BMW confirms fatal crash, says car wasn't self-driving

                BERLIN: A fatal crash involving four vehicles on a German highway did not involve a self-driving car, BMW said today, refuting a police statement that had questioned whether the driver had been actively steering the vehicle at the time.

A fully electric BMW iX car veered onto the opposite lane of the B28 federal road near the south-western town of Roemerstein on Monday, crashing into two other vehicles and indirectly causing another collision, police said in a statement.

A 33-year-old woman was killed and nine other people, including the 43-year-old driver of the BMW and his 18-month-old passenger, were seriously injured.

Traffic police have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, which police said involved an autonomous test vehicle.

BMW confirmed that the crash had involved one of its models but said the car in question had no self-driving capabilities.

The vehicle is equipped with Level 2 driver assistance systems, in which case "the driver always remains responsible", a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Such systems can brake automatically, accelerate and, unlike Level 1 systems, take over steering, according to BMW's website.

The carmaker said it was in close contact with the authorities to establish the exact circumstances of the crash.


Porsche steps up eFuel ambitions with US$75m investment

                STUTTGART: Porsche is pumping US$75 million (RM317mil)  into synthetic fuel producer HIF Global LLC for a 12.5% stake as it seeks to create a carbon neutral fuel to extend the life of the internal combustion engine (ICE).

Santiago-based HIF Global is building the Haru Oni eFuel pilot plant in Punta Arenas, Chile.

The project was started by Porsche and carried out with partners who include Siemens Energy and ExxonMobil.

Production of eFuels from hydrogen and CO2 using wind energy is expected to start there in mid-2022. These electricity-based synthetic fuels enable nearly-CO2-neutral operation of combustion engines and help mitigate global warming.

An eFuel is produced using electrolysis which splits water into oxygen and hydrogen to produce synthetic methanol. The process is energy intensive and requires abundant source of renewable energy.

While solar and hydropower could be harnessed to make eFuel, Porsche is relying mainly on wind energy in its pilot project as the most viable energy source.

Porsche sees its first application in motorsports and is already testing it out in its race cars.

For a start, the pilot plant is expected to produce around 130,000 litres of eFuels in 2022.

The capacity will then be expanded in two stages to around 55 million litres by 2024, and around 550 million litres by 2026. That's still a drop in the ocean in terms of global fuel consumption.

While electric cars are starting to gain traction in many parts of the world driven by sales in China, Europe and North America, ICE cars are expected to remain a large percentage of cars sold globally for decades to come.

Porsche has been working on eFuels for a number of years and sees its development as complementary to its main focus of electrifying its fleet of cars. It targets 80% of its cars to be fully electric by 2030.

With Taycan as the pointer to Porsche's future, it is spending heavily on electrification of its line-up but is also catering to its entrenched base of 911 and other ICE cars and the customers who have bought into them. They still form the bread and butter of its fortunes.

To Porsche, the solution is eFuels with a vengeance. At the same time, eFuels also help burnished its green credentials in an age where many companies are eager to be seen as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)-compliant.

An eFuel can run on modern cars without any modifications, said Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG at an online media roundtable interview earlier this week.

For older cars, however, additives may need to be added to the fuel, he said, adding that an eFuel burns as efficiently as fossil fuel.

While cost of eFuel production is high, how eFuels are priced would depend on taxes and other charges by governments in each jurisdiction. With tax rebates for the "green" fuels, they should be able to compete with fossil fuels, said Steiner.

Barbara Frenkel, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG said the company has budgeted US$100mil (RM422mil) to push the eFuel agenda.

“eFuels make an important contribution to climate protection and complement our electromobility in a meaningful way. By investing in industrial eFuel production, Porsche is further expanding its commitment to sustainable mobility."

Other investors in HIF Global LLC include Chilean company Andes Mining & Energy (AME) and the American companies EIG, Baker Hughes Company and Gemstone Investments.

Porsche said the collective funding from the various investors for the Chile and eFuel plants elsewhere was "in the low nine-figure USD range". The money would be used to develop industrial eFuel facilities in the US, Chile and Australia, which have large supplies of wind, solar and hydro.

 Steiner and Frenkel.


NextEV NIO EP9: Is this the supercar of the future?

                LONDON: The NextEV NIO EP9 might be missing an emotionally evocative model name such as those that adorn the latest flagship Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but when this car hits top speed, it will be going so fast that its badges will just be a blur.

NextEV might be a company that no one other than fans of the nascent Formula E racing series has ever heard of, but the people behind it and the experts within its workforce are renowned throughout the automotive world.

And now that the NIO EP9 has arrived as a formal introduction, there's a good chance that in the very near future its name will be as familiar as Bugatti or Porsche.

