Ducati Hypermotard 950: A rewarding ride, indeed

                Ducati built the Hypermotard with only one thing in mind, the machine must be able to offer the rider nothing but 100% pure fun.

This is a bike designed not for the gentlemen but rather for the bad boys. The bike in review, the Hypermotard 950, is the third generation of its line-up whose design philosophy is minimalism yet aggressive enveloped in cutting edge technology.

Aesthetically, this bike looks rugged and ready for adventure. This naked looking design bike is definitely not meant for touring rather a perfect bike for daily commute and hard riding on the racetrack. This slim looking machine has a comfortable saddle which angles forward.

The seat is not wide but still has enough space to move around while the legroom is ample. This bike offers an upright sitting position. Thus, the ergonomic geometry of the bike is perfect for anybody who is 170cm and above.

Anyone shorter will have difficulty getting a foot flat on the ground. The Hypermotard 950 is fitted with enough electronic assistance, among them cornering anti-lock braking system (ABS) with slide by brake, traction control, wheelie control plus three riding modes.

The minute I sat on the saddle and thumbed the start button, the first thing that got my attention was the the 4.3-inch thin film transistor (TFT) display. Graphics are reminiscent of the Panigale V4 and offered user-friendly menu navigation and setting adjustments.

Each riding mode is assigned a specific colour for ease of reference. The setting interface provides a clear-cut, comprehensible overview of current changes to the settings with explanatory graphics of the system being set up.

This bike is perfect on any busy road as its slim body allowed me to zig zag through traffic. The bike is light and easy to manoeuvre. Not only that, on few occasions, I went up on the five-foot pavement to avoid the traffic.

This tall bike with wide handle, allowed me to see the traffic in front of me with a clear view. I was in total control of the bike and felt like a stunt man. A must mention here is that the Hypermotard 950 can run on low revs without being clumsy.

On the highway, the bike performed well. The true colour of the bike is exposed once I reached 3,200 rpm and above.

Every time, I twist the throttle, the Hypermotard 950 surges immediately without any lag. The gearing is smooth and effortless be it upwards or downwards. Once I reached 130kph, wind blast became hard to control and my head began to bobble.

Although this bike was not designed for touring, I don’t see a reason why it could not be fitted with removable panniers or a windshield to reduce the high speed wind blast. On two occasions on the North South Expressway, I encountered strong cross winds while riding at about 120kph.

The bike felt planted like a rock then as it had a strong steel trellis frame. The Hypermotard 950 comes with a 114hp twin cylinder engine also gets three riding modes – sport, urban and touring. On the highway, I decided to switch to sport.

The minute I twisted the throttle hard, I felt the sudden surge of power which was too much for me to handle safely. I am more comfortable with urban and touring modes as power delivery was smoother and more pleasant.

Meanwhile on a trip to Genting Highlands, I decided to push the bike hard. I was awed by its performance and the bike ticked all the boxes. I was able to flick the bike at every corner without hesitation. The Hypermotard 950 was so natural at this.

The nimbleness of the bike with the great suspension made my riding flawless. Without me realising, I was sitting at the front of the bike as opposed to the middle which is my normal sitting position. This was pointed out to me by my riding mates and must had been a case of excitement taking over me.

The Hypermotard 950 is equipped with a Marzocchi fork with fully adjustable 45mm aluminium tubes and stanchions, and 170mm wheel travel that are able to soak up any shocks from rough roads.

On few short stretches, I decided to ride on the sport mode and the torquey engine made riding up the highlands effortless. I was on the fourth gear during sport mode and there was no need to upshift or down shift to find the bike's sweet spot.

The sport mode reduces the activation of the traction control and ABS, thus giving me ample room to push the bike. I could have personalised the ABS and traction control but I was happy with the factory setting.

The sport mode is the best mode to tackle any corners, be it wide, sharp, hairpin and short straight stretches like the ones you find on any highland or mountain roads. The brakes are from Brembo and the front bites very hard compared to the rear.

The front brake is two 320mm discs squeezed by four-piston radial monobloc callipers and the rear is a single 245mm disc gripped by a single calliper. In my first two stops, I was nearly thrown off because I pulled too hard.

The best way to engage the brake on this machine is to pull the brake lever progressively and release. It took me few tries to get the hang of this braking style.

My verdict - the RM71,346 (before SST) Hypermotard 950 is only suitable for those looking to have serious riding fun.

SPECIFICATIONS

Ducati Hypermotard 950

Engine: 937cc, L-twin cylinder, 4 valves, liquid cooled

Maximum power: 114hp at 9,000rpm

Maximum torque: 96Nm at 7,250rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Front suspension: Fully adjustable 45mm inverted Marzocchi fork; 6.7 inches travel

Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable Sachs shock; 5.9 inches travel

Front brake: 320mm semi-floating discs with radially mounted Brembo monoblock, 4-piston calipers, ABS

Rear brake: 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper, ABS

Features: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control, three Riding Mode and USB power socket

Dry Weight: 178kg

Fuel tank: 14.5 litres

Price (before SST): RM71,346


Electrical tape on sign fooled a Tesla into speeding in test

                WASHINGTON: Researchers were able to trick a Tesla car into speeding by putting a strip of electrical tape over a speed limit sign, spotlighting the kinds of potential vulnerabilities facing automated driving systems.

Technicians at McAfee Inc. placed the piece of tape horizontally across the middle of the "3” on a 35mph (56kph) speed limit sign. The change caused the vehicle to read the limit as 85mph (136kph), and its cruise control system automatically accelerated, according to research released by McAfee on Wednesday.

McAfee says the issue isn’t a serious risk to motorists. No one was hurt and the researcher behind the wheel was able to safely slow the car.

But the findings, from 18 months of research that ended last year, illustrate a weakness of machine learning systems used in automated driving, according to Steve Povolny, head of advanced threat research at McAfee. Other research has shown how changes in the physical world can confuse such systems.

The tests involved a 2016 Model S and Model X that used camera systems supplied by Mobileye Inc., now a unit of Intel Corp. Mobileye systems are used by several automakers though Tesla stopped using them in 2016.

Tests on Mobileye’s latest camera system didn’t reveal the same vulnerability, and Tesla’s latest vehicles apparently don’t depend on traffic sign recognition, according to McAfee.

Tesla didn’t respond to e-mails seeking comment on the research.

"Manufacturers and vendors are aware of the problem and they’re learning from the problem,” Povolny said. "But it doesn’t change the fact that there are a lot of blind spots in this industry.”

To be sure, the real-world threats of such an occurrence today are limited. For one, self-driving cars are still in the development phase, and most are being tested with safety drivers behind the wheel.

Vehicles with advanced driver-assist systems that are available now still require the human to be attentive.

And the McAfee researchers were only able to trick the system by duplicating a certain sequence involving when a driver-assist function was turned on and encountered the altered speed limit sign.

Manufacturers are also integrating mapping technology into systems that reflect the proper speed limit.

"It’s quite improbable that we’ll ever see this in the wild or that attackers will try to leverage this until we have truly autonomous vehicles, and by that point we hope that these kinds of flaws are addressed earlier on,” Povolny said.

In a statement, Mobileye said human drivers can also be fooled by such a modification and that the system tested by the researchers was designed to assist a human driver and not to support autonomous driving.

Robust redundancies

"Autonomous vehicle technology will not rely on sensing alone, but will also be supported by various other technologies and data, such as crowd-sourced mapping, to ensure the reliability of the information received from the camera sensor and offer more robust redundancies and safety,” the company said.

The McAfee research follows similar academic work in what’s known as adversarial machine learning, a relatively new field that studies how computer-based learning systems can be manipulated.

Researchers in 2017 found that placing four black and white stickers in specific locations on a stop sign could "trick” a computer vision system into seeing a 45mph (72kph) speed limit sign, for example.

The issue isn’t specific to Tesla or Mobileye, but is a broader weakness inherent in the advanced systems powering self-driving cars, said Missy Cummings, a Duke University robotics professor and autonomous vehicle expert, and researchers have shown that potentially serious malfunctions can be caused by changing the physical environment without accessing the system itself.

"And that’s why it’s so dangerous, because you don’t have to access the system to hack it, you just have to access the world that we’re in,” she said.

Cummings said McAfee’s findings illustrate why autonomous cars should be subjected to a "vision test” to evaluate whether self-driving systems can safely detect and respond to real-world situations created by other vehicles, pedestrians and other road users.

Safety advocates have also urged US auto safety regulators and lawmakers to include such an evaluation among other requirements in new automated vehicle legislation being developed in Congress.


Maserati Levante S arrives: RM788,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: The petrol-powered 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Maserati Levante S enters Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment, priced from RM788,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes a 3-year warranty with unlimited mileage plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/60,000km (whichever is first).

Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, officially introduced the five-seater Maserati Levante S at a launch event at Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur.

“Maserati has injected extra power and performance into an already impressive luxury SUV. The petrol-powered Levante S has been eagerly awaited and will no doubt be a popular new addition to Malaysia’s luxury automotive market,” said Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, group executive chairman of Naza World Group of Companies.

There are two trim options: GranLusso and GranSport.

GranLusso trim

The GranLusso trim has metallic-finish front skid plates and roof rails, GranLusso badges on the front wings, body-colour side skirts, black-painted brake calipers and 19-inch Zefiro alloy wheels.

The GranLusso cabin combines a choice of Ermenegildo Zegna silk or full premium Italian upholstery with a Radica open-pore wood trim and leather steering wheel.

