London’s Oxford Circus is kicking out cars

A rendering showing how Oxford Circus might appear after adaptation. The actual design will be selected later this year. — Rendering courtesy of Westminster Council
LONDON: One of London’s most important public spaces is about to get a dramatic pedestrian makeover.

Oxford Circus, where two of the city’s busiest shopping streets intersect, will be transformed into two semi-circular pedestrian plazas, separated by a roadway with substantially reduced traffic, according to an announcement this week.

Aided by closing some feeder streets to traffic, the changes will begin this year, with a design chosen this summer from a competition overseen by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Packed with shoppers year round — claustrophobically so in the run-up to Christmas — Oxford Circus is one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs. It’s lined by a circle of imposing neo-baroque buildings that could so easily function as an inviting pedestrian-friendly plaza that it actually feels strange that, as yet, it doesn’t.

Meanwhile, Oxford Circus is known locally as much for its pollution as its stores, with Oxford Street, the road that bisects it, a high-walled bottleneck notorious for trapping fumes.

Plans to fully pedestrianize the street — made complicated by its vital role as a channel for numerous bus routes — have been mooted for years. Preparations to ban motor traffic from the London Mayor’s office on this strip were in place as recently as 2018, when they were overruled by local authority Westminster Council.

Westminster rejected those plans on the grounds that “the pedestrianisation scheme that was under consideration is not what local people want,” an assertion not entirely backed up by the council’s own public consultation.

Tensions between a Conservative-led council and London’s Labour mayor may have partly caused that rejection, but now both the mayor and council seem to be in harmony in their support of a makeover. It’s one that, in the light of upcoming changes, is as much essential as desirable.

In 2022, London’s new Crossrail link — a major subterranean heavy rail network linking London with its eastern and western exurbs — should open.

Already a major subway hub, Oxford Circus will host one of Crossrail’s busiest stations, channeling an additional 60 million pedestrians a year.

The extra sidewalk space, public seating and green areas planned for around Oxford Circus should help with the area’s intensified role as a city centre gateway. Put simply, those pedestrians will need somewhere to go.


Israeli startup StoreDot's 5-minute battery charge aims to fire up electric cars

A display promoting fast-charging batteries at the entrance of the Israeli startup StoreDot's headquarters. — AFP
TEL AVIV: From flat battery to full charge in just five minutes — an Israeli start-up has developed technology it says could eliminate the "range anxiety" associated with electric cars.

Ultra-fast recharge specialists StoreDot have developed a first-generation lithium-ion battery that can rival the filling time of a standard car at the pump.

"We are changing the entire experience of the driver, the problem of 'range anxiety'... that you might get stuck on the highway without energy," StoreDot founder Doron Myersdorf said.

The innovation could eliminate the hours required to recharge an electric car, he said.

Hundreds of prototypes are being tested by manufacturers.

His company, based in Herzliya, near here, is backed by four key investors: German automobile manufacturer Daimler, the UK's British Petroleum and the electronic giants Samsung and TDK.

Myersdorf, who set up the company in 2012, has tested the battery on phones, drones and scooters, before tackling the big prize of electric vehicles.

'Revolution'

But Eric Esperance, an analyst at Roland Berger consulting firm, cautioned that while ultra-fast charging would be a "revolution", many stages remain.

"We are still far off from the industrial automotive market," he said.

In 2019, the Nobel Chemistry Prize was awarded to John Goodenough of the US, Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino for the invention of lithium-ion batteries.

"This lightweight, rechargeable and powerful battery is now used in everything from mobile phones to laptops and electric vehicles," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on awarding the prize.

Myersdorf said charging "speed was not part" of the original design that won the Nobel, so he worked on what was "considered impossible": a lithium-ion battery good to go in minutes.

"We wanted to demonstrate that you can take a lithium-ion battery, replace some of its materials and then charge it in five minutes," he said.

The engineer switched the original graphite in the battery's negative anode with silicon.

"We are taking that amazing innovation of the lithium-ion battery and upgrading it to extreme fast charging capability," he said.

Batteries are assembled in a laboratory equipped with large glass boxes, sealed to keep oxygen out.

StoreDot chemists clad in goggles and white coats build 100 batteries a week, sent to companies for possible use in their products.

Quest for fossil fuel-free society

The team is already working on a second generation of batteries to cut costs.

While the design cycle of a vehicle is "typically four to five years", they are looking to speed up the process.

"We are working on taking this solution to the market in parallel, by designing the manufacturing facilities that would be able to mass produce this battery," Myersdorf said.

The Nobel jury praised the lithium-ion battery for being able to "store significant amounts of energy from solar and wind power, making possible a fossil fuel-free society".

As public opinion shifts towards prioritising the climate change crisis, manufacturers are gearing production towards less polluting vehicles.

But the road is long.

On the ground, charging stations would have to be adapted for the new generation batteries, costing between US$1,500 and US$10,000 depending on capacity.

Electric cars are also still expensive, and in 2019 they represented only 2.6 percent of global sales, according to the International Energy Agency.

For Myersdorf, the sooner the world switches to electric vehicles the better, pointing to the "huge impact on the planet".

But recycling lithium-ion batteries remains a problem, with Esperance noting that each has a lifespan of between 3,000 and 3,500 charges.

"We must set up a recycling system, as there is for lead-acid batteries," he said. "Today, this network is just being set up."

Both the extraction and recycling of lithium pose ecological, political and economic challenges for technology to overcome.


With 2019 ending, it's another NAP-less year

                KUALA LUMPUR: Another year goes by and yet, the much anticipated new National automotive Policy (NAP) has yet to see the light of day despite talks of it being launched "soon”.

Industry players and observers continue to await for the policy which aims to take the local automotive industry forward; outlining efforts to transform Malaysia into a hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles (EEV) manufacturer, among other things.

The NAP was introduced in 2006 to transform the domestic automotive industry and integrate it into the increasingly competitive regional and global industry network.

The policy was reviewed in 2009 and 2014 to keep the local industry abreast with developments.

In an interview with Bernama in September, Malaysia automotive, Robotic and IoT Institute (MARii) chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari said the policy would be carried out in three phases until 2030, with the first phase scheduled to run until 2023-2024.

MARii had been tasked to develop the policy by the Ministry of International Trade and Investment in August this year.

"The first phase of NAP 2019 will emphasise on the improvement of policies to infuse with new technologies, including in terms of human capital and competency,” said Madani.

He said the first phase would focus on elements such as batteries production, management system and the establishment of charging stations, while the other two phases would focus on technological advancements, including 5G.

More interestingly, the new NAP would see the country shifting its focus towards developing an ecosystem for the "next-generation vehicle” (NxGV), which integrates artificial intelligence to enable safer, more efficient and high-performance driving.

The policy will also enable the creation of a new sector, mobility-as-a-service (MaaS), where transportation services from public and private transportation providers are combined in a unified gateway which creates and manages the trip.

It will also allow users to pay for the service either via cash or online payment .

Madani said this is to ensure that the country is not left behind in the MaaS sector following the exponential growth of e-hailing services.

Meanwhile, 2019 continued to showcase Perodua’s dominance in the local automotive industry as the local carmaker continues to maintain its lead in terms of vehicle sales.

According to the available data, Perodua has sold more than 200,000 units of vehicle as of October this year, more than double that of its closest competitor, Proton, which sold 79,423 units vehicle in the same period, followed by Honda at 71,489 units.

However, as Proton kickstarts its sport utility vehicle, X70’s completely knocked-down production this month, the market will become more interesting in the near future and give more competition to Perodua’s dominance in the market.

Overall, the total industry volume (TIV) for the January-October period stood at 496,861 units, compared with 502,128 units during the same period last year.

The amount was higher last year due to the three-month tax holiday period -- the gap between the zerorisation of the Goods and Services Tax on June 1 and the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax on Sept 1.

This year’s TIV is also on track to settle at 600,000 units as forecast by the Malaysian automotive Association.

However, MARii is more optimistic in its forecast, expecting the 2019 TIV to be around 605,000 units, growing to between 610,000 and 615,000 units in 2020.

While the two local carmakers continued to dominate the market, the new national car project also continued to make progress and is slated to make its debut in 2021.

The project was announced in August, and local company DreamEdge Sdn Bhd was chosen as the anchor company to develop the project, together with Japanese carmaker Daihatsu Motor Company as its technical partner.

Dreamedge said it plans to unveil the first prototype in March next year.

Its founder and chief executive officer, Khairil Adri Adnan, said the first model would be a C-segment hybrid sedan.


Toyota gears up to make over 10 EVs by early 2020s

                TOKYO: Toyota is set to produce over 10 fully electric cars by the early 2020s, with sales starting in China, before they are sold in Japan, India, the United States and Europe.

The electrification strategy will occur across the entire Toyota and Lexus line-up, it said in a statement today.

By around 2030, Toyota aims to have sales of more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles, including more than 1 million zero-emission vehicles in the form of fully electric cars and fuel cell (or hydrogen-powered) cars. The products will include passenger and commercial vehicles.

By around 2025, every model in the Toyota and Lexus line-up around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option. This means Toyota will stop making convention cars using only the internal combustion engine.

Toyota's electrified vehicle strategy centres on a dramatic acceleration in the development and launch plans of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Toyota has been actively developing next-generation solid-state batteries and aims to commercialise the technology by the early 2020s. In addition, Toyota and Panasonic will start a feasibility study on a joint automotive prismatic battery business in order to achieve the best automotive prismatic battery in the industry and to ultimately contribute to the quick uptake of Toyota's and other automakers' electrified vehicles.