Unveiled in London, just six NIO EP9s are planned and each one will be capable of accelerating from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and from 0-200kph in 7.1 seconds before topping out at 313kph.

"The NIO EP9 was born to push limits and is the first stage of automotive production for NIO," said NextEV founder and chairman, William Li at the London launch. "It is a statement of our vision and technical and manufacturing capabilities."

Thanks to four inbound electric motors and a battery pack that requires water-cooling, the EP9 offers all-wheel drive, a combined output of 1,340bhp and a range of 427km before the batteries are spent. What's more, they can be recharged in just 45 minutes or, when out at the track, swapped out for replacement units in a matter of minutes.

NextEV isn't the only company developing plug-in electric supercars but unlike for instance, Faraday Future, nothing about the first NIO model is theoretical or conceptual. The EP9 has already lapped the Nürburgring Nordschliefe in seven minutes, 5.12 seconds, making it the fastest road-legal electric car in the world.

In fact, when times for single-seat track cars such as the Radical are omitted, only the Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce, and the 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo have ever set a quicker time around the green hell.

Therefore the car should be seen as a statement of intent. "It is a best-in-class product that showcases what is possible with electric vehicles," said Li. "We believe that when the car ownership experience exceeds expectations, electric vehicles will become the natural choice for everyone, leading to a more sustainable tomorrow," said Li.

The EP9 will be followed next year by a mass-production electric car that will initially go on sale in China but will eventually roll out globally.


Sweden to get Europe's biggest car battery factory

An artist's sketch of the Skelleftea battery plant in Sweden.
STOCKHOLM: Start-up company Northvolt said Thursday it had picked its home country Sweden to build Europe's biggest factory for electric car batteries, rivalling Tesla's American "Gigafactory".

The company said it had selected Skelleftea, a coastal town in the country's industrial north-east, for the site which will employ up to 2,500 people. Sweden's main nickel, cobalt, lithium and graphite deposits are nearby.

An associated research centre employing 300 to 400 people will be located in Vasteras, some 150km west of here and the original headquarters of Swedish-Swiss ABB, which has partnered up with Northvolt for the project.

 Carlsson (second from left) and other stakeholders in the battery project.

"Europe is rapidly moving towards electrification," said Peter Carlsson, Northvolt's founder and CEO.

"Sweden has a unique position to establish large-scale battery production to support this transition with its clean and affordable energy, proximity to raw materials, and a strong industrial tradition deep in its DNA," he said.

Sweden's economy minister Mikael Damberg said it was "a great day, not just for the two chosen cities but also for Sweden and for Europe".

Construction of the factory, 770km north of the capital, is to start in the second half of 2018, and it is expected to raise production progressively between 2020 and 2023. Once fully operational, the site is to produce lithium-ion batteries totalling 32 Gigawatt hours (GWh) per year.

The project requires an investment of four billion euros (RM20bil) over six years for which financing is already covered.

The factory comes in response to Tesla founder Elon Musk's "Gigafactory" in the US state of Nevada where production debuted in January and which Tesla hopes to eventually ramp up to 150 GWhs.

In addition, Tesla is mulling plans for another such factory, this time in Europe, with several countries happy to have it, including Sweden and France.

Northvolt's factory will be aimed not only at electric cars and other vehicles, but also at renewable energy producers looking for electricity storage, as well as industrial companies.


