditions, and also other particularly challenging aspects for an electric vehicle, such as air conditioning and charging.


Toyota axes Scion small car brand

                TOKYO: Toyota said on Wednesday it will wind down its Scion brand in the United States, ending a 12-year effort to create a separate identity for small cars aimed at young buyers.

Toyota said it will start rebadging three 2017 model Scion cars as Toyotas starting in August. The Scion tC small coupe will go out of production in August, Toyota said.

Scion sales peaked at 173,034 vehicles in 2006, but have trended down since. Toyota sold 56,167 Scion vehicles in 2015, a decline of 68 percent in a US market that favours larger sport utility vehicles and trucks.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said last week it would phase out production of its Dodge Dart small car and mid-sized Chrysler 200 sedan, and seek partners to produce replacements, because profits for the smaller cars had evaporated.

Toyota said it had no plans to scale back small car sales.

Toyota established Scion as a separate brand for a series of models originally designed for the Japanese market. The brand, sold through Toyota's US dealer network, had an early hit with a small, boxy micro-wagon called the xB.

More recently, Scion's successful FR-S sporty coupe harkened back to iconic Toyota cars such as the Celica of the 1970s. The FR-S will be rebadged as a Toyota.

Toyota used Scion to test efforts to attract more young buyers, at a time when some core Toyota brand models tended to appeal to customers cruising into retirement.

Half of Scion buyers were aged below 35, a group which accounted for 27 percent of Toyota sales and was expected to grow, the company said.

"Scion has allowed us to fast-track ideas that would have been challenging to test through the Toyota network," Toyota North America chief executive Jim Lentz said in a statement. Lentz was the founding vice president of the Scion brand.

Efforts to target young buyers would not end with Scion, but would transition to the Toyota brand, executives said.

A spokesman said Toyota would realise "efficiencies" from not having to promote a separate brand, but declined to provide figures.


PJ council says public can apply for handicapped parking

A patient using the OKU parking bay near Kurnia Dialysis Centre in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya.
PETALING JAYA: The public can submit applications to Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to apply for parking bays for the disabled (OKU) in commercial or public areas in the city that need such facilities.

According to MBPJ’s guidelines, it needs to allocate 2% of overall parking bays for people with disabilities, said Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin at a press conference after opening two new parking bays for the disabled near Kurnia Dialysis Centre in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara.

In submitting a request for the designated parking bays, she said the applicant would have to write an official letter to MBPJ’s Planning and Development Department with details such as justification of usage, photos of the proposed area and detailed information about the applicant.

Upon receiving the request, the department will conduct a site visit with its universal design team to audit and decide if there is really a need for new or additional parking facilities for the disabled.

“The application will be processed by the department’s Sustainable Development section,” said Jamaliah, adding that her office had assisted with the application for OKU parking bays and ramp near Klinik Ronnie in Taman Megah.

Jamaliah said priority would be given to clinics, dialysis centres and areas where there were many NGOs with visitors who had disabilities.

 Jamaliah (left) showing the OKU sticker that is required for people to use parking bays for the disabled. With her is MBPJ City Planning assistant officer Nor Hanafiah Abdullah. Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/07/08/public-can-apply-for-oku-parking/#jHiz08bO0ESYuU4k.99

“However, the council will review the situation in that local area and consider the applications based on the local community’s needs.

“My office has received complaints from the public about the lack of OKU parking bays, but what people don’t know is that they can submit their requests directly to MBPJ if need be.”

According to MBPJ, people who use OKU parking bays must have the OKU sticker displayed on their vehicles.

“The disabled person or their carergiver can apply for it free at MBPJ.

“The applicant must bring along the OKU card issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM),” said a MBPJ spokesman, adding that the application could be done at the council’s Community Welfare Department at Level 7, Menara MBPJ in Jalan Yong Shook Lin.

MBPJ provides three OKU transit vans to ferry people with disabilities who do not have their own transportation.

The vans equipped with hydraulic lifts are available from 8am to 5pm on weekdays.

Bookings can be made by calling 03-7956 0203 / 0206.

Jamaliah urged the public to not abuse the OKU parking bays, failing which MBPJ would carry out enforcement action, where the culprits can be fined RM100 under MBPJ’s parking by-law.


Porsche Taycan to get biggest software update ever, it's free

                STUTTGART: Porsche is set to offer its biggest software update to the Taycan electric car.

Over 75,000 examples of the Taycan have been deliveredglobally since 2019.

Regardless of vehicle age, engine, body and market, all model variants can be brought up to the status of the 2023 model year with
a software update.

The update will be implemented on a market-specific basis.

Depending on when their vehicle was delivered, customers will benefit from, among other things, an increase in powertrain efficiency as well as new functions and improvements in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect and assistance systems.

The update also includes the option of having individual functions and equipment unlocked after purchase (function on demand, FoD) and will enhance the over-the-air (OTA) update capability of all Taycan models.

The update is free for customers, will be offered worldwide and can be carried out during a visit to a Porsche service workshop.

“This campaign will allow all customers to benefit from the continuous further development of the Taycan. We have extensively optimised the model series in almost every respect since 2019,” said Taycan vice president Kevin Giek.

“New functions have been added and others have been revised or tweaked to further enhance the customer experience. Following this update, anyone driving a Taycan from early in the car’s production run will be pleasantly surprised by how much has developed on the vehicle side since then.”

 Giek.

Internally, Porsche refers to this as the "uPdate", because the 2023 model year, which started in July 2022, bears the letter "P".

The precise scope of the update, and the duration of the necessary workshop visit, depend on the specific software status of the Taycan in question.

The older the car is, the more improvements and innovations will be installed.

The software update has to be applied in total and customers do not have the option to pick and choose components of the software suite, said Giek in an online interview with the media.

The 22 kW onboard charger has now also recently become available for retrofitting (not offered for South Korea and Canada).

Customers can combine this retrofit at their own expense with a workshop visit for the software update.

With up to 22 kW of charging capacity, the more powerful variant
charges the battery significantly faster. In Europe and North America, the retrofit also includes activation of the Plug & Charge function. This enables convenient charging and payment without a card or app.

As soon as the charging cable is plugged in, the Taycan establishes encrypted communication with the Plug & Charge-compatible
charging station. The charging and payment processes then start automatically.

The most important updates at a glance:

> Powertrain: in the ‘Normal’ and ‘Range’ driving modes in all-wheel drive
models, in partial load operation the front electric motor is almost completely disconnected and de-energised.

While coasting and at a standstill, both axles are free of drive torque. The electric freewheel reduces frictional drag losses and increases the vehicle’s range. The all-wheel drive indicator is now shown as an energy-flow indicator in the central display.

This makes the current operating status of the drives easier to see. The energy recuperation strategy has also been optimised.

The automatic recuperation setting, for example, is retained even when the driver changes the driving programme. Added convenience for the customer. These improvements are relevant for Taycan
models from the 2020 and 2021 model years.

> Thermal management: better conditioning of the battery, especially at low outside temperatures, enables the Taycan to be rapidly charged more
frequently overall and over a wider range of battery charge levels (SoC).

The waste heat from the electrical components, for example, is used even more than before to temper the battery. For 2020 and 2021 model-year Taycan (already standard in later models), this enables greater range and shorter charging times.

> Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect: new functions, a colourful tile design on the start screen and even greater ease of use are the hallmarks of the model upgrades in this area.

In Taycan models produced in the 2020 and 2021 model years and up to mid-February 2022, the update optimises the voice control and integrates the Spotify app.