Toyota also said it wants to develop a social infrastructure conducive to the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles. This includes the creation of a system to help streamline battery reuse and recycling, as well as support the promotion of plug-in vehicle charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations through co-operation and collaboration with government authorities and partner companies.

Toyota started making eco-friendly cars with the iconic Prius 20 years ago, as well as the launch of the world's first PHEV, the Prius PHV, in 2012. The second-generation Prius PHV, introduced in 2017, further increased the vehicle's electric mode cruising range. Additionally, in 2014 Toyota launched the world's first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, the Mirai, which the company said has been well-received by customers in Japan, the United States and Europe.


Motor insurance liberalisation: High-risk drivers pay more

                PETALING JAYA: Think twice before you run a red light or drive recklessly – you could end up paying more for your future motor insurance.

Insurance companies are expected to take into account a motorist’s driving history following the liberalisation of motor insurance tariffs set to take effect on July 1.

“The traffic violation records and history of a motorist will certainly be of interest to insurers,” said Perbadanan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) CEO Mark Lim.

“It is one of the risk profiling factors which will be considered in the pricing of the insurance premium.” PIAM plans to work closely with law enforcement authorities to assess such data.

Following the liberalisation, the amount of premium you pay will be determined by risk factors which may include the driver’s age and gender, the vehicle’s age, claims record and even traffic violation history, according to PIAM’s website.

On the matter of gender, the website said studies in developed countries showed that women generally have safer driving habits than men. This means drivers with a lower risk profile enjoy lower premiums.

Consumers can now expect a wider array of competitively-priced motor insurance products to suit their individual needs. Except for third-party insurance tariffs which remain fixed, insurance companies will be free to determine the pricing of premiums depending on the consumer’s needs and their risk profile.

“Generally, consumers can expect an improvement in the quality of customer service and a wider range of products at competitive prices given the increased competition.

“The availability of new and innovative products with enhanced features will enable consumers to obtain the coverage that best meets their needs,” said Lim.

Financial consultant Afyan Mat Rawi said the move is set to benefit consumers as they will soon have more options.

Since the gradual liberalisation which began last July, Afyan said, companies have started offering “non-standardised” products which cover towing and car replacement in the event of breakdown.

“Before this, tariffs across companies were the same. It didn’t matter much which company I bought my motor insurance from,” he said.

“With the liberalisation, competition is going to be stiffer, and companies will choose strategies which can retain customers. We may be looking at further discounts or additional coverage at no charge.”

However with companies now free to set their own premiums, he was concerned that larger firms with more capital might be able to offer much lower premiums than smaller outfits.

“Even so, in my experience, consumers don’t always go for the cheapest option but the one with the fastest and most hassle-free claim,” he said.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) director-general Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon saw the move favourably as it would promote a culture of safety among road users. “The higher risk, the more you pay. The lower risk, the less you pay,” he said.

Dr Wong added that apart from driving history, other risk factors such as geographical location and car model should be considered.

“If you consistently drive on a higher risk road, for example up and down Cameron Highlands, that makes a difference to your risk profile, and should be considered when determining your premium.

“And when you are buying a car, you have an incentive to choose a safer vehicle if you get to enjoy lower premiums,” he said.

Motor insurance made up 46.3% – the largest slice – of the country’s general insurance market in 2015.

However, for every RM1 premium collected, claims made involving third-party bodily injury are between RM1.30 and RM3, according to Bank Negara Malaysia.

In fact, the motor insurance class saw losses amounting to RM292mil in 2015, a 75% increase from RM166mil the year before.

In other related news, general insurance companies are expected to see increased competition in the pricing of motor insurance premiums, but the insurance association does not think a price war will erupt within the industry.

Freedom to price insurance premiums within a fixed band following the liberalisation of motor insurance will limit any price war the industry might be engaged in to win over market share.

“It is unlikely that the financial impact on motor insurers will be significant, as the liberalisation of the tariff is done gradually and in phases to ensure market stability,” said General Insurance Association of Malaysia chairman Anthony Lee.

“As Malaysia progresses towards developed-nation status, the insurance market is being opened up to allow a more equitable approach to the charging of premiums,” said Lee.


Nokia, Daimler, others agreed to mediation to resolve licensing dispute

A cyclist riding past a Nokia logo during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February last year. Nokia and Daimler have been fighting over who should apply and pay royalties on technologies key to navigation to systems, vehicle communications and self-driving cars. — Reuters
BRUSSELS: Nokia, German carmaker Daimler and several car parts suppliers have agreed to independent mediation to resolve their technology licensing dispute, the Finnish telecoms equipment maker said on Thursday.

The move, if it leads to a successful outcome, could stave off a possible EU antitrust investigation following complaints by Daimler, Bury Technologies, Continental, Valeo and Thales-owned Gemalto to the European Commission.

The Finnish telecoms equipment maker and Daimler have been at loggerheads on who should apply and pay royalties on technologies key to navigation to systems, vehicle communications and self-driving cars.

“We expect the mediation to take place soon and look forward to constructive dialogue with all parties with the aim of reaching an amicable and definitive resolution,” Nokia said in a statement.

It made the mediation proposal last week and also offered to negotiate with car parts makers instead of Daimler, a move welcomed by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

Nokia’s usual practice is to license its technologies at the car level, whereas Daimler says component makers should also be able to apply for them.


Vespa Sprint launched

 Local rapper Altimet was at the Vespa launch to add celebrity flavour.

PETALING JAYA:  There’s a new sporty Vespa in town and it’s none other than the 150cc Vespa Sprint, the successor to the Vespa S.

With its chic and sporty design, the Sprint harks back to the generation of sporty Vespas from the 1960s and 1970s and preserves the vintage aesthetic characteristics such as the sporty saddle accentuated by a black cover with a white line finish and signature square headlamp.

While looking to the past for inspiration, contemporary features are also abound in the new Sprint such as LED daytime running lights, multifunction digital display and redesigned 12in aluminium alloy rims.

The Sprint is powered by 150cc, single cylinder 4-stroke engine with three valves mated to an automatic CVT transmission, single overhead cam and electronic fuel injection. It produces 11.6hp with a maximum torque of 12Nm.

The unique three-valve architecture makes the scooter lighter and more fuel efficient than most conventional two-valve engines as it achieves 64km/L at an average speed of 50kph.

“The Vespa Sprint is a welcome addition to the local line-up of Vespa scooters and we hope bike-loving Malaysians will take this opportunity to experience what the Sprint has to offer,” said Naza Group of Companies, group executive chairman and group chief executive officer, Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

Also present at the event were Naza Premira Sdn Bhd vice president II, Farouk Faisal and Piaggio Asia Pacific area sales manager, Neru Miclaus.

The Vespa Sprint is priced at RM15,617 with two years manufacturer’s warranty or 20,000km (whichever comes first) and is available in six colours: Montebianco (white), Rosso Dragon (red), Grigio Titanio (grey), Blu Midnight (dark blue), yellow and orange.

Naza Premira also announced the Vespa Assist service, supported by AAM bikers assist, which offers 24/7 breakdown assistance, free-towing services (depending on zones), minor on-the-spot repair services, AAM Motor Insurance and Vehicle Inspection and Valuation services among others.

New Vespa owners who register their bikes from April 1 onwards are entitled to free Vespa Assist for one year.


When do electric vehicles become cleaner than gasoline cars?

                DETROIT: You glide silently out of the Tesla showroom in your sleek new electric Model 3, satisfied you're looking great and doing your bit for the planet.

But keep going — you'll have to drive another 21,725km before you're doing less harm to the environment than a gas-guzzling saloon.

That's the result of a Reuters analysis of data from a model that calculates the lifetime emissions of vehicles, a hotly debated issue that's taking center stage as governments around the world push for greener transport to meet climate targets.

The model was developed by the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago and includes thousands of parameters from the type metals in an electric vehicle (EV) battery to the amount of aluminium or plastic in a car.

Argonne's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model is now being used with other tools to help shape policy at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board, the two main regulators of vehicle emissions in the United States.

Jarod Cory Kelly, principal energy systems analyst at Argonne, said making EVs generates more carbon than combustion engine cars, mainly due to the extraction and processing of minerals in EV batteries and production of the power cells.

But estimates as to how big that carbon gap is when a car is first sold and where the "break-even" point comes for EVs during their lifetime can vary widely, depending on the assumptions.

Kelly said the payback period then depends on factors such as the size of the EV's battery, the fuel economy of a gasoline car and how the power used to charge an EV is generated.

Norway's a winner

Reuters plugged a series of variables into the Argonne model, which had more than 43,000 users as of 2021, to come up with some answers.

The Tesla 3 scenario above was for driving in the United States, where 23% of electricity comes from coal-fired plants, with a 54 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and a cathode made of nickel, cobalt and aluminum, among other variables.

It was up against a gasoline-fuelled Toyota Corolla weighing 1,340kg with a fuel efficiency of 7.1l/100km. It was assumed both vehicles would travel 279,000km during their lifetimes.

But if the same Tesla was being driven in Norway, which generates almost all its electricity from renewable hydropower, the break-even point would come after just 13,518km.

If the electricity to recharge the EV comes entirely from coal, which generates the majority of the power in countries such as China and Poland, you would have to drive 126,655km to reach carbon parity with the Corolla, according to the Reuters analysis of data generated by Argonne's model.

The analysis showed that the production of a mid-sized EV saloon generates 47 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per mile during the extraction and production process, or more than 8.1 million grams before it reaches the first customer.

By comparison, a similar gasoline vehicle generates 32 grams per mile, or more than 5.5 million grams.