Ferrari California T sampled

You cannot hide from the sun when you are in Tuscany, Italy or the past for that matter.It is as if time stood still here, unchanged in its architecture and landscape since the Middle Ages.Initially, I thought it was a little ironic that I should be driving across this rustic region through its winding, twisting roads in the Prancing Horse’s new GT convertible California T (the T stands for turbo).Afterall, the new turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 engine produces a whopping 560PS at 7,500rpm and a maximum torque of 755Nm at 4,750rpm.On top of it, you have got modern creature comforts such as dual climate control, an infotainment system with 6.5in touch-screen display, satellite navigation, and there is even USB ports under the armrest.But I realised later on that it was not so much irony but a balancing act.To achieve that balance between progress while preserving its history and identity.The California T strives for that balance because this model’s history goes back all the way to the 1950s.For instance, there are classic elements in the California T’s body-design like the flanks which pay homage to the 250 Testa Rossa’s famous pontoon-fender styling. The car was also designed as a daily driver but never lost sight of Ferrari’s sporty DNA like its propensity for high performance and blistering fast acceleration - it goes from 0-100kph in just 3.6 seconds!At the same time, the new turbo technology has even managed to reduce the California T’s emissions by 20% and is now more fuel efficient.Yes, you read that right.You won’t be visiting petrol stations as much with this car.Of course, this has more to do with adopting the technology from its latest F1 car because Ferrari owners, by and large, are not stingy on petrol money.I definitely was not worried at all about running out of fuel during the drive and its 180km designated route.Balancing its new turbo technology also meant that the engine still responds and sounds like a naturally aspirated Ferrari engine.As traditional turbo systems suffer from quieter exhaust notes and a lag in throttle response, also known as turbo lag, the Ferrari engineers who briefed us the day before the drive said they had cracked the issue.Otherwise it simply would not be a Ferrari experience now would it?The very next morning on a clear blue summer’s day, driving with the top down, there was a straight stretch of road with no oncoming traffic and three cars ahead of me, I dropped down to second gear by engaging the long paddle shifters and floored the accelerator.The delay was negligible as she, the California T, opened up her valves and her voice went shrill and quickly screamed past everything in the most exciting and exhilarating way.The sound and the response was intoxicating and it was a long gear shift before moving up to third but by that time a sharp bend was imminent so I braked, and the engine revs dropped as she quieted down.I slowed down myself because my senses were dulled for a moment but I regained my composure quickly and began laughing like a little boy whose birthday wish just came true.How stable she was at high speeds and nimble around the corners.The steering was very accurate and it had the right amount of weight to it, not too light or heavy.Treat her gently and she purred; push her hard enough and the quad pipes roared like a jet engine and it felt like you were sitting in one too. But she was never overwhelming.I liked the fact that, even in higher gears (the transmission is the F1, dual-clutch seven gears), there was always tonnes of power in reserve, waiting to do your bidding with no hesitation.You could spend all day in her beautifully plush handcrafted cabin covered in black semi-aniline leather, red stitching and carbon fibre trim and not get tired of it; she’s built for both comfort and speed. And she is sensuous and elegant to look at.Ferrari have achieved a fine balance in all aspects with the California T and since its predecessor, the California, was the best selling model in its range, its successor looks to be even more desirable.


TotalEnergies Malaysia partners Malaysian Nature Society on mangrove rehabilitation project

                PETALING JAYA: TotalEnergies Malaysia has initiated a mangrove rehabilitation project in partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) by planting 250 trees in PMU 500kV Jimah East (JMHE), Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

This is part of TotalEnergies Malaysia’s commitment to contribute towards sustainability and low carbon economy push in the country.

Mangroves are well known to have both environmental and economic benefits.

They not only serve as good carbon absorption and also offer natural flood prevention and are important habitats for wildlife.

The rich biodiversity of mangrove forests then offers socio-economic benefits across fisheries and tourism industries.

TotalEnergies Malaysia managing director Jennifer Li said mangrove forests are important in sustaining community livelihoods, providing a habitat for wildlife to thrive in, and are fundamental to mitigating climate change impacts as well as offsetting carbon emissions.

“Through our collaboration with MNS, we hope to energise the lives and communities of those reliant on mangrove forests for economic, social and environmental benefits. Having said that, this mangrove rehabilitation project will be an annual initiative as part of our sustainable development commitments,” she said.

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that places sustainable development of the climate and the community in its operations and activities.

“As we collectively move forward into a low carbon economy, it is important to also take into consideration the resilience of the environment and whether they have the capability to support the transition that we are making,” Li said.

Aside from environmental conservation initiatives, TotalEnergies Malaysia remains committed to helping Malaysia achieve its carbon neutrality goals by 2060 through the implementation of low-carbon energy and mobility solutions, supporting the increase in renewable energy capacity and investing in carbon sinks as well as carbon neutrality projects.


Japan to revoke Hino's engine certification over false emissions data

                TOKYO: Japan's transport ministry will revoke Hino Motors Ltd's certification for four engines following submission of inappropriate emissions data by the Toyota unit, the ministry said today.

The move, which will also apply to Toyota and Isuzu vehicles that use one of the Hino engines, will be formally announced by the ministry on March 25, it said in a statement.

Hino this month admitted to falsifying data related to emissions and fuel economy performance for three of the engines. In a fourth engine, it said performance was later discovered to be less than specified, although it had so far not found evidence of misconduct.

It has established a special investigation committee composed of outside experts to probe the matter.

Some 115,000 vehicles are believed to be equipped with the engines, Hino has said.

Hino is the latest in a string of Japanese automakers involved in improper emissions tests.

In 2018, the government said Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd improperly tested vehicles for fuel economy and emissions.

Subaru Corp and Nissan Motor Co Ltd were under scrutiny for the same reason the year before.

The accuracy of automakers' emissions data was thrown into doubt in 2015 when Germany's Volkswagen AG admitted installing secret software in hundreds of thousands of US diesel cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests, and that as many as 11 million vehicles could have similar software installed worldwide.