The extravagant trim also includes standard 12-way power comfort seats, a Harman Kardon Sound System, power-adjustable steering wheel, illuminated door sills, parking sensors, navigation system and new Soft Close Doors.

GranSport trim

Externally, the Levante S GranSport is recognisable by its Piano Black front grille, skid plates and roof rails, GranSport badges on the front wings, body-colour side skirts, blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and 20-inch Nereo wheels.

Both the exterior design and interior features reflect the legendary racing heritage of the Maserati brand.

The interior has Sport 12-way power leather seats and power-adjustable Sport steering wheel combine with a carbon trim, a Sport steering wheel with standard gearshift paddles, power-adjustable Inox sport pedals, parking sensors and navigation system.

The Levante S has a 430hp/580Nm twin-turbo V6, direct injected engine that is on par with its competitors in terms of fuel consumption, with 10.9 litres per 100km on the NEDC test cycle.

The Levante S adopts the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode and presents a choice of four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road”.

Each one constitutes a distinct character, intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

The V6 engine’s specific torque of 194Nm per litre is the best in the luxury SUV class, as is its specific power (144hp per litre).

The Levante S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h.

Maserati has replaced the Levante’s hydraulic power steering with electric power steering to provide improved handling and driving comfort in the Levante S.

This also better supports the driving modes and enables the newly-introduced Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions.

These functions include Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

As for braking power, the front system has adopted Brembo 6-piston aluminium monobloc calipers working on 380mm drilled discs.

Aluminium 42mm floating calipers with 330mm x 22mm ventilated drilled discs are fitted at the rear.

Maserati has achieved unparalleled agility with the Levante S, which boasts the lowest centre of gravity in its class, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials and an ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

The Levante S’s exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment.

The aluminium double-wishbone, five-link suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers.

Apart from the obvious benefits, such as the improvement of comfort and active safety, the air suspension contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to the lowering of the car and the reduced aerodynamic drag at medium to high speeds.

The dashboard and the central console are designed to accommodate the 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) display, the driving modes button cluster, the user-friendly, aluminium rotary knob and the air suspension height setup switch.

Styling-wise, its streamlined shape lends to the Levante’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is best in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.


Negri JPJ aims to collect over RM1.3mil in bids for 'NDU' number plates

                SEREMBAN: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) of Negri Sembilan is targeting to collect more than RM1.3 million in bids for NDU vehicle registration number series when it is open for five days from today.

Its director, Hanif Yusabra Yusuf, said it involves the number plate for NDU 999, NDU 333, NDU 8, NDU 88 and NDU 8055 with bid prices according to the categories, such as prime value numbers starting from RM20,000, attractive numbers (RM3,000), popular numbers (RM800) and current numbers (RM300).

Bids can be made via the portal https://jpjebid.jpj.gov.my until 10 pm on March 24. The results of the bids would be announced on March 25.

"It is open to all Malaysians and permanent residents aged 18 and above as well as the registered business or companies,” he told reporters after launching the NDU registration number series here on Friday.

He said the bid payment method in jpjeBid is only through local credit cards and debit cards and there are no restriction on bidding with each individual only eligible to win three numbers while for business or company, it should not exceed five numbers.

Hanif Yusabra said members of the public or companies who have no record in Mysikap system such as vehicle record, licence and summons, they are required to register earlier at any state JPJ or JPJ branches except at Urban Transformation Centre.

Meanwhile, he said since the jpjeBid system was introduced in April 2019, Negri Sembilan JPJ had collected more than RM6.8 million through registration number series NDN to NDT, with NDT 1 recording the highest bid at RM140,100.

He said the jpjeBid implementation is a strategic move by JPJ to benefit the people in the long run apart from improving the efficiency of vehicle registration number management via online transaction.


French ‘Green Goblin' hoverboard inventor developing flying car

                PARIS: After recovering from his failure to cross the English Channel on his self-made Flyboard Air hoverboard and successfully making the voyage last weekend, the French inventor Franky Zapata told French news station BFMTV that he's working on building a flying sportscar, too.

Already, Zapata has been quietly testing models of the high-performance vehicle above test tracks near Marseille.

According to the Frenchman, the prototype undergoing testing is powered by four gas turbines — the final product will use 10 and have the capacity to move at between 305kph and 402kph for a range of 112km.

The French Civil Aviation Authority has not allowed Zapata to fly the vehicle outside testing facilities, but he believes he will gain permission by the end of this month.

This month, the car is set to "head to the body shop for paint and minor work."

The public reveal is expected to take place during 2020.


Buy selected Aprilia bikes at interest-free rates via Dreamshop-CIMB tie-up

                KUALA LUMPUR: With the Oct 21-23 Petronas Grand Prix Of Malaysia round the corner, e-commerce player Dreamshop is offering to sell new Aprilia motorcycles through an arrangement with CIMB bank.

The deal allow customers to make interest-free payment plan of up to 60 months.

Aprilia is the third two-wheeled model added into the automotive category at Dreamshop after Vespa and Royal Enfield.

Aprilia models that will be made available on Dreamshop include:

> Aprilia SR GT 200 @ Price as low as RM362 per month
> Aprilia SR GT 200 Sport @ Price as low as RM380 per month
> Aprilia RS 660 @ Price as low as RM1,270 per month

The Aprilia SR GT will also be participating in the Petronas Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit.

Aprilia fans who are CIMB Bank cardholders can enjoy a promotional price at RM499 (regular retail price at RM699), inclusive of: 3-day pass with 2-day to Grandstand (Oct 22-23); Aprilia dedicated bike parking; door gift worth RM300 and food and beverage for Sunday.

Aprilia Moto GP Limited Edition merchandise will be sold at a 10% discount during the event as well.

The promotion lasts until Oct 17 and tickets can be bought through www.dreamshop.com.my .


Next-generation of Mercedes Citan to include T Class for families

                STUTTGART: Drivers are mostly familiar with the Mercedes Citan as a leisure activity van. However, in its next iteration, it will be reborn into two versions: one for businesses, one for families.

Just like with the Vito and the V Class, Mercedes will target businesses with its commercial model of the Citan, while the roomier T Class will be aimed at families. As with the current generation, the technical basis for these new versions would be provided by partner Renault with the Kangoo, which will be renewed in 2021.

After criticism of the last Citan, and especially of the X Class, which was taken over by Renault and Nissan, Mercedes wants to focus on more individuality this time, and according to information from company circles, will go deeper into the metal and equipment list.

There will also be another drive option available this time around, says the manufacturer. In addition to diesel and petrol engines, there will be a purely electric version on offer for the first time.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia records 16% jump in Q3

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) delivered a record-breaking third quarter performance in 2018, resulting in 10,143 cars delivered to customers since the start of the year.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered 10,143 vehicles in 3Q 2018, a 16 per cent increase compared to the same period last year; while a market share of 2.5 per cent in total for 3Q 2018 records an improvement of 0.2 per cent from 3Q 2017.

MBM’s locally-produced cars namely the C-, E-, and S-Class, collectively recorded a total of 6,344 units sold. MBM’s range of compact cars comprising the  A-Class, B-Class, GLA-Class and CLA-Class recorded 1,268 units sold.

These two segments recorded increases of 21.1 per cent and four per cent respectively compared to the third quarter of last year.

The premium SUV range by Mercedes-Benz remained a growth driver recording 1,960 units sold, which translated into a 3.4 per cent increase compared to Q3 2017. The eminent brand-shapers in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection also recorded a notable achievement with 570 units sold, marking a 40 per cent increase compared to 3Q 2017.

Adding to its diverse portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also launched the new S-Class limousine, along with the S-Class cabriolet, S-Class Coupe, and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in 3Q 2018.

“In the third quarter of 2018, we enjoyed bringing a host of updates to excite our fans and customers in the premium market segment. These continue to make up a tailored luxury lifestyle brand experience that is unique to Mercedes-Benz,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner.

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM), the financing arm of MBM, showed growth in Q3 of 2018 maintaining a serviced portfolio of over RM2.5 billion, and continues to finance four out of 10 Mercedes-Benz cars sold in Malaysia.

Enhancing the current service standard of finance and insurance products, customer car loan decisions at MBSM can now be undertaken in seconds through the use of a newly automated underwriting process for loan applications upon receipt of a complete set of required documents. Within a month of introduction of this service, MBSM was processing 15 per  cent of applications via this efficient and convenient method.

To diversify its funding sources in anticipation of further growth prospects in the local market, MBSM recently issued a RM3 billion corporate bond programme in Malaysia. MBSM received a credit rating of AAA by the independent credit rating agency RAM and its first issuance of RM250 million of the bond program has been comprehensively taken up by local investors.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also used the press call to introduce the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé. The locally assembled cars are priced at RM740,000 and RM764,000 respectively.

Both cars come with an integrated starter generator, which enhances the AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.


Mercedes-Benz SLC takes over from SLK

                STUTTGART: After 20 years since the birth of the Mercedes-Benz SLK in 1996, it will soon receive a new nomenclature and subsequently a re-launch in March 2016 - afterwhich it will be known as the Mercedes-Benz SLC.

The name change acknowledges its close relationship with the C-Class which derives much of its technology from, and will be released in five variants starting with the entry-level SLC 180 and followed by the SLC 200, SLC 300, SLC 250 d (diesel) and finally, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.