Michael Wang, senior scientist and director of the Systems Assessment Center at Argonne's Energy Systems division, said EVs then generally emit far less carbon over a 12-year lifespan.

Even in the worst case scenario where an EV is charged only from a coal-fired grid, it would generate an extra 4.1 million grams of carbon a year while a comparable gasoline car would produce over 4.6 million grams, the Reuters analysis showed.

'Well-to-wheel'

The EPA told Reuters it uses GREET to help evaluate standards for renewable fuel and vehicle greenhouse gases while the California Air Resources Board uses the model to help assess compliance with the state's low-carbon fuel standard.

The EPA said it also used Argonne's GREET to develop an online program that allows US consumers to estimate the emissions from EVs based on the fuels used to generate electric power in their area.

The results of the Reuters analysis are similar to those in a life-cycle assessment of electric and combustion-engine vehicles in Europe by research group IHS Markit.

Its "well-to-wheel" study showed the typical break-even point in carbon emissions for EVs was about 24,140 to 32,186km, depending on the country, according to Vijay Subramanian, IHS Markit's global director of carbon dioxide (CO2) compliance.

He said using such an approach showed there were long-term benefits from shifting to electric vehicles.

Some are less positive about EVs.

University of Liege researcher Damien Ernst said in 2019 that the typical EV would have to travel nearly 700,000km before it emitted less CO2 than a comparable gasoline vehicle. He later revised his figures down.

Now, he estimates the break-even point could be between 67,000km and 151,000km. Ernst said he did not plan to change those findings, which were based on a different set of data and assumptions than in Argonne's model.

Some other groups also continue to argue that EVs are not necessarily cleaner or greener than fossil-fuelled cars.

The American Petroleum Institute, which represents over 600 companies in the oil industry, states on its website: "Multiple studies show that, on a life-cycle basis, different automobile powertrains result in similar greenhouse gas emissions."

Argonne National Laboratory is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and operated by the University of Chicago.


Mansory transforms Rolls-Royce Wraith into vehicle of sheer opulence

FRANKFURT: The Palm Edition 999 is the latest creation to roll out of the doors of German customisation company Mansory and one, its creators claim, that redefines the boundaries of automotive opulence.

The car, which started out life as a "standard" Rolls-Royce Wraith, has been dubbed the Palm Edition 999 for two reasons. The first is a reference to 999 pure gold; and the second is to the number of completely bespoke Wraiths the company intends to build based on this golden theme - just nine.

This exclusivity is why Mansory, located in Brand, 320km east of here, is holding nothing back in terms of customisation. The exterior boasts a two-tone white and gold paint finish and each of the badges has been recreated in a 999 pure gold finish.

The body is noticeably different too. It has been aerodynamically overhauled with new front and rear spoilers and aprons and side skirts in Mansory's customary carbon fiber. What's more, any of the nine potential owners can also specify any metallic exterior fitting, from the door handles to the radiator grille and even the Sprit of Ecstasy itself, plated in 999 pure gold.

The changes are much more than cosmetic. The Wraith is the most potent Rolls-Royce currently on general sale, but Mansory has upped the car's output of 632PS to 740PS, which in turn means that despite dripping in gold, this car is capable of accelerating from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 300kph.

Inside the gold theme and the pure gold continue in abundance. The premium leather's tone matches the exterior paintwork with gold-coloured embroidery while several cockpit elements have been recast in pure gold.

It's not clear how positively the Rolls-Royce design department will respond to Mansory's latest creation, but it will certainly pique the interest of the super-rich driver that has everything except a Wraith that looks significantly different from that of his or her neighbour.

After all, the German car customisation business exists to provide services mainstream super sports and super luxury carmakers can't or won't offer.


Petrol prices to drop: Dec 14 to 20, 2017

PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will be down across the board for the next seven days.

RON95 will be priced at RM2.25 per litre (down by 4 sen from RM2.29) while RON97 will retail at RM2.52 (down by 5 sen from 2.57) per litre. Meanwhile, diesel is at RM2.20 per litre (down by 1 sen from RM2.21).

The change will take effect from Dec 14 to 20.

The new prices were announced by the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry Twitter account on Wednesday evening.


Kia trio coming. Stinger - hopefully

                PETALING JAYA: The all-new Stinger could headline the Kia launches this year if local distributor Naza Kia Malaysia can wrangle an allocation from its principal. Established mainstream models that will arrive in new guises are the Rio hatchback, Optima K5 sedan and the Grand Carnival MPV, which was previewed in Kuala Lumpur last year.

This was announced at the Naza Kia Malaysia Chinese New Year open house held at the Kia Red Cube showroom here today.

Representing Kia's halo car, the Stinger is a high-performance fastback that aims to shake up the market that's typically dominated by European makes.

It's effectively a "gran turismo" that's due to go on sale in markets worldwide this year. Kia said it was designed in Frankfurt and honed in Nurburgring in Germany.

The Stinger made its world debut at the Detroit auto show last month and won the EyesOnDesign Award for best production car for its mix of sporty muscular appearance, performance and luxury.

Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer had said: “We’ve made a lot of great cars and I’m proud of all of them, but the Stinger is something special.”

The Stinger is available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox in a choice of 2.0-litre or 3.3-litre V6 turbocharged powerplants that produces 255hp/350Nm and 365hp/510Nm respectively.

While the fourth-generation Rio and Optima will be locally assembled, the third-generation Grand Carnival will be a fully imported model.

According to Naza Kia Malaysia product planning head Muhamad Shahrul Farhan, all 50 units in the first batch of the RM181,888 Grand Carnival had already been pre-sold and the distributor is awaiting a new shipment of 40 units from South Korea. Naza Kia hopes to launch the 2.2-litre diesel Grand Carnival in March or April. Meanwhile, the new Optima is slated for a Q2 launch while the Rio is set to appear in showrooms in the second half of the year.

Muhamad Shahrul said Naza Kia would be interested in selling the new Rio sedan if Kia decides to introduce it.

CarSifu's Rizal Johan was in Australia late last month for a drive of the Rio hatchback, Kia's global bestseller. We will have the drive details soon. Suffice to say at this point that the 1.4-litre petrol hatch with a 4-speed automatic is a decent city car with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and design.

Commenting on brand strategy, Muhamad Shahrul said Kia aspires to go upmarket. To help achieve its transition from being a "value-for-money" to a premium brand, he said Naza Kia Malaysia is continuing to introduce high-value cars in the country. The present average per car value now stands at RM130,000 when compared to RM80,000 to RM90,000 previously.

Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd group chief operating officer (automotive group) Datuk Samson Anand George said that apart from the 2017 launches, this year would be a challenging time and the company would focus efforts on "housekeeping and operational efficiency" . Naza Kia Malaysia also expects to expand its dealer network with five more 3S outlets.


Real world testing of BMW's hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain starts

                MUNICH: BMW Group has begun testing the near-standard vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain in everyday conditions on European roads.

Prototypes of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT will examine how effectively the CO2-free drivetrain, model-specific chassis technology and vehicle electronics systems work together under real-life conditions.

The field testing focused on efficiency, safety, convenience, reliability and most importantly - driving pleasure.

The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT is a pure electric vehicle that uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel cell.

The testing programme will pave the way for the BMW Group to present a small-series model with this sustainable drive technology, developed on the basis of the BMW X5, in late 2022.

Extensive field testing of these vehicles will provide practical experience in the use of this sustainable drive technology.

The complete drive system in the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT combines hydrogen fuel cell technology with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology – which are already available in the BMW iX3 and soon the BMW iX and BMW i4.

The system also includes a performance buffer battery that stores energy to be used for dynamic acceleration manoeuvres and short bursts of speed for overtaking.

As a result, the system delivers an output of 275kW/374hp that corresponds exactly to that of the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine currently used in BMW models.


Toyota develops APM for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, is developing the Accessible People Mover (APM) - a fully-electric mobility vehicle designed expressly for use during the games.

Through the games, the Japanese carmaker aims to provide all people with Mobility for All by offering a “last one mile” solution and once developed, the APM will measure in around 3,900mm-long, 1,600mm-wide and 2,000mm-tall with a top speed of 19kph and up to 100km of pure electric range.

This helps to transport as many people as possible to events and venues, including athletes, staff, the elderly, people with impairments, pregnant women, and families with small children among others.

It is also anticipated that one part of the fleet of APMs will be used for relief activities at events/venues during summer.

During the Games, Toyota will employ approximately 200 APMs, to support the transportation of visitors and staff to and around various facilities, including events or competitions and the Olympic Village.

The APM is basically a low-speed, short-distance battery electric vehicle (BEV) that features three-row seating.

The driver's seat is in the first row while the second row provides seating for three and two for the third row for a total seating capacity of six people - five passengers and one driver.

When used for passengers in wheelchairs, the configuration can be modified by folding the seats to allow the wheelchair rider in the second row.

For safety, the position of the driver’s seat has been elevated and centrally located in order to allow the driver to see passengers and support their individual needs as they enter/exit the vehicle.

Passenger seats are accessible from both sides of the vehicle, and the overall design considers varying customers’ needs, with safety bars on both sides to help passengers while entering and exiting the vehicle.

There is also the fitment of wheelchair anchor plates and ramps to allow for optimal access and transportation of wheelchair passengers.

For relief activities during the games, a stretcher can be attached to the vehicle while space for it has been reserved the second and third rows as well as for two relief staff workers to sit adjacent to the stretcher.


