Proton Service & Win contest winner announced

                SUBANG JAYA: By bringing his Iriz to Proton’s Centre of Service Excellence in Subang Jaya for scheduled maintenance, Azrul Firdaus Ramli ensured his car was looked after by a team of trained technicians.

Azrul, a 30-year old quality assurance engineer from Bukit Jalil, received something a little extra on Wednesday when he was named the winner of the Proton Service & Win contest and was awarded a new Saga Premium AT.

Designed to reward Proton car owners for regularly servicing their cars and to promote the company’s authorised service centres, the Proton Service & Win Contest was co-branded with Petronas and held from Aug 15 to Nov 15 last year.

Over 125,000 customers sent their vehicles for servicing during the contest period and eligible participants were required to upload a picture of their car on Facebook together with a creative caption.

Proton's management then selected the winner based on the creativity of their posting.

Over the past two years, Proton has aggressively recruited new partners to increase the number of 3S/4S outlets in its network. Today, it has 121 such outlets, a number it is looking to grow with a target of hitting 150 by the end of the year.


This electric motorcycle already tops 400kph and wants to go even faster

                MONACO: The Voxan Wattman - the world's fastest electric motorcycle - has been upgraded in an attempt to break even more records.

After smashing all the speed records in the over 300kg category, the Wattman has been slimmed down to take on the under 300kg category, with former world champion Max Biaggi still in the saddle.

In its 2020 performance, the Wattman broke no less than 11 world speed records for electric motorcycles - including for the "partially streamlined electric motorcycle weighing over 300kg" class, with an average speed of 366.94kph over 1.6km and an instantaneous speed of 408kph.

Now, the Wattman has set its sights on the lower, under 300kg weight category.

The bike has been made lighter, mainly due to a new battery design.

Another important change is that its dimensions have been slightly increased for more stability and, above all, better air penetration, which is essential for achieving an optimal top speed.

The powertrain is a Mercedes EQ, the same one used in Formula E (a single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars), which delivers 320kW, equivalent to 435hp.

Finally, the bike's Michelin tyres have been specially developed for these new record attempts, based on technologies tried and tested in MotoGP.

It is in the United States, on the Space Florida shuttle takeoff and landing strip at the Kennedy Space Center, that the brand is conducting its first tests, with a view to embarking on a new record haul in the first half of 2022.

Unveiled at the Paris Motorcycle Show in 2013, the Wattman failed to find a following, and Voxan went into liquidation in 2015.

Venturi, the brand's owner, has since revived it through these multiple record attempts.


Updated Toyota Innova has arrived, priced from RM112K

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has unveiled the new 2021 Toyota Innova range with updated styling and features as well as additional safety systems being made standard.

As before, the new Innova is available in three variants - 2.0X priced from RM129,677, 2.0G from RM121,483 and 2.0E from RM111,622.

Exterior colour choices are Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown, Silver Metallic, Super White II and Bronze Mica Metallic (new).

For the 2.0X, there is an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

The grille has a chrome and black theme while the door mirrors have chrome housings for a touch of class.

The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned and contribute to a bolder appearance.

An Enhancement Package is included with the 2.0X which comes with new design for wheel arch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts.

At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled to visually widen the vehicle, while the roof spoiler for the 2.0X has been slightly reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.

The wheels are maintained with the 2.0X having 17-inch alloy wheels finished in a new Dark Grey Metallic colour and fitted with 215/55R17 tyres.

For the 2.0G and 2.0E, the alloy wheels have a 16-inch diameter in a refreshed dual-tone finish and are fitted with 205/65R16 tyres.

Both the 2.0X and 2.0G come with high-quality Optitron meters in the instrument panel which provide bright and clear displays in all lighting conditions.

Between the meters is a 4.2-inch full colour Multi Information Display (MID) that keeps the driver informed of fuel consumption and range available with the remaining fuel in the tank.

Responding to customer feedback, more charging ports have been added.

The front two USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and additional USB ports has been provided for those in the third row of seats.

All the ports have Fast Charging capability for compatible smartphones and other portable devices.

READ MORE:Facelifted Toyota Fortuner debuts, two variants from RM173K

Additionally, a wireless charging pad in the centre console is also available as an option for all variants.

For 2021, additional features have been added to give the driver greater awareness of the surroundings to improve safety.

The first is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G and optional for the Innova 2.0E.

The systems use sensors on the body and bumpers to detect other vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from either side during reversing out of a parking bay.

Also provided as standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G is the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM).

This uses cameras around the Innova to capture a 360-degree view around the vehicle and is especially useful when parking in narrow or tight parking spaces.

All variants are fitted with seven SRS airbags and every one of the occupants on all three rows has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt.

All variants also have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), as well as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

The extensive standard safety systems that are provided as entire Innova range has made it possible for the Innova to receive the maximum 5-star Asean NCAP rating.

Contributing to this is the strong body structure which resist deformation while also dissipating impact energy before it can harm the occupants.

Besides the standard electronic security system, to provide greater peace of mind to owners, UMWT is now installing a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) as standard in the 2.0X and 2.0G, optional for the 2.0E.

This system can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology.

If the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.

The Innova continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine with high fuel efficiency and strong midrange torque.

With enhanced combustion efficiency, the lightweight engine produces 139PS at 5,600rpm and 183Nm of torque at 4,000rpm which goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed Super ECT electronic automatic transmission.

As with most of the models offered by UMWT, there is a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, subject to terms and conditions.

Viewing and test-drives are available at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.

Locations of all showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Volvo's first American factory

Pre production of the all new Volvo XC90 in Torslanda.ROCKLEIGH (New Jersey): Volvo Cars has chosen Berkeley County, South Carolina as the location of its first American factory, investing up to $500 million in a facility with a capacity to initially produce up to 100,000 cars per year.The Berkeley County factory, located outside of Charleston, will make latest generation Volvo models for sale in the United States and for export. Construction will begin in early autumn 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018.Once completed, Volvo Cars will be able to manufacture vehicles on three continents, underscoring its position as a truly global car maker. It already operates two plants in Europe and two in China. The new US plant forms part of an ambitious medium term expansion plan to double global sales, boost market share and lift profitability.“This new global industrial footprint and a complete product renewal forms the foundation for our growth and profitability targets,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Car Corporation.Volvo began importing cars to the US in 1955. With the development of an American factory, the company crosses an important threshold from an automotive importer to a domestic manufacturer.“We’re excited to build our first American factory in South Carolina and we look forward to helping grow the local community and economy,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, “We were impressed with the friendliness, work ethic and passion of the people in the Charleston area.”The decision to choose Berkeley County was taken as a result of its easy access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labour force, attractive investment environment and experience in the high tech manufacturing sector.Volvo Cars estimates that the factory will employ up to 2,000 people over the next decade and up to 4,000 people in the longer term. An economic impact analysis compiled by Dr. Frank Hefner at the College of Charleston estimates that, for an initial 2,000 direct jobs, more than 8,000 total jobs would be created as a result. The plant would contribute approximately $4.8 billion in total economic output on an annual basis.“This is a landmark moment and truly a great day in South Carolina as we welcome Volvo Cars’ first American manufacturing plant to our state,” said Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina, “Volvo’s presence and commitment to the community will be felt for decades to come. We are proud to have this global leader in car manufacturing join and strengthen South Carolina’s automotive industry.”


Elon Musk and Tesla break ground on massive Texas lithium refinery

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc on Monday broke ground on a Texas lithium refinery that CEO Elon Musk said should produce enough of the battery metal to build about 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025, making it the largest North American processor of the material.

The facility will push Tesla outside its core focus of building automobiles and into the complex area of lithium refining and processing, a step Musk said was necessary if the auto giant was to meet its ambitious EV sales targets.

"As we look ahead a few years, a fundamental choke point in the advancement of electric vehicles is the availability of battery grade lithium," Musk said at the ground-breaking ceremony on Monday, with dozers and other earth-moving equipment operating in the background.

Musk said Tesla aimed to finish construction of the factory next year and then reach full production about a year later.

The move will make Tesla the only major automaker in North America that will refine its own lithium. Currently, China dominates the processing of many critical minerals, including lithium.

"Texas wants to be able to be self-reliant, not dependent upon any foreign hostile nation for what we need. We need lithium," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at the ceremony.

Musk did not specify the volume of lithium the facility would process each year, although he said the automaker would continue to buy the metal from its vendors, which include Albemarle Corp and Livent Corp.

"We intend to continue to use suppliers of lithium, so it's not that Tesla will do all of it," Musk said.

Albemarle plans to build a lithium processing facility in South Carolina that will refine 100,000 tonnes of the metal each year, with construction slated to begin next year and the facility coming online sometime later this decade.

Musk did not say where Tesla will source the rough form of lithium known as spodumene concentrate that will be processed at the facility, although Tesla has supply deals with Piedmont Lithium Inc (PLL.O) and others.

'Clean operations'

Tesla said it would eschew the lithium industry's conventional refining process, which relies on sulfuric acid and other strong chemicals, in favor of materials that were less harsh on the environment, such as soda ash.

"You could live right in the middle of the refinery and not suffer any ill effect. So they're very clean operations," Musk said, although local media reports said some environmental advocates had raised concerns over the facility.

Monday's announcement was not the first time that Tesla has attempted to venture into lithium production. Musk in 2020 told shareholders that Tesla had secured rights to 10,000 acres in Nevada where it aimed to produce lithium from clay deposits, which had never been done before at commercial scale.

While Musk boasted that the company had developed a proprietary process to sustainably produce lithium from those Nevada clay deposits, Tesla has not yet deployed the process.