Pricing will be announced when the orders books open in January and the cars arriving in showrooms from April 2016-onwards.

Visually, the German coachbuilder is calling the SLC a facelifted version of the SLK with a new front section that features a steeply raked diamond radiator grille as standard that elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet.

The company continues making the electrohydraulic panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control available as an option, which can be operated up to 40kph, and will feature an automatic boot separator that ensures the roof doesn’t come down when all 335 litres of bootspace has been utilised.

To emphasise its SLC’s sporty nature, it gets striking air intakes, chrome trim, integrated LED daytime running lights, rear diffuser, narrower LED tail lights and depending on model - the SLC will roll on 16 to 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

The entry-level SLC 180 (not available in the UK) and SLC 200 are fitted with a six-speed manual, while the sport/comfort-oriented nine-speed 9G-Tronic is available as an optional extra and is fitted as standard in the SLC 300, 250 d and 43.

Four engine options are available starting with a turbocharged 1.6-litre providing 154bhp and 250Nm for the SLC 180, while the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill is used for the SLC 200 with 180bhp/300Nm and the 300 gets 180bhp/300Nm of performance.

The SLC 250 d is provided with a 2,143cc turbodiesel with 200bhp and 500Nm, while the range-topping SLC 43 by AMG gets a 2,996cc twin-turbo V6 with 360bhp from 5,500 to 6,000rpm and 520Nm from 2,000 to 4,200rpm – allowing it launch from 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 250kph.

Also standard in the last three models is Dynamic Select, which adjusts the engine, transmission, steering and suspension accordingly based on the five presets of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual.

Both the SLC 300 and 43 will receive an AMG Sport exhaust system with an adjustable exhaust flap that adapts the sound to the selected mode.

Inside, the SLC features new light (standard) or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish, nappa leather, new instrument cluster with a 4.5-inch multifunction colour TFT display, an analogue clock, electrically adjustable seats with memory and optional paddle shifters,

Its three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel is also wrapped in nappa leather, while the central grip area is trimmed with Dinamica microfibre with red stitches.

The high-resolution colour media display has grown from 5.8 to 7.0 inches and comes with a DVD player, navigation, Mercedes-Benz Apps, Internet radio, Bluetooth, voice control, two USB ports, SD card slot (for Garmin Map Pilot), and iPod/iPhone interface connection.

Other options include the Dynamic Handling package that lowers the vehicle by 10mm, installs an adaptive damping system that reacts to the five Dynamic Select presets, mechanical limited-slip differential, direct steering, electronic stability programme with dynamic cornering assist and an AMG Night package.

The list continues with a selection of 18-inch wheel options, exclusive designo paint finishes, leather upholstery, COMAND Online infotainment and communications system, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound system, ambience lighting in solar red, polar blue or polar white and the vario roof in contrasting dark brown, blue, red or black.


Foxconn partners with Saudi wealth fund to build electric cars

First models from Foxconn under the Ceer venture are scheduled to be available in 2025. — Reuters
TAIPEI: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group are moving ahead with plans to produce electric cars in the Middle Eastern country, a push that could help accelerate efforts by the oil-dependent kingdom to diversify its economy.

The pair will set up a joint venture called Ceer that will license component technology from Germany’s BMW AG and design and build vehicles including sedans and sport utility vehicles in Saudi Arabia for buyers in the region.

First models are scheduled to be available in 2025, according to a statement from the PIF, as the wealth fund is known.

"Saudi Arabia is not just building a new automotive brand, we are igniting a new industry and an ecosystem that attracts international and local investments, creates job opportunities for local talent, enables the private sector, and contributes to increasing Saudi Arabia’s GDP over the next decade,” Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Salman said in the statement.

The country has had ambitions for years to develop a domestic carmaking industry to diversify away from oil sales, but those efforts have mostly failed.

The kingdom has recently been trying a different tactic, with the PIF actively investing in the industry.

It has acquired a majority stake in Lucid Motors Inc. and is backing plans by the US EV maker to build a manufacturing hub in the King Abdullah Economic City, close to the major Red Sea trading port.

The Ceer venture will bring in over US$150 million of foreign direct investment and create as many as 30,000 jobs, according to the statement.

It’s projected to contribute US$8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product by 2034.

Bloomberg first reported on talks to set up such a venture, including plans to source BMW chassis, late last year.

Foxconn, a key Apple Inc. assembly partner, has been branching out into EV development and production over the past two years, seeing the rising interest in the category as a source for future growth.

In its most notable move to date, the Taiwanese company earlier this year acquired Lordstown Motors Corp.’s pickup manufacturing facility in Ohio for US$230 million.


Berjaya Auto Alliance takes over Peugeot in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) has been officially awarded the sole distributor rights to the Peugeot brand in Malaysia.

The new company is a joint venture between Berjaya Corp Bhd (51%), current Mazda distributor Bermaz Auto Bhd (20%) and Groupe PSA (29%).

Groupe PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) is a French auto manufacturing conglomerate for brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall.

The new partnership will allow Groupe PSA to pursue its growth here in Malaysia after having made Malaysia its export hub for the region.

BAASB will also be taking over aftersales and spare parts distribution for Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands. There was no mention of distributor rights to Citroen and DS.

With regards to KIA, the South Korean car brand still stands in the wind and whether or not the newly minted company will take over distributorship responsibilities remains in question.

Also yet to be announced is the fate of Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd's (NAM) automotive assembly plant in Gurun which is also up for disposal.

The plant was set up in 2004 which assembles Peugeot, Citroen and Kia vehicles and has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units.

NAZA Group recently announced that it was relinquishing its rights to distribute Peugeot, Citroen and DS marques as well as KIA. Bermaz Auto was said to be interested in taking over the brands.


Kate Winslet kicks off Roll-Royce short films

                LONDON: Taking a page from parent company BMW’s short film venture, Rolls-Royce is also trying out its own series of “shorties”.

It has on Monday introduced the first in a series of short films, which explain how it became a luxury marque.

Academy Award winning actress and Titanic star Kate Winslet will give voice to the Spirit of Ecstasy in this first film as she retells the Rolls-Royce story which includes its muse.

The premiere marks the start of a year of celebrations for the car maker as it gets ready to launch a new Phantom later in the year.

Sculptor and artist Charles Sykes created the Spirit of Ecstasy in 1911. This first episode uses motion capture and 3D scanning to bring back to life the figurehead that is found in every Rolls-Royce that comes out of its factory.


Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250: Time for high adventure

                Harley-Davidson’s latest product, the Pan America adventure bike definitely got the motorcycle fraternity excited.

This is the first time in Harley-Davidson’s history that the brand has ventured into the adventure segment.

I was excited when I heard the news of the launch of the bike and even more thrilled when I was given the opportunity to do a review.

I decided to ride the bike around Peninsular Malaysia.

My journey of 2,537km in five days revealed what the bike is capable of.

The Pan America is offered in two models of Standard and the Special.

The Special comes with engine guards, main stand, electronically adjustable Showa suspension, Daymaker Signature headlight with cornering lights, steering damper, tyre pressure monitoring system and Adaptive Ride Height System which lowers the seat height to just under 800mm when the bike comes to a stop.

I reviewed the Standard.

For a start, the bike does not look like an adventure bike you would have seen before.

No beaks and no familiar adventure headlights.

The aesthetics of this bike is different and I guessed the folks at Harley-Davidson did this with the purpose of letting the world know that this is a one-of-a-kind adventure bike.

Like any other adventure bikes, Pan America is fitted with an adjustable windscreen with four positions.

During heavy rain, the highest position of the windshield kept most of the water from me.

However, it was not easy to adjust the windshield while on the move.

I had to use a lot of force to adjust it to the height I needed.

There is a trick to how to handle this and once I got used to it, the job became easy.

The saddle was firm and wide.

I clocked about 400km every day and I did not feel any pain on my rear end.

The seat was comfortable and designed for long journeys.

The ergonomics of this adventure bike were spot on.

The reach of the handle and the position of the footpegs were well thought off in reference to the height of a rider.

At the end of my daily ride for five days, I did not feel any aches in my body.

I was perfectly fine and could had clocked another few hundred kilometres if needed.

The bike also comes with a 6.8-inch TFT screen that offers a host of information useful for riders ie date, time, riding modes, temperature, speed, fuel gauge and not to forget Bluetooth connectivity and navigation system.

While riding, be it during the day or night, the information available on the TFT screen is legible.

All the buttons and switches are easy to reach except for the horn and indicator lights which are located at the bottom of the handle.

It is placed in a position that is hard to reach.

I am baffled by this design and hoped this will be rectified in next Pan America model.

The heart of the machine is the new Revolution Max, 60-degree V-twin liquid-cooled 1,250cc engine that produces 150hp at 8,750rpm and torque peaking at 127Nm at 6,750rpm.

Revolution Max is the newest engine and found only on the Pan America and Sportster S.

The new Revolution Max engine performs well on high and low rev.

The engine also comes with dual overhead camshafts and sounds like a 90-degree V-twin and thus loses the "Harley sound" synonymous with the 45-degree V-twin.

I personally found the new soundtrack unattractive as it made the engine sound light and does not reflect the feel of a big engine.

The bike has four riding modes of Road, Sport, Rain and Off-road.

During my five days' ride around Malaysia, I was able to experience all the modes except the Off-road due to unfavourable weather.

Road mode offers a comfortable ride when you are on a long journey where the ride is effortless.

There is enough power and torque for you to conquer any open road.