Hello Taiping, Nissan 3S centre is here

                PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) recently launched the Nissan 3S Centre in Taiping, its 19th 3S Centre in the country and  the second Nissan 3S centre to open this year after the Johor Jaya Mega 3S Centre in May.

The new ETCM Taiping 3S Centre has a total build-up area spanning over 17,846 sq ft, and is strategically located to provide convenience to the surrounding community.

This one-stop centre offers customers the ease of being able to test drive and purchase a range of new Nissan models, get them serviced, and obtain spare parts for their Nissan vehicles – all under one roof.

 Ang speaking during the official ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony,  executive director of ETCM Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said, “Taiping’s growth has been remarkable. Under the Northern Corridor Economic Region development, we have seen it thrive and attract not just tourists, but local and foreign investors as well. And with the rise of business opportunities and better infrastructure, a demand for passenger and commercial transport vehicles is also on the rise, hence it is crucial for us to make our presence felt in Taiping - and our responsibility to support Nissan owners and the community here with a Nissan 3S Centre.”

With an investment on renovation of about RM800,000, the newly-designed layout allows for a showroom area that can display up to eight Nissan models at any one time, while the service centre holds eight service bays with the capacity to service up to 30 cars per day.

The 3S Centre is manned by 14 certified Nissan sales professionals and six experienced and highly trained technicians.

The Taiping 3S Centre offers customer convenience and comfort while waiting, with facilities that includes a lounge and refreshment bar complete with WiFi connectivity, as well as a Kid’s Corner for customers with children.


Citroen reveals flagship C5 Aircross SUV

                PARIS: Citroën has revealed the European version of its flagship new C5 Aircross SUV as the brand continues its international SUV offensive.

The new-generation SUV has a unique and assertive personality, and features an all-new personalisation offering with 30 exterior colour combinations.

The new C5 Aircross SUV is the most comfortable model in its segment, thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension and Advanced Comfort seats. The SUV also boasts unrivalled modularity with three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, and best-in-class boot space.

The modern and high-tech New C5 Aircross is equipped with 20 driver assistance systems (including Highway Driver Assist and Grip Control) and six connectivity technologies (including Wireless Smartphone Charging).

The new C5 Aircross will launch in Europe at the end of 2018 and will be the first Citroën with a plug-in hybrid powertrain at the end of 2019.

New C5 Aircross SUV stands apart through its energetic and assertive personality. Measuring 4.50m long, the new model is robust, muscular and powerful. Its flowing shape is punctuated with strong graphic touches such as the Airbump panels, large 720mm-diameter wheels, a ground clearance of 230mm and distinctive roof bars.

The cabin gives an immediate impression of protection and space, with a large horizontal dashboard, enveloping seats, a road-dominating ride height, as well as a wide central console and the use of warm materials.

The new C5 Aircross SUV excels through its comfort and spacious interior thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme. It features two major innovations: Citroën’s new suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort seats with their unrivalled ability to offer peerless ride comfort, the result being an outstanding experience for all passengers.

The new C5 Aircross SUV delivers unique modularity in the segment derived from Citroën’s know-how in the world of MPVs, with three individual, sliding, folding and reclining rear seats and best-in-class boot volume of 580-litres to 720-litres (depending on second row seat position).

The new C5 Aircross SUV features a 12.3-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, plus 20 latest-generation driver assistance technologies. These include Highway Driver Assist, a level-two autonomous driving system, as well as six advanced connectivity technologies.

The new, ultra-connected model can be equipped with Wireless Smartphone Charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën.

Powered by efficient and high-performance petrol and diesel engines ranging from 130hp to 180hp and the Citroën brand’s new EAT8 automatic gearbox, the new C5 Aircross will be the first Citroën available with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology at the end of 2019.

“I am very proud to present today New C5 Aircross SUV, produced in the French plant of Rennes and intended to be sold in 92 countries around the world. A next generation SUV that complements the recently renewed Citroën range and addresses the crucial SUV segment with all the identity of the brand: design, comfort, modularity. New C5 Aircross SUV is Citroën’s new flagship and a key lever for the international growth of the brand,” said Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO.


Get ready to pay more toll on major highways

                KUALA LUMPUR: Another round of increases, folk. Unfortunately, it's not your income.

Toll rates along several major highways will go up between 20 sen and RM3 from Oct 15.

The highways are the Kajang Traffic Dispersal Ring Road (SILK), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Maju Expressway (MEX), Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK), KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), SMART tunnel, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Besraya Highway, Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban (Lekas), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (Guthrie), Kemuning Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA) and Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh).

However, the toll rates for all highways operated by PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) will remain unchanged.

Silk Holdings Bhd said on Monday that it would raise the toll for cars to RM1.80.

For vehicles with two axles and five or six wheels (except for buses), the new rate is RM3.60.

The toll rates for cars using the DUKE will be increased to RM2.50 at the Ayer Panas, Sentul Pasar and Kampung Batu toll plazas respectively.

MEX will increase its rates for cars to RM2 and RM3.50 at the Salak South toll plaza and Putrajaya toll plaza, respectively.

Motorists will also see an increase in charges for the KLK. Road users will be required to pay RM6 at the Gombak toll plaza and RM3.50 at the Bentong toll plaza.

For Latar, the new rates will be RM2.50 at the Ijok, Kuang Timur, Kuang Barat, Templer plaza toll and RM1.30 for Kundang Timur, Kundang Barat.

As for SMART tunnel, the new rate is RM3 while for Akleh it is RM2.50.

For NPE, vehicles having two axles and three or four wheels (excluding taxis and buses) will have to pay RM2.30 for Pantai Dalam and PJS5 toll plazas, and RM1 for PJS2 toll plaza.

Besraya's new rate is now RM2 for both Mines' north and south toll plazas.

For Lekas, the rates are RM1.30, RM3.40, RM4.80 and RM6 for the Semenyih, Pajam, Mantin and Setul exits respectively.

The new toll rate for Guthrie is RM1.90 for all its plaza tolls while LKSA will be RM1.70 for Sri Muda toll plaza and RM0.90 for the Alam Impian toll plaza.

Highways under PLUS and which are unaffected by the increased toll rates include the North-South Expressway (NSE), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the Federal Highway Route 2 (FHR2), the Seremban Port-Dickson Highway (SPDH), the North-South Expressway Central Link (NSECL), the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing (MSSC), the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) and the Penang Bridge.


BMW releases M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive

                MUNICH: The BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive was unveiled today.

Production of the new model variant will begin in July at BMW Plant Dingolfing, where models including all the variants of the new M4 Coupé, M5, M8 and 4 Series Convertible also roll off the assembly line.

Exterior design is highlighted by a new panel bow softtop roof, which is said to combine the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classically elegant aesthetic of a fabric hood. The new softtop is also 40 per cent lighter than the predecessor car’s retractable hardtop.

The softtop’s electric drive mechanism allows it to be opened or closed in 18s while on the move at the touch of a button. When driving with the top down, the boot can hold 300 litres, and 386 litres with the top up.

Exterior

All of the lines at the front end of the car converge on the polarising BMW kidney grille.

BMW says the grille and large air intakes on either side ensures sufficient cooling of the powertrain and
braking system.

The slim headlights use LED units as standard to generate both low and high beam. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight can be ordered as an option.

Other  design elements  include flared wheel arches, M Side Gills integrated into the front side panels and extended side sills which combine with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons to form a black band around the whole of the car.

The black rear diffusor frames the exhaust system’s two pairs of tailpipes – a familiar M touch. An M Carbon exterior package is available as an option.

Cabin

The interior of the M4 Competition Convertible blends a contemporary premium ambience with the M’s customary penchant for racing flair. Note the M leather steering wheel with gearshift
paddles, M-specific gearshift lever and red colour accents.

The M-specific control/operation system includes the Setup button on the centre
console. This provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive.

Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and called up by pressing one of the M buttons on the steering wheel. The M Drive Professional option, meanwhile, has been designed for track use. Alongside M Traction Control, it also comprises the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, which records particularly sporty driving manoeuvres.

The control panel on the centre console also houses the M Mode button as standard. This can be
used to adjust the responses and characteristics of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display to deliver a driving experience suited to the situation at hand and in keeping with the car’s M identity.

The driver can choose from ROAD and SPORT settings, with TRACK mode added to the armoury when M Drive Professional is specified.

Engine

The high-revving turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine produces 510hp at 5,510 rpm
and maintained up to the 7,200 rpm red line. Peak torque is 650 Nm between
2,750 and 5,500 rpm.

The engine channels its power via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

The car takes 3.7 seconds to power from 0 to 100kph and 13.1 seconds to reach 200kph from rest.

Specifying the optional M Driver’s BMW Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 250kph to 280kph.

Like the cooling system, the system of oil supply has been designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations on the track.

The M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps delivers an emotionally rich soundtrack that adds a key element to the overall performance experience, particularly when the car’s roof is open.

The M xDrive uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. Its rear-wheel bias adds to the signature M feeling while enhancing both traction and agility.

The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to enable sustained all-wheeldrive performance even in hard track driving. M xDrive teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.

The Setup menu allows the driver to change the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs a greater proportion of the engine’s drive to the rear wheels.

Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode. In this setting, drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels and there is no intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle. Skilled drivers can thus enjoy a more involving driving experience.

BMW says the handling qualities of the new M4 Competition Convertible  are headlined by supreme steering precision, steering behaviour that remains neutral even at the limit and a linear build-up of lateral forces throughout the full range of lateral acceleration.