Musk has urged entrepreneurs to enter the lithium refining business, saying it is like "minting money."

"We're begging you. We don't want to do it. Can someone please?," he said during a conference call last month.

Tesla said last month a recent plunge in prices of lithium and other commodities would aid Tesla's bruised margins in the second half of the year.

The refinery is the latest expansion by Tesla into Texas after the company moved its headquarters there from California in 2021. Musk's other companies, including like SpaceX and The Boring Company, also have operations in Texas.

"We are proud that he calls Texas home," Abbott said, saying Tesla and Musk are "Texas's economic juggernauts."


Dr M gets acquainted with Polestar 2

Dr Mahathir checking out the Polestar 2 on Friday, accompanied by DRB-Hicom officials. — Photos from facebook.com/TunDrMahathir
PETALING JAYA: Polestar 2 is in Malaysia. Not officially.

DRB-Hicom shipped in the model that was presented for former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's viewing. After giving the electric fastback a once-over, he  declared he was impressed, according to a Facebook post he made on Friday.

He said he liked the minimalist design approach to Polestar's first electric car. And the availability of a frunk won praise from the Proton founder.

Dr Mahathir said he hoped that Proton would be able to introduce an electric car one day as it was the future of mobility.

He said he was informed that the unit before him had a 400km range and that it could get a full charge in under two hours. Home charging to 100% would take around seven hours, he added.

Challenges remain, he said, to ensure electric cars are truly green as power from the grid are often driven by polluting fossil fuels. He also pointed out that public charging is no longer a big issue as there are over 1,000 public chargers nationwide, with more to come.

In 2017, Polestar was set up as a new, standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer. Founded by Volvo Cars and China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result. Geely also has a 49.9% stake in Proton.

The Polestar 2 was unveiled in 2019.

Three variants are available with range from 420km to 540km.

The existing 300 kW (408 hp) dual motor setup with a large 78 kWh battery pack, is joined by two front-mounted single motor variants – available either with the same long-range battery and a 170 kW motor, or a smaller, standard-range battery (64 kWh) and a 165 kW motor.


Tesla’s Model Y gets high marks from a critic Musk respects

                DETROIT: Tesla Inc.’s new Model Y has what people have come to expect from Elon Musk’s cars: It’s lightning quick, handles nicely and has better electronic gadgetry than its competitors.

Unlike past Tesla offerings, early versions are rolling off the assembly line looking more like you’d expect from a company with a handle on the finer points of car building, according to Sandy Munro.

The manufacturing consultant who’s been tearing cars apart piece-by-piece for three decades offered his initial impressions before digging into the Model Y that his shop took delivery of this week.

“I don’t have much negative to say,” Munro said in an interview. “It’s much better than the Model 3 when we got it. We found problems, but the average car buyer won’t even see these things.”

Munro and his eponymous firm have been well known for years among Detroit’s automotive engineers for their in-depth analysis of hundreds of cars from virtually every manufacturer. He gained wider notoriety by tearing down the Model 3 - Musk’s first attempt at a mass-manufactured car - two years ago.

In April 2018, Munro offered a mixed review of an early-build Model 3, praising Tesla’s technology while also calling out some serious manufacturing flaws. After a few more months of close consideration, his firm found potential for Musk to make the sedan profitably.

Musk, who’s not always one to roll with the punches from critics, praised Munro for his engineering prowess in January.

Walking around his firm’s recently purchased Model Y, Munro used a small measuring stick to find inconsistent gaps between body panels and the hood of the vehicle. He found similar spaces between the tail lights and rear body parts.

But he gives the five-passenger Model Y high marks for its cavernous cargo space. The crossover is only a touch longer than the BMW X3 but much roomier with the rear seats folded down.

Tesla also is clearly benefiting from a powertrain edge. Munro said two years ago that the Model 3’s battery pack and electric motors were the best he’d seen. The Model Y boasts 508km of range between charges, beating Audi’s e-tron by 180km and Jaguar’s I-Pace by 130km.

Tesla’s crossover starts at US$52,990, undercutting the base versions of Jaguar’s model by almost US$17,000 and Audi’s by nearly US$22,000.

“It will sell,” Munro said of the Model Y. “Tesla buyers will overlook everything and other buyers won’t see what we see.”


5th-generation Toyota RAV4 launched: RM196K (2.0L) and RM215K (2.5L)

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has launched the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4, priced at RM196,436 (2.0-litre) and RM215,665 (2.5-litre).

Prices are on-the-road without insurance, and takes advantage of the 50% reduction in sales tax from June 15 till December 31, 2020.

Imported from Japan, the new RAV4 SUV (sport utility vehicle) was unveiled online by UMWT president Ravindran K. and deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

“The Toyota RAV4 has been a regular offering in our CBU line-up since the mid-1990s when we began selling the second generation. Now we are offering the fifth generation which was the 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year. As before, owners will enjoy a great ownership experience with peace of mind where not only is there a five-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty but also after-sales support nationwide,” said Ravindran K.

It is offered in six exterior colour choices – Dark Blue Mica, Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Red Mica, Attitude Black and Silver Metallic.

The new RAV4 sits on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform.

The side mirrors are now positioned by the door with sleeker A Pillars for better visibility.

The new body structure also provides better stability with less body roll.

Takeyama said, “With the TNGA technology, driving the new RAV4 is much like driving a sedan vehicle with its great agility, stability and visibility”.

The RAV4 gets lighter and more powerful new Dynamic Force 4-cylinder petrol engines with VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing.

The engines have world-leading thermal efficiencies as high as 40%, double the average of most internal combustion engines.

Two displacements are available: 2.5 litres (A25A-FKS) and 2.0 litres (M20A-FKS).

The 2.5-litre engine produces up to 207ps with 243Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre engine delivers 173ps of power and 207Nm of torque.

The 2.5-litre engine is paired with an 8-speed Automatic Transmission (Direct Shift 8-AT) while the 2.0-litre engine has a CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic.

For both transmissions, the driver can choose from Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

Dimensionally, the cabin is wider at 1,855 mm with the longer wheelbase (+30 mm) benefitting spaciousness.

Features include paddle shifters, Optitron meters, Seat Ventilation System for front seats, an 8-way powered driver's seat with memory features, 60:40 split rear seats that can be reclined, and a Kick Sensor Power Back Door.

Other convenience features include a keyless Smart Entry & Start system, and more USB points for charging electronic devices, including a wireless charger pad (operating with the Qi standard).

At night, some spaces have soft, indirect mood lighting.

A 7-inch Colour MID (Multi Information Display) complements a TFT Combination Meter which can be switched between analog and digital displays.

There's also a new 7-inch DVD-AVX infotainment system with 6 speakers and voice command, and a range of connectivity options such as Mirrorlink, Miracast, AUX, Bluetooth, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto.

The cargo space is also the best-in-class with a reversible cargo floor for multiple usage that is also height adjustable to create more space.

Besides up to seven SRS airbags, the new RAV4 getsToyota Safety Sense, a suite of systems which assist the driver.

These include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for All Speed as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB).

“When driving on highways, the Lane Departure and Lane Tracing Systems help you to stay safely within the white lines and in lane. The Pre-Collision System helps to avoid bumper accidents as well,” Akio Takeyama further explained.

There is also an Electro-Chromic (EC) rearview mirror to cut dazzle from vehicles behind and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), both of which alert the driver when other vehicles are in the blind spot.

An Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) also has a HOLD feature for use on slopes.

Dual Digital Video Recorders are useful for retaining visual evidence in the event of an accident, while a Tyre Pressure Warning system can alert the driver of a puncture.

An ISOFIX point is also available at the rear for a compatible childseat.

Besides an engine immobilizer and alarm system, the RAV4 also has enhanced security with a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS).

This system uses GPS/GSM for tracking and can improve vehicle recovery should it be stolen.

This first-ever virtual launch that was held earlier today, is still available for viewing at www.rav4my.com.


2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L SUV is here, priced at RM155,000

                PETALING JAYA: The new locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L SUV has been launched, priced at RM155,000 (on-the-road without insurance and GST inclusive).

Three colours are available, namely Ruby Black, Red Metallic and Solar White. Ruby Black is a new colour for the Mitsubishi Outlander and is exclusive to Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a Chinese New Year promotion offering discounts of up to RM4,000 for the Outlander. The Outlander comes with MMM's two years free maintenance and standard factory warranty of five years and unlimited mileage. The new Outlander 2.4L is sold alongside the locally-assembled Outlander 2.0L, which was introduced in September last year.

What’s new in the Outlander 2.4L?

- 167ps/222Nm engine
- All Round Monitor
- LED Headlamps with Daytime Running Lights
- Sunroof
- Electronic Tailgate with anti-pinch
- Paddle Shifters
- Auto Hold Assist
- Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror
- Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat

4WD System and Performance

The new Outlander 2.4L is powered by a proven 2.4-litre engine that produces 167ps and 222Nm of torque.

The DOHC MIVEC engine is paired with an INVECS-III CVT transmission, and paddle shifters.

The Outlander has an intelligent 4WD system as standard across the range.

Unlike on-demand 4WD systems in rival SUVs, the Multi-Select 4WD system in the Outlander has three selectable modes - 4WD Eco, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock - to suit all conditions and terrain. With many years of winning experience in the gruelling Dakar Rally, Mitsubishi is a specialist in rugged 4WD vehicles.

By improving traction on slippery surfaces and stability, 4WD plays a role in active safety - it is especially valuable on SUVs with tall bodies and a high centre of gravity.