Android Auto is available wirelessly. Charging stations can be filtered and selected in the navigation system based on charging capacity. Drivers of 2021 model year Taycan models with a head-up display can look forward to the optimised view of the navigation map, among other elements. The display contents have been expanded.

For all Taycan models prior to the 2023 model year, the on-board operating instructions can now also be used via voice control.

> Assistance systems: some systems can now support the driver in even more situations. The sensors of the ParkAssist function now work with a greater range. The search for available parking spaces has been improved as well, so that now even smaller spaces are offered to the driver as an option.

These enhancements will benefit Taycan models from the 2020, 2021 and 2022 model years.

> Unlocking functions after vehicle purchase (FoD): all Taycan models of from the 2020, 2021 and 2022 model years are now also eligible, on request, for the keyless opening function (comfort access) for the doors and tailgate.

The option of over-the-air (OTA) software updates has now also been further expanded for the new model year.


Alpine A290_ß shows off a vision of the electric hot hatch for everyday driving

                PARIS: The A290, the future compact B-segment electric sports car in Alpine’s new era, is previewed through the sporty A290_ß (A290 beta) show car.

The first of the three models in the future Dream Garage will be a new-generation, fully electric sports car designed to trigger every driver’s competitive spirit.

From the outside, the A290_ß looks like a lot like the future production models will. Inside, its three-seat configuration is a new concept.

The A290_ß comes with two electric motors at the front.

Like the Alpenglow concept car revealed in 2022, the A290_ß has the driver’s seat in the centre, like a single seater racing car.

The difference is that the A290_ß can also carry two passengers slightly behind the driver – one on either side.

The three models in the line-up – a compact sports car, a GT crossover and the A110’s replacement – make up Alpine’s Dream Garage.

They will all be 100% electric. The A290_ß sits in the B-segment sports car designed for cities.

This show car is 4.05 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.48 metres high, and is designed to be a sparkling, agile production car with a short wheelbase and wider track for sporty driving and greater stability at high speeds.

The A290_ß’s steering wheel is directly inspired by Alpine’s LMP2, A470 and Formula 1 A523 single-seaters.

Its geometric gamepad-like design has a series of specific functions, including a red OV (Overtake) button to deliver a 10-second power boost. This button is also designed to optimise safety: it can only be used when the track is dry and can only be pressed again after a 10 second wait.

There are also three driving modes for tracks: Wet, Dry and Full. These three strategies are fine-tuned and the underlying settings adjust according to the road’s condition.

On a wet track, the car responds much more gently, has more traction and is stabler. In Dry mode, its behaviour is completely different: it glides more, and the wheels respond more aggressively.

And Full mode, like the Overtake button, unleashes the electric motors’ full might.

Production will begin in 2024. It will be built on the Alliance’s CMF-B EV platform for B-segment electric vehicles.


Using Bitcoin to buy a Tesla? Get ready to hear from the US taxman

                SAN FRANCISCO: For Americans who got rich buying Bitcoin a year ago, Elon Musk is inviting them to buy one of his cars with some of the proceeds. The taxman will be watching if they do.

That’s because cashing in the digital asset for a shiny, new Tesla will count as realising a capital gain.

Say a person bought into crypto a year ago, when Bitcoin was trading at about US$6,500. Spending around US$38,000 to buy the new Model 3 would mean cashing in a gain of US$31,500 - and that’s on the cheaper end of the spectrum for the electric vehicle.

At the current rate on capital gains, that’s a US$4,750 or so tax bill the buyer would have to foot - or almost as much as the amount he paid for his original Bitcoin.

The inverse is also true. If the token was bought when it peaked at around US$61,000 earlier this month and it was sold, converting part of it to a Model 3 would give the Bitcoin seller a tidy tax deduction next year.


Geneva Motor Show 2017: Citroën Spacetourer 4X4 Ë Concept

                PARIS: Citroën will unveil its new concept vehicle at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show that's been dubbed the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept.

The new design is inspired by the brand’s own “Ë” lifestyle product range, which was presented at last year's Paris Motor Show.

Its unique interior is true to the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme and promotes well-being.

With only a few weeks to go until the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën has revealed the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept, a contemporary vehicle with an uncompromising combination of off-road ability, versatility and comfort.

The new concept is an up-to-date take on the SpaceTourer, uniquely inspired by Citroën’s "Ë" collection of limited edition lifestyle products.

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept offers an all-wheel-drive transmission developed by Automobiles Dangel, basically combining the strengths of a SUV with a MPV

It comes equipped with special front and rear protective skid plates and roof bars with satin aluminium finish, while the "4X4" logo resides under the door mirrors and tailgate while featuring tyres with snow chains before being draped in a special white paint and a striking grey camouflage design with red decals. Touches of the same red colour can also be seen on the snow chains.

Available in several body sizes (XS, M and XL) the concept is presented as a compact XS version that has a short wheelbase, while measuring 4,600mm-long and 1,900mm-tall.

After the rear sliding doors, the white leather-Alcantara combination upholstery will disperse light well with the large windows and the broad glass sunroof with two separate and coverable sections of the cabin that's able to fit up to nine people.

The headrests on the front seats feature an embossed “Ë” logo and there are white leather straps on the front doors for use as door handles (first seen in the C4 Cactus)

Under the hood lies a BlueHDi 150 S&S diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and comes featuring a selectable 4x4 transmission with Auto 4WD and R from Automobiles Dangel (a well-known French all-terrain specialist). Lock settings are via a control wheel on the dashboard.

There's 74-litres of storage space located around the cabin, including the glove box and door bins, while the rear is able to house a snowboard, leisure accessories or other items from the "Ë" collection. The concept car has a load volume of up to two cubic metres in a five-seat layout.

For convenience, the concept will come featuring the French carmaker's new-generation of telematics system, including Citroën Connect Nav, Mirror Screen, Heads-up Display, Top Rear Vision and Blind-spot Monitoring System.

In terms of safety, there's Speed Limiter, plus Road Sign Recognition and Recommendation, Automatic Beam Function, Lane Departure Warning System, Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The concept will be available for viewing on Mar 7 and 8 at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.


RM500 fine for JB business operators ‘reserving’ parking space

                JOHOR BARU: All business operators caught placing obstacles on parking spaces around the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) area will be issued a RM500 fine immediately, says mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.

The compound will be issued under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 1993 for placing obstructions in public places.

The council has received a lot of public complaints regarding property owners who attempt to “reserve” parking spots only for their customers, he said.

“Some had chairs or pails placed in front of the premises to prevent non-customers from parking. This is illegal,” he said when met by reporters after chairing the monthly council meeting at Menara MBJB here yesterday.

“Based on my personal observation, this usually happens after 6pm.

“This is part of the council’s effort to beef up enforcement starting this year.

“Any premises owner who wishes to reserve parking spaces can apply directly to us for RM150 per month, and they can apply for up to three months.”

Mohd Noorazam added that the council was also planning to conduct a joint enforcement programme with the Road Transport Department to catch parking touts in the city centre.

“We noticed that in areas such as Bazar Karat, Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Wong Ah Fook, there are irresponsible individuals who act as parking attendants and collect fees from the public.

“They can be arrested under Section 50(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for unlawful interference and importuning, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment up to six months,” he said.


Govt may increase fine for MCO violations

                PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysians await a decision today on whether the movement control order (MCO) would be extended, the Government says it may increase the fine for MCO violations.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the current RM1,000 rate is low compared to neighbouring regions.