The high torsional stiffness of the body structure and chassis mountings creates the basis for sharp handling. Key features here include bracing elements focused on enhancing driving dynamics and an aluminium shear panel in the front-end structure, underfloor bracing elements and a rear axle  subframe with a rigid connection to the body. And a model-specific feature for the convertible has also been included – in the shape of the package of torsion struts at the rear of the body.

Options

On the standard equipment roster are forged 19-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear; adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers; M Compound brakes; and electrically adjustable and heated M Sport seats and Extended Merino leather trim.

Neck warmers and – for the first time – seat ventilation are available as options. A highlight
of the options list are the new, heated M Carbon bucket seats.

If the M Race Track Package is picked, the car is lightened by around 25kg compared with cars in standard specification. This package includes M Carbon ceramic brakes, weightminimised M light-alloy wheels (available as an option with semi-slick tyres) and the M Carbon bucket seats.

The M-specific braking system offers two brake pedal feel settings and 10 traction control stages.

The technological progress made since the predecessor model is also reflected in the significantly expanded availability of driving assistance systems.

Among the most important new additions are the Steering and Lane Control Assistant complete with Active Navigation function and Emergency Lane Assistant – which are part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional – and the Reversing Assistant (one of the optional Parking Assistant’s functions).


Go retro with Moto Guzzi  V7 III Racer

                The first Moto Guzzi motorcycle was built in 1921 by three Italians after World War I. During that year, Moto Guzzi’s engine was known as having modern technologies compared with its rivals.

Till today Moto Guzzi is still making motorcycles from all Italian parts in Mandello del Lario unlike other manufacturers who source their components from all over the world.

The minute I received a call asking me if I would like to review the Guzzi V7 III Racer, my answer was yes, and I was at Gasket Alley (home of Moto Guzzi Malaysia), Petaling Jaya in 10 minutes.

I drove the car tearing the highway and in no time, I was riding the V7 III Racer. What a feeling!

Even though this model is called V7 III Racer, the unit is far from a race machine.

It is not a racer but rather a bike that is designed to look like a racer but the DNA is much more tamed. As the name states, the V7 III Racer is the third generation of the V7 model. Moto Guzzi produced the first V7 in 1967.

Fast forward It was reintroduced in 2008 and updated in 2014 and now the V7 III Racer.

The retro design of the bike comes with single saddle, mini fairing, rear seat cowl, lowered handle bar and not to forget the 70’s inspired racer number plate just above the rear tyre.  This bike is a head turner everywhere I stop. Very nice! I dare to say; that this is one of those few prettiest retro-styled motorcycles available in Malaysia now.

But does this machine perform as sweet as it looks? Take a ride with me and will give you the highs and lows of this Italian machine. The saddle is short but wide and yet firm.

So, doing long distance on this bike will not hurt anybody’s rear end. The sitting position on this bike is very comfortable. Furthermore, the handle bars allowed me to sit in a less aggressive racing posture without any pain to my neck and wrists. The low handlebars are the trademark of any cafe racer. The foot pegs are ideally located.

The minute I cranked up the engine, the V7III comes to life with a soft noise but slowly building into a pleasant louder note.
While starting the bike I could feel a light pull from the right engine as the air-cooled V twins picks up pace. There is so much of enthusiasm on this transversal V-twin engine when it is alive.

After 10 minutes on the road, I could feel the gradual power build-up on this machine. The powerband is wide thus abundance of power at my disposal. The change of gear is instantaneous and there is no lag in power every time I decide to change gears. The gearings are smooth, and the clutch is extremely light on the fingers.

I decided to ride this bike at Kuala Klawang which is well known for the never-ending corners and twisties in all shapes and sizes plus enough straight road to burn some rubber. On the highway I brought V7 III Racer to 3,000rpm, traveling at 100kph and immediately revved up to 5,000rpm and 6,000rpm. At this point I could feel the gentle surge of the power.

Feeling free spirited I decided to push it above the legal speed limit on fifth gear. However, at that speed, my head started to move aimlessly. The headshake can be resolved if the windshield was bit more taller.

The V7 III Racer’s engine sweet spot is between 2,500 and3,000rpm and it is smooth as it can be. Once I brought the rev over 3,000rpm, there were no vibrations felt and smooth acceleration to the 6,000rpm.

The 60Nm of torque on this bike is well complemented by the 52hp which was able to offer me the speed that I needed every time I twist the throttle. The cruising experience on the bike was pleasant. There were no surprises except for few ducks crossing the road in Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan.

The V7 III Racer is born to take mid-corner dive ins. This is partly due to the light weight of the bike and the light front which allowed me to steer in with ease. I tackled few sharp corners where the entry and exit were flawless, I was able to hold my line on this bike even on few imperfect corners. The V7 III Racer is not only agile in the corners, it is also stable.

The rear and front shocks plus the sturdy chassis played an important role in all the corners I took. Few reviews claimed that the older Guzzis don’t do a good job in the corners. I am unable to verify this. However, the V7 III Racer did not disappoint me at all.

The first few corners were not perfect as I was trying to learn and understand the geometry of the bike and the response of the chassis and suspension, but after that I got a good understanding of what the V7 III Racer can do. Meanwhile in the city centre, this machine does very well in low rpms. The ride is smooth in stop-go environment. I was so happy that I could whizz in and out of traffic without much effort.

The slim and light design of the bike; makes it an ideal sexy café racer to commute to work in style. The Brembo brakes are without a doubt extremely capable in stopping the bike at any speed. The rear 260mm discs has a two-piston calliper. Meanwhile the front is a single 320mm front disc with four-piston Brembo calliper and not to forget the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Besides the ABS system, there is the new adjustable Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGCT) system that can also be disabled.

The former prevents the wheels from locking up during hard, whereas the latter is a system that prevents rear wheel spin in acceleration. The new MGCT system is adjustable to two levels, firstly on wet or slippery road and the other is designed to cater to the thrill of riding on dry roads.

The V7 III Racer, priced at RM65,700 (without SST), keeps the stylistic personality of the original V7 intact, characterized by a design inspired by Moto Guzzi heritage and modern motorcycle requirements; while showing off Guzzis one of a kind engine design which is the transversal V-twin engine.

By the way, to celebrate the V7 Series’ 50th anniversary last year, Moto Guzzi has produced only 750 units of the V7 limited edition ‘Anniversario’ model. You better hurry up if you are keen to own this collector’s item.

SPECIFICATIONS

Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer

Engine: 744cc , air-cooled V-twin cylinder, 4-stroke, overhead 2 valves per cylinder
Maximum power: 52hp at 6,200rpm
Maximum torque: 60Nm at 4,900rpm
Transmission: Six speed
Front suspension: 40mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable, travel 130mm.
Rear suspension: Ohlins monoshock, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, travel 96mm.
Front braking system: 320mm disc with four-piston calliper
Rear braking system: 260mm disc, dual-piston calliper
Fuel capacity: 21 litres
Range: 290km (estimated)
Wet weight: 209 kg
Price: RM65,700 (without SST)


3M AutoFilm Rover tours Klang Valley

                KUALA LUMPUR: To raise more awareness on the importance of automotive window film, 3M Malaysia is running a campaign in conjunction with Mother’s Day, themed “Every Woman Deserves to be Protected”.

Because many of us are unaware of the damage our skin receives from sun exposure when driving, the 3M AutoFilm Rover will tour Klang Valley and feature the 3M Crystalline series AutoFilm.

It delivers outstanding heat rejection, and rejects up to 99.9% of ultraviolet (UV) light to provide a total Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of over 1000.

This optimum comfort is combined with stronger film and more aggressive adhesive technologies that promises enhanced safety and security features over traditional films.

The 3M AutoFilm Rover will also feature:

- Educational product demonstrations

- Fun activities including a contest to stand a chance to win a full car tint from 3M


Deliveries of VW ID.3 electric car to start in September

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen said its “first edition” ID.3 electric car will go on sale for under €40,000 (RM194,000) next week, with deliveries due from September, as the German carmaker embarks on a mass production push for zero-emission cars.

The launch price makes the ID.3 eligible for up to €9,000 (RM43,519) in electric car incentives after Germany earlier this month doubled electric car subsidies for vehicles costing less than €40,000.

In March, Volkswagen said the car will go on sale in “summer” while it said on Wednesday deliveries will start on Sept 1, following criticism that the company’s flagship electric cars was facing delays.

The launch of the ID.3 comes as German sales of battery electric cars rose by 20% in May, to 5,578 vehicles according to Germany’s auto industry association VDA.

Volkswagen said the ID.3 can be ordered from June 17 onwards. A cheaper base version of the ID.3, costing less than 30,000 euros, is also planned, the carmaker said.


4,000 bookings of Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

                KUALA LUMPUR: The tax holiday has helped Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd chalked up 4,000 bookings of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid as of June 30.

It said 1,900 units of that number had been registered in just 7 weeks after its launch in mid-May.

"We have increased production and are working closely with our local parts vendors to ensure quality products and vehicles are delivered on time to our customers," said Edaran Tan Chong Motor sales and marketing director Christopher Tan.

On another note, the Nissan distributor announced a "Joyful Tax Holiday” campaign for this month, tapping into the zero-rated GST windfall and the continuation of duit raya savings.

It also sought to promote the Almera 1.5L VL which now comes with an accessories package worth RM8,955.66. The package includes a Nismo Aerokit, 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, WI-FI, navigation and reverse camera, driving video recorder, leather seats and Solar Gard tinting.


Today's crash test dummies are more human than ever

                BERLIN: There are no locking wheels or squealing tyres as the car crashes into the obstacle without braking. Glass shatters, sheet metal deforms, and a crash test dummy is thrown around in the interior.