Premium Features

The Outlander has a stylish and bold design, thanks to Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield face. The new Outlander 2.4L comes with full LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights in front, plus LED tail lamps.

18-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range, while the 2.4L gets a new stylish two-tone wheel design plus an aerodynamic rear spoiler.

The spacious seven-seater cabin has a sunroof, a powered Electronic Tailgate with anti-pinch function, and boasts best-in-class cargo volume of 1,608 litres with the second and third-row seats folded.

A 7-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay functionality allows for seamless connection between iPhone and car. The screen comes with Air Gesture Control for added convenience.

Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps and wipers, and keyless entry with push start button.

Safety Features

Together with seven airbags, 4WD, ABS and EBD, Brake Assist, Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard.

The SUV also boasts a strong Mitsubishi Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction.

In addition, the Electronic Parking Brake available in the 2.4L comes with Auto Hold Assist function that allows one to wait at the traffic light or traffic jams without the need to step on the brakes.

The Brake Override System is another feature that works as a failsafe measure, prioritising the brakes if both the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously.

Other safety features include Rest Reminder, which reminds the driver to take a break when fatigue steps in.

The new All Round Monitor in the Outlander 2.4L assists parking and lane-changing by providing a 360-degree bird's eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings including blind spots on the central screen with integrated guide lines for Front, Side & Reverse view.

All Outlanders now come with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that captures every moment or incident while one is on the move.

The Outlander also comes with security and solar film for glass surfaces for extra safety and privacy.


Can the Nissan GT-R Track Edition cut through the clutter?

                NASHVILLE: With the latest addition to the Nissan GT-R range, the Japanese high-tech supercar is moving even closer to Porsche in terms of competition.

But not because the new GT-R Track Edition, making its debut at the New York Auto Show on April 14 will be doing so with a rear-mounted flat-six engine calling the shots, but because the model range is getting almost as difficult to understand as the current Porsche 911 lineup.

The Track Edition will be joining the GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition and GT-R Nismo in the North American lineup; plus the GT-R Pure, GT-R Recaro, GT-R Prestige, GT-R Prestige Black, and five specific GT-R Nismo and Engineered by Nismo variants in Europe, when it goes on sale this summer.

The Track Edition, according to Nissan at least, could be the car that cuts through all the clutter and offers keen drivers a vehicle that offers the best elements of all of the existing models without having to go through endless options lists and checking countless boxes.

"The new GT-R Track Edition gives buyers a specialised model, one true to GT-R heritage and available only by special order," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.

"Building on the major upgrade to every GT-R for 2017, the Track Edition is an amazing package inside, outside and under the skin."

In other words, it promises better out-and-out performance than the GT-R Premium model but without the compromises in comfort and everyday enjoyment that could come by going with the full-cream Nismo.

The Track Edition keeps the hand-built 565hp V6 twin-turbo engine found in the GT-R Premium, but augments its capabilities via a titanium exhaust, a stiffer chassis (achieved through adhesive bonding alongside spot welding), lighter Nismo tuned suspension, and enhanced aerodynamics.

However, inside, the cabin is cossetting, thanks to leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats and a top specification infotainment system that supports turning your smartphone into a remote control capable of locking and unlocking doors and checking on the vehicle's status and location.

The car also comes with a Bose sound system with active noise cancellation for filtering out unwanted cabin sounds without recourse to huge, heavy performance-sapping wads of soundproofing. But of course, this can be adjusted so that wind noise for instance can't be heard, but the barking of the engine on the down change is amplified.

The Nissan GT-R Track Edition will cost from US$127,990 (RM566,000), when it goes on sale in the United States this summer.


Mercedes-Benz allies with US solid state battery maker

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz plans to jointly develop solid-state battery technology for future e-cars with US company Factorial Energy and French-Italian carmaker Stellantis.

Mercedes will contribute a "high double-digit million dollar amount" to the project, the company announced today.

In solid-state batteries, charges aren't transported through a liquid carrier material, allowing lighter battery cells, which increases the potential range of the vehicles.

Higher energy density and faster charging are also possible.

In the summer, the Stuttgart-based company signalled a fundamental shift towards electric vehicles.

The company wants 50 per cent of new sales to comprise fully electric or plug-in cars within four years.

It said then that it wants to go fully electric by the end of the decade - wherever "market conditions allow."


Perodua wants to be contract manufacturer for third national car project

                RAWANG: Perodua is in talks with the government to participate in the realisation of the third national car project.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said Perodua has the capacity to be a possible contract manufacturer for the project.

“Perodua has given a proposal to the government on its vendor system, which could be beneficial to the project, ” he said following a signing ceremony between the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Perodua, the Perodua Suppliers Association and Perodua Dealers Association earlier yesterday.

International Trade and Industry Senior Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who was present at the event, said the third national car project is still ongoing.

“Despite having a new government, the project is still on, ” he said.

Back in February, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that a prototype for the third national car was ready and that the government was waiting for private investors to invest in the development of the project.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was open to working with foreign companies to develop the new national car, adding that Malaysia already had the experience, having developed both Proton and Perodua with Japan previously.

It was previously reported that DreamEdge Sdn Bhd, the anchor company to drive the third national car project, was aiming to unveil its first prototype by March this year.

DreamEdge is an engineering services company catering to various industries such as automotive, rail, electronics, energy, defence, precision equipment and tooling design.

MARii chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari said the vehicle would be revealed later this year.

Perodua closed the month of June with 21,250 vehicles sold, its highest monthly sales figure this year and nearly triple that of the previous month’s.

The carmaker’s year-to-date sales total stands at 74,000 units.

Zainal said it would be difficult to forecast the outlook for the automotive industry for the rest of 2020, in light of the uncertainties and challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s difficult to predict, but we will strive to continue doing our best and make sure that the ecosystem will continue to survive. We had made an initial forecast and yes, there has been a slowdown in sales. But for now, our strategy for the remainder of 2020 is to stay with what we had targeted to achieve before the movement control order (MCO).”

In January this year, Perodua targeted to sell 240,000 vehicles for 2020. At the moment, Zainal said sales could fall between 15% and 17% this year from the original target.

Malaysia’s second national carmaker, is however, expected to make an official announcement on its 2020 sales target later this month.


Perodua Aruz launched in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: The Perodua Aruz has officially entered its first overseas market – Singapore.

At launch, it is priced at S$92,999 (RM286,409), inclusive of Goods and Services Tax and Certificate of Entitlement (COE).

“The Aruz’s arrival in Singapore marks the first seven-seater offered by Perodua in the island nation,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“With nearly 58,000 units sold in Malaysia since its debut in 2019, the Aruz was Malaysia’s best-selling SUV overall in 2019 and 2020. We are looking forward to sharing the Aruz’s space, safety, versatility, durability, practicality and fuel efficiency with our southern neighbours,” he added.

The Aruz’s aluminium-block 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine is mated with an electronically-controlled automatic transmission and Eco Idle to yield a rated fuel efficiency of up to 15.6 km/l.

Its versatility comes courtesy of 60:40-split second and 50:50-split third rows that can be slid, folded and tumbled for a multitude of seating and loading configurations. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ISOFIX and six airbags contribute to a full five-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

Other standard equipment include LED headlamps, 17-inch two-tone alloys, keyless entry and start, and a touch-screen infotainment system with reverse camera display.

The Aruz is being sold by Perocom Auto Pte Ltd at its sole outlet in Ubi. The sole authorised Perodua distributor in Singapore since 1997, Perocom Auto has sold the Kancil, Kembara, Kelisa, first- and third-generation Myvis, Viva, Axia and Bezza there.

Besides Singapore, Perodua also exports to Brunei, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Fiji and Indonesia (where the Myvi is sold as the Daihatsu Sirion).


VW to preview entry level-EV on March 15

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen will be previewing a new entry-level electric model.

The preview of the compact and affordable electric vehicle (EV) would be livestreamed from Hamburg across Volkswagen's social media channels at 6.20pm CET (1.20am Thursday in Malaysia) on March 15.

The mystery model has been speculated as being called the ID.2 or ID. Golf as it would be about the size of VW's popular combustion engine hatchback. But it seemed the ID.2 name is more plausible as VW has dropped a hint with a preview video that has the slogan "More 2 come 4 you".

Volkswagen said the car that would be unveiled would also be a foretaste of the new design language for future models.

Based on a heavily revised MEB platform called MEB+, the ID.2 is expected to launch in 2025, and feature cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries, front electric motor and 200kW charging speed. The platform would also allow for a performance variant to be introduced as a second electric motor could be mounted at the rear.

March 15 is also the day Volkswagen would publish its 2022 financial year results for its passenger cars.

CEO Thomas Schäfer and CFO Patrik Andreas Mayer would provide an outlook on the brand's strategy and how Volkswagen intends to further accelerate its transformation into the leading provider of e-mobility.


'Handsome Datuk Seri’ being probed in luxury car scam

                KUALA LUMPUR: A "Datuk Seri" is being investigated for cheating some 100 luxury car owners into parting with their vehicles under a car-for-sale scam worth more than RM10mil.

The “Datuk Seri”, who is in his 40s from Kuala Lumpur, was detained for questioning by the police in February and March, but was released after a remand order was rejected.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the suspect had used an automobile company here to resell the cars to a third party.

"So far, police have recovered 24 cars ranging from Alphards, Volkswagen, Mercedez-Benz and BMW," the Deputy Home Minister told reporters at Parliament lobby today.

He said that investigations revealed that the "good-looking" suspect was using a fake “Datuk Seri” title.