Rain mode keeps the rider safe on the wet roads while Sport unleashes the needed power complemented by excellent throttle response and firmer suspension.

I tried Sport on many occasions when I needed to overtake three to four vehicles quickly on the highways.

While riding from Penang to Kota Bharu, the winding roads on the hills were easy to handle.

The smooth ride would not had been possible if not for the Showa suspension system.

The bike comes with a wide powerband and every time there is a gear upshift, I could get instantaneous power delivered.

While riding through the back roads and twisties in Tronoh en route to Taiping, I was on the fourth gear and clocking between 30kph to 80kph without stressing the engine.

I could ride for a good 40 minutes without changing gears till I came to the entrance of Taiping.

Besides the available horsepower, equally important is the torque.

The torque allowed me to shift from pleasant cruising speed on the highway to insane acceleration power overtaking any vehicle the Pan America came across.

This adventure bike has more than enough torque that any rider desired.

Throughout my ride around the peninsular, I came to appreciate that this machine’s weight is well distributed thus making Pan America felt light like riding a bike that is 50kg lighter.

In fact, this 245kg Pan America was nimble and slim enough to whizz in and out of traffic during the jams in downtown Penang and Kota Baru.

The adventure bike handled gear downshifting and upshifting gears like a pro in any traffic-laden road.

While riding through a Felda settlement in Sedili, Johor; I had to slam on my brakes when a wild boar ran across the road in front of me.

Thanks to the Brembo brakes fitted on this bike, I avoided a mishap.

Stopping power came from front radial-mount four-piston Monoblock Brembo calipers matched to 320mm discs and a rear floating single-piston Brembo caliper with a 280mm disc.

The front and rear are linked except during Off-road mode.

My verdict is that the Pan America, priced at RM99,900,  offers impeccable handling, great performance, comfortable ride and loaded with practical riders aids.

You must test ride the bike.

SPECIFICATIONSHarley-Davidson Pan America 1250Engine: 1252cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 60-Degree V-Twin
Maximum power: 150hp at 8,750rpm
Maximum torque: 127NM at 6,750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front fully adjustable 47mm USD fork, rear fully adjustable monoshock
Braking system: Front 320mm twin discs with radial 4-piston calipers and cornering ABS, rear 280mm disc with floating single piston caliper and cornering ABS
Features: Hill assist, cruise control, traction control, link brakes, ABS, Bluetooth connectivity and navigation map
Fuel capacity: 21.2 litres
Weight: 245kg
Price: RM99,900 (without insurance, road tax and number plate)


Vehicle sales expected to soften in second half

                PETALING JAYA: Vehicle sales are expected to soften in the second half of 2022 (2H22), in view of the expiry of the sales and service tax (SST) holiday at the end of next month.

CGS-CIMB Research in a report said the government’s plans to introduce targeted fuel subsidies and higher interest rate environment will also dampen sentiment in the automotive sector in the second half.

The research house is maintaining its full-year total industry volume (TIV) forecast of 580,000 units, despite the strong projected vehicle sales growth in the first half.

“Year-to-date April 2022 TIV comprised 37.2% of our full-year projection of 580,000 units (14% higher year-on-year). We expect sales momentum to continue in the second quarter, given the robust backlog orders.”

CGS-CIMB Research is maintaining its “neutral” rating on the automotive industry and expects the sector to register stronger year-on-year revenue growth in the second quarter, driven by higher TIV delivery.

However, it said earnings performance could be partially offset by higher operating expenses, in view of the depreciating ringgit against the dollar. The automotive sector trades at 14.2 times the 2022 estimated price-to-earnings (P/E), in line with CGS-CIMB Research’s target sector P/E of 14 times.

“We think that the sector’s valuation reflects the mixed growth prospects in 2022. We prefer Bermaz Auto Bhd given the addition of the Kia and Peugeot marques to its stable,” said the research house.

CGS-CIMB Research noted that TIV fell 23.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 56,213 units in April, due to lower sales of both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle segments which fell by 24% and 13% m-o-m, respectively.

The Malaysian Automotive Association attributed the weaker m-o-m TIV in April to shortages of semiconductor chips and components, coupled with shipment delays.

MAA expects sales volume in May 2022 to stay relatively flat m-o-m, due to the shorter working month following the Hari Raya holidays and ongoing supply chain disruptions continuing to affect several automakers.

In April, TIV grew 8% year-on-year to 215,965 units, driven by higher sales from the non-national segment (+26.9% year-on-year), led by Japanese marques Honda, Toyota and Mazda.

However, this was partially offset by a decline in sales volume of national brands like Proton, which fell by 27.8% year-on-year due to chip and component shortages.

Meanwhile, market leader Perodua still managed to deliver healthy 11.5% year-on-year sales volume growth in the first four months of 2022, despite the plant shutdown and vendor supply issues in the first quarter.

Hence, the national segment’s market share fell by 6.5% points year-on-year from 62.7% in the first four months of 2021 to 56.1% in the first four months of 2022.

Meanwhile, Toyota retained its position as the leading non-national brand with 13.5% market share in April. This was despite the strong resurgence from Honda, which registered 33% sales volume growth last month.


Mercedes-Benz accelerates in-house software push with new tech centre

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz opened a new €200 million (RM916mil) software centre in Sindelfingen today, its latest investment in boosting in-house software capabilities as it works to bring its own MB.OS operating system onto the market by 2024.

Around 750 of the 3,000 new hires the luxury carmaker plans to bring in globally to develop the operating system were hired in Sindelfingen, working on features from in-vehicle entertainment to autonomous driving.

The centre is part of a wider effort by Mercedes-Benz to streamline its software strategy from a patchwork approach bringing in technology from a wide range of suppliers, to controlling the core of its software offering itself.

"We take responsibility for software architecture and integration – that is our main goal," chief software officer Magnus Oestberg said in a roundtable.

"We don’t do everything ourselves – we place value on partnerships, but of course the parts that are most important for us, we do in-house."

One such partnership is with US computer graphics specialist Nvidia, with whom Mercedes-Benz struck a deal in 2020 to develop assisted and self-driving functions which will form part of the MB.OS system launching in two years time.

The carmaker is 600 unfilled vacancies away from achieving its goal of a global team of 10,000 software engineers in Berlin, China, India, Israel, Japan, and the United States.

"The profile of a software engineer is highly sought-after - demand is considerably higher than supply," Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer said.

In a survey of 572 auto executives by research institute Capgemini, 97% said that four out of 10 in-house workers will need to have software skills within five years, from IT architects to cloud management professionals to cybersecurity experts.


Volkswagen hits new global sales record

                WOLFSBURG, GERMANY: The Volkswagen Group has delivered over 10 million vehicles in a year, for the first time.

Last year, the group delivered 10.14 million units worldwide, which was a year-on-year rise in sales of 4.2%.

"That is impressive confirmation we are vigorously implementing our Strategy 2018 despite challenging market conditions. We are also making good progress with our other main goals – return on sales, customer satisfaction and top employer", said Volkswagen Group chairman Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn.

Group Board member for Sales Christian Klingler commented: "Our Group has doubled vehicle deliveries in the last ten years."

The Group continued to record encouraging figures in the Asia-Pacific region, where annual deliveries topped the four-million mark for the first time.

Out of the 4.06 million vehicles delivered in Asia-Pacific in 2014, 3.68 million (growth of 12.4%) were delivered in China (including Hong Kong), the Group's largest single market.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 6.12 million vehicles to customers worldwide in 2014.

This means the brand has doubled deliveries since 2004, and topped the six-million mark for the first time.

Audi delivered 1.74 million vehicles worldwide in 2014, a substantial increase of 10.5%.

The premium brand from Ingolstadt grew deliveries year-on-year in almost all regions.

The sports car manufacturer Porsche delivered a total of 189,800 (17.1% growth) vehicles last year.

Demand for models from the Stuttgart-based carmaker was particularly high in Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.

Meanwhile, the Group's three commercial vehicles brands, MAN, Scania and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, delivered 646,500 (a drop of 5.4%) heavy and light commercial vehicles worldwide in 2014 against the backdrop of weaker developments in Europe, Russia and South America.


Pekan auto park could help boost TIV to one million units by 2020

                PEKAN: The development and growth potential of the Pekan Automotive Park can be steered to cater to the country’s growing total industry volume (TIV) which is set to hit one million units by 2020, says an industry observer.

The park, located within Pekan, is a 217ha industrial zone focused on high value-added manufacturing, with special emphasis on producing premium and alternative technology vehicles.

The observer pointed out that the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) has projected TIV to reach one million units by 2020.

“Malaysia is expected to be a developed nation status by 2020. With the growing population and growing income per capita, there will be steady growth in TIV. Whether or not we can hit one million, is difficult to say.

“But TIV will continue to grow annually, and a need for an automotive hub, like the Pekan park, is crucial to meet this demand.”

 A view of the DRB-Hicom facilities in Pekan. It is becoming the automotive capital of the country.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the automotive industry has been growing for six consecutive years since 2010, peaking at a new all time TIV high of 666,674 units last year.

However, due to subdued consumer sentiment, a sluggish economy, weaker ringgit and tighter lending requirements, the MAA has forecast TIV to drop by 2.5% to 650,000 units in 2016 against last year.

According to the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), the Pekan park is expected to become a national and regional hub for car assembly, manufacturing of automotive parts and components, as well as automotive research and development activities.