Cybertrucks, new factories in focus as Tesla set to report record earnings

The delay is believed to be because Tesla is changing features and functions of the electric pickup to make a compelling product as competition heats up in the segment. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc is expected to post record revenue on Wednesday, but analysts and investors are focusing on how fast Tesla can scale up production at two new factories this year with technology changes as well as battery and other supply chain constraints clouding the outlook.

Chief executive officer Elon Musk promises an updated product roadmap on Wednesday, with eyes on the time frames for the launch of Cybertruck and a hoped-for US$25,000 electric car.

"I would not be surprised if Tesla has some significant manufacturing challenges, producing the new vehicle structures and new batteries in high volumes," Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid, said.

Tesla has weathered the global supply chain crisis better than other automakers, producing a record number of vehicles and revenue is expected to rise 52% in the fourth quarter to US$16.4 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Automotive gross margin excluding regulatory credits are expected to be flat or up slightly from the previous quarter, despite an inflationary environment which has a negative impact on component costs, said Gene Munster, managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures.

New factories

Analysts said Tesla's two new factories in Texas and Berlin eventually could double Tesla's production capacity, but it is not clear whether Tesla started production.

Musk said new factories will use manufacturing technology such as casting the body in only two or more pieces and integrating next-generation batteries into the vehicle body.

While the new technologies would help cut the number of vehicle parts, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and bringing down costs, they could be "significant production risk," Musk said in 2020.

In addition, investors will want to hear about the outlook for the supply chain, with automakers straining to meet demand for electric vehicles.

4680 batteries

Tesla expected the first vehicles equipped with its own 4680 battery which could give cars more range and bring down their costs, to be delivered early this year, but it is not clear when it would be able to mass produce the batteries.

Tesla's major battery supplier Panasonic will begin producing its new batteries for Tesla from as early as 2023 in Japan, the Nikkei reported on Monday.

LG Energy Solution also aimed for 2023 production of the 4680 cells, Reuters reported last year.

Cybertruck

In 2019, Musk unveiled Tesla's futuristic electric pickup trucks, aiming to gain a foothold in the popular and profitable segment in the US market.

Musk, who has often missed his self-imposed launch targets, has already delayed Cybertruck production from late 2021 to late 2022.

A source said that Tesla aims to start initial production of the much-anticipated model in early 2023, saying they are making changes to features and functionalities from its original version.

"This is the first time that Tesla has brought a vehicle out with serious competition," said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions, referring to Ford and Rivian, which are planning to ramp up production.

As it is very hard to crack into the US truck market - the home turf of American "Big Three" automakers, Tesla is likely to go after "weekend warriors or lifestyle buyers" rather than traditional commercial buyers, he said.

US$25,000 electric cars

Musk in 2020 promised that in three years Tesla would offer a US$25,000 electric car that can drive itself.

Tesla vice president Lars Moravy said in October that the company would not add new vehicles while battery cells were constrained, and that production of its existing models would take priority.

"Longer term investors care about Model 2," Munster said with the current vehicle pricing, Tesla would not be able to grow volume by 50% every year.


VW America consolidates brands in shift to new HQ

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) is relocating its US base in 2023 in a move to bring all its brands under one roof that would also improve efficiencies.

It has signed a lease as an anchor tenant in northern Virginia’s Reston Town Center development.

VWGoA currently leases multiple facilities in northern Virginia for 1,000 employees of the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini brands and VW Credit, Inc.

The under-construction building, located in the Reston Town Center mixed-used development, is part of a 1.1 million square foot office complex by Boston Properties.

The new development will have in-building parking with provisions for 300 electric vehicle chargers, a conference center and direct access to the newly built Silver Line of Washington’s Metrorail.

is working with Boston Properties on the features and design of the new space.

“A company focused on the future of mobility needs a future-proof workspace to match those ambitions,” said VWGoA president/CEO Scott Keogh.

“This space is designed from the start to be efficient, collaborative and bring our team under one roof so we can keep and attract top talent.”


Volkswagen offers Chinese New Year 2019 promotion

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is kicking off its 2019 Chinese New Year celebration by offering great savings on all of its current models.

For those looking to change their tyres, be sure to check out the ongoing tyre deals from as low as RM184 with free installation, balancing and alignment depending on the number of tyres purchased.

There is also a battery campaign where all Volkswagen owners can visit authorized dealerships for a free battery check.

Those in need of a battery change will enjoy 20% discount off new batteries starting from RM365 depending on model.

This battery deal will run from 15th January till 28th February, 2019.


Russia considers built-in breathalysers for cars to curb drink driving

                MOSCOW: Russia is considering fitting cars with devices that breathalyse drivers to clamp down on drink driving and is looking at ways to encourage manufacturers to install them in vehicles fresh off the production line.