Ismail, who is also Defence Minister, said the Government would likely instruct the Health Ministry to talk with the Attorney-General's Chambers on increasing the compound to make it an effective deterrent.

"Other countries are imposing higher fines for similar violations.

"In Singapore, violators will be fined S$10,000 (RM30,492) for the first offence and S$20,000 (RM60,984) for the second offence from April 17.

"In South Korea, the compound is RM30,000," he told a press conference today.

On another matter, Ismail Sabri said MCO compliance is at 97% as of April 9.

"The police and the armed forces have conducted 775 roadblocks nationwide and checked 508,605 vehicles.

"The police also detained 666 people while 392 were issued compounds. From the total arrested, 263 have been remanded while 11 were released on police bail," he said.

Since the start of the MCO, a total of 7,479 people have been arrested, he added.


Chinese billionaire's EV startups map ambitious plans

Jia unveiling an all-electric battery 'concept' car called LeSEE during a ceremony in Beijing on April 20. - Reuters
DETROIT/SAN FRANCISCO: Three electric-car startups funded by Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting will display vehicles at the giant CES 2017 trade show in Las Vegas next month, and two former executives said one of the companies plans to roll out a dozen models through 2026.

The three companies still have not detailed how they plan to fund their efforts to challenge Tesla Motors Inc in the luxury electric vehicle market.

One of the three, Faraday Future, has said it will unveil a prototype of its first production vehicle but did not provide details. The two former executives, who declined to speak on the record, described the vehicle and gave other details of the company's ambitious 10-year strategy.

Faraday has said its first vehicle is slated for production in early 2018. The former executives said the company uses the internal designation Project 91 for the vehicle. They described it as a large, luxury flagship sedan designed to sell for US$150,000-US$200,000 - more than the most expensive Tesla.

They said a second model, designated Project 81 and due about a year later, is a mid-size crossover slotted in size and price between the Tesla Model S and Model X. Faraday plans a third, less expensive model to debut around 2020.

A Faraday spokesman declined to comment on those details.

Faraday started building a US$1 billion assembly plant outside Las Vegas, but stopped work in November. According to a Nevada state official, the company missed several payments to the building contractor.

On Wednesday, another of the companies, California-based Lucid Motors, unveiled a prototype of the Lucid Air, a US$100,000 luxury sedan it hopes to begin building in Arizona in late 2018. Lucid, formerly named Atieva, plans to follow the launch of the Air with a pair of luxury crossovers in 2020-2021, company executives told Reuters in June.

Lucid executive Peter Rawlinson on Wednesday said the company plans to seek additional funding from investors in early 2017. He said LeEco is a minority investor in Lucid, but has no other connection.

In November, Jia said the third electric vehicle company he is backing, Beijing-based LeEco, faced a shortage of cash and was suffering from expanding too fast, in too many directions. Weeks later, LeEco's parent, Leshi Holdings, said it had secured commitments in China for US$600 million to support LeEco.

Jia's plan to build three factories - one for each brand - is expected to cost at least US$3.5 billion, according to estimates from each company. Design and engineering could boost startup costs by another US$1 billion or more, according to sources familiar with Jia's strategy.

LeEco, whose US headquarters is in San Jose, earlier this year announced plans to build its own US$1.8 billion factory in Hangzhou, China. It plans to show a self-driving concept called LeSEE Pro at CES.


Experience The Drive Contest by Proton

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton has launched a Experience The Drive contest to encourage customers to test drive its cars, and learn about the features of the cars especially the active and passive safety technology that have earned safety ratings of 4 and 5 stars under Asean NCAP.

Those who test drive Proton cars, at any Proton showrooms or during roadshows, stand a chance to win petrol cards worth RM500 (in weekly contests) and RM3,000 cash (in the monthly contest).

A total of RM7,000 worth of prizes are to be won each month comprising two weekly winners of petrol cards worth RM500 each and a monthly winner of RM3,000 cash.

The Experience The Drive contest started on March 1, 2017 and will continue until year-end.

It is easy to participate after the test drives, customers just need to write a short creative caption or description of the test drive experience in the contest form in not more than 20 words.

Customers can also use the MyProton mobile app to book test drives.

The first week of the contest saw over 200 entries and two winners, namely Mohamad Darulhisham Mohd Rashid and Saliza Ahmad from Kedah and Melaka respectively.

For details, customers can contact Proton Customer Care at 1800 888 398.


PLUS now using AI to alert users to traffic jams

                PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Bhd is planning to use artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics and the cloud to better predict traffic congestion and monitor the safety on its highways.

The company is partnering with Microsoft to use its Azure platform, which will allow it to store and analyse traffic data from its closed-circuit television (CCTV) for traffic jams.

The information will then be passed to users via the PLUS mobile app so they can plan their journey better.

“The images displayed are based on real-time information and users will be informed on actual situations on location as we will refresh and update the data every 10 seconds,” said PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail.

"As our highway networks continue to expand across Malaysia, servicing an ever-growing number of road users, we acknowledge the need to not just digitally transform, but to also embrace a new organisation culture."

He added PLUS will also be installing more traffic sensors along the highway to help improve its traffic prediction system.

“We will look at scenarios and trigger points to inform us if there will be traffic congestion or other unusual traffic movements,” he said.

He hopes the data provided via the app will help users to make informed decisions such as taking a different suggested route or using the Rest Stop.

PLUS chief technology and innovation officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid said the company is also using machine learning to analyse CCTV footage for stalled cars and accidents, but it's still in the pilot stage.

“The traditional approach is when a user sees a congestion or an accident, they will contact the PLUS call centre for help or to get information. The CCTV is only used for validation,” he said.

“But with machine learning, our CCTV will be able to detect certain incidents first and allow us to quickly act on it instead of waiting for a user to contact us.”

READ MORE: Govt may buy more toll highways Microsoft Malaysia managing director K. Raman (left) and Azman announcing the partnership between the two companies.

New features such as enhanced traffic information will be added gradually to the mobile app in various stages, said Izhan.

Over 1.7 million vehicles use PLUS highways on a daily basis, which includes the North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), and the Penang Bridge.


Kedah man wins first round of Shell holiday package contest to New Zealand

Wan Muhammad Fathi (right) was announced the winner of the contest. With him is Shairan of Shell Malaysia.

SHAH ALAM: Wan Muhammad Fathi Wan Nik Kamal, a 35-year-old administrative assistant from Kedah, has been declared the first winner of Shell Malaysia’s Win a Trip with Shell contest.

Running from Dec 17 to March 31, the contest rewards winners on a weekly basis and allows them to choose a holiday packages for two person to either Italy, New Zealand or South Korea.

At the official launch of the contest today, Wan Muhammad Fathi who does not even have a passport, said he had always dreamt of travelling overseas.

“To have New Zealand as my first international destination is unbelievable,” he said.

A long-time Shell customer, Wan Muhammad Fathi said he had always enjoyed Shell products, services and hospitality and winning the contest had been a pleasant surprise.

Shell Malaysia managing director Shairan Huzani Husain, who presented the prize to Wan Muhammad Fathi at the Shell Federal Highway Route 2 station in Shaha Alam, said the company are aware of its customers’ love form gaining new experiences from travelling.

“We derived the Win a Trip with Shell contest as a way for us to turn everyday journeys into memorable and rewarding experiences that our customers can look forward to this year,” he said.

To participate, customers need to spend a minimum of RM40 at Shell retail stations, choose one of the destination from Italy, New Zealand or South Korea in the contest form and submit with valid receipts.

Items bought must be either Shell fuels, lubricants or any products in Shell Select and Kedai except tobacco products, and E-Pay and Touch n Go reloads.