"The suspect was managing the company, which was registered under his wife and daughter's name," Wan Junaidi added.

Under the scam, he said the company would offer the car owners to resell their vehicles after the new owners agreed to continue their loan repayments or after settling any outstanding payments.

"However, if there were no buyers, the company would store the cars for a month or two and resell their cars to second-hand car dealers, " he said, adding there were also instances where false details of identity cards were used for the dubious transactions.

Wan Junaidi said the suspect and his accomplices are likely to face eight charges, which includes cheating.

"The case is still being investigated and the police are finalising their investigation papers before submitting it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action," he added.

He advised car owners, whose cars are under hire-purchase agreements, not to resell their vehicles to a third party, unless permission is given by the finance companies for such deals.

Wan Junaidi refuted claims by victims that police were not doing anything to detain the suspect or recover their vehicles.


SEAT gets its own high-performance brand

                MARTORELL (Spain): There are a number of major automakers that now have spin-off performance brands, and more are emerging all the time.

The obvious big names are the likes of AMG for Mercedes, the M Division for BMW, and Nissan Nismo, but they have recently been joined by the likes of Volvo's Polestar and Hyundai's N brand. And now we have confirmation of the latest addition to this burgeoning trend, which is Cupra, the performance arm of the Volkswagen Group's SEAT brand.

Cupra has long been the sportiest expression of SEAT, so it's perfectly logical for it to gain its own independent status, DNA and identity by becoming a new entity in its own right. When the all-new Cupra models come out they will feature the new Cupra logo, and the new brand will make its official debut at a special international media event to be held on Feb 22.

Shortly after the launch of the new performance brand, the very first Cupra models will be revealed to the waiting public at the start of March during the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

 Limited edition SEAT Leon Cupra R.

The SEAT sub-brand has this week released a teaser video that showcases the logo that it was being reported SEAT had applied to register in 2017, which now uses a copper color that's very similar to that already used for some details of the recent limited-edition Leon Cupra R.

The next model to carry the Cupra badging, and the first model under the separate banner, is probably going to be the Ateca SUV. However, Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT's board member with responsibility for research and development, has already admitted there could well be some hybrid Cupra models in the future.

Rabe is quoted by Auto Express as previously saying, "Cupra and electrification is not a contradiction. I could see a Cupra as an electrified car, and we have something in mind."

Whether that translates to a hybrid or electric version of the Ateca, or if Rabe was referring to an entirely new model remains to be seen. Either way, it would be interesting to see an offshoot of a mass-market manufacturer producing a hybrid with an emphasis on performance instead of just fuel economy.


Lego launches Ford Mustang kit

                DETROIT: A steady pair of hands a lot of patience is all you need to build the iconic 1967 Ford Mustang from toymaker Lego. The latest addition to its range of automotive kits is made up of 1,471 parts and retails for US$148 (RM ).

The dark blue kit assembles into an impressive 34-centimetre-long model of the first-ever pony car - the horse name Mustang spawned a host of copy-cat models from other brands.

The Lego Mustang features working steering, dark-blue bodywork, white racing stripes, a bonnet scoop, printed Mustang grille badge, GT emblems and tyres with five-spoke rims.

Builders can also customise their all-American icon to their own specification thanks to a collection of optional add-ons. Customisation options include a supercharger, a rear duck-tail spoiler, beefy exhaust pipes and a front chin spoiler.

The replica also allows owners to store little items in the boot or lift the bonnet to reveal a detailed big block 390 cubic inch V8 engine with battery, hoses and air filter detailing.

"To bring this car into life in brick form, with this level of customisation, has been exhilarating," Lego's Jamie Berard says.


Will Europe soon see an electric car selling for under €10,000?

Renault’s K-ZE should be released in China sometime in 2020.
FRANKFURT: Groupe Renault's CEO told German daily Handelsblatt last week that the company could release an all-electric urban car for the European market retailing for less than €10,000 (RM47,000) within the next five years.

Thierry Bolloré is betting on lower prices for EVs in the future, driven by increasingly strong demand and fiercer competition. For instance, this past week Volkswagen created a buzz in Frankfurt by showing off its first-ever electric urban car, the ID.3.

The prices for the Volkswagen ID.3 have not yet been announced, but the German manufacturer is hinting at a base model with a 45 kWh battery providing a range of 330km for a little under €30,000. As of now, the Volkswagen e-Golf goes for a starting price of €33,950, while the new compact e-Up! should soon be sold at a starting price of €23,000.

For the moment, the most competitive solution is offered by Skoda with the Citigoe iV, which will be released in early 2020 for a little under €20,000. Over at Renault, the ZOE sells at a starting price of €19,900, without battery rental.

To make the under-€10,000 EV project a reality, Renault could draw from the City K-ZE, a small model created for the Chinese market, which it first unveiled in the spring of 2019 and should officially release for a low, low price sometime in 2020.

The small vehicle is directly inspired by urban SUVs, with numerous integrated technologies such as a touchscreen featuring navigation aids and online services, a rear view back-up camera, parking sensors, etc, and boasting a range of over 250km. It is also touted as easy to charge via any type of outlet, whether public or domestic.

Should the experiment prove successful, it is likely that a version of the car could appear on European shores in the next few years, either as a Renault or a Dacia.


Rolls-Royce revamps brand identity to appeal to younger customers

                LONDON: How does a brand present itself through visual language, remain true to its heritage while speaking to its bright and optimistic future?

“As the marque's digital presence increases, there has never been a more important time for the visual language of the company to reflect our standing as the leading luxury brand in the world," said Rolls-Royce chief executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

"We have embarked on a fascinating journey of modernising our brand identity to echo those changes seen in our portfolio, our client demographic, their lifestyle and the luxury world that surrounds them."

Rolls-Royce appointed design studio Pentagram to create a new brand identity designed to appeal to younger demographics.

"I do not come from an automotive background. This vantage point provided me with the opportunity to observe Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxury products," said Pentagram partner Marina Willer.

"My ambition was to celebrate the luxuriousness of the brand while a nod to the Spirit of Ecstasy, a colour named Purple Spirit will pave the way for the future of luxury by becoming Rolls- Royce's signature colour."

 Rolls-Royce Wordmark example.

A metallic Rose Gold is chosen to complement this colour. This elegant and modern hue will be reserved for items of longevity and used only in printed form.

The Noir imagery which surrounds Rolls-Royce’s Black Badge range is now punctuated by bursts of colour, reflecting each model’s launch specification, illustrating the bold nature of its signature alter ego.

Badge of Honour / Wordmark / Monogram
The double 'R' Badge of Honour remains unchanged.

The Monogram also retains its original form but replaces the Badge of Honour on collateral, while the Wordmark 'Rolls-Royce Motor Cars', as found presiding above the door of the marque's establishments, was found to be corporate and unrepresentative of the marque's standing as a House of Luxury.

Pentagram uncovered typography in the marque's archives from the 1930s and used an art-deco style as the basis from which to envisage a new Wordmark – one suitable for the modern-day Rolls-Royce.

The words 'Motor Cars' have reduced in size, with the emphasis reverting to Rolls-Royce, in recognition of the marque's wider influence outside of the automotive industry.

READ MORE: Rolls-Royce sheds light on its newly developed Illuminated Fascia The Monogram and The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression.

The Wordmark has become more refined in its appearance, depicting the quiet, whispering power of contemporary Rolls-Royce.

Special significance has been paid to the letter 'R', to provide additional stability and prominence to this important character in the Rolls-Royce script.

Typeface
Pentagram’s design team explored multiple typefaces in search of a font that depicts luxury, without being overtly decorative. The chosen typeface, Riviera Nights, stems from the same family as Gill Sans Alt, the marque's previous font, but with additionally crafted and bevelled letters.

 The Spirit of Ecstasy.The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression
A wholly new visual treatment of the Spirit of Ecstasy has been created, called The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression.

Contemporary in appearance, The Expression speaks of the marque's modern lifestyle presence. The Expression adopts a fluid form and is versatile in nature. An innovative digital tool that uses coding has been developed by Pentagram to enable The Expression to be used on any surface, from projection to embroidery, printing to engraving.

It can be found in both physical form at the marque's global establishments and in digital form – connecting the elements of the marque's portfolio.

The Expression will become a distinctive and recognisable element of the marque's visual language, a key signifier of a House of Luxury.

 Examples of the Spirit of Ecstasy in development.


How to park a supercar like a pro

                NEW YORK: Matt Farah is something of a parking expert. In his 10 years as an automotive authority and podcast host, he has reviewed, owned, raced, and filmed reviews of more than 1,500 cars without a single parking mishap.

Last year in Culver City, Calif., he opened Westside Collector Car Storage, a kind of Soho House meets EZ Park that offers members everything from detailing and repair service to private airport chauffeurs and cocktail hours.

Every procedure that happens in the US$1,500-a-year clubhouse garage has been intensely thought out and itemised in a 26-page employee handbook, including two full pages on how to properly park a car.

The first thing Farah tells anyone he employs to handle the cars owned by some of the world’s major collectors is simple: Do not rush anything.

“It is important to always be slow and methodical,” Farah’s self-written parking tome states. “Give yourself plenty of time to move the needed cars, so that you never have to rush while a member waits. Rushing is where vehicle damage happens.”

It’s an aspect of car ownership to which everyone can relate — more so with powerful autos wherein a gentle press on the gas pedal or slip of the clutch can send them surging forward. Some pay more dearly for parking mistakes than others.

Even the most benign maneuver in one of the supercars and classics stored at WCCS, if executed poorly, can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Curb a rim on a McLaren? That’ll be US$5,000 to replace. Ding a door on a Ferrari Dino? The starting price for repairs exceeds US$10,000, at least in Southern California.