Based on reports, some RM4.5bil is expected to be generated in investments throughout its three stages of development, with a total of 10,580 jobs to be created. It was expected to contribute RM12bil to the Gross National Income by 2015.

According to the ECERDC, the expansion of the park is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will result in a dedicated industrial zone, a National Automotive Centre, integrated vendors park, as well as a residential and commercial zone.

“By 2020, the Pekan park is envisaged to be an Asean automotive hub with emphasis on sustainability, both economically and ecologically,” says the ECERDC on its website,’ quoting its chief executive officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.

The industrial park will adopt environmental-friendly practices designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Among the automotive players that the park has attracted are Isuzu Hicom Malaysia, DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies (Deftech), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Suzuki, among others, with DRB-Hicom Bhd being the anchor tenant in the park.

DRB-Hicom set up the International College of Automotive to train skilled labour for the automotive companies.

The college was recently upgraded to university status and renamed DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia. Its first chancellor is Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah.

March 2012 saw the first locally assembled Volkswagen Passat leave the line in what was described as a milestone in the history of the country’s automotive industry.

The production of the Passat was a result of a collaboration between Volkswagen and DRB-Hicom. Based on reports, the tie-up, which was established in December 2010, created over 3,000 jobs for the people in Pekan and brought in RM1bil worth of investments in four years.


New Nissan engine bids to extend life for internal combustion

                BEIJING: Nissan Motor Co, an early mover in the electric vehicle market, will use the Los Angeles auto show this week to send a message about gasoline-fuelled engines: They’re not dead yet.

Shinichi Kiga, head of Nissan’s gasoline engine project group, said the Japanese automaker is resolved to keep improving internal combustion technology to prolong its usefulness for decades to come.

A new Infiniti QX50 sport utility vehicle to be unveiled at a media event in Los Angeles on Nov 28 will highlight one technology Kiga plans to use.

The QX50 will be the industry’s first use of a variable compression ratio system. The engine has a maximum thermal efficiency of around 40 percent, as much as twice the level of current gasoline engines in the industry, which average around 20 to 30 percent. Thermal efficiency refers to the power an engine generates from a unit of fuel.

The Nissan/Infiniti VC Turbo illustrates a challenge for policy makers eager to see the end of the internal combustion engine’s dominance of transportation. While battery costs for electric vehicles are coming down, improvements in internal combustion engine efficiency could push the moment when electric vehicles achieve cost parity without government subsidies further into the future.

Advancing the internal combustion engine technology is “one of the most overlooked trends in the industry,” James Chao, Asia-Pacific chief of consultancy IHS Markit Automotive, said. “These advances beg the question. Are EVs the best solution to the issue of vehicle greenhouse emissions?”

The newfangled engine, dubbed VC-Turbo for marketing purposes, uses new electronics and software to continually choose an optimal compression ratio for combustion – until now a key factor in the trade-off between power and efficiency in a gasoline-fueled engine.

The turbo-charged, 2-litre, four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine averages 30 to 35 percent better fuel economy than the much bigger 3.5-litre V6 engine it replaces, with comparable power and torque. Nissan says the new engine matches a diesel engine in torque – the amount of thrust that helps determine the car’s acceleration. It is a level of performance and efficiency the conventional gasoline engine has so far struggled to achieve.

Kiga said the VC Turbo system costs thousands of dollars less than a comparable gasoline-electric hybrid car, although a VC Turbo hybrid could be in the offing.

Kiga said his eventual aim is to develop engines for Infiniti and Nissan vehicles that achieve a thermal efficiency of 50 percent.

In a race to make gasoline engines more efficient, Toyota has come up with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine – the one that is equipped in the latest Camry car – which the company claims has a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent. That’s an industry-leading level Toyota says it has achieved without relying on technologies such as variable compression but through incrementally improving existing technologies.

Forecasts for the use of internal combustion engines over the next 10 to 15 years vary widely, but few industry officials or consultants are forecasting the end of the technology by 2030, as some government regulators have suggested.

Boston Consulting Group, for example, forecast the share of fully electric vehicles at 14 percent by 2030.

Consulting firm IHS Markit forecasts that by 2025 installation of gasoline engines will increase to about 73 percent of light vehicles. Diesel’s share is forecast to drop to about 17 percent.


Formula 1 in turmoil after Australia GP scrapped due to Covid-19

(From left) FIA's Michael Masi, Australian Grand Prix Corp chairman Paul Little, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott and Carey, announcing to the media about the cancellation of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne today. — AP
MELBOURNE: The Formula One season was thrown into doubt today with the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix due to the coronavirus, with chief executive Chase Carey saying it was “challenging” to predict when the next race might take place.

The season-opener was scrapped hours before the first practice session was due to get underway after a McLaren team member tested positive to the virus.

“It is a pretty difficult situation to predict. Everybody uses the word ‘fluid’ and it is a fluid situation,” Carey told a media conference at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.

“The situation today is different than it was two days ago and it was different than four days ago. Trying to look out and make those sorts of predictions, when it is changing this quick, it is challenging.”

The fourth round of the championship in Shanghai in April had already been postponed and organizers in Bahrain, the second stop on the schedule, are looking to stage the race without spectators on March 22.

But the Bahrain race and the following stop in Vietnam next month now look in jeopardy with personnel stuck in quarantine and global travel restrictions to prove a logistical nightmare for teams.

Holding the Netherlands Grand Prix on May 3 could also prove problematic after authorities canceled sports events on Thursday and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.

Spain, the next stop on the calendar a week after the Netherlands race, is also battling an escalating coronavirus outbreak.

‘Right decision’

England-based McLaren said 14 of their crew, in addition to the one confirmed case, were placed in quarantine at their Melbourne hotel for 14 days in accordance with health directives.

Even before the positive test result there were already big question marks over the season-opener, with a slew of medical professionals and media pundits ramping up pressure on organizers to call it off for health reasons.

On Thursday, Mercedes’ six-times world champion driver Lewis Hamilton said it was “shocking” that organisers wanted to push ahead with the race.

The 35-year-old Briton welcomed Friday’s decision.

“The reality is, this is really serious with people dying every day, lots of people ill and even if they are not ill, many people being affected financially and emotionally,” he said.

Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo was “devastated” his home race was canceled.

“Ultimately though the right decision has been made and I think everyone can understand this is something we’ve never seen before,” he said.

Confusion reigned earlier on Friday, with fans flocking to the lakeside circuit amid reports the race was set to go ahead despite McLaren’s positive test.

Hundreds of fans milled around closed entry gates, unaware that Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews had announced none would be permitted to enter even if the race went ahead.

The Australian Grand Prix has been subsidised by public funding for years, with local taxpayers tipping in more than A$60 million (RM162mil) last year for an event that involves months of work to convert a public park and lakeside streets into the race track.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said local organisers would discuss the viability of holding the race later, even as staff began packing up.

Hundreds of millions of dollars may be at stake if Formula One is forced to cancel more races.

Hamilton, when asked on Thursday why organisers had not scrapped the Melbourne race, had said “cash is king” but Carey shot back on Friday.

“I guess if cash is king we wouldn’t make the decision we did today,” he said.


Mazda CX-30 and CX-9 earn top awards in IIHS crash tests

                LOS ANGELES: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the Mazda CX-9 crossover, built after Dec 2019, has been added to the list of Mazda vehicles that earn its highest award - the 2020 TOP SAFETY PICK+.

“Earning the 2020 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ for Mazda’s 2020 CX-9 is a great honour and reflects our unending commitment to safety for our owners,” said Mazda North America president Jeff Guyton.

The CX-9 joins the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback, Mazda6, CX-3, and CX-5 vehicles as 2020 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award recipients to lead in the US auto-industry with more awards than any other automaker.

To qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the 2020 CX-9 earned good ratings in each of the Institute’s six crashworthiness evaluations of moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints & seats.

The CX-9 also earned advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

Additionally, the 2020 CX-9, achieved a good headlight rating for all models built after Dec 2019.

Also, the CX-30 received five-star ratings in the IIHS crash test for frontal, side and in overall vehicle impact score.

The ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) that aims at helping consumers make informed decisions about safety when purchasing a vehicle.

The five-star safety rating programme evaluates how vehicles perform in crash tests with the NHTSA conducting frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on roadways of the US.

“With our customers always in mind, safety is a top priority for Mazda, and we are proud to have the CX-30 earn NHTSA’s top rating – the NCAP 5-star rating,“ said Guyton.

The Japanese carmaker's i-Activsense advanced driver aid system featured in the CX-9 include Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist, High Beam Control, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The CX-30, on the other hand, comes standard with crash avoidance technologies recommended by NHTSA which include forward collision warning and crash imminent braking (features of Mazda’s Smart Brake Support), and Lane Departure Warning.

The optional i-Activsense for the CX-30 includes an adaptive cruise control system with Stop & Go functionality, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control and Adaptive Front-Lighting System.


Meet the 860hp Lamborghini Huracan Spyder

                ROME: Meet the 860hp/960Nm Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder, courtesy of specialist tuner Novitec Torado which is headquartered in Stetten, Germany.

The open-top sports car with a 5.2-litre V10 engine gets massively boosted by 250hp and 400Nm thanks to twin-supercharging, from its stock naturally aspirated 610hp and 560Nm.

Novitec Torado also offers a aerodynamic-enhancement components, optionally made from carbon, and tailor-made hi-tech forged wheels for the Huracán.