During the contest period, Shell will be holding roadshows nationwide featuring an interactive set-up to showcase the holiday packages.

Customers who choose Italy can try a simulation of a Formula 1 race, while those who opt for New Zealand can do a Haka chant and a dance challenge to popular Korean pop music awaits those who selected South Korea.

The roadshow will be at Tesco Kepong, Kuala Lumpur from Jan 11-13; Sunway Pyramid, Subang Jaya (Jan 17-20); East Coast Mall, Kuantan (Jan 31-Feb 3); KSL City Mall, Johor Baru (Feb 15-17); Queensbay Mall, Penang (Feb 22-24) and Aein Station 18, Ipoh (Feb 26-March 3).

For details, log on to www.shell.com.my/percutianimpian.


Cars on fairway: Pebble Beach Concours culminates auto-mania week

                SAN FRANCISCO: When it began 65 years ago, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was just a one-day affair. Car enthusiasts raced around Pebble Beach's famed 17-Mile Drive and hung around afterwards to admire each other's hardware.

Now the day has become a week. It includes road rallies, races, auctions, displays, seminars, exhibitions, parties and, underpinning it all, marketing.    Lamborghini unveiled its newest model - the 700-horsepower, US$400,000 Aventador - here Friday.

Lalique, the crystal maker, Wednesday released a book about its history of "car mascots," aka hood ornaments.
Tesla has a display tent. Rolex, Credit Suisse and others sponsor events. Korea's Kia hopes to creep into the luxury market by offering test drives of its K900 sedan, which is priced at USUS$54,000 and up.

The week's events are spread throughout the Monterey region, from the tony-rustic Carmel Valley to the gritty working-class town of Seaside, home to Saturday's tongue-in-cheek Concours d'Lemons.    It's a deliberately downscale celebration of Edsels, Gremlins, Corvairs and Yugos - some of history's worst cars.

Sunday's Concours d'Elegance, on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach golf course, is focused instead on finery, with Ferraris, Bugattis, Hispano-Suizas and other rarified cars competing for Best-in-Show honours.    Expected attendance for the day was up to 25,000 at the show itself, and more at side events.

Hard-core enthusiasts arrive for the 6 a.m. "Dawn Patrol" to watch the 200-or-so cars on display, all by invitation only, roll onto the 18th fairway while the morning mist rolls in from the adjacent Monterey Bay.

This year's featured categories and classes include Ferrari, pre-war British sports cars and the Lincoln Continental on its 75th anniversary year.

"It's the Super Bowl of car shows," says Dave Magers, CEO of Mecum Auctions, which this weekend sold a Porsche once owned by the late actor Steve McQueen for US$1.95 million.

At the swank Bonhams auction at Carmel Valley's Quail Lodge, some cars could fetch more than 10 times that price.

All told, collectors are expected to spend more than US$400 million on cars sold at auction during the week.

The week of excess everything includes epic traffic jams that can stretch for miles along California Highway

As a resident, we hate it," says retiree Marty Goss, a long-time Carmel resident.It's a huge influx of traffic and people. But it is great for the local economy."

Indeed, the local convention bureau expects more than 85,000 visitors will drop more than US$50 million on hotel rooms, restaurants and bar tabs. Concours proceeds go to local charities.

The number of Car Week events has proliferated such that Sports Car Market, a collectors magazine, publishes a special Monterey issue that offers attendees blunt advice.

Get up early to avoid traffic," the magazine states, "and carefully pick your events to avoid epic burnout."


Nov 30-Dec 6: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: There is no change on the fuel prices of RON97, RON95 and diesel for the following week.

The Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 would remain at RM2.66 per litre beginning Saturday until Dec 6.

The prices of RON95 and diesel would also be at RM2.08 per litre and RM2.18 per litre respectively.

"Based on the calculation under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel should be RM2.36 per litre and RM2.29 per litre, respectively," it said in a statement today.

It added that the estimated subsidy to be borne by the government for the one-week period stood at about RM115.7mil.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was re-introduced on Jan 5 under the APM.

Under the system, fuel prices are announced every Friday and remain in force for one week.

However, the RON95 petrol price will be floated in stages from Jan 1 next year as the subsidy is removed for most Malaysians. Only 8 million Malaysian motorists in the lower income and middle income groups will continue to enjoy subsidised RON95 petrol under a targeted subsidy programme.


New Horizons Studio to develop Hyundai UMVs

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai Motor Group announced the formation of New Horizons Studio, a new unit focused on the development of Ultimate Mobility Vehicles (UMVs).

New Horizons Studio envisions building vehicles that will target customers who have a need for travel in unconventional and off-road terrain.

These vehicles will be subject to more challenging applications and environments, adaptable to changing conditions.

 Hyundai 'Elevate' Walking Car Concept.

New Horizons Studio is led by Vice President Dr. John Suh, who has held several leadership roles at Hyundai Motor Group since 2011.

He served as founding director of Hyundai Ventures, and then led Hyundai CRADLE (Center for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences) as its founding director based in Silicon Valley.

He brings over 35 years of expertise in the automotive and emerging technology sectors, including roles at Stanford University, Palo Alto Research Center (PARC; formerly, Xerox PARC), and General Motors Company.

 Hyundai 'Elevate' Walking Car Concept.

“We aim to create the world’s first transformer-class vehicle, also known as the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle,” notes Dr. Suh.

The new unit furthers Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to shape the future of mobility and onboard forward-thinking, innovative leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.

Unveiled at CES 2019, Hyundai Elevate is the inaugural vehicle concept now being developed by New Horizons Studio.


Philippines to cut tariffs on electric vehicles, parts

                MANILA: A Philippine inter-agency panel chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Thursday approved removing tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) to spur demand amid high fuel costs.

Marcos will issue an executive order cutting to 0% the most favoured nation tariff on EVs like passengers cars, buses, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, and their parts for five years. Current import duties range from 5% to 30%.

"The executive order aims to expand market sources and encourage consumers to consider acquiring EVs, improve energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuel, and promote the growth of the domestic EV industry ecosystem," Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told a news conference.

Consumers in the Philippines currently need to shell out US$21,000 to US$49,000 for an EV, versus the US$19,000 to US$26,000 price for conventional vehicles.

Tariff rates on hybrid vehicles will not change.

Of the country's more than five million registered automotives, only 9,000 are electric, mostly passenger vehicles, government data show. Personal EVs account for just 1% of the market, and are mostly owned by the extremely wealthy, data from the United States' International Trade Administration show.

The Southeast Asian nation's automotive sector relies mostly on imported fuel. It also buys oil and coal abroad for its energy generation needs, making it vulnerable to price volatility.


SP51 is Ferrari's latest one-off based on 812 GTS

                MARANELLO: The latest addition to the Prancing Horse’s One-Off series, the Ferrari SP51, was unveiled on Wednesday.

It was built to the specifications of a Taiwan-based client, making it the very pinnacle of Ferrari’s customisation scope and range. The client also happens to be an avid Ferrari collector.

Designed by the Flavio Manzoni-headed Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP51 is a front-engined V12 spider based on the 812 GTS platform from which it inherits its layout, chassis and engine.

Ferrari did not reveal the price for the SP51 but you can rest assured it's far more than the sticker price for the base 812 GTS.

At first sight, the new car’s most striking characteristic is its total absence of a roof.

The SP51’s aerodynamics required meticulous honing in a process involving CFD simulations, wind tunnel and dynamic testing to guarantee not just the ultimate in comfort in the cabin, but also the same standard of acoustic comfort and wind feel as the car that inspired it.