For years, crash researchers have been carrying out collisions in this way to increase vehicle safety or to reconstruct accidents.

Today there’s a dummy type that’s better at depicting the internal injuries a human being might suffer in a crash.

It's been more than 20 years since Berlin-based accident researcher Dr Michael Weyde realised that conventional dummies were inadequate for realistic forensic tests.

"In car accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists, conventional dummies were too rigid and too immovable," he says.

Instead of bones, the cars' bumpers broke. Only the damage to windshields and roofs corresponded to reality.

Weyde initially optimised the standard dummies and then in 2010 went on to develop his own Biofidelic crash test dummy, which closely resembles the human physique and more realistically depicts injuries.

Instead of using pin-fork joints taken from mechanical engineering, the Biofidelic dummies have hinged joints like actual humans.

To represent bones, Weyde initially used different types of wood such as spruce or oak.

Together with university students from HTW Dresden and TU Berlin, Weyde developed the dummy further, finding substances and materials that match the tensile, compressive and flexural strength of bone material and casting them in moulds shaped like human bones.

Then came the third generation of the dummy. That has silicone that replicates soft tissue, muscles, and fat and which deforms as the human equivalents would. The dummy also has a new type of skin made of a latex compound.

Weyde found a company to produce the dummies and they’re now sold worldwide. The more human-like dummies allow crash tests that more realistically show the injuries a person being might suffer in a collision.

The dummy has standard measurements: 1.78 metres tall and weighing 78kg. This corresponds exactly to the European 50 percentile man — half of European adult males are over this percentile and half under it.

There isn't a version of the dummy to represent women, children or very tall or overweight men, but this could change in the next few years, Weyde believes.

The Biofidelic dummies aren’t only used to test the safety of road cars. The Ballistic Testing Office in Ulm, Germany uses them to investigate how resistant armoured vehicles are to shelling or explosive charges.

"Based on the damage detected on the dummy, such as to clothing and skin or broken limbs, conclusions can be drawn about the penetration of splinters or other components into the interior of the vehicle," says researcher Peter Haeussler.

If no damage is visible on the dummy, the tested vehicle can receive a rating of up to three stars. That means a powerful impact shouldn't injure the people inside the vehicle.


Hyundai Motor forecasts robust EV growth after quarterly profit jump

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co said on Thursday it expects to have solid backorder demand in major car markets and forecast robust growth in electric vehicle sales, including in the United States where regulatory concerns have clouded its outlook.

The South Korean maker of the Ioniq 5 model is targeting an ambitious 54% jump in EV sales in 2023 to 330,000 globally and said it wants its US electric car sales to climb 150% to 73,000 to account for 9% of its US vehicle sales.

The plans were outlined at its fourth-quarter earnings briefing where the automaker reported a tripling of net profit, albeit one that fell short of expectations. It also said it was cancelling treasury shares equivalent to 1% of its outstanding stock.

"Strong earnings in the fourth quarter continued thanks to increased sales volume and solid sales of high-margin vehicles as well as favourable exchange rates," said Seo Gang Hyun, an executive vice president.

Like many other automakers, Hyundai benefited from the tight supply of new vehicles last year which kept retail prices high.

Seo also noted its results benefited from an improved global plant utilisation rate excluding China which rose 7.6 percentage points to 96.8% from the previous quarter.

Net profit for October-December tripled to 1.7 trillion won (RM5.9bil) on a 24% climb in revenue. The profit growth looked particularly strong as Hyundai booked one-off costs in the same period a year earlier.

That, however, fell short of a Refinitiv SmartEstimate of 2.5 trillion won (RM8.6bil) drawn from 18 analysts, partly due to a wider non-recurring loss that the automaker did not elaborate on.

Both Hyundai and affiliate Kia Corp have been dogged by concerns that they will be hurt by President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act that excludes Korean automakers from federal tax credits because they don't yet make EVs in North America.

However, Jose Fernandez, the under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, told an event at a Washington-based think tank this week that Washington is looking "for ways to try and ameliorate some of what (Koreans) believe are unfair consequences."

Hyundai is targeting revenue growth of 10.5%-11.5% this year. It expects a 9.6% jump in North American vehicle sales and a 20.5% surge in China vehicle sales.

It also flagged potential improvement in its operating profit margin, predicting a margin between 6.5% and 7.5% compared with 6.9% last year.

Hyundai's plans come on the heels of a positive outlook provided hours earlier by Tesla Inc, which said its aggressive price cuts have ignited a wave of demand for its vehicles.


Indonesia B40 biodiesel plan still on track

                JAKARTA: Indonesia's plans to raise the bio-content of its palm oil-based biodiesel to 40% — known as B40 — is back on schedule with a target for implementation by July 2021, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has announced.

Indonesia, which has been increasing the palm oil content of its biodiesel since 2015, wants to cut its energy imports and increase consumption of palm oil.

"I am targeting the implementation of B40 .... to be carried out by July 2021," Hartarto said in a televised interview with CNBC Indonesia.

The plan for implementation next year was expected to be delayed due to low crude oil prices making palm a less attractive option for biodiesel feedstock.

But an improvement in crude oil prices means the B40 plan is back on track.

"Oil prices have begun to recover ... we hope the gap will increasingly narrow so we can still support funding," Eddy Abdurrachman, chief executive of the Estate Crop Fund, which provides subsidies for biodiesel, said in the same interview.

B40 will also be produced using a different formulation, combining 30% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and 10% "green diesel" made out of palm oil with conventional diesel, Hartarto said.

Indonesia's makes B30 biodiesel with a mix of 30% FAME with regular diesel, but it has faced resistance from consumers who say it is not compatible with their vehicles.

"This will be better because it has a higher cetane number," Budi Santoso Syarif, deputy chief executive of Kilang Pertamina Internasional, a subsidiary of state oil firm PT Pertamina, said of the new formulation.

Although biodiesel promises lower emissions, the use of palm oil as a feedstock raises concern about deforestation in the clearance of land to grow it. The European Union is planning to phase it out as fuel for transport.


New engine oils, mobile app and maintenance scheme for Hyundai cars

                SHAH ALAM: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has teamed up with Shell to introduce the Shell-Hyundai Helix HX 7 AH and Shell-Hyundai Ultra AH engine oils for Hyundai vehicles.  It also announced a service app as well as a new maintenance programme.

Available in synthetic base and fully synthetic versions, HSDM claimed the Shell-Hyundai oils would enhance engine fuel economy and cooling performance, stabilise lubricity under high temperatures as well as offer oxidation protection.

It also said the oils are suitable for use in engines running on petrol, diesel, NGV, bio-diesel and ethanol blends. The engine oils will be rolled-out in stages to all Hyundai service centres in the peninsula from December and in Sabah/Sarawak from January.

The event also saw the launch of the My Hyundai Care App by HSDM, which aims to provide customer convenience in having their cars serviced.

The app offers a host of services such as the next service reminder via push notification no later than a week before the next service date; making a service appointment with options to select your preferred service centre; keeping track of service history and also with a SOS call function in times of emergency and to activate the 24/7 roadside assist. From the app, customers will also be informed of new Hyundai models that will be launched, service campaign and promotions as well as any recalls.

“Launching a mobile app is not only timely but necessary," said HSDM managing director Lau Yit Mun.“With the Hyundai app, accessing information and requesting for service is made so much more convenient. It also reduces the hassle of making a phone call to book a service and it also reduces operational errors."

The app would be available for iPhone and Android phone downloads from Dec 1.

HSDM will also introduce a "Hyundai Care Programme" to improve customer satisfaction but only for vehicles bought from 2016. It comprises a revised periodic maintenance service schedule that will make car servicing more cost effective while reducing the servicing time, according to HSDM.

It comprises three packages that vary in service scope and charges namely Care Basic, Care Advance and Care Advance Plus.


Long road for Tesla in India with infrastructure, supply chain woes

                NEW DELHI: Tesla Inc is gearing up for an India launch but the US electric carmaker is likely to remain a niche player for years, catering only to the rich and affluent in the world’s second-most populous nation.

India’s fledgling electric vehicle (EV) market accounted for only 5,000 out of a total 2.4 million cars sold in the country last year. A lack of local production of components and batteries, negligible charging infrastructure and the high cost of EVs mean there have been few takers in the price-conscious market.

It’s also difficult to see how Tesla’s sought-after and expensive autonomous driving features will work on India’s congested roads.

Ammar Master, a forecaster at consultancy LMC Automotive, said he expects Tesla to annually sell only 50-100 of its Model 3 electric sedans in India, at least in the first five years.

“As a country, India is still not so environmentally conscious to pay that much of a premium,” Master said.

“It always comes down to the price point. There will be some high net-worth individuals like movie stars and top business executives who will look at it for the brand value. But then, how many buyers are there?”

The world’s most valuable automobile manufacturer registered a local company in India earlier this month, a step towards its entry in the country, expected to be as early as mid-2021.

Tesla plans to import and sell the Model 3 in India for around $65,000-$75,000 - roughly double the price in the U.S. market, sources familiar with the plans said.

This means it will compete in India’s even smaller luxury EV segment that has recently started seeing interest from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Daimler’s Mercedes Benz.

The Mercedes Benz EQC, India’s first luxury EV launched in October for US$136,000, and has since sold 31 units, according to auto researcher JATO Dynamics. British luxury carmarker JLR, owned by India’s Tata Motors, plans to launch its I-PACE EV before March. It sells in the United States for around US$70,000.

Although India’s road infrastructure has improved in recent years, traffic discipline - like lane driving - is still rudimentary. Auto analysts say that means many of Tesla’s features like the automatic lane changing function will be tough to deploy on crowded Indian streets.