Also, the designers developed a new front spoiler, a central front blade and side flaps that attach to the production bumper.

An equally innovative idea from Novitec Torado is the special trunk deck, whose air ducts on the left and right-hand side further reduce lift on the front axle.

This improves the handling stability especially at high speeds.

The carbon covers for the door mirrors round out the racing looks effectively.

Just as sophisticated is the design of the Novitec Torado rocker panels, which create a perfect transition between the front and rear wheel arches and thus minimize turbulences at the sides of the vehicle.

In addition, they give the Huracán Spyder a lower and sleeker visual stance.

The rear end also underwent a sporty Novitec Torado upgrade: The shapes of the diffuser and rear spoiler lip were refined in the wind tunnel to create an optimal aerodynamic balance in concert with the Novitec Torado bodywork components at the front.
A large rear airfoil is optionally available for the Spyder.

A strikingly styled rear molding forms an even more spectacular backdrop for the taillights of the Huracán.

A tailor-made carbon cover for the ten-cylinder engine continues the racing look in the engine bay.

Wheels make a car, and consequently Novitec Torado also offers tailor-made wheels manufactured using hi-tech forging technology.

Five distinctive pairs of spokes that extend to the outer edge of the rim flange lend the Italian sports car fascinating looks.

The combination of 20-inch rims at the front and 21-inch wheels on the rear axle emphasizes the wedge shape of the Lamborghini.

The three-piece NL1 alloys are mounted on the Huracán at the front in size 9Jx20 with 245/30 ZR 20 tyres.

The wheel arches on the rear axle are filled out by 12.5Jx21 rims and 325/25 ZR 21 tyres.

Pirelli supplies the optimal rubber in form of its P-Zero high-performance tyres.

Novitec Torado sport springs lower the ride height of the two-seater by about 35 millimeters and due to the lower center of gravity also benefit the handling.

A height-adjustable coilover suspension will soon be available for all Huracán models.


Study shows most drivers not keen on switching to electric cars

                BERLIN: Hopes that motorists might switch to electric cars in large numbers may be just a pipedream, according to the results of a new mobility survey by German component maker Continental.

More than 80% of those asked in Germany and China said they would buy a new car with the same drivetrain as the one they already have, namely petrol, petrol-electric hybrid or diesel.

In the United States more than 90% of respondents answered the same question with "yes" or "probably".

In Japan there was more willingness to change, with around a quarter of those quizzed saying they could imagine switching to a pure-electric after owning a combustion-driven car.

"When it comes to choosing a powertrain, today's drivers tend to be conservative and rely on proven technology," said Continental's engine department CEO Andreas Wolf.

Range anxiety was one of the main reasons for the unwillingness of car drivers to embrace electric mobility, said Wolf. Few electric cars can travel more than 400km without recharging.

A total of 1,000 people in Germany, the US, Japan and China took part in the survey carried out by the Infas Institute on behalf of Continental.

The scandal over manipulated emission results for diesel engines has left its mark in Germany where 30% of those asked own a self-igniter but only half that number said they would buy one again.

The study also highlighted ongoing scepticism towards automated driving. Two thirds of those canvassed welcomed devices which would take over driving in monotonous or stressful situations — such as in traffic jams or where roadworks were in place.

Chinese drivers were far and away the most enthusiastic about future robotic driving, with Germans, Americans and Japanese drivers lagging behind.

A majority in Germany — where data protection laws are stringent — were opposed to connected cars exchanging more data between vehicles, the Internet and the environment. Again the Chinese found this more desirable.

Only a third of the Germans asked said they would willingly use robot taxis whereas more Americans, Chinese and Japanese could imagine taking a ride in a driverless taxi.
WATCH: Motorists remain loyal to current engine type — Continental video (external site)


GWM's first 4S centre opens in USJ Subang, Selangor

                SUBANG JAYA: Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia officially opens its inaugural 4S (sales, service, spare parts and spray paint) centre in USJ Subang.

Operated by Superhub Auto Services Sdn Bhd, GWM's RM5mil facility caters to customers in the Greater Klang Valley and is located at Lot 61711, Plot A, Persiaran Subang Indah, Kawasan Perindustrian Subang USJ 1 here.

While up to 40 staff members manage the new 100,000 sq ft facility, patrons will be able to view up to 12 vehicles on the showroom floor.

Additionally, they will also be provided with free access to WiFi, coffee and snacks and two meeting rooms.

The lounge area has large windows that allow visitors to view the service area.

Other services provided include an electric vehicle charging station, trade-ins, insurance and road tax renewal, windscreen replacement and free car wash service for those who service their vehicle, among others.

The rear of the facility houses seven service bays with a monthly throughput of 250 vehicles at current.

In conjunction with the official opening of GWM's first 4S centre, the China-based brand took the opportunity to feature its soon-to-be-launched Haval H6 Hybrid mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV), Haval Jolion compact SUV and GWM Cannon pick-up truck.

 Chui.

All three models were previously unveiled at the May 4-7 Malaysia Autoshow 2023.

The H6 and Cannon have been earmarked for launch in the fourth quarter of the year with the Jolion to follow suit next year.

 Superhub Auto Services chairman Datuk Lee Leck Cheng.

"With our expanding network and aspirations to launch the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon this year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer more quality products in Malaysia," said GWM Malaysia managing director Mike Cui.

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


Renault confirms details for Megane models

                PARIS: Renault has unsheathed the full details of its updated Mégane Hatch and Sport Tourer models and this includes the performance-oriented RS and a new Plug-in Hybrid model.

Available in Iconic and RS Line trim levels, the New Mégane Hatch and Sport Tourer range has been updated with a suite of exterior enhancements that include the use of LEDs within their updated lighting signature.

The new Mégane’s interior hasn't been missed as well with a large digital driver’s information display coupled with the 9.3-inch EasyLink infotainment system set into the dashboard.

This update brings a suite of upgrades to the technological offering of the Mégane via the large touchscreen, with access to all multimedia functions, MultiSense driving modes and vehicle settings.

The engine line-up has also been revised, with new E-TECH technology delivering the latest Plug-in Hybrid powertrain.

The Mégane RS also benefits from the same suite of enhancements, with a choice of RS 300 and RS Trophy available to order from August 2020.

Subtle tweaks to the styling see it getting fitted with new LED lighting signatures to bear French carmaker's latest family resemblance, but with typical R.S. references to its hot hatchback billing.

Inside, it features the same technological benefits the rest of the upgraded New Mégane range enjoys.

Both Mégane Hatch and Mégane Sport Tourer variants now come with new front and rear bumpers, front grille and new front and rear LED lighting as standard.

At the front, there's a C-shaped light signature that incorporates the turn indicators and is complemented by a new LED light strip reaching across the rear of the car towards the Renault badge.

The rear turn signals now feature dynamic indicators as well as door handle lighting.

For colour option, buyers have a choice of Copper, Baltique Grey and for the first time - Highland Grey.

Not to mention, it also has new alloy wheel designs for both Iconic and RS Line models of 16 and 17-inch wheel sizes.

As for the RS Line, it gets shod with new 17-inch Monthlery diamond-cut alloy wheels instead as well as a new fog light design and F1-style front splitter.

An RS Line bumper at the rear with a chrome exhaust pipe completes the exterior look across both Hatch and Sport Tourer models.

Inside, the Mégane’s welcoming interior has evolved with a suite of connected technologies which enhance the driver experience, courtesy of two new displays.

There is a 10.0-inch TFT Driver Information Display and a new 9.3-inch EasyLink touchscreen infotainment display in the centre of the dashboard.

The upholstery can be upgraded to full leather and is available for the Mégane Sport Tourer Iconic models, while both Hatch and Sport Tourers finished in RS Line grade can be upgraded to Alcantara on selected items.

On RS Line specification it is further enhanced with a perforated leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, sports seats with additional lateral support with carbon-look inserts and black headlining.

Also, red and grey stitching can be found on the seats and gear lever.

Regarding the new Mégane Sport Tourer Plug-in Hybrid, it still manages to retain the regular load area as well as the space located beneath the boot floor to keep charging cables stowed tidily.

This still leaves a square, accessible load bay for other items.

The latest infotainment and driver display systems are used here and are standard across all Renault models.

The 10-inch TFT Driver Information Display offers drivers the ability to fully customise the display based on personal preferences.

For instance, a full map display can be chosen for better navigation instructions right in front of the driver.

Alternatively, drivers can prioritise driver assistance and safety information, or vital trip information.

Backed up by what’s on display on the configurable main EasyLink display, the Mégane provides multiple options to suit a range of driver needs.

Also standard on R.S. Line models, the new 9.3-inch EasyLink features an intuitive display with faster responses via the new, glossy touchscreen that's touted to be more user-friendly when controlling the main functions.

Full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, as well as in-car direct voice recognition to control the radio, music, navigation and Renault apps via simple commands.

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are controlled via a new menu with an improved look and feel, while the satellite navigation system also features 3D buildings displayed on the screen, alongside connected features that include up-to-date traffic and weather information, fuel prices, door-to-door navigation and online search via Google.

Alternatively, a 7.0-inch version of the updated EasyLink system is available on Mégane Iconic models, incorporating smartphone connections and enhanced graphics and usability.

For added convenience, the Megane models are equipped with front and rear parking sensors, TFT instrument panel, full LED headlights, reverse camera and driver assistance systems that include lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high and low beam.

R.S. Line models benefit from Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) as standard.