The SP51’s styling is modern, sinuous and sensual at once, in great part as a result of the extensive use of bare carbon-fibre both on the exterior and in the cabin.

The trim on the bonnet is striking as it frames the two air vents.

Another of the SP51’s highlight is its new Rosso Passionale three-layer paintwork – the colour was developed specifically for the car and gives it an elegant yet imposing character.

This impression is further enhanced by the blue and white livery inspired by a legendary 1955 Ferrari 410 S which not only runs the length of the car, but is also referenced in the interior.

At the front, specially-designed headlights give the SP51 an instantly recognisable and forceful identity. Also noteworthy are the wheels, which are specific to the car and have carbon-fibre wing profiles on each of the spokes which also feature a sophisticated tone-on-tone diamond-cut finish on the forward-facing section.

The rear of the car is dominated by an arched theme with the taillights inset below the spoiler. Immediately behind the cabin are two flying buttresses that are visually softened by two deep carbon-fibre scoops.

Between these two elements stretches a transverse, carbon-fibre wing, the profile of which folds over the buttresses.

The resulting effect is vaguely reminiscent of a Targa-type car in which the flying bridge conceals the anti-roll hoop, a nod to the solution adopted on Ferrari’s early-1960s Sports Prototypes.

The cabin personalisation pivoted around two ideas: the decision to use the same Rosso Passionale colour custom-created for the exterior as the main colour for the Alcantara trim, and the idea of extending the lengthwise exterior livery into the cabin.

Its white and blue stripe, in fact, both appear on the central tunnel and the fascia between the two seats on the firewall, as well as on the steering wheel stitching, creating a sense of seamless continuity between exterior and interior.

The special finish for the door panels, the lower section of the dashboard and the sides of the seats, comprising a blue Kvadrat insert with white cross-stitching, also picks up the livery.

Glossy carbon-fibre trim has been extensively used throughout the interior where it pairs well with the Nero Momo Opaco elements.

The look is further enhanced by several white embroidered details (including the Prancing Horse and car logo, also found on the lower rim of the steering wheel).


Rapid Bus deploys HINO Poncho minibus in three-month trial

From left: Rapid Bus CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij, Prasarana group chief operating officer COO Muhammad Nizam Alias, Bandar Utama Assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Loke, Hino Malaysia managing director Atsushi Uchiyama, Hino Malaysia executive director Datuk Johnny Chan and Rapid KL chief operating officer Ku Jamil Zakaria.

PETALING JAYA: Hino Motors Sales Sdn Bhd introduced its 7.0m Poncho low-floor minibus in Malaysia and has been deployed by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd under a three-month trial.

The new buses are running on routes T784 LRT Taman Bahagia and T201 LRT Gombak from now until Jan 20, 2020.

Malaysia is the first country in South-East Asia to use the Poncho within a public transportation fleet and looks to complement existing modes of public transportation within urban and suburban areas.

The trial-run of the Poncho is an initiative for the development of an efficient intra-city bus service, which will shuttle passengers from transport hubs to their final destinations within the central business district and residential areas.

Although compact, the Poncho is able to fit up to 31 passengers, making it an ideal transportation mode that can navigate through narrow and busy city roads and be far less cumbersome than the 10 to 12m-long buses currently in operation.

Also, the Poncho features an ultra-low floor with "Kneeling" function to further lower itself by 50mm (or raised by 30mm) and is especially helpful for senior citizens and wheelchair-bound passengers.

On its second day of deployment, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke enjoyed a 15-minute ride which started from LRT Taman Bahagia and ended at a bus stop station in Damansara Uptown.


Most Ferrari cars to become hybrids by 2019, says CEO

                MILAN: Ferrari says most or all of its cars will be “hybridised” from 2019, meaning they'll have both combustion engines and electric motors.

But its CEO Sergio Marchionne said that building a fully-electric Ferrari would be "almost obscene”, because electric cars are too quiet.

Marchionne's no fool. His customers - many of whom own more than one Ferrari - doubtless feel exactly the same way. The trouble is, even the tastes of old, rich folks change. The Blackberry was indispensable until it wasn't.

Because Ferrari sells fewer than 10,000 cars a year it doesn't have to comply with the same tough emissions rules as bigger carmakers such as BMW. But that doesn't mean electrification isn't a threat.

The combustion engine has already lost one advantage over electric cars: speed. An upgraded Tesla Model S can accelerate to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds, the same as Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari's LaFerrari.

Since battery vehicles all have instant torque, lots of electric cars will presumably be capable of similar. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are all bringing out luxury electric models. Speed could become commoditised. Of course, Ferrari could probably build an electric car but that would lift R&D spending, impairing profit growth.

Along with a crimson paint-job, a Ferrari's ear-splitting growl is what makes fans weak at the knees - and willing to shell out up to US$2 million to buy one. (Prospective buyers can even listen to a sound-clip of a V12 engine on Ferrari's website.)

The planet is warming faster than feared and the effects are becoming apparent even to sceptics. So there's a risk that combustion engines could rapidly start to feel dated. Worse: the roar of a Ferrari tearing through the streets of London or Los Angeles may one day trigger feelings of hostility, not forbearance or jealousy. Remember smoking in restaurants?

At about 20% of sales, Ferrari's R&D spending is already proportionately higher than rivals because its sales volumes are much lower.

A sudden industry shift might hamper Ferrari's new car sales because customers would worry their combustion engine vehicles wouldn't retain their high residual values. Ferrari also makes money by selling combustion engines to Maserati, accounting for about 6 percent of revenue last year.

Marchionne said the carmaker would expand the range to vehicles that appeal to a larger demographic by focusing on characteristics other than the technological prowess typical of its recent 8-cylinder and 12-cylinder models.

One such example is the GTC4Lusso T, a four-seater with a smaller V8 turbo engine, "designed to be driven every day", the company said when the car was unveiled in September.

Marchionne added that it is easier "to generate profits and cash if we stick to cars while at the same time look at the extension into luxury at a more reasonable pace". — Bloomberg/Reuters


Porsche reveals Cayman GT4

                STUTTGART: Porsche has a new GT and it's the Cayman GT4, which is set to celebrate its world premiere in March at the Geneva International Motor Show and customer deliveries have been scheduled for July onwards.

This is the first time Porsche has introduced a GT model based on the mid-engined, two-seat Cayman coupe and shares components with the iconic 911 GT3 to help it lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7min 40sec to make it the new benchmark in its market segment.

The engine, chassis, brakes and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics; yet the top model still retains the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of a Porsche.

The Cayman GT4 is powered by a mid-mounted, 3.8-litre flat-six engine from the 911 Carrera S that delivers 381bhp at 7,400rpm, to the wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts - no PDK transmission option.

This translates to a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.4sec, before reaching a top speed of 295kph, but is still able to remain relatively frugal with an average fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km with emissions rated at 238g/km of CO2.

Versus the standard Cayman, the GT4 sits 30mm lower and features an upgraded brake system with much of the chassis components being shared with the 911 GT3.

The new GT4 is clearly differentiated from its brothers in the Cayman range with three distinctive inlet openings in the nose and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed to not only reduce lift but also generate downforce.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, sports exhaust, Sport Chrono Pack with dynamic engine mounts, leather/Alcantara interior trim , sports seats,

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear limited slip differential, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, air conditioning, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and a Porsche Vehicle Tracking anti-theft system

Upon request, the Cayman GT4 can be further equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), shell-backed seats made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a custom Sport Chrono Package with the unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package.