The industry ministry hopes to draw up a plan by the end of 2020, the Kommersant newspaper reported, to spur the mass use of “interlocks”, which require drivers to pass the breathalyser test before they can start the ignition.

The ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the report.

Russia has for years been trying to improve road safety and, though official statistics show the situation improving, around 17,000 Russians died on the country’s roads last year, much higher than in many other countries.

Installing alcohol interlocks would introduce new costs for carmakers and likely be opposed by many carmakers at a time when demand for new cars is under strain because of the pandemic.

Past Russian government pushes to have alcohol interlocks deployed in Russia have been unsuccessful.

Russians have long had a reputation as ferocious drinkers, but alcoholic consumption has fallen by an estimated 43% from 2003 to 2016, according to a World Health Organisation study last year.

Russia remains a nation of heavy drinkers, but the study linked the fall in consumption to higher alcohol excise taxes, policies clamping down on home-made alcohol and the raising of the minimum price for vodka.

President Vladimir Putin has long cultivated an image of sobriety in contrast to his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, whom many Russians associate with drunken and embarrassing gaffes.


BMW seeking more partners in mobility services venture, says paper

                FRANKFURT: BMW is keen to find additional partners for the mobility services venture it runs with rival carmaker Daimler, BMW’s new chief executive told a Sunday newspaper.

“We would like to welcome additional partners in this area, which has great future potential,” BMW boss Oliver Zipse told Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) in an interview.

Collaborations as well as a financial investments were options for any future partners, he said, adding that customers want a wide choice across different brands.

The two carmakers have combined Daimler’s Car2Go car-sharing business with BMW’s DriveNow, ParkNow and ChargeNow businesses, with each holding 50% stake in the venture.

Mobility services include car sharing, parking and electric car charging services.

The head of the mobility venture resigned last month in what a media report described as a dispute over how much investment the business requires.

Zipse also told FAS that BMW aims to take Daimler’s crown as the world’s largest maker of luxury cars but added there was no target by when this should be achieved.

“Of course the claim of a brand like BMW has to be number one. Sales volume is not the only yardstick here,” he was quoted as saying.


Renault brings back cult 1980s R5 Turbo as electric hot hatch concept

                PARIS: Renault is paying tribute to one of the most cherished small cars of all time, the R5, and on the occasion of its 50th birthday, the French manufacturer is reviving the turbo version of their bestseller.

Set to be unveiled as an electric concept car at the Paris Motor Show in October, the rebooted R5 is bridging the gap until the real R5 celebrates its comeback as an everyday electric runabout.

Until that production car arrives with a more moderate design and a more modest drive, the new R5 Turbo concept is our closest look yet at this 1980s throwback.

Just like the original sport hatchback, which was built from 1980 onwards, the R5 Turbo tribute also has a low, stout and wide appearance with distinguished wings (fenders) around the rear wheels.

Perhaps most striking of all, the two-seater hot hatch comes with a massive spoiler at the rear, and Renault says this is to provide the necessary grip on the race track.

Like the original, the R5 reboot's urge comes from the rear, but this time you'll find two rear-mounted electric motors behind the seats instead of a combustion engine.

Together, they produce 380 horses and enough power for a sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200kph.

The energy for this is supplied by a 42kWh battery, which is installed in the floor of the car to help lower the centre of gravity.


Hybrid Kinetic Group announces another Pininfarina-designed electric model

The H500.
HONG KONG: Hybrid Kinetic Group might not be the catchiest brand name you're going to hear about this week, and it's far from a household name yet, even in its own industry. But HKG is now at the forefront of the rush towards electrifying the motor industry as it has just revealed another Pininfarina-designed electric model called the H500.

The new H500 is a smaller sedan sibling to the recently revealed H600 and is due to get its full reveal at the upcoming Beijing motor show on April 25. It's an electric model that uses micro-turbine range-extender technology and shares a platform and its powertrain tech with the H600 and HKG's other models, the HK GT coupe and K550 and K750 SUVs.

Although full details of this latest new model have yet to be released, what's so exciting about this and other HKG models is the powertrain technology they are all going to share that offers driving ranges of up to 1,000km and battery packs that have life spans of 50,000 charge-cycles.

All there is to go on so far are the preview images that reveal the H500 to be a four-door model with a rear roofline that extends further towards the back than is usual for a sedan. This gives the H500 the kind of silhouette normally associated with cars where rear head room is prioritised, such as the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo that's of a similar size.

This kind of body shape is typical of current Chinese vehicle design trends where cars with generous amounts of rear leg and head room are favoured, much more so than they are in most other countries. The likes of Jaguar already produce long-wheelbase versions of its XE and XF sedans, and a number of American manufacturers also do well in China with their elongated models.