A new Plug-in Hybrid powertrain utilises F1-inspired E-TECH technology which combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 9.3kWh battery, plus a multi-mode clutchless gearbox for optimised gearshifts.

Combined, the powertrain delivers 160hp worth of performance, with the engine providing 144Nm of torque and the electric motor capable of 205Nm.

This allows the Megane Plug-in Hybrid to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 9.8 seconds and can travel up to about 50km on electric power alone.

The driving experience can be tweaked and personalised via the MultiSense driving modes, with three available to choose from in the Mégane Plug-in Hybrid models - Pure, MySense and Sport.

The new record-breaking Mégane R.S. models have also received an update with key specification changes across both New Mégane R.S. 300 and New Mégane R.S. Trophy variants.

The Mégane R.S. 300’s standard specification has been bolstered with a range of key equipment, adding the following to the existing generous equipment list:

- 10-inch full TFT Driver Information Display with Renault Sport custom display

- Premium BOSE 9-Speaker audio system with a 9.3-inch EasyLink navigation system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

- Front and rear parking sensors

- Rear-view camera with flank guard protection

- Shark fin antenna in black

That’s on top of the New Mégane R.S. 300’s existing suite of features incorporating full R.S. exterior body kit, 4Control 4-wheel steering system, R.S. Drive, Sport chassis, 18-inch R.S. alloy wheels, R.S. Vision LED headlights with integrated C-shape turn signal, dual-zone climate control, handsfree Renault keycard, lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition and active emergency braking system.

For the ultimate New Mégane R.S., buyers can upgrade to the Trophy specification.

Bi-material brakes, 19-inch R.S. Trophy alloy wheels, R.S. Nappa perforated leather steering wheel and gearknob gaiter, heated seats, R.S. Monitor and the Cup chassis are all part of the package.

Renaultsport Alcantara upholstery with red stitching is standard, while optional Recaro bucket seats are also available.


BMW Motorrad and Rever reach one million networked users

                MUNICH: Quick, what app claims it has the world's largest online community for motorcyclists?

If you point to the Colorado-based app Rever, you would be right.

Today, four years later, Rever has passed the milestone of 1 million users with its mobile planning, tracking and sharing app for motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.

BMW Motorrad teamed up with the start-up in 2016 to build a worldwide community of motorcyclists around a new offering: the Rever app was to be used to plan exciting motorcycle tours, experience them together with like-minded people and share the experiences

More than 1.2 million journeys and a total distance of almost 200 million kilometres have been tracked. This involved around 50,000 BMW motorcycles, which completed almost 18 per cent of the tracked rides.

With the rapidly increasing number of users, the app is being optimised with new functions and greater content.

In addition to the BMW Motorrad Connectivity App, the Rever app also offers riders of older models and groups with different motorcycles a digitally enhanced riding experience.

With the app, users can create or join communities to participate in tours or determine the location of their friends on the map. It also offers innovative features such as "animated 3D flyover and exploration" that give motorcyclists an animated 3D overview of the rides they are following.

Premium memberships on Rever include additional features such as exclusive access to Butler Maps’ road recommendations, custom safety alerts and more. Recently, Rever has also opened up to car drivers who like to experience twisty routes.


Renault agrees deal with unions on remote working

                PARIS: Renault has signed an agreement with French trades unions that will allow thousands of its staff to work from home for up to three days a week, the company said today.

The new workplace arrangements will be rolled out in several stages, starting in September 2021, Renault said, adding it would offer support and training on how best to work remotely.

The hybrid system will be voluntary and based on two days of working from home per week, with an additional day at the manager's discretion, Renault added.

The company expects 20,000 employees in France to be eligible to take up the offer of remote working which will cover most roles apart from front-line production.

Rival carmaker Stellantis, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, has agreed similar arrangements with its French workers.

The future of the workplace is being heavily debated after the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of many offices and showed how many tasks could now be performed by staff from their own homes.


Refreshed Kia Sportage adds diesel mild-hybrid powertrain

                FRANKFURT: Kia has revealed the new Sportage, introducing a range of enhancements to the brand’s UK, European and global best-seller. The new model pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies.

Powertrains are also fully-compliant with future emissions standards.

The Sportage’s new EcoDynamic+ 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the brand’s global powertrain electrification strategy.

Kia said it is the first car maker to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across its full model line-up. Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Updates to the Sportage range also include modifications to "GT-Line" models.

EcoDynamics+

Kia’s new "EcoDynamics+" 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the main highlight of the updated Sportage. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, and extends engine "off time" with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to four per cent on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Sportage’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with Kia’s efficient new 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136ps, with higher-powered models available with all-wheel drive and seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

All powertrains are now fully compliant with the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standards.

Exterior improvements

Improvements to the Sportage’s sporty exterior design include new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. Options include chrome sill trim and metallic skid plates, and five new paint colours.

"GT-Line" models are equipped with a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, a gloss black and silver skid plate, and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate. The GT-Line’s unique 19-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned, and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.

The newly-refined cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. "GT-Line" models are available with new black-and-grey two-tone leather seats, or optional black leather with red accents.

Smart safety technologies and new infotainment

The new Sportage adopts Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel.

European customers have a choice of Kia’s new infotainment systems: a 7.0-inch touchscreen, or a new "frameless" 8.0-inch infotainment system.


Lego recreates McLaren Senna GTR

                LONDON: Lego Technic has unveiled its latest creation - the McLaren Senna GTR.

Priced at USD$49,99 (RM210), the 830-piece model of this track-focused supercar icon is the first McLaren supercar to be recreated in Lego Technic form to provide the ultimate building thrill for those aged 10 and above.

The McLaren Senna GTR replica is packed with authentic features and design details that include its V8 engine with moving pistons, aerodynamic curves, opening dihedral doors and a one-of-a-kind blue livery while measuring just 320mm-long.

And like every full-scale McLaren Senna GTR, its Lego replica is designed to be built by hand.

The Lego Technic McLaren Senna GTR will be launched globally from Jan 1, 2021, from Lego.com, Lego stores and other retailers globally, and participating McLaren retailers.

The LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR is the latest model to be released as part of the long-standing partnership that started in 2015.

LEGO builders of all ages have so far been able to create such iconic supercars as the McLaren P1, 720S in 2017 and the McLaren Senna in 2019.


Hyundai starts building lunar rover

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group has started building an initial development model of a lunar exploration mobility rover in tandem with aerospace partners.

For the rover, the group is using Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation’s advanced robotics and autonomous driving technologies (camera, LiDAR), driving system (motor, wheels, suspension), charging parts (solar panel, battery) as well as Hyundai Rotem’s robot manufacturing technology as part of a multi-purpose mobility platform.

The components will occupy the lower section of the rover while the upper section will consist of scientific payloads for lunar surface exploration.

The rover will have thermal management function and radiation shielding to withstand the extreme environment of the lunar surface.

Once the lower part of the rover is developed, it will operate as a mobility platform, supporting an upper part that will hold a variety of advanced technologies for digging, excavation and human exploration of the lunar surface for resources.

Ultimately, the goal is to deliver a universally applicable mobility platform to handle a variety of payloads.

Following development, testing and refinement, the plan is to land the rover near the south pole area of the moon to carry out various scientific missions. The solar-powered, autonomous driving mobility unit will weigh around 70kg.

Before the rover can be sent to the moon, the group will conduct mission-based performance testing of the development model in an environment similar to the moon’s surface in preparation for lunar mission and make refinements based on the test results.

In July 2022, the group signed a joint multilateral research agreement with six Korean research institutes in the aerospace sector to run and support a consultative body to develop a mobility solution for lunar surface exploration.

The consultative body includes Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH).

"With the rover’s development, we are moving beyond land, sea and air mobility to expand into space mobility,” said Hyundai Motor and Kia R&D planning head Yong Wha Kim.


Open-top luxury in the S-Class Cabriolet

                STUTTGART: The new S-Class Cabriolet is the first open-top luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971.

It will have its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

Also on show in Frankfurt will be a superlative dream car from Mercedes‑AMG in the guise of the S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet.

Its 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine offers an output of 585hp and peak torque of 900Nm, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque split as standard and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The new S-Class Cabriolet has innovative solutions such as the luggage compartment bulkhead made of aluminium and magnesium.

Its aluminium rear floor also lower the bodyshell weight to the level of the S-Class Coupe.

Meanwhile, the V8 4.7-litre engine of the S 500 Cabrio has an output of 455hp, and peak torque of 700Nm from 1,800rpm.

The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission supports both a dynamic and a fuel-saving driving style.

The S-Class Cabrio is fitted as standard with the full-support AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control.

This system sets standards with respect to road roar and handling stability.

It can be set to a sportier or more comfort-oriented mode, according to personal tastes.

Like the S-Class Saloon and Coupe, the new Cabrio has new assistance systems.

Intelligent Drive systems include PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Cross‑Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus.


Toyota GR Corolla makes world premiere

                LOS ANGELES: Toyota's motorsports arm Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) launched the GR Corolla today in Long Beach near here on the eve of the opening round of the Formula Drift season.

The GR Corolla is scheduled for launch in Japan in the second half of 2022.

The GR Corolla is part of Toyota president Akio Toyoda's long-held ambition to make its cars more exciting to drive.

The GR Corolla boasts a strengthened version of the 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine found in the GR Yaris, resulting in a maximum output of 224 kW (304 PS) and 370Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Optimising the GR-FOUR 4WD system, which is also featured on the GR Yaris, to match the specifications of the GR Corolla was among various initiatives undertaken to create a car that can be safely and securely controlled even when pushing it to its limits.