ADVERTORIAL: Honda Civic an all-round achiever

                The Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P sedan took top honours at the inaugural CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards, by clinching the coveted “Car of the Year” title.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged sedan also grabbed the Best Mid-Size Car award for its advanced styling, features package, sharp handling, comfortable ride and accessible (on-the-road) pricing of RM135,800.

When the 10th generation Civic was launched in early June, Honda Malaysia became the first Japanese mass market automaker to introduce a turbo engine in the C-segment.

There are two powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged Civic variants which produce 173PS at 5,500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,500rpm and a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre i-VTEC variant that churns out 141ps at 6,500rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.

The new 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine was developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, and the car comes with a smart monitoring system which indicates the timing of oil changes and notify owners via an indication lamp on the speedometer about their service status.

Both engines are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for a smooth driving experience and better fuel efficiency.

The lower priced turbocharged Civic 1.5 TC variant is tagged at RM127,800 while the the 1.8-litre 1.8S unit is tagged at RM113,800.

Buyers get a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, with a service interval of 10,000km.

In developing the new Civic, Honda engineers had benchmarked the Civic not only against the C-segment vehicles but also European premium compact vehicles.

Honda had aimed at coming up with a Civic that is a game-changer in the C-segment in terms of design, dynamic performance, fuel-efficiency, spaciousness, interior quality and safety features – all at attractive prices.

With Honda’s vehicle packaging expertise and Civic’s longer wheelbase and wider body, the new Civic is able to deliver a best-in-class package.

High quality and soft padding finishing are applied generously in keeping with the premium positioning of the new Civic.

To achieve cabin quietness and further enhance ride quality, its interior package is fitted with a light-weight sound proofing system.

This includes underbody covering and high noise isolation door system.

Premium features include a 7-inch Advanced Display Audio system, remote engine start, walk-away auto lock, electric parking brake and auto brake hold.

All variants of the new Civic have top class safety features including six airbags (dual front, side curtain, and side airbags), vehicle stability assist (VSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), hill start assist (HSA), emergency stop signal (ESS) and ISOFIX points for child seats.

The new Civic is available in five colours, Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and two new colours, Lunar Silver Metallic and White Orchid Pearl.


If you haven't done so, check out the Toyota C-HR

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor will be extending the public preview of the C-HR compact crossover following what it says is good public reception last month.

The preview will be held at selected Toyota showrooms and shopping centres in the peninsula.

The compact SUV is powered by a 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i engine and equipped with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with sequential shifter.

It comes with a range of safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other features include side mirror puddle lights, follow-me-home headlights and a premium interior.

More information on the C-HR can be found in toyota.com.my and Toyota Malaysia Facebook page while interested customers are welcomed to register as prospective buyers to receive updates on the model.


Hyundai CRADLE Beijing ready to innovate

                BEIJING: Hyundai Motor Group has completed its creation of a global innovation network with the establishment of Hyundai CRADLE Beijing.

With sites in Seoul, Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Silicon Valley, the China office is the fifth centre in the network, which exists to explore and utilize various innovation opportunities and business models in China to contribute the growth of Hyundai’s new business.

As the group’s open innovation and corporate venturing business, Hyundai CRADLE invests extensively in promising global startups and creating partnerships that boost the development of prospective services, systems, and complementary research opportunities.

CRADLE Beijing will construct an interactive business and investment collaborations with leading Information Communications Technology companies, start-ups, government institutions, key universities, investment institutions and other strategic partners in China while contributing to global efforts to foster ‘disruptive innovation’.

“As the world moves from an information technology era to one focused on data technology, CRADLE Beijing will set up an open innovation interactive platform in China to fully interact with local innovation networks,” said Hyundai CRADLE Beijing head Peter Yang.

“CRADLE Beijing will be a harbour for sharing innovation solutions that originated in China around the world.”

China is the world’s largest automotive market and has one of the largest start-up cultures globally, making it the ideal location for Hyundai Motor Group’s fifth CRADLE office.

Beijing’s innovation credentials are strong as it hosts China’s youth entrepreneurship district, named ‘Zhongguancun’ and a high concentration of investment institutions.

The Chinese capital is also the birthplace of innovation policy.

“To foster Hyundai Motor Group’s transformation from a vehicle-centric manufacturer to a lifetime provider of mobility solutions for our customers, we must identify and incentivize ideas that extended beyond our traditional patterns of business and break into new territory in vehicle design and lifestyle-centric offerings,” said Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley head John Suh.

“Our global CRADLE network will foster the development of new technologies that enable improvements of how people move, lowering of environmental impact, and the increase in productivity and happiness for all.”

Hyundai has a track record for future technology partnerships in China.

In 2018, it co-published plans for a hydrogen energy fund with Tsinghua University, while in March this year it invested in Deep GLINT — a Chinese AI startup.


China's solar giant GCL to make electric car move in new 'eco-town'

                JURONG (China): China’s leading solar equipment manufacturer GCL is planning a move into the electric vehicle sector, aiming to make use of its expertise in energy to gain a vital competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded industry, executives said.

The firm is currently building a 5 billion yuan (RM3bil) solar production base in a new “eco-town” at Jurong near the city of Nanjing, which will also involve the construction of solar-powered residences, warehouses and public amenities.

But the firm is now in talks with auto manufacturers to build facilities and production lines in Jurong to support China’s electric vehicle revolution, said Tang Yanzhe, the head of the Jurong project.

“Our investment figures are very conservative and if the car firms come, it is a long industrial chain and many supporting factories will also come,” he said.

Jurong is part of a “special town” programme launched by Jiangsu aimed at encouraging investment in strategic sectors. Other towns are focusing on areas like fruit farming, automobiles and e-commerce.

But the town’s 2-gigawatt solar panel production line will be completed this year and go into operation at a time when China’s solar manufacturers are struggling with overcapacity, weak demand and trade frictions.

After generation capacity rose by a record 53 GW in 2017, the government has also put the brakes on new installations this year.

GCL managers said low-grade, “outdated” producers were most at risk. The firm will also put only half its new capacity into operation this year so production does not expand too quickly.

Critics say cut-throat competition between China’s cities and regions has caused price-sapping overcapacity in a wide range of sectors, including steel and solar - and electric cars could be next.

As many as 11 cities in the Yangtze delta region were competing to become car production bases, and across the country, 118 enterprises had registered 428 different models of electric cars by mid-July, up from 102 firms and 355 models in just four months, according to government data.

Automakers have already complained that China’s regions are distorting the market by giving preferential treatment to local champions, and Beijing has promised to take action against “blind” sector growth.

Tang acknowledged that there were a lot of firms entering the sector but said those without “core competitiveness” would soon be eliminated.

GCL is exploring alternative models to boost its competitiveness, and aims to produce lower-cost batteries that can be rented out to drivers and eventually recycled for use in solar energy storage.

GCL’s focus was on public transport and delivery vehicles, and there was still room for growth, Tang said.

“The Yangtze river delta is the biggest market for new energy vehicles - the customer base is the most developed, whether for delivery vehicles or passenger vehicles,” he said.


Aug 5-11: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain unchanged from Aug 5 to Aug 11, says the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, it said that the retail price for RON97 and RON95 petrol would remain at RM2.74 and RM2.05 per litre, respectively.

The price of diesel remains unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5, 2019, under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.


After SUVs, China's automakers could storm the world with smaller, sportier affordable electric cars

                PARIS: In recent years, several Chinese auto manufacturers have expanded into Europe, offering SUVs at low prices.