Stray animals, including cattle, and potholes on the road are a further problem.

“Most of Tesla’s high technology features will be redundant and users will not get the bang for the buck despite paying premium prices”, said Ravi Bhatia, president for India at Jato Dynamics.

Local production

Rohan Patel, a senior public policy executive at Tesla in the United States, is among those leading efforts around its India launch, the sources familiar with the plans said. The EV giant is looking to hire 15-20 people mainly for sales and marketing, one source said.

Tesla and Patel did not respond to a request for comment.

India has some of the world’s most polluted cities and wants more clean cars on its roads, but the federal government still does not have a comprehensive policy like China which mandates carmakers to invest in the segment.

One reason is that auto manufacturers have pushed back saying there is no demand for EVs in India as costs of components like batteries remain high, and push up prices.

And Tesla CEO Elon Musk has himself expressed concern about India’s high import taxes on cars.

In contrast to India, China sold 1.25 million new energy passenger vehicles, including EVs, in 2020 out of total sales of 20 million.

Tesla is a major player in China, which last year accounted for more than a third of the carmaker’s global sales, according to JATO Dynamics, and where it also has a factory.

Daniel Ives of US-based Wedbush Securities said however that within 7-8 years, India could account for 5% of Tesla’s total sales. The key to success, however, will be local manufacturing, he said.

“It is a matter of when, not if, they build out a factory in India,” said Ives, adding that building out a local supply chain will be a multi-year effort.

“India is a potential sweet spot and Tesla does not want to be late to the game.”


Suzuki Hayabusa is back!

                TOKYO: Suzuki has announced details of its latest generation Hayabusa, with the new – and hotly-anticipated – third iteration of the legendary hyperbike coming with over 550 new parts.

After the launch of the original in 1999, the Hayabusa’s striking aerodynamic silhouette has become instantly recognisable; nothing looks quite like a Hayabusa.

During the design of the third generation machine the concept of ‘the refined beast’ made sure that Suzuki designers did not bring about wholesale changes, but instead made sure the latest iteration was still immediately identifiable as a Hayabusa. And 21 years on, still nothing looks quite like a Hayabusa.

A refined icon

Still low, long, and wide, the new generation has faithfully inherited the DNA of its predecessors, but with sharper lines and a tough, modern look that oozes refinement, class, and ultimate performance. It has been brought firmly into the present and future-proofed for the road ahead.

The overall result is a look of higher quality and greater luxury fused with the daunting image of the fierce bird of prey from which it takes its name.

The side profile looks every inch Hayabusa, but the design features straighter, sharper lines, from the new mirror design to the famous seat hump. A fresh face comes from new vertically stacked LED headlights, nestled between the new angular air intakes. New position lights flanking the scoops double up as integrated turn signals.

Great effort was also devoted to designing the straight-edged exhaust and mufflers, that sweep up towards the tail (which itself features new LED rear combination lights) to create a mass-forward look.

Much like the design of the Hayabusa’s bodywork, the iconic machine’s clocks are just as much a part of the bike’s identity. And much like the bodywork, they too have been redesigned to embrace modern technology – in the form of a colour TFT screen – while retaining the elements that standout as Hayabusa: the two large dials that flank the new TFT display.

The large analog tachometer and speedometer gain a fresh, more attractive appearance. Features include bigger, bolder numbering that improves legibility, and raised scale markings around the periphery of each meter use LED lighting to provide a clearer view and faster recognition.

The colour TFT screen displays a plethora of information readouts from the new Hayabusa’s suite of electronics (described in full, below) including the current SDMS-a settings or an active data display that shows lean angle (with peak-hold function), front and rear brake pressure, rate of forward/reverse acceleration and the current accelerator position.

The panel also shows clock, gear position, odometer, dual trip meter, ambient temperature, instant fuel consumption, riding range, trip time, average fuel consumption, and voltmeter displays.

LEDs located in the corners above and below the LCD include the neutral indicator light, turn-signal indicator lights, high-beam indicator light, low oil pressure warning light, traction control indicator, malfunction indicator lamp, master warning indicator, and ABS indicator.

There is also an LED engine coolant temperature indicator light in the upper right corner of the engine coolant temperature gauge and fuel indicator light in the upper left corner of the fuel meter gauge.

An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the instrument cluster’s brightness level based on surrounding conditions, or the rider can also opt to make manual adjustments.

Engine

The 1,340cc, inline-four cylinder engine has undergone extensive reworking, with the aim of boosting performance and improving power and torque in the low and mid-range rpm. The result – especially when allied to new performance-enhancing electronics – is the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet as well as a more rideable and flexible engine for everyday use, plus added durability and reliability, also.

While the new Hayabusa remains electronically limited to 299kph, it outpaces its predecessors off the mark thanks to a flatter torque curve that fills in a flat spot identified in earlier iterations in the lower rev ranges.

That increase in performance, plus the added durability, comes from a number of new or redesigned components. The new Hayabusa uses new, lighter pistons, more rigid and lighter conrods, new camshaft with revised cam profiles to reduce valve lift overlap and new cam chain tensioner, revised crankshaft and crankcases, new gearshift stopper, cam, and cam plate, and gears with revised bearing widths to improve shift feeling, new slipper clutch assembly, and new magneto.

Changes to the combustion chamber promotes faster and more efficient burning of the fuel-air mixture. Further machining on the combustion chamber around the intake valve expands the valve curtain area and improves the flow coefficient by 5% as the valve begins to open and reaches 5mm in lift height.

A new ride-by-wire electronic throttle system works with the new Hayabusa’s variety of electronic control systems, while also providing a light, natural response with linear control, similar to that of conventional throttle operation.

In conjunction with the introduction of this new throttle system, the size of the tapered throttle bodies has changed from 44mm to 43mm, but the overall intake pipe length, (including the intake pipe, throttle body, and funnel), is extended by 12mm over the previous intake system. This contributes to producing greater power output at low and mid-range engine speeds.

There’s also a new side feed fuel injector that places the secondary injector at an angle on the side of the intake funnel. Its spray strikes a reflecting plate in the funnel and creates a fine mist that enters the combustion chamber. The result is again an increase in power and torque output at lower engine speeds.

New air intakes reduce pressure loss and increase flow into a larger airbox, which ups capacity from 10.3 to 11.5 litres, and while retaining the bold, twin muffler design the Hayabusa is known for, a new exhaust system saves over 2kg over the previous system, as a new pipe connecting cylinders one and four helps delivery more bottom end torque. A new two-stage catalytic converter replaces the previous single-stage design to help meet Euro5 emissions standards.

“We considered a variety of engine configurations before arriving at the final design," said engine designer Naoki Mizoguchi.

"In the end we came to the conclusion that the original engine package achieved the best overall balance. We also came to the conclusion that not changing the basic layout was key to retaining the Hayabusa’s distinct identity. So we applied the best of its proven qualities when we sat down to set the latest engine design. Our goal was to create a better engine while building on the same proven layout.”

Electronics

A major leap forward from the second to the third generation Hayabusa comes from a new, comprehensive suite of electronics aimed at improving everything from performance to rider comfort, and safety.

Features included in the latest version of Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) are:

> Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS-a) featuring a selection of three factory preset and three user definable modes, combining:
Motion Track Traction Control System (10 modes plus off); Power Mode Selector (three modes; Bi-directional Quick Shift System (two modes plus off); Anti-lift Control System (10 modes plus off); Engine Brake Control System (three modes plus off)

> Active Speed Limiter
> Launch Control System (three modes)
> Emergency Stop Signal
> Suzuki Easy Start System
> Low RPM Assist
> Cruise Control System
> Combined Brake System
> Motion Track Brake System
> Slope Dependent Control System
> Hill Hold Control System

Within SDMS-a riders have the ability to choose from one of three power modes, with full-power mode one followed by a softer mode two that reduces initial power but still builds to the same peak power, while mode three has a reduced maximum power output.

There are also 10 modes of Motion Track Traction Control from an IMU-controlled system that uses the same technology as Suzuki’s world championship-winning MotoGP machine and GSX-R1000R.

The lean angle-sensitive system takes readings from the IMU, front and rear wheel speed sensors, crank position sensor, throttle position sensor, and gear position sensor to detect a loss of traction before the ECU controls output to the throttle valve, ignition coil, spark plugs, and fuel injectors to limit power. The system can also be turned off.

A further 10 modes of Anti-lift Control help prevent the front wheel from lifting during hard acceleration. The higher the setting the greater amount of control supplied. It, too, can be disabled.

A race-derived bi-directional quickshifter allows riders to shift up with the throttle wide open and without operating the clutch, while the need to blip the throttle on downshifts is also eradicated. Two modes mean riders can choose from a more race and performance orientated response, or a mode that responds to a lighter touch.

To further personalise the Hayabusa’s advanced electronic systems riders can manage the effective strength of the engine braking to match their preference. There are three additional settings to choose from, as well as the default ‘off’, whereby the higher the setting the more the effect of the engine braking is suppressed.

As part of SDMS-a come three factory preset rider modes – Active, Basic, and Comfort – with each using a combination of allotted settings for the above systems. Active uses the full power engine map, with traction control and anti-lift set to one out of 10 and the quickshifter on its raciest setting. Basic uses the same quickshifter setting but the softer throttle response with traction control and anti-lift set in the middle, at mode five of 10. Comfort sees those upped to 10, with the engine mapping set to its softest setting with reduced peak power, and the softer quickshifter setting. All three modes use the default engine brake control system setting.