What's heartening about the H500 for those people who like the idea of actually driving their car themselves is the interior image showing a wrap-around dashboard and a steering wheel. There's no doubt an eventual production model will incorporate some elements of driverless technology, as will other HKG models that are due to start hitting the roads later this year, but at least we'll have the option to drive them if we prefer.


Porsche to raise prices further as profits jump

                BERLIN: Porsche will raise prices by 4-8% in Europe and the US in the second half to combat higher costs that weighed on returns in the first quarter, even as profits and revenue jumped by over 25%, it said on Wednesday.

The company was still seeing issues with the supply of semiconductors and parts for the electric Taycan's high voltage heating system, but expects them to ease in the coming months, chief financial officer Lutz Meschke said on a call following first quarter results.

Broadly, its order backlog was high globally after a record 18% rise in deliveries in the first quarter, and targets for 2023 of a 17% to 19% return on sales on revenue of 40 to 42 billion euros (RM207bil) were on track, Meschke added.

Porsche listed on the stock market in September last year, splitting from its former parent Volkswagen - a decision Meschke said was leading to higher speed in decision-making on products and hiring.

The company reported revenue of 10.1 billion euros in the first quarter of 2023 and operating profit of 1.84 billion euros, beating expectations of three analysts polled by Refinitiv.

Operating profit in its financial services arm declined to 86 million euros from 102 million previously, which it attributed to the valuation of interest rate hedges and derivatives as well as the impact of the interest rate rise on financing products.


Cruise along with BMW R 18 First Edition

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia today entered the cruiser segment with the R 18.

The first batch, known as R 18 First Edition, are available in limited numbers — 18 to be exact. Each unit goes for RM149,500.

The cruiser borrows from famous models such as the legendary R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology, and the boxer engine as the centrepiece.

This is not the first modern cruiser from BMW Motorrad. It had waded into this segment with the R1200C from 1997 to 2004.

And now it's back with the R 18.

The First Edition combines the classic R 18 look with exclusive equipment features in paint and chrome. The large capacity classic boxer features the First Edition logo with pin strip design on gloss black paint. The new cruiser gets chrome handle bars, shifter lever, handle end caps, cylinder head covers, crank covers and air intake.

The classic bodywork features on the cruiser are made of metal: the 16-litre fuel tank with its tear shape derived from the R 5, the front and rear fenders the side panels below the seat, the fork sleeves and the housings of the headlights and circular instrument panel are all made of sheet steel.

The luxurious cruiser is fitted with full LED headlight, as well as LED-based rear and brake lights.

The R18 gets the biggest displacement boxer engine BMW has ever built. The newly developed two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two chain-driven camshafts placed above the drive shaft has a capacity of 1,802cc capable of a maximum torque of 158 Nm at 3000 rpm and maximum speed of 180kph. Also known as the “Big Boxer”, the boxer engine is air/oil-cooled.

Fuel consumption is rated at 5.6 litres per 100km of travel. Emission control is by way of a regulated three-way catalytic converter. The alternator is a 600W permanent magnet generator paired with a maintenance-free 12 V/26 Ah battery.

Power is transmitted to the new cruiser via a single-disk dry clutch with a six-speed transmission in a separate transmission housing. The secondary open, nickel-plated driveshaft, meanwhile, puts focus on the torque.

The centrepiece of the suspension is a double-loop steel tube frame. The front suspension is offered via the classic telescopic fork with fork sleeves and cantilever suspension strut with travel-dependent damping. In the rear is the steel swinging fork with central shock strut.

A 300mm twin disk brake with four-piston fixed callipers in front is also standard, with single disk brakes in the rear. The BMW Motorrad Integral Anti-Lock Braking System (partially integral) is also available to prevent wheel lock in hard braking situations. The new cruiser is equipped with the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) to ensure a high level of riding safety, and features three riding modes: Rock, Roll and Rain. Additionally, the R 18 is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard.

The R 18 is fitted with a circular instrument with multifunctional display. The circular instrument features an analogue speedometer display for a classic style. As with other BMW Motorrad models, the R18 has a keyless ride system that replaces the conventional ignition system.

The new cruiser now features the reverse gear and lockable fuel filler cap as standard. To further personalise the R 18, owners also have the option to accessorise with a variety of original BMW Motorrad accessories.

The R 18 First Edition test ride unit will be available at selected BMW Motorrad Heritage showrooms including Auto Bavaria Ara Damansara, Chear Motorrad Puchong and El Chong Motor Sungai Jawi and can be viewed at all BMW Motorrad’s showroom nationwide.

With the financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the R 18 First Edition starts from RM2,411 per month. This is based on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure.

Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the Premium Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension Programmes by BMW Motorrad Malaysia. For more information on the programmes, please visit https://www.bmwmotorrad.com.my/en/service/services/warranty.html.

The R 18 is backed by a 3-year warranty and 3-year roadside assistance programme.


McLaren launches full collection of collectible cars

                LONDON: The McLaren 675LT is already one of the lightest supercars available. Now, McLaren has reduced its weight by 99.99% to just 0.12kg in the form of a 1:43 scale model.

It’s one of many McLarens available in lightweight, small scale form. From the iconic McLaren F1 to the most recent McLaren 570GT, these models are made with high detail and capture significant liveries.

Showcasing McLaren’s supercars, the collectibles are true scale models chosen to celebrate special editions and icons charting the brand’s history.

One of the latest collectibles to join the collection is the 1:18 scale model of the McLaren 570S Coupé edition, handcrafted by Italian family run business Tecnomodel.

Sitting on a carbon fibre effect cushion with a 570S badge modelled on the one fitted to the real car embedded into the plaque, the Vermillion Red edition is a work of art in its attention to detail.

The model has two-tone red leather and dark grey alcantara seats and gloss black wheels with red calipers, detailing the McLaren name in black on each, as well as the speedmark at the centre of each wheel. The subtle use of carbon fibre on the car is hand painted on the model including the sills that highlight the silver 570S badge on the drivers side. Only 50 pieces were made.

The 1:43 Minichamps model of the 675LT is one of the most recent models to market. The Chicane Grey die cast model with its stealth-like interior is just like the real thing revealed to the world at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show.

Equally, the 1:43 TSM model of the 1993 McLaren F1 XP-5 in dark green - the car that still holds the world record for the fastest normally-aspirated car - replicates in detail everything from the seat belt to the steering wheel and its controls. Peering in, the three seat configuration, the 24 carat gold casing the engine and the perfectly formed roof snorkel are all evident.

Further icons that have miniaturised from McLaren’s past includes the MP4-12C GT3 in McLaren Orange, famed for its 23 victories, 39 podiums, 27 pole positions and three championship titles. The latest McLaren P1TM GTR in its Harrods inspired livery is also available, made famous by its predecessor 1995 Le Mans-competing McLaren F1 in the now famous livery, is also available as part of this collection.

In addition to these icons, the collectibles also takes note of the launch colour schemes of McLaren’s road cars, from the 675LT Spider in Solice, a colour specially created for this limited edition car, to the most recent 570GT in Pacific Blue. These miniatures created by TSM and Minichamps come either as die cast or resin models.

Both work closely with McLaren Automotive through the provision of CAD data to enable both model makers to replicate the real cars, providing a miniature legacy to the brands racing and road car achievements to date.

Models are available at selected McLaren Automotive stores and various specialist retailers as well as online shops including www.amazon.com. Prices start from £55 (RM290).


BMW and FLYPROJECT to unveil new i8 Coupe at Publika, KL

                CYBERJAYA: BMW Malaysia together with urban fitness club FLYPROJECT, have announced their collaboration in organising the largest outdoor FlyCycle Class in the country.

The upcoming event will be held at 8.00pm on Aug 24 at The Square, Publika and the event will be in conjunction with the official unveiling of the new BMW i8 Coupe to the public for the first time.

Additionally, BMW Group managing director and CEO Harald Hoelzl is inviting members of the public to take part in the event and to experience the full sensory impact of the one-of-a-kind unveiling of the new i8 Coupe.

“Our partnership to unveil the New BMW i8 Coupé with FLYPROJECT rides on BMW Malaysia’s core
beliefs in innovation and sustainable electro-mobility.

"Being the pioneers of Electro Mobility in the country and having the largest fleet of premium vehicles capable of electric driving pleasure, the initiative is also part of our Born Electric campaign we are currently running,” said Hoelzl.

For more information on #BMWiXFlyProject, log on to www.bmw-electricdrivingpleasure.com/takecharge.html


Bugati Chiron — Lego 'Build for Real' 1:1 scale!

                TORONTO: We are here to tell you about two guys who may seem to have lost their minds by reviewing Lego Technic's lifesize Bugatti Chiron that took 13,438 hours to develop and build.

In fact, it's also fully functional and by that we mean it is drivable with over a million Lego Technic pieces.

Packed with 2,304 motors and 4,032 Lego Technic gears wheels, the engine of the 1.5-tonne model generates 5.3hp and roughly 92Nm of torque - allowing it to reach a top speed of about 20kph.

The real Chiron is capable of producing 1,500hp and 1,600Nm from 2,000 to 6,000rpm and a top a speed of 420kph.