Next, they could be set to compete with Western manufacturers in the market for sedans and smaller, sporty models.

In this game, Qiantu could be one manufacturer to watch, as the brand has just presented a new model that is powerful and promises robust range, selling in China for as little as €12,000.

Chinese carmakers are now the masters of cheap electric cars, with a growing range of low-cost models that no other manufacturer can match.

The only problem - for them and for the consumers who would like to take advantage of these offers - is that very few of their cars are yet being exported.

Qiantu Motor has just caused a minor sensation with the release, in China, of the K20, a sporty compact car with 218hp, capable of reaching 100kph in under five seconds, and with a range of nearly 500km.

Selling for between €12,000 and €20,000 (between RM56,000 and RM93,000), depending on the version, it has no equivalent in the world at this price.

Currently available for pre-order, it should be delivered to its first buyers by the end of the year. It remains to be seen whether Qiantu will decide to expand into other markets, with this model or others to come.

One of the first Chinese manufacturers to establish itself in Europe with its electric SUVs is Aiways.

But other automakers, still unknown to many, are preparing to flood the European market with models that are well established in China and available at very competitive prices.

This is the case of the Great Wall Motor group, but also of BYD, NIO or XPeng, all of which are keen to invest in the European market. Today, around 10 Chinese auto brands are distributed in Europe.


Patent suggests AI learning could be used to identify drunk Uber passengers

                SAN FRANCISCO: Uber may want to give their drivers more complete information as to how intoxicated their passengers are, if they are sound of mind and allow drivers to compare behaviour from one ride to another, according to a patent filed recently.

CNN spotted a patent filed on June 7 with the United States Patent & Trademark Office, titled "Predicting user state using machine learning' in order to alter the trip parameters." According to CNN, the patent application's authors are current or former members of Uber's Trust and Safety team, however the company has not commented on the patent.

The content of the filing suggests that the popular transport app that connects drivers with passengers wants to implement a system that would try to determine a user's state upon requesting an Uber and reference it against prior behaviour or characteristics. Although it isn't exactly clear how the platform would do this, it does suggest an assessment of how quickly and accurately the user can input data, how fast they're walking and the way they interact with the interface.

Where and what time the request is made could also help paint a picture, for example, a user making typos and walking slowly through a bar district at 4am has probably had a few drinks.

“Safety incidents and personal conflict incidents, can occasionally occur when users and/or providers behave uncharacteristically,” says the patent.

So in an attempt to avoid negative transport experiences for both user and driver, Uber could use this information to determine whether a more experienced or trained driver should be assigned to the user. Furthermore, it could prevent the user from joining a trip with other riders, for example with Uber Pool.

One example the patent provides suggests that a user may be “uncharacteristically tired when requesting a trip” and therefore could have difficulty locating the Uber, so it would be “desirable to minimise impact of such safety incidents in travel co-ordination systems.”


Lotus announces Exige Cup 430 Type 25

                LONDON: Lotus has just unveiled a very special and very limited production run car, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which references the Type 25 that was a single seat Lotus racing car that dominated the 1963 Formula 1 season.

This special collector's piece is based on the celebrated Exige Cup 430, which was unveiled by the renowned British sports car manufacturer at the end of last year. The two-seat Type 25 now represents a unique opportunity to relish a universally acclaimed sports car that's named in partnership with Classic Team Lotus.

This new version of the car features a great deal of exotic and unique features and also comes with specially commissioned heritage documentation. And if you want to know just how limited the production run will be to give an idea of the car's potential for appreciation as a collector's item, only 25 of them are going to be built in total.

Under the hood of this sports car is the company's formidable 3.5-litre supercharged and charge cooled V-6 engine, which puts out as much as 430hp and 440Nm of torque. Not only can the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 claim to be the fastest car in its class with a 0-100kph time of just 3.3 seconds, its carefully optimised aerodynamics generate up to as much as 220kg of downforce.

Classic Team Lotus works hard to preserve and promote the history of the race team that was in operation from 1954 until 1994, and Lotus has worked with Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Director, so this very special and limited edition proudly wears a Type 25 classification in tribute to the legendary Formula 1 car.

"We are proud to have named this unique Lotus Exige Cup 430 in honour of the Lotus Type 25," said Group Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. "That same ethos, our company DNA, is found in the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which is lighter than its predecessors and even more powerful. Combined with a class-leading balance in handling and agility, it's our ultimate point-to-point two-seater sports car."

The car is priced from £110,000 (RM601,000) in Britain.


Robbers tie up guard and drive off with three cars

                SUNGAI PETANI: Security guard A. Arumugam, 58, was reading the newspaper while on duty outside a Nissan car showroom in Amanjaya Business Centre here when four robbers rushed into the place at 4.40am yesterday. Two of them were armed with knives while the third culprit had a metal rod.

“One of them held me at knifepoint and warned me not to make any noise before tying up my hands and legs. I was also gagged with a piece of cloth. I was dragged into the parking lot in front of the showroom,” he said yesterday.

Arumugam said he could not see what they were doing until he heard glass shattering and the alarm wailing.

The stolen cars comprised a Nissan Sylphy, a Nissan Almera and a used Proton Persona.

Arumugam said one of the men tried to drive away a Nissan Navara but couldn’t.

“He broke the window. But he could not start it because of the sophisticated security system.”

Arumugam managed to free himself after the robbers fled and phoned the manager. He believed that the robbers, who were in their 20s, came in a car.

Kuala Muda district police chief ACP Md Zukir Md Isa said the showroom manager was alerted of the robbery through his handphone app which is connected to the outlet’s security system.

“He said three cars and 24 sets of duplicated car keys were missing. The losses are estimated to be at about RM229,000,” he said.

By: G.C. Tan


Luxe, limited-edition Maseratis debut at Monterey Car Week

                SAN FRANCISCO: Italian car brand Maserati is using Monterey Car Week in California to debut two limited edition 2020 model year cars with lavish interiors made by the Italian fashion house Zegna.

Only 50 units of the special edition Quattroporte sedan and 50 of the Levante SUV will be available for purchase by those visiting Monterey for the event.

The Quattroporte's body has been refinished in a metallic blue paint and has been equipped with blue brake calipers to match.

The Levante S GranSport, on the other hand, has been outfitted in Bronzo tri-coat exterior paint. The brake calipers on the SUV have been finished in black, and the wheels get a set of 21-inch polished Helios rims.

On the inside, the sedan's leather interior is dark brown whereas that of the Levante is black.

To make the material, as described by the company, nappa leather has been used in place of fabric yarns to create a textile that is "not only durable but brings comfort and beauty to Maserati interiors."

Both models will be available to Monterey Car Week visitors on a first come, first served basis; however, those not in the area can contact their local Maserati dealers to reserve one. Deliveries will begin in spring of next year.


EU court rejects cities' bid to curb car emissions

                BRUSSELS: The European Union's top court dismissed a complaint today brought by the cities of Brussels, Madrid and Paris against the European Commission in which they accused it of setting car emissions limits for nitrogen oxides too high.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) thereby overruled an earlier judgement in favour of the cities from the General Court, the EU's second-highest chamber, which prompted an appeal by Germany, Hungary and the Commission.

The case revolves around the Commission's introduction after the 2015 Dieselgate scandal of real driving emissions testing to complement laboratory procedures and its setting of emission limits on nitrogen oxides for light passenger and commercial vehicles.

The cities complained that the limits were higher those of the "Euro 6" standard that applies to light vehicles registered since 2015. As such, they argued, it undermined their abilities to regulate the circulation of vehicles to reduce air pollution.