Scratch the special factory-ordered paint job on a Porsche 911 Turbo? Count on US$50,000 just to try to match the colour—plus the irreversible double-digit percentage loss in overall value from the once-pristine collectible.

Supercars have extra low clearance, so it pays to take steep driveways and even gradual inclines and declines on an angle. That will help avoid splitting or scraping the front and causing expensive damage to the underbody.

READ MORE:  Supercar owners trust this woman to move their prized possessions

For Eli Kogan, the founder and owner of Otto Car Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., which houses up to 225 cars in 49,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, the most important part of flawless parking is maintaining spatial awareness.

“Being able to judge the space, judge the angle, and have awareness of how big your car is, how wide your car is, and how wide the spot is—that solves everything,” Kogan says. People who can park anything have it, he says. Those who can’t, don’t.

Excellent spatial awareness is an ongoing skill. Appraise a car’s length, width, and height while outside it and again, evaluate how long, wide, and low it is once you’re seated—even with a vehicle you think you know well.

Take driving: Some people may zoom down the highway and have to look around four times to see who is near before they change lanes, while a good driver already knows what is going on in the vicinity because he or she has maintained a mental catalogue of what is happening.

Parking similarly requires that you use your eyesight and the car’s mirrors. Don’t rely exclusively on parking cameras, Kogan says. The technology offers a nice, modern crutch, but the camera can distort distance and depth and never offers a full-view picture of what is happening around the car.

“Try to make it like if you had X-ray vision and you can actually see the wheels,” says Tony Rackley, who transports and parks multimillion-dollar investment-grade cars for a living as head of the Specialties Division at Classic Automotive Relocation Services in Gardena, Calif.

“One should really—while sitting in the car,” he continues, “be able to know the points of the car, look to their left and right, to know: OK, my left front is there, my right front is there, and then look over your shoulder and see where the C pillar is—that sort of thing.”

There’s no shame in using a spotter, Rackley says. In fact, having someone watch angles as one parks is mandatory at both WCCS and Otto.

“No matter how many times you’ve parked the car, no matter how confident you are or how small the car is, we do not park the car without a spotter,” says Kogan. “Four eyes to the car is the rule.”

The other little trick pro drivers and enthusiasts know is that backing a car into a spot is far more amenable to managing a tight turn or a tricky angle thanks to a tighter turning circle. A head-in parking job also exposes you to the risk of scraping the underside of the car’s nose, which in supercars is typically lower than the rear for improved aerodynamics and downforce.

“Always back the car in,” Kogan says. “I do it with my EarthCruiser, which is huge but still can park in any parking lot. Our semi-truck at work I always park this way, too. In fact, any car I park, I always back in.”

Parallel parking, of course, is a distinct skill for which practice makes perfect. Use cones in an empty parking lot and practice 100 times, Kogan recommends. Or try it in real life on a street with little cross traffic.

When you have a US$300,000 Ferrari under your control, the imperative to do well is heightened, because it’s likely that everyone on the street will be watching.

This means no curbing the wheels, which is expensive to fix, time-consuming to replace, and embarrassing in the first place, or tapping the bumper of the car on either side; that light kiss may be virtually de rigueur in Manhattan, but it’s extremely impolite elsewhere.

A final note that any valet worth his salt knows: Never park underneath trees.

Corrosive bird poop is one thing, but with a precious paint job, even petals are problematic. As an official Rolls-Royce instruction manual for chauffeurs puts it: “Don’t park the car under Lime trees when in blossom.”


Daimler 2019 profit down by half, diesel scandal weighs

                FRANKFURT: Daimler today issued its third profit warning for 2019, as costs related to the diesel scandal, heavy investment in electric vehicles and production issues weighed on earnings.

Daimler said that its 2019 earnings before interest and tax are expected to slump to €5.6 billion (RM25bil) from €11.1 billion a year earlier.

Following its preliminary assessment, 2019 expenses for ongoing governmental and court proceedings relating to diesel vehicles amount to €1.1-1.5 billion, hitting its core Mercedes-Benz Cars unit — costs which are not yet included in the preliminary figure.

The carmaker said that it expects return on sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars to slump to 4% in 2019, compared to 7.8% in 2018, while it would decrease to minus 15.9% from plus 2.3% at its vans unit and to 6.1% from 7.2% at its trucks unit.

One-off costs of €300 million for a review of its vans product portfolio as well as of another €300 million for the re-alignment of Daimler’s Your Now mobility services are included in the preliminary figure, it added.

New Daimler chief executive Ola Kaellenius is set to announce full-year earnings on Feb 11.

The weak earnings contrast with Daimler’s car sales. It sold 2.34 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in 2019 for a ninth consecutive year of record sales, putting the German carmaker in pole position to retain the title of biggest-selling premium car brand.

The carmaker had flagged an expected slump in 2019 earnings in October and at the time said that legal proceedings tied to diesel emissions may result in additional expenditures.


Bentley's Flying Spur First Edition arrives from RM1.1mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bentley Kuala Lumpur has officially introduced a new variant of its grand touring sedan - meet the Flying Spur First Edition.

The First Edition arrives hot off the heels of the standard third-generation Flying Spur which recently made its Malaysian debut in February.

The Flying Spur is known for its ability to provide performance and drivability as well as limousine-style comfort.

The price of the Flying Spur First Edition starts from RM1,066,900 (before duties and taxes) and is powered by 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine mated to an eight-speed gearbox.

This allows the Flying Spur to launch from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 333kph.

All that performance tries to twist the rigid aluminium composite chassis while the electronic all-wheel-steering (a first for the Flying Spur) is combined with an all-wheel-drive system to help carve up corners.

With the inclusion of new tri-chamber air springs working in tandem with the Bentley Dynamic Ride system - the world's first 48V electric anti-roll system, this Flying Spur can either glide over road imperfections or remain glued to the tarmac.

Upfront, owners can expect to see the marque's latest generation cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps and its new wrap-around rear lamps that incorporate the "B" motifs.

Furthermore, it will roll on either 21 or 22-inch newly-designed wheels while the "Flying B" hood ornament can now be retracted into or raised from beneath the modern Bentley badge.

Inside, the cabin features a new wing-themed fascia to connect the front and rear passenger areas that incorporate natural and authentic materials while embracing a host of new technologies.

For one, there's the unique Bentley Rotating Display which can be had with a choice of a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen, beautifully finished analogue dials or with a digital-detox wood veneer finish.

A detachable Touch Screen Remote Control is available for rear-seated passengers and allows them to operate all major functions including the blinds, climate controls, rear seat massage functions and the multi-configuration mood lighting system among others.

However, an extensive list of Single and Dual Veneer wood options are available for choice.

The newly-designed fluted leather seats feature diamond quilting for the Mulliner Driving Specification and are matched with three-dimensional diamond rear door inserts that can be had in either woof or quilted leather (a world first).

An optional panoramic glass sunroof stretches the full length of the roof is available as are three audio systems that include a 16-speaker bang & Olufsen system and a 2,200W Naim system for choice and all come with an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

To round off the inclusions are the Flying Spur's advanced driver assist systems such as a Night Vision infra-red camera, Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Warning and a Heads-up Display.


Thinking of getting the Audi TT? Read this first

Many call Audi’s latest TT coupe a miniaturised version of the German carmaker’s R8 supercar and though it may be smaller, let's make one thing clear – this is one stylish car that should be respected and not trifled with.

The Audi TT simply looks like it wants to hug the floor thanks to the wide stance, a low roofline and the lack of overhangs.

But most significant is the styling, which clearly states where it’s genetic inheritance comes from, thanks to the creases on the bodywork and the plethora of slats at the front – it’s just unmistakably from the R8.

Although the two cars share certain similarities, they are ultimately different species and if the R8 were a big burly powerful bear, then the TT would be the little wolverine – compact, stocky, muscular and visceral when provoked.

The new TT marks a big departure from its curvaceously cute predecessors with large headlights, who damsels found simply adorable – well that ends here, with the TT’s sharp new looks in the headlights, bonnet creases and that gaping front unified grille.

Getting into the newly stylised TT will require some finesse when entering, but more importantly, this is where the ladies in skirts will need to be skilfully elegant when taking a seat.

We love how the blacked-out cabin seems Spartan and clean with its dark leather-Alcantara combination and brushed aluminium accents that help hide the lack of space that a two-plus-two seating arrangement would usually provide.

To add to its simplicity was the way the climate controls have been integrated into the circular vents as well as how the buttons have been intuitively arranged to be a simple poke away.

With the foot on the brake, pressing the Push-Start button not only brings the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to life, but the dark LCD instrument cluster, or the Virtual Cockpit in Audi-speak, as well.

There’s 225bhp and 370Nm on tap, that’s good for 0-100kph sprint time of 5.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Rolling off from standstill, it should already register that the TT’s ride is a stiff one with the 18-inch wheels with 245/40 series tyres that simply blitze the senses by transmitting copious amounts of road surface information.

Our test units came with the Audi drive select that includes five driving modes of Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual.

Cutting straight to the chase, we preferred having the TT in dynamic mode most of the time, not because we were hooked on the way it squished us into the seat’s back rest (ok, maybe a little), but it felt like the car was more akin to the setting.

Having it in efficiency mode is ideal when in heavy traffic with its start-stop function for fuel saving purposes while one looks to the moment where there’s some clear roads to burn it all away.

In comfort mode, the car seemed unnatural, sluggish, clumsy – simply unbecoming of what a sports car should be.