The outer"‘skin" structure is built from interconnected triangular segments made into a LEGO Technic ‘fabric’ designed to mimic the iconic shapes of the original Chiron.

This also includes a rear spoiler, front and rear-lights, detachable steering wheel, speedometer, seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and brake pedal - all fully functional and built with LEGO Technic elements.

The lifesize Lego version of the Chiron made its debut during the Grand Prix Formula 1 event in Monza, Italy on Aug 30 last year.


MINI working on two new crossovers

                LONDON: According to a report from Autocar, MINI will reportedly build two new models, one made for the China market and one of conventional origins.

It seems the China-market model will be an electric 5-door crossover, using a shared platform and built in collaboration with Great Wall Motors.

As for the second model, it is said that it will revive the Traveller name and be a bit bigger than the current Countryman.

This model will not be exclusively electric but will also offer internal combustion engines to those interested. The car will be comparable to a BMW X3 in size once it arrives somewhere in 2024 and it will most likely use the CLAR architecture, making it the first MINI in history with a longitudinally mounted engine.


VW strategy chief Jost quits to focus on building smart boats

                HAMBURG: Volkswagen strategy chief Michael Jost will quit after more than a decade with the group, he said on his website, adding he would now focus on building smart boats with his family.

“Since 1996 I am leading a weekend-marriage and -family. Now corona has brought me home and we’ve realised that we can live together. I want to stay here. I thank you all and I do apologise if it was ‘too much’ sometimes,” Jost said.

According to his LinkedIn profile Jost joined Volkswagen unit Skoda in 2010, where he served as head of product management and product strategy until joining Volkswagen as brand chief strategy officer in 2015.

He became Volkswagen’s head of group strategy product in 2018, driving the group’s change to become a global leader in electric vehicles.

“What’s next? After smartcars it’s now smartboats, a nautical passion that I want to devote myself to with my family,” he said.

The news comes less than a week before Volkswagen’s Battery Day and the carmaker’s annual media conference, events scheduled for March 15 and 16, respectively.

Jost could be succeeded by Gernot Doellner, vice president product line Panamera at Volkswagen’s luxury division Porsche, a person familiar with the matter said, confirming a report by manager magazin.

Volkswagen declined to comment.


Tesla Model 3 gets NHTSA perfect safety rating

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: The NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tested the safety of the Tesla Model 3 sedan and, just like the Model S and Model X, the car has received perfect 5-star ratings in every category.

Tesla describes safety as, "the most important part of the overall Model 3 design" and with nothing rated below 5-stars in all categories from the NHTSA, which published the results this week, the Model 3 gets an overall safety rating of 5-stars with zero recalls.

The car's aluminium and steel structure gives it strength to resist up to 4 times its own weight, despite the glass rooftop, and its low centre of gravity keeps the vehicle as in-control as possible, lowering the probability of it rolling over.

In the event of a head-on collision (with both vehicles moving at 56kph), the driver and the passenger are as protected as possible with both parties receiving 5 stars of safety. Both seats have frontal, curtain, torso/pelvis, and knee airbags.

The side crash rating was broken down into two main categories: the side barrier and side pole ratings. If you're stationary and are hit at an intersection (at 38.5mph) or hit a tree or street light, the safety of the driver and all passengers, both front and back, still received 5 stars.

Lastly, the rollover, was tested. We already know that the likelihood of this type of accident is greatly diminished due to the low centre of gravity, but even in the case of this complete loss-of-control event, the sedan again received a perfect rating.

Additionally, the NHTSA recommends - not requires - a set of safety technologies for all vehicles like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support. The Model 3 sports all these, and each meets its respective NHTSA performance test.


Caterham to reveal its fully-electric concept coupé on July 12

                LONDON:  Caterham will unveil its new coupé concept car, Project V, on July 12.

The fully-electric model will showcase a completely new design language for the British sports car brand as it looks to the future.

Project V is the creation of chief designer Anthony Jannarelly.

While this new concept may be a visual departure from the existing Seven range, Caterham said the car sticks to the company's core values of lightness, simplicity and a driver-focused experience.

 Jannarelly.

The company has partnered with renowned engineering and design firm, Italdesign, to bring that vision to life, manufacturing the show car at its Turin headquarters in Italy.

The Project V show car will make its public debut at July 13-16 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it will be unveiled on the Caterham stand.

Jannarelly is the founder of Jannarelly Automotive and a Caterham Seven owner. He is working for Caterham on a consultancy basis.


Brickbats for Kedah varsity over 'spouse only' rule for students' vehicles

                ALOR SETAR: A public university in Kedah has come under fire on social media for a condition imposed on students' vehicle campus stickers.

The condition stipulates that students will be fined RM30 if