However, three user-defined settings allow riders to tailor the settings to their own preferences and needs based on their experience or the riding conditions.

The new Hayabusa’s electronics suite is further bolstered by a launch control system with three modes that allow riders to limit engine RPM to 4,000, 6,000, or 8,000 RPM before launching, depending on their confidence or experience.

Cruise control allows riders to set their desired speed on longer journeys. With the system activated via a button on the right hand switchgear and the speed set and adjusted using buttons on the left, riders can release the twist grip and continue onwards at their preferred speed.

The result is reduced fatigue and increased comfort. The system can be overridden with a touch of the brakes or by reopening the throttle. Owners can also set their preferred speed via a new speed limiter function, ensuring the motorcycle will not exceed that speed during operation. However, it too can be overridden by a quick twist of the throttle to allow riders to make overtakes or escape danger.

An intelligent braking system sees the third generation Hayabusa equipped with lean angle-sensitive ABS, helping riders track the intended line even when the brakes are applied mid-corner, plus linked brakes mean pressure is automatically applied to the rear brake when the front brake lever is operated, improving stopping performance.

The system also identifies when the brakes are being applied on a descent, with the ABS unit using input from the IMU to monitor the bike’s posture, before optimising front brake pressure to prevent rear wheel lift. The IMU also enables the new Hayabusa’s hill hold function, which automatically engages the rear brake for 30 seconds once the motorcycle comes to a stop facing uphill, even if the rider releases the brake lever or pedal. This helps ensure a smoother restart free of worries that the bike will roll backward.

Suzuki’s easy start system and low rpm assist functions also feature, meaning the engine fires with one brush of the starter button and the engine speed is automatically raised as the clutch lever is released to aid slow speed control and prevent stalling. A new emergency stop signal flashes the turn indicator lights when the brakes are suddenly and sharply applied to warn traffic in the immediate vicinity.

Chassis

Hayabusa has always been known for its remarkable combination of high-speed stability and its planted feel alongside surprising agility and nimbleness.

As a result, Suzuki engineers focussed on evolving the existing chassis setup to build on the proven base, as opposed to ringing the changes unnecessarily.

The tried and tested twin-spar aluminium frame uses extruded aluminium sections which lend the right amount of suppleness and strength, achieving a better overall balance. A new subframe reduces weight by 700g.

A new setup of the fully adjustable front and rear suspension units help improve the bike’s stability at speed as well as its ability to turn, and also deliver improved grip from the specially-designed Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres.

Mounted to new seven-spoke wheels are bigger 320mm discs up front, with improved stopping power also coming from Brembo Stylema calipers.

Longer journeys on the new Hayabusa are not only made easier thanks to the extensive electronics package, but changes to the bike’s ergonomics see the ‘bars brought closer to the rider by 12mm, aiding rider comfort while ensuring the rider remains directly connected to the front wheel.

Availability

The new Hayabusa will be available in Europe by the end of February with North American and Japanese sales starting soon after. It will sell  in the UK for £16,499 (around RM92,000).

History for the interested

Launched in 1999, the Hayabusa stunned the motorcycling world and gave birth to the hypersport category. Taking its name from the Japanese for Peregrine falcon – famed for feasting on blackbirds – it delivered unrivalled performance, was immediately recognisable thanks to its now-iconic silhouette, and went on to develop cult status.

Its monster engine enabled a smooth, turbine-like power delivery and an eye-widening top-end rush, but also gave it a flexibility and usability rivals could only dream of, while wind tunnel-designed bodywork allowed it to slip through the air effortlessly.

The launch of the second generation Hayabusa in 2008 boosted capacity and power, while a mid-term update in 2013 added Brembo monobloc calipers and ABS, updates that brought the machine firmly into the 21st century, yet remained faithful to the unique styling that has earned the Hayabusa its icon status.

Nearly 200,000 units later a third generation takes all that was right with the genre-defining hyperbike, but leverages the latest technologies to provide greater control and improved comfort to maintain its position as the ultimate sports bike.


Lamborghini reveals more powerful Aventador S

                BOLOGNA: Italian marque Lamborghini has provided a look at its next generation of the V12 Lamborghini, the Aventador S.

With new aerodynamic lines, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics, the Lamborghini Aventador S has been created to set a new benchmark for super sports cars.

The new iconic design of the exterior - with a more aggressive nose and longer front splitter in front and a black diffuser and vertical fins in the rear - focuses on aerodynamic performance.

Inside the sports car offers a new four-wheel steering system, significantly enhanced suspension and electronics, and a more powerful V12 engine, outputting 740hp and enabling acceleration from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350kph.

Customisable driving modes also allow the driver to select between four different choices - STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and the new EGO mode option, which provides several additional profiles that can be customized with the driver's preferred traction, steering and suspension settings and saved within the STRADA, SPORT and CORSA modes.

Apple CarPlay is available as standard, allowing the driver and passengers to manage voice-activated communications and entertainment from their own personal Apple devices.

The Lamborghini Aventador S will be available from spring 2017 at a suggested retail price of €281,555 (RM1.3mil).


Rolls-Royce to unveil Serenity interior

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will be showcasing its own silky one-off Serenity interior creation by the company’s Bespoke Design team, which ties the company to luxury individualism at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.

The team used silk as a symbol of regal and imperial power to deliver an authentic modern luxury interior that will demonstrate its craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail.

According to the ultra luxury carmaker, inspiration was derived from the Rolls-Royces of royalties and world leaders.

It also combines contemporary interpretations of European furniture with Japanese Royal Kimono designs.

Rolls-Royce will unveil its new interior on Mar 3, at 1.30pm (8.30pm MAL) and will be available for public viewing from Mar 5 till 15.


Pacing the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

                LONDON: The Alfa Romeo Racing – ORLEN Formula 1 drivers, Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, participated in a day of real-world tests on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm at the famous Balocco Proving Ground, fine tuning parts developed in collaboration with Sauber engineering.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA limited edition is derived from the Giulia Quadrifoglio, equipped with an upgraded version of the 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo engine, now with 540hp.

In GTAm guise it benefits from a weight reduction of 100kg, giving it an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 2.82kg/hp.

Giulia GTA and Giulia GTAm are priced starting from €176,500 (RM867,511.82) and €181,500 (RM89,2087.23) OTR respectively in the UK.

The revived Giulia GTA is technically and conceptually inspired by the 1965 Giulia GTA, the “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” developed by Autodelta, based on the Giulia Sprint GT which had triumphed in races all over the world.

The Giulia GTA project benefits from the long-standing partnership with Sauber Group AG and leverages the know-how of its engineering and aerodynamics divisions.

Alfa Romeo entrusted Sauber Engineering with the production of most of the carbon fibre components in the GTA and GTAm, especially those with an aerodynamic impact. These include the new front bumper, the side skirts, the diffuser, the GTA spoiler and the GTAm aerowing.

Sauber boasts 50 years of experience in motorsport, including 27 in Formula One, and is one of the few F1 teams with its very own wind tunnel.

The facility, located in Hinwil, Switzerland, is one of the most advanced in Europe, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Aerodynamic research from the wind tunnel has been used to hone components for the Giulia GTAm, including the wing appendages and fully faired underbody.

The manually adjustable front and rear wings on the GTAm have been developed to adapt the car’s aerodynamic performance to any kind of track or road, at the request and preference of the driver.

The GTA and GTAm also benefit from a new diffuser capable of increasing the car’s downforce, guaranteeing excellent grip at high speeds.

On the Giulia GTAm, the high-downforce aerodynamic configuration is able to deliver an impressive lift coefficient, twice as much as the GTA and an astonishing three times that of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, which already sets the benchmark in its class.

The benefits of this collaboration have ranged from engineering, rapid prototyping and finally to the production of these specialised components.

Giovinazzi offered tips on the car’s setup, paying special attention to the new carbon fibre components and the new technical solution adopted for the wheels with a single locking nut.

“It is great to see the improvements we made to the cars today”, Antonio Giovinazzi said at the end of the test session.

Räikkönen worked with the aerodynamics department on the new appendages added to the new adjustable front splitter and to the new manually adjustable rear wing.

He also examined the overall balance delivered by these new components, along with the diffuser and the underbody fairing, concluding; “I find them a perfect mix of everyday use and track use”.


Honda teases image of next-generation Jazz

                TOKYO: Honda has released its first teaser image of the all-new Jazz which is set for its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show on Oct 23.

Redesigned with passengers in mind, the new Jazz will raise the bar in terms of comfort and driver enjoyment.

In Europe, the Jazz will only be available with an advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain, which promises a blend of strong driving performance and high fuel economy.

On the same day as the wraps are taken off the new Jazz here, Honda will hold a media preview in Amsterdam where further details of its “Electric Vision” electrification plan for Europe will be shared.


Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 winner gets a Nissan LEAF

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020, presented a new Nissan LEAF to the grand prize winner, Haqiem Rusli.

Haqiem  drives home the 100% Electric Vehicle (EV) LEAF worth RM 181,263, which generates an estimated 311km range on a full charge of 40kWh battery (based on New European Driving Cycle test mode) and torque of 320Nm for a 0-100kph sprint in 7.9 seconds.

The EV also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced safety technologies such as e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera), plusa premium interior.

At the presentation ceremony, ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan said the collaboration with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian was to recognise Malaysian artistes in growing the local entertainment industry.

“Haqiem now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future,” Tan said.

The 23-year old singer, composer and actor from Selangor garnered 22,332,676 votes and was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular on Nov 13 last year.

He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with song titled Lembah Kesepian.