As for individual mode, it just meant that the engine/gearbox, steering and engine note are adjustable to the driver’s liking, but we were more than happy to keep it in dynamic mode, which makes the car feel more responsive and exciting.

Punching the throttle gets the TT going like a bat out of hell with plenty of grip around the corners and stopping power is right on the money with little prospects of fade when the brakes have been abused.

Gearshifts are ultra quick and there’s almost no lag with the rev counter swinging towards the red line as the driver gets immersed in a pool of engine roar that excites the senses.

It’ll simply hold the line when flinging the TT around corners, with an immense amount of grip and if one does go overboard, the intrusion of electronic safety programmes is almost unnoticeable.

Who cares about ride comfort, the sheer grip and accelerative performance is something that would have most grinning with joy and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

When the car is turned off, a tune plays with a fade-out of heartbeats, which brings about a mild disappointment that the drive has come to an end. This somehow gives the mind a little whisper of a question – one more outing?

With a powerful engine, quick-shifting gearbox and a stiff suspension to name a few, it was simply difficult to relinquish the keys when the time was up.

At RM284,900 on-the-road with GST without insurance, it’s hard to ignore the way the TT impacts the senses yet have the ability to be docile and easily driveable.

But if budding owners are looking for something predominantly sane then the TT is definitely not the ideal choice and would rather suit someone who’s been to the naughty side of driving to truly enjoy the car’s offerings.

READ ALSO: Audi TT launched in Malaysia


Six Lamborghini Huracans seized over document forgery

                SEPANG: Six Lamborghini Huracan supercars were seized by the Customs Department after two car importing companies were found forging declaration documents to bring them in.

Deputy Customs Department director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Azimah Hamid said they conducted raids following an anonymous tip-off on May 29 and seized 21 luxury cars.

“In the first raid, we raided a warehouse in Shah Alam and seized eight vehicles, including two Mercedes-Benz CLS350, a BMW 525i, four Toyota Estimas and a Toyota Alphard.

“At the same time, we conducted a second raid at another warehouse in Shah Alam and seized six Lamborghini Huracans and seven Toyota Vellfires,” she told reporters at the KLIA Customs Department headquarters here yesterday.

She said based on investigations, the companies involved in importing these vehicles had made false declarations on the year of manufacture.

“Under the import licence issued by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, only vehicles between one and five years old can be imported.

“Seven of the vehicles brought in by this company were less than a year old, while the others were over the five-year limit,” Azimah said, adding that the cars were valued at RM12.2mil, including duties and taxes.

She said a new Huracan is worth at least RM1.9mil.

“The modus operandi of those involved is to reduce the amount of tax they have to pay to Customs because the older the cars, the lower the tax will be,” she said, adding that the two car importers were being investigated for alleged document forgery and tax evasion.

Azimah said under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967, those found guilty of importing vehicles without a valid import licence are liable to a fine of 10 times the value of the vehicle or RM50,000 (whichever amount is greater) for their first offence, while they could be liable to a fine of 20 times the value of the vehicle or RM500,000 (whichever is greater) for the second offence, or a jail term of up to five years, or both.


VW to replace head of software division, says Handelsblatt

Senger.  The software post is one of the most important in the development of new-generation electric vehicles.

BERLIN: Volkswagen is replacing its head of software development, newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Sunday, as the German carmaker wrestles with the transition to electric vehicles.

The newspaper said Christian Senger, a former BMW manager who runs the recently founded Car.Software.Org unit, was to be replaced after clashes with the company and concern at software problems with the recent ID.3 and Golf 8 vehicles.

Senger was part of a network of external managers chief executive Herbert Diess had brought in to reform the company. Senger, after working on BMW’s i3 electric car, helped Volkswagen make its MEB electric car platform, a key pillar of its revival in the wake of a 2015 diesel cheating scandal.

The software post is one of the most important in the development of new-generation electric vehicles, which are far more reliant on computer power than the combustion engine that have been Volkswagen’s mainstay.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the report.

A management purge has already seen Andreas Renschler, a former Mercedes-Benz manager leave his post as head of the Traton Trucks unit, and Stefan Sommer, a former chief executive of auto supplier ZF, leave his post at VW.

Senger was also leaving his post as a member of the board of Volksagen’s core VW brand, the newspaper said, although it added that chief executive Herbert Diess was hoping he would stay with the company.

Volkswagen’s powerful staff council, led by Bernd Osterloh, have forced out cost-cutters at the company in the past. Wolfgang Bernhard, a former VW brand chief and Bernd Pischetsrieder, a former head of the Volkswagen Group, quit following clashes with labour leaders.


South East Asia’s Largest Commercial Vehicle Expo Kicks Off in Malaysia

From left: Kamarudin and Pertz.

KUALA LUMPUR: The fourth instalment of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) kicked off today at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC).

The line-up of showcases included more than 70 local and international exhibitors with the focus on future transport solutions in the commercial vehicle industry.

The three-day expo was launched by Deputy Transport Minister of Malaysia Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar.

“I am delighted that the MCVE can serve as the platform for all the players in the industry to share and offer solutions on providing safe, efficient and sustainable transportation for Malaysia in the coming future,” said Kamarudin.

“Technology is disrupting and transforming the transportation industry at a rapid pace. The future of transportation will involve vehicles and transport solutions that are connected, data-driven, shared, on-demand, electric and highly automated. By bringing the spotlight on ground-breaking and new transport solutions in this expo, I hope it will help prepare us for the future of transportation in Malaysia," said MCVE organiser and editor for Asian Trucker and Asian Buses magazines Stefan Pertz.

The expo brings together the megatrends of future transport solutions on one stage, with exhibitors putting together a comprehensive display of innovative products and services that can contribute to more efficient, safer and cleaner transportation.

Electromobility, technology trends and ‘Uberisation’ of trucking are among the topics to be presented at the MCVE.

Also, back in this year’s agenda is the Scania Driver Competition MCVE Edition, as well as a range of comprehensive and exciting fringe programs to appeal to a broad audience.

“Since our first event in 2013, the MCVE has grown into a leading, multi-faceted exhibition and business platform for the commercial vehicle industry, bringing together a record number of exhibitors and trade visitors in each instalment. Our newest addition to this year’s program, which will interest our expo visitors is the exhibitor’s ‘Hour of Power’, whereby designated exhibitors will each use a given hour to vie for their attention. I believe the exhibitors have prepared a line-up of engaging and attention-grabbing activities,” added Pertz.

Other highlights of the MCVE 2019 include the Asian Truckers Drivers Club luncheon sponsored by Giti Tire and a seminar by Volvo Trucks on ‘The Road to Electromobility for the Malaysian Transportation Industry’, which include panellists from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and The Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH) while Asian Trucker’s Stefan Pertz is the moderator for the seminar.

The expo also features a designated Rest and Relax (R&R) area supported by Guardian South East Asia and Nittsu Transport, complete with food trucks to provide free food and a coffee bar at the Asian Trucker booth, as well a designated networking area sponsored by Hengst.

Exhibitors and visitors will find ample networking and interaction opportunities throughout the three days, to exchange knowledge and forge new alliances.

“Our previous expo in 2017 attracted more than 6,700 trade visitors. With our stellar line-up of exhibitors and programs as well as the exciting topics in this year’s MCVE, I am confident that we will see this figure increase and that visitors can expect to be thoroughly engaged with new learnings and experiences,” said Pertz.

The MCVE 2019 is open from 10.00am to 7.00pm and admission is free for all trade visitors.

For more information log on to www.mcve.com.my.


Battista hypercar ready for order-taking in London

                LONDON: Automobili Pininfarina’s 1,900hp Battista hypercar has arrived in London with its order books open for a limited run of 150 examples – and it’s pure electric.

The stunning Pininfarina Battista makes its UK debut as the city launches its latest battle against pollution through its Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

“As London joins many cities in moving towards a more sustainable future, we hope that the Battista also inspires a generation to consider electric cars, not just through the benefits of zero emissions, but also through the beauty and the performance that electrification offers,” said Automobili Pininfarina CEO Michael Perschke.

But, the most powerful car to be designed and built in Italy when it goes into production next year will offer future free and unrestricted access to central London with deliveries estimated for late 2020.

The UK premiere of the Battista, dressed in Bianco Sestriere pearlescent white that made its debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show will make its UK debut today at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

A single-charge range for the Batista takes aim at almost 490km for a non-stop drive from London to Paris.

Sprinting from 0 to 100kph will take less than 2.0 seconds – faster than a Formula 1 car and similarly built with carbon fibre for its body as well.

Effectively, the Batista is undoubtedly the new 'poster boy' for an electric vehicle (EV).

"The Battista is a truly beautiful, guilt-free hypercar – the first EV to really fall in love with – because electricity enables us to develop it with zero emissions and as the most powerful car that will have ever been designed and built in Italy.

The Battista has redefined electric car beauty and performance for 2019, while 2018 saw EVs reach new levels of popularity for car buyers.

EVs were the 4th most searched for segment among car buyers in the UK car market.

The US's best-selling luxury car in 2018 was an EV, and in Norway – a country built on oil revenues – the best-selling car in 2018 was also electric.

The charging e-port glows and pulses according to its state of charge, giving away its electric-car credentials.

It is anticipated that this EV's position as a pioneer of zero-emissions desirability will accelerate demand and desire for zero-emission vehicles.


Bermaz Auto sales projected to rebound by August

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) is expected to benefit from an anticipated vehicle sales rebound in the second half of 2021, backed by the government’s National Recovery Plan (NRP) and extended tax holiday.