The General Court backed their view, as did the advocate-general in his advice to the CJEU judges. However, they overturned the General Court's ruling.

The CJEU found that the Commission's directive concerned only registration and sale of vehicles and not their circulation on roads, so the cities were not directly concerned by the legislation.

However, the higher court said the cities could still limit circulation of vehicles to protect the environment without infringing EU law.


Lamborghini Countach is making comeback, possibly as 800hp hybrid

                BOLOGNA: The Lamborghini Countach will make a comeback. And that's official, coming from the Italian supercar maker itself.

The Facebook announcement on Monday was accompanied by a video and the message: "The new Lamborghini Countach is Coming."

It will be unveiled soon at the Monterey Car Week, which opened on Aug 6.

Various online reports have indicated that the car would be known as Countach LPI 800-4, pointing to a hybrid powertrain with nearly 800hp. The "4" in the name reveals that the car would have four-wheel drive.

It's likely to be produced in limited numbers and would not be considered a replacement of the Aventador, which had only recently released the Ultimae final edition.

The Countach prototype debuted at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show as a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Recognisable by its sharp angular lines, thanks to Marcello Gandini at Bertone, it was produced from 1974 to 1990. It entered production with with a 3.9-litre V12 engine making 370hp.

Electrification is the name of the game in the 21st Century, and it's gaining steam of late. Lamborghini is jumping on the bandwagon like everybody else.

In a prelude to the major Aug 9 announcement, Lamborghini began posting up clips of the Countach in a Countach Legacy series run-up a month ago. The clips showed the supercar being separately talked about by its designer, an Apple Fellow and an Italian astronaut.

In the latest fourth installment five days ago, English photographer and film director Greg Williams was shown praising the Countach and how he would shoot the "perfectly designed" icon.


New Chevy Colorado 4x4 pickup truck rolls in

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Quest, the official distributor and importer of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia, has unveiled the second generation Colorado 4x4 pickup truck.

Five model variants of the Colorado are available for choice and is backed by a five-year or 200,000km warranty (whichever comes first) while providing five colour options of Pull Me Over Red, Summit White, Black Meet Kettle, Switchblade Silver and Blue Mountain.

Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country

Prices (on-the-road with GST and insurance) start with the entry-level 2.5-litre LT variant with a six-speed manual at RM99,911 while the six-speed automatic costs some RM8,036 more at RM107,948.

A higher specification LTZ is also available and is priced at RM115,031 to round off the 2.5-litre variant, allowing the 2.8-litre LTZ to roll in at RM124,916, before ending with the range-topping High Country at RM133,128.

To size things up, the new Colorado has a 3,096mm wheelbase and stands 5,361mm-long, 1,872mm-wide and 1,831mm-tall, but the High Country ups the measurements to 5,408mm-long, 1,874mm-wide and 1,858mm-tall, allowing it to wade through 800mm of water thanks to its 219mm ride-height.

2.5-litre turbo-diesel with VGT2.8-litre turbo-diesel with VGT

With a 76-litre fuel tank as standard, the six-speed manual that's mated to a 2.5-litre (2,499cc) turbo-diesel powerplant uses a fixed geometry turbocharger to produce 163hp at 3,600rpm and 380Nm of torque from 2,000rpm onwards.

If the six-speed auto is opted for, the engine then gets fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) instead upping the output levels to 180hp at 3,600rpm and 440Nm of torque from 2,000rpm onwards.

Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZChevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ

As for the 2.8-litre (2,776cc) VGT turbo-diesel engine, it dishes out 193hp at 3,600rpm and a whopping 500Nm of torque from 2,000rpm onwards - allowing it to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, while the bedliner (1,534 to 1,122mm-wide, 1,464mm-depth and 584mm-tall) has a one tonne capacity.

As standard, the Colorado sits on the combined efforts of its front independent suspension and rear leaf springs, while stopping power comes from its 300mm front ventilated disc brakes and 295mm rear drum brakes.

Standard fitment for the 2.5-litre LT with a manual transmission includes a silver front grille, LED daytime running lights, halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, electrically adjustable side mirrors with turn signals, silver front grille, side steps and a bedliner for the exterior, while wearing 16-inch 215/70 series tyres.

Inside, the cabin gets fabric (Rational Cloth) upholstered seats and door panels, a Driver Information Center, conventional power steering system, and a seven-inch Chevrolet MyLink colour touchscreen display with AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay for the four speakers.

Furthermore, the power windows have been equipped with anti-pinch as well as one-touch activation. It also automatically cracks open and shuts when the doors are accessed and can be remotely activated via the key fob.

 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ

For safety, there's three airbags, antilock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, panic brake assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera and ISOFIX anchor points.

The LT with an automatic transmission gets wider 245/70 series tyres and now uses an electric steering system, while sporting A-pillar grab handles from within the cabin.

 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ

As for the 2.5 and 2.8-litre LTZ, both variants now roll on 18-inch wheels with 265/60 series tyres and now comes with remote engine start, automatic climate controls, automatic headlights and wipers, follow-me-home system and LED rear lights.

Aesthetically, chrome is now found on the side mirrors, front grille, rear bumper as well as the handles for the doors and tailgate.

The cabin now sees leather upholstery for the seats and door panels, while the driver now has access to cruise control, steering mounted audio and phone controls, electrochromic rear view mirror, six-way powered driver's seat, seven-speakers and a larger eight-inch colour touchscreen.

 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country

Safety gets bolstered with the inclusion of forward collision alert, lane departure warning, front parking sensors, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-rolling protection, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway control and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Last but not least, the 2.8-litre High Country now rides on a set of two-tone 18-inch wheels instead and adds some high gloss black to the chrome grille as well as a nudge bar for the front bumper, High Country sports bar at the rear, chrome side window moldings, high-gloss B-pillars, roof rails and High Country badges for the leather seats.

Chevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZChevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZChevrolet Colorado 2.5 LTZ 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with VGT

Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country Chevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High CountryChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country     2.8-litre turbo-diesel with VGTChevrolet Colorado 2.8 High Country

Chevrolet Colorado showcar


Volvo Cars sees no need to cut prices as demand is healthy

                STOCKHOLM: Sweden-based automaker Volvo Cars reaffirmed its outlook today and said it saw no point in cutting prices given healthy demand as its operating earnings beat estimates.

Its shares shot up 8% at the market open before retreating to trade flat at 0736 GMT, which Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said could be because of some early short-covering orders.

Automakers such as Volvo have begun slowly emerging from an extended period of supply chain pain and shortages, which have hit output and driven up costs.

The company said its manufacturing had improved, but still saw some shortages, which would continue to affect production in the second quarter.

Volvo, majority-owned by China's Geely, has seen robust demand for its models, which it aims to be all-electric by the end of the decade, with unit sales up 10% in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, Tesla has doubled down on a price war begun at the end of last year to spur demand and fend off rising competition, posting its lowest quarterly gross margin in two years and jarring stocks across the industry, including its own.

Volvo, for whom fully electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 11% last year, said in February it had no intention of cutting its EV prices.

Chief executive Jim Rowan saiod today that as long as demand continues to be high for the automaker, he saw no reason to cut prices.

Rowan also said lithium prices, a major source of cost for the carmaker's EVs, had started to decline. This was despite Chile, the world's second largest producer of the metal, saying it would nationalise its lithium industry.

He added that more lithium sources were starting to be available from other parts of the world making him comfortable that the cost would continue to decline.