The GR Corolla retains a five-door, five-passenger layout for both exceptional usability in daily life and driving pleasure.

Since its birth in 1966, the Corolla has evolved throughout its generations into a variety of sedans, wagons, hatchbacks, and SUVs to meet the changing lifestyles of Toyota customers over time.

With the GR Corolla joining the lineup as a sports car packed tight with driving performance and functionality ready to be embraced by many customers, TGR promises the Corolla series will keep on evolving.

GR Corolla highlights

Let's start with the exterior.

While the basic body framework of the Corolla Sport has been adopted, 20 mm wider front fenders and 30 mm wider rear fenders produce a broader stance that foreshadows a spirited driving experience.

The triple exhausts of a muffler created to further increase the output of the 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine emphasise the unique, powerful, and sporty rear.

Honing the vehicle's cooling and aerodynamic performance on all kinds of roads, including racing circuits, dirt roads, and snow-covered roads, resulted in the inclusion of a front-bumper air intake and front-fender and hood-bulge air outlets.

Interior

A short-stroke shift lever positioned for natural operation by simply lowering the arm from the steering wheel enables quick gear changes.

A hand-operated parking brake has been used to allow better vehicle control even when pushing the car to its limits, such as when drifting.

The Full TFT Meter, which was developed exclusively for GR models, has been newly adopted. Inspired by race cars and reflecting insight from professional drivers, the new display improves visibility during sporty driving.

An evolved engine

Engine exhaust efficiency was improved to achieve even higher output from the same compact, lightweight, high-power unit that propels the GR Yaris.

A valve-equipped triple-exhaust muffler reduces both exhaust pressure and noise. In sum, the engine provides overwhelming acceleration and a more-pleasant extension of RPMs.

Stability and control

The basic body framework of the Corolla Sport has been adopted, and, while retaining the excellent driving stability provided by a long wheelbase, high-speed cornering performance has been improved by widening the track by 60 mm up front and by 85 mm in the rear.

Stability and control during sporty driving have been greatly enhanced, allowing confidence and enjoyment while driving as one pleases, even when pushing the car to its limits.

GR-FOUR 4WD system

The featured GR-FOUR 4WD system uses an electronic multi-plate clutch to provide variable front and rear driving force, like in the GR Yaris.

This time, however, the system's "4WD" mode, which controls driving force distribution, and its "Drive" mode, which controls accelerator response, steering, and others, have been separated to enable selection according to driver preference and the driving environment.

Furthermore, the use of pillow-ball bushings and the optimisation of the springs, shock absorbers, and wheel alignment combine to fully transmit the GR-FOUR's optimal distribution of driving force to the road surface. This has resulted in overwhelming cornering performance.

Body rigidity has been strengthened to achieve driving performance that agilely responds to driver operation. In addition to the high-rigidity basic framework made possible through production at the GR factory at Toyota's Motomachi Plant, braces have been added between the rear wheel wells, to the under-floor tunnel, and under the floor in front of the fuel tank to improve handling stability.

Also, like in the case of the GR Yaris, the roof panel is made of CFRP molded by the sheet molding compound process, which offers a high degree of freedom of shape and contributes not only to increased rigidity but also to weight reduction.

Opposed caliper disk brakes provide stable braking force and controllability, enabling confident and enjoyable driving, even on racing circuits.

Advanced safety

The latest active safety package, Toyota Safety Sense, comes standard, allowing the combination of safety and security in daily driving and the driving pleasure of a sports car.

WATCH: Toyota GR Corolla product reveal on Vimeo


Hyundai to buy robot maker Boston Dynamics from SoftBank

A boy in a stroller reacting to Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot Spot during its demonstration at Tokyo Robot Collection, Japan Sept 18. — Reuters
SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group units and its chairman have agreed to buy an 80% stake in robot maker Boston Dynamics from SoftBank Group Corp, Hyundai Motor Group said today.

Hyundai said the deal values the robot firm at $1.1 billion, suggesting the automaker group offered $880 million for the 80% stake.

Hyundai can leverage robot technology to expand automation at its unionised car factories, as well as design autonomous vehicles like self-driving cars, drones and delivery robots, analysts said.

The new stake comes after newly promoted Hyundai Motor Group chairman Euisun Chung pledged to reduce reliance on traditional car manufacturing, saying robotics would account for 20% of the company’s future business, with car-making taking up 50%, followed by urban air mobility at 30%.

Chung will own a 20% stake in Boston Dynamics, while Hyundai Motor and its affiliates, Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai Glovis, will hold a combined 60% stake.

“The transaction will unite capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics to spearhead innovation in future mobility,” Chung said in a statement.

Boston Dynamics, which was spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992, was bought by Google in 2013 and sold to SoftBank in 2017.

The company’s products include Spot, a four-legged dog-like robot that can climb stairs, and have gained media attention even as it struggled to build a commercial business.

Clients include Ford Motor Co, which leased two Spot robots in July as part of a pilot programme.

“Hyundai needs to prove that Boston Dynamics can be commercially successful and is capable of competing with cheaper Chinese rivals,” said Koh Tae-bong, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities.

'Innovation race’

Last year, Ford Motor said that it was partnering with walking robot maker Agility Robotics as it designs a planned fleet of self-driving delivery vans that will drop packages at the doorsteps of people’s homes.

The deal is the latest pullback by SoftBank from operating businesses as CEO Masayoshi Son focuses on investing.

It also marks the fading of SoftBank’s robotics ambitions, which were talked up by Son, and leaves the group’s own rump robotics business, which includes humanoid robot Pepper, looking increasingly isolated.

For Hyundai, this is the latest in a flurry of deals under Chung, who pledged to transform the automaker into a mobility provider, amid threats from electric carmaker Tesla and tech firms with ride-sharing, self-driving and other technologies.

“Automakers are in an innovation race. Hyundai is a late-comer to the race, and it seems that they want to showcase that they can do it, rather than trying to generate money from the robot business,” said mobility consultant Cha Doo-won.

Hyundai Motor has developed a wearable robot to reduce fatigue for factory workers and ran pilot programmes at its US plants.

In January, Hyundai Motor announced it had partnered with Uber to develop electric air taxis, but the US firm said this week it would sell its loss-making flying taxi unit to Joby Aviation, an electric passenger aircraft developer.


ACO partners EV Connection to install electric vehicle fast-charging station

                KUALA LUMPUR: ACO Group is teaming up with EV Connection Sdn Bhd to install a direct-current fast-charging station at ACO Group's new headquarters in Johor Baru as part of its initiative to tap into the green technology sector.

In a statement, it said the electric vehicle charging station, with a capacity of 180kW, is set to be one of the fastest charging speed stations in Malaysia and the first in Johor.

"EV owners will soon be able to drive in to ACO’s headquarters to charge up their vehicles at up to 180kW which takes up to 30 minutes to charge a car, as compared to alternating current (AC) charging points that take about 6 – 10 hours for a full charge," it added.

According to the statement, EV Connection is a leading one-stop electric mobility service provider specialising in EV charging solutions and EV charging stations.

"Together with EV Connection, we aim to participate in the scaling up of the EV charging network in Malaysia to pave way for greater EV adoption and support the push for driving decarbonisation.

"We will leverage on our respective strengths, ACO’s vast product offerings and footprint in Malaysia and EV Connection’s strong technical know-how in EV infrastructure, to accelerate the deployment of EV charging station across Malaysia," said ACO Group managing director Tan Pee Tee @ Tan Chang Kim.


Volkswagen continues to rebuild its identity with its latest electric concept car

SHANGHAI: The I.D. Crozz is Volkswagen's third fully-electric autonomous car study and the first to adopt a crossover form factor as the brand gets ready to launch its first serious long-range affordable plug-in vehicle at the end of the decade.

VW has started from scratch in its efforts to create not just one, but an entire fleet of electric models for the future and each of the concepts it has revealed over the past 18 months has been an attempt to demonstrate the flexibility and possibilities its newly developed electric vehicle platform (the MEB) can offer in terms of vehicle type, shape and features.

The I.D. Crozz follows an electrical reimagining of the Komi microbus (the I.D.) and of the Beatle (The I.D. Buzz) and is, according to the company, the clearest conceptual demonstration yet of what the VW of the future will look like and what it will be capable of doing using this MEB platform as a base.

"If it was ever possible to make a one-hundred percent certain prediction of what the future will look like, here it is, in 2017," said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand. "For us, the three prototypes of this new generation of zero-emission vehicles - I.D., I.D. Buzz and I.D. Crozz - mark the start of a design and technology revolution that is going to change individual mobility and the Volkswagen brand forever."

Though just a show car, making its global debut at the 2017 Auto Shanghai, VW claims this vehicle has a 180kph top speed, a maximum output of 302hp and a range of 500km on a single charge based on the latest European Driving Cycle criteria.

What's more, it has a smart all-wheel drive system. There are motors powering both the front and rear axles, but only the rear wheels usually turn. When more grip is needed or traction starts to fade, the front wheels come to life too. And because it's meant to be a genuine all-terrain machine, if the driver heads off road, the all-wheel drive system can be activated manually.

"By 2025, we want to have sales of pure electric vehicles up to one million units a year. The I.D. CROZZ will play a key role in that. [Electric car] production will start in 2020," said company chairman Herbert Diess.