Based on the NRP, UOB Kay Hian said the automotive sector will most likely be reopened by July or August.

This will be when the country’s projected daily Covid-19 cases drop to below 4,000 and an estimated 10% of the population has been vaccinated.

“Sales volume is expected to rebound swiftly once the sector’s supply chain resumes operation, to be driven by the sales tax waiver,” it said in a report.

Under the vehicle tax exemption, which has been extended until the end of the year, locally-assembled cars are exempted from sales tax while for imported cars, the sales tax has been reduced from 10% to 5%.

AmInvestment Bank, meanwhile, said it continues to be positive on BAuto’s outlook, as the car company is on track to be a prominent non-national automotive player in Malaysia with three leading brands under its belt.

“We are also excited about the third potential Mazda completely-knocked-down (CKD) programme (after the CX-5 and CX-8), which will come to light soon. We expect the third Mazda CKD model to make its debut in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

BAuto is involved in the distribution, assembling, retailing and the provision of after-sales service of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia. The group is also involved in the distribution of locally assembled Mazda vehicles in Malaysia and the Philippines.

PublicInvest Research said BAuto’s Philippine operations is expected to continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Nevertheless, we understand that this will be mitigated by its minimal operating overhead. Note that BAuto had recently acquired an additional 35% stake in Berjaya Auto Alliance from Berjaya Corp for a cash consideration of RM4.6mil, increasing its stake from 20% to 55%.

“Its contribution remains immaterial during the quarter,” said the research house.”

BAuto’s net profit for the financial year ended April 30, 2021 increased to RM133.94mil from RM100.84mil in the previous corresponding period.

Revenue rose to RM2.29bil from RM1.76bil a year ago, driven by higher sales volume from its domestic operations, though this was partly offset by the lower sales volume from its Philippine operations.

The company’s net profit for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased to RM66.83mil as compared to RM2.46mil in the fourth quarter of 2020, while revenue rose to RM641.2mil versus RM299.36mil in the same period last year.

MIDF Research said BAuto’s 2021 financial results “smashed” estimates.

“Overall, we project group-wide total industry volume (comprising its Mazda, Kia and Peugeot models) growth of 21% and 19% in 2022 and 2023, respectively, driven mainly by the newly acquired brands.”


Chery’s 2022 global sales pass 1.1 million units, exports up 70.9%

                WUHU (China): Chery Group’s sales volume in November reached 100,531 units, making it the sixth consecutive month in which sales have exceeded 100,000 units.

In the first 11 months of 2022, Chery had sold 1,127,289 units (+32.6% year-on-year), achieving the best performance in its history, and with export volume having boosted by 70.9%, Chery has set a new export record for Chinese brand passenger vehicles.

Amidst on-going challenges throughout the year, Chery, which has been China’s top passenger car exporter for 19 consecutive years, has broken its own record for the export of Chinese brand passenger vehicles in a single month in succession, with four months of export volume in excess of 50,000 units.

Chery said these achievements were credited to the strength of its products.

The seven-seat Tiggo 8 Pro, frequently employed as a reception vehicle for state guests in Brazil, has racked up sales of 171,000 units this year, while the Tiggo 7 Pro sold 146,000 units, ranking first in its segment in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries/regions.

Chery now has over 11.13 million users worldwide, including 2.35 million users outside its home market.

The Chinese car maker said it would step up its globalisation strategy by teaming up with more overseas dealers and business partners.


VW Touran marks 20 years, upgraded to stay competitive

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen has upgraded the popular compact Touran and further improved its technology .

The Touran celebrates its 20th birthday this year and continues to impress, thanks to a spacious and variable interior, efficient engines and agile handling.

In addition to a wide range of standard safety systems, the optional IQ.DRIVE incl. IQ.LIGHT assist package now also includes the Travel Assist and the Dynamic Light Assist main-beam control.

"More than a family car" was the claim for the Touran market launch on March 13, 2003.

The compact van is a multivariable family, leisure and business car with the best all-round characteristics. And, with more than 2.6 million units now sold, it is one of the most successful multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) in the world.

The second generation of the Touran was launched in 2015. It is VW's first van based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). This basis now enables the Touran to undergo extensive technical upgrading and model updating.

Standard features include Active Cruise Control (ACC) with speed limiter, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Lane Assist lane departure warning and Side Assist lane change assist. This range of assistance and infotainment systems is usually only found in higher vehicle classes – thanks to MQB, they are also used in the Touran.

The standard equipment now includes, among other things, PreCrash at the rear. The system uses the sensor technology of the Side Assist lane change assist.

Radar sensors detect the position and speed of cars behind the Touran.

If PreCrash at the rear detects an imminent rear-end collision due to the position of the following vehicle and the excessive speed difference between the two vehicles, the proactive occupant protection system is activated – not only while driving, but also while stationary with the engine running or in start/stop mode.

A multifunction camera is also now on board every Touran to identify objects or people as quickly as possible. The camera is thus one of the most important components in the car when it comes to assist and safety systems .

In addition, the optional "IQ.DRIVE incl. IQ.LIGHT" package now includes, among other things, the Travel Assist driver assist system in conjunction with the Lane Assist lane departure warning.

The system can assist in keeping the vehicle in lane, maintaining a distance from the vehicle in front and also ensuring that the vehicle keeps to a maximum speed set by the driver.

Among other things, it uses the adaptive lane guidance system for this. This system actively keeps the vehicle in the middle of its lane. Travel Assist adapts itself to the driving style and can also keep the vehicle further left or right in the lane instead of exactly in the centre.

In combination with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox, the driver can also stay relaxed when driving in traffic jams and stop-and-go traffic.

The Dynamic Light Assist main-beam control is also part of the new assist package and ensures better visibility at night. The system can detect oncoming vehicles as well as vehicles ahead and automatically fades out corresponding areas of the vehicle's main beam.

When driving in built-up areas, the system also automatically switches from main beam to dipped beam. This is a convenient feature that helps to better illuminate the road and detect obstacles earlier.

The family van has also received an upgrade in terms of comfort: with a latest-generation steering wheel including contact detection, the freely programmable Basic instrument cluster (8 inches) and the air conditioner control console with touch controls at the front and rear (both optional).

Other optional functions are Easy Open & Close (closing the trunk lid by foot movement) and Keyless Access (keyless locking and starting system).

Volkswagen has continued to develop its best-selling 1.5 TSI petrol engine and is now also using the latest generation in the Touran – the TSI evo2 with 148hp.

It enables consumption and CO2 savings and is also designed for fuels with renewable content. Furthermore, the latest version features Active Cylinder Management ACTplus, an emission control module close to the engine and the modern TSI-Evo combustion process.

The Touran can be set up with five to seven seats, depending on customer preference.

The interior width is particularly appealing to families, with enough space for three child seats fitted side by side in the rear.

Thanks to ISOFIX retaining rings in the second and third row of seats, a total of as many as five child seats can be securely attached to the Touran.

The interior can be used in a variety of ways thanks to the fold-flat seating system (flat surface in the luggage compartment with the seats folded down), which allows for a storage volume of up to 1,980 litres.

In addition, the 47 storage options and the drawers under the front seats fulfil most storage desire.

In terms of steering and running gear, the Touran is described by VW as having the handling of a Golf. It is said to be agile with a sensitive steering and a turning circle of only 11.6 metres.

 The first-generation Touran of 2003.


Used-car sales expected to slow in 2023

                PETALING JAYA: While 2022 has been a remarkable year for both new and used-vehicle sales in Malaysia, stakeholders are expecting a slowdown in 2023 due to anticipated slower economic growth and further interest rate hikes, as well as dampened consumer sentiment as a result of inflationary pressures.

Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor tells StarBizWeek that November and December 2022 had seen a slowdown in used car transactions.

“The first three quarters did very well (used car sales).

“The third quarter started seeing a slowdown, perhaps due to interest rate hikes and dampened consumer sentiment as a result of inflationary pressures,” he says.

Moving forward, Khor thinks that used car sales will be stable in 2023, as even during recessions or slower economic growth, used cars offer attractive options for budget-conscious consumers.

Homegrown digital used car ecosystem myTukar chief executive officer Derrick Eng tells StarBizWeek that the company anticipates a challenging 2023.

“Internally, we continue to work towards sustainable business growth in 2023. We remain committed to delivering mobility solutions, alongside our sister company – Genie Financing and partnering financial institutions,” he says.

Automotive sector analysts have predicted that the total industry volume (TIV) for new vehicles in 2022 will end up at a record high.

In recent reports, Kenanga Research projected a record-breaking TIV for 2022 at 680,000 new vehicles.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Research, meanwhile, raised its 2022 TIV target to 700,000 units.

The outlook for 2023, however, is less rosy.

RHB Research said TIV will “soften” by 14% to 600,000 new vehicles in 2023 due to slower economic growth and the absence of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption.

According to Khor, the nation’s used car market sees about one million transactions annually, with 60% for the wholesale market, and 40% for the retail market.

The used cars’ wholesale market is the business-to-business or B2B trade where used car dealers obtain stocks for their dealerships.

Khor says this year, the retail (used cars sold to consumers) market has grown by almost 12%.

“It has been a good year – double-digit growth (for the consumer/retail market),” says Khor, adding that more car buyers and sellers are taking advantage of the ease of using online platforms such as ezauto.my – an automotive digital marketplace set up by FMCCAM in 2019.

“There is also pent-up demand this year, after lockdowns due to the pandemic and also arising from the loan moratoriums and special Employees Provident Fund withdrawals.

“Due to the pandemic, consumers also prefer owning a car, as they may have health-related concerns about being in crowds on public transport,” he says.

Meanwhile, myTukar saw its retail volume nearly doubling – growth of 93% – in September to November 2022 compared with the same three months in 2021.

The most sought-after cars on myTukar are from national brands Proton and Perodua, followed by Japanese brands such as Honda and Toyota.

Eng also notes that with improved deliveries of new cars in recent months, there has been an increase in people selling their cars.

“The used car industry is cyclical, and we work together in a symbiotic relationship,” he says, pointing out that myTukar’s ecosystem covers retail, financing, insurance, after-sales, refurbishing and trade-in, as well as wholesale.

He explains that the beginning of 2022 saw delays in new car deliveries, resulting in higher demand for used cars, despite inventory slowing down due to people holding off on selling.

“The SST exemption that ended in June also stimulated another peak for myTukar, on the back of a successful first half,” says Eng.

Sales at myTukar grew nearly 76% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) in the first quarter of 2022, and nearly 29% q-o-q in the second one.

Meanwhile, www.carexpert.com.au reports that Australia’s used car prices have been falling for six straight months, although they remain vastly more expensive than they were pre-Covid.

Citing a Moody’s Analytics report, the motoring portal says used car price declines were mainly due to improving global supply chains, especially for semiconductor chip supply.

Moody’s adds that there are “increasing demand-side pressures growing in the Aussie vehicle market”, alluding to inflation and interest rate hikes, and a reduction in buying power.

“Price weakness is expected to continue through 2023 as the market looks to find true equilibrium prices.

“Still, valuations are not expected to come back to where they were before the pandemic.

“The market will continue to pull back at a relatively modest pace as inventories slowly build,” the report states.

“If global economic malaise causes the Aussie economy to perform worse than expected, drastic declines in demand will push prices down further and faster than expected,” the report adds.

In the United States, www.cnbc.com reports that wholesale prices of used vehicles had hit their lowest level in more than a year during November 2022.

This was as retail sales declined amid interest rate hikes, rising new vehicle availability and recessionary fears.

Retail prices for consumers traditionally follow changes in wholesale prices.

The global business news channel also notes that the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, which tracks prices of used vehicles sold at its United States wholesale auctions, had declined about 16% from record levels in January.


For Chevrolet’s Bolt, cheap is enough

                NEW YORK: The race for electric vehicle bragging rights may not be decided by superlatives after all.

State-spanning battery range, lightning-fast charging and six-figure price tags all fell short in the most recent quarter - at least in terms of sales.

Instead, the humble Chevrolet Bolt, an earnest and relatively dated commuter EV, led the growing pack of Tesla-chasers, posting a record 14,709 in US unit sales in the three months ended Sept 30.

In comparison, Ford Motor sold 10,400 of its Mustang Mach-E in that time. Of course, the Bolt has one critical superlative to its credit: It is by far the cheapest EV on offer.

"It’s essentially giving the people what they want - something affordable,” explained Edmunds analyst Ivan Drury.

"When you’ve priced everything up - and every generation of vehicle is costing more and getting bigger - you leave a lot of space at the bottom.”

On price, the Bolt is zigging as its rivals zag.

In June, General Motors slashed the car’s starting price by about US$6,000, setting the window-sticker on a bare bones Bolt just shy of US$27,000 (RM128,000). Even the prosaic Nissan LEAF is going for at least US$1,000 more.

Meanwhile, rival automakers, including Ford Motor and Rivian, have raised prices on a rash of new EVs.

They are also reserving precious production capacity for the fanciest, most expensive variants, packed with extra features.

The average sticker price for battery-powered vehicles that shipped to dealerships in July was US$61,251, according to Edmunds.

The Bolt was novel when it launched in 2016, but in today’s field of electric show ponies, its inconspicuousness is its most discernible trait.

The car is neither large nor fast; even in its utility variant, the so-called EUV, it resembles a teenager’s hatchback more than a Costco-capable SUV.

The Bolt has no "gear tunnel” like the Rivian R1T, can’t drive diagonally like the GMC Hummer EV and doesn’t feature an electrochroamatic sunroof that goes opaque at the push of a button like the BMW iX. The Bolt doesn’t even have a frunk.

It carries one of the smallest batteries in the field and charges more slowly than all but a couple of the 80 or so EVs on offer in the US.

And yet, it travels at least 390km on a charge and displays CarPlay directions no differently than vehicles costing four times as much, albeit on a slightly smaller screen.

Perhaps most impressive is that the Bolt’s sales momentum emerged from a dead stop.

In the third quarter of 2021, Chevrolet sold just 4,515 Bolts in the US, trailing both the Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen’s ID.4.

A few weeks later, the company idled production of the car and recalled every Bolt on the road - some 142,000 - because of rare but destructive battery fires. The stubby machine seems to have already shed any stigma from the crisis.

Chevrolet spokesman Kevin Kelly said a national advertising push helped juice demand as well.

In April, the company touted the Bolt during every Major League Baseball opening day game. Its ad budget for the Bolt this year will be higher than any of its other models, save for the Silverado pickup truck.


Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante unleashed

                LONDON: Aston Martin has opened the roof on its ultimate open-top driving experience; the new DBS Superleggera Volante.

Combining three iconic nameplates in one flagship model, the new DBS Superleggera Volante delivers all the evocative talent of the British marque’s critically-acclaimed Super GT flagship – the DBS Superleggera – and blends it with class-leading convertible technology.

The second Aston Martin to carry the Volante name following the introduction of the company’s Second Century Plan, DBS Superleggera Volante has been designed in-house under the guidance of Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman.

With the aim to create the most beautiful flagship Volante on the market, Aston Martin’s primary mission has also been to retain the coupe’s powerful dynamics, aggressive poise and astonishing performance.

Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Reichman said: “DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin.

"With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name.”

Powered by Aston Martin’s own 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, producing 715BHP and 900Nm of torque, and with a top speed of 211mph. The DBS Superleggera Volante boasts ferocious acceleration from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and 0-100mph in 6.7 seconds.

READ MORE: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera selling in Malaysia at RM1.2mil base price

DBS Superleggera Volante continues the aerodynamic masterpiece of the coupe model, commanding and exploiting the surface airflow to maximum effect. At the front, the car’s splitter and airdam work in unison, accelerating airflow underneath the front of the car to deliver true downforce and assist cooling by feeding air to the front brakes.

The new deeper side strake draws more air from the front wheel arch to reduce lift and aid high-speed stability.

Behind the front wheels, the ‘curlicue’ allows air to escape and flow smoothly along the car’s flanks, while the double diffuser at the rear allows air to exit cleanly and neutralise lift as efficiently as possible.

A revised iteration - to accommodate the Volante’s clothed roofline - of the revolutionary Aeroblade ll system continues to deliver additional downforce at the car’s rear. At VMAX, DBS Superleggera Volante produces 177kg of downforce, just 3kg less than the coupe, an impressive feat when considering the car’s fundamental aerodynamic changes.

Each dynamic driving mode brings its own level of noise too, feeding the level of emotional character and connection. In GT mode, the engine note simmers, but select Sport or Sport Plus and the acoustics become progressively more intense. Conversely, when you wish to be discreet, ‘quiet start’ offers a low-key alternative to DBS Superleggera Volante’s otherwise rousing flare of revs on start-up.

900Nm of torque is fed via a carbon-fibre prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car.

Strengthened to cope with the V12’s massive torque output, this transmission also has a shorter final drive for increased responsiveness and in-gear acceleration. Specially developed adaptive software gauges the conditions the car is operating in, along with the driver’s demands, to ensure the car is in exactly the right gear at the right time.

Volante is a name that can only be attributed to convertible cars bearing the iconic Aston Martin wings badge, and thus the defining feature of any Volante is its roof.

An advanced fabric system allows for an innovative and beautiful formed flowing roof line. Incorporating eight layers of insulation materials and acoustically enhancing materials, the canopy greatly improves the comfort of the interior cabin for all occupants when up, but allows a true orchestra of sound to pour into the cabin when retracted.

The authentic soundtrack delivered by the car’s powertrain is a critical hallmark of the Volante experience and typically, the DBS Superleggera Volante has been tuned to provide incredible sound quality synonymous with an Aston Martin Super GT.

Equipped with a quad exhaust system DBS Superleggera Volante delivers a pure, harmonic and authentic voice.

Aston Martin’s engineers have worked hard to ensure the best possible roof and rear package is achieved, while still delivering conflicting targets of styling and durability.

With a class-leading stack height of 260mm for the car’s folded roof, DBS Superleggera Volante maintains a smooth seamless rear profile and maximised luggage capacity. Roof operation takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close and can be operated from inside or, for added convenience, from the remote key within a two-metre radius of the car.

Exposed to conditions as extreme as the heat of Death Valley and the extremities of the Arctic Circle during development, the roof mechanism has been put through more than 100,000 cycles. Simulating 10 years of usage into a one-month test, the functional capability of the roof mechanism has been thoroughly tested.

Continuing Aston Martin’s persistence for offering extensive levels of customisation, DBS Superleggera Volante’s hood is available in eight distinct colours including Bordeaux Red, Atlantic Blue and Titan Grey.

The hood can be further personalised on the inside, with a further six Rokona headliners. For the first time on an Aston Martin Volante model, the window screen surround is available with a 2x2 twill carbon fibre finish, with the option to continue that theme to the car’s tonneau cover and rear waterfall.

Large pieces of finely-woven carbon fibre pieces replace what was once swathed in leather and for the most exclusive specifications, tinted carbon fibre is also available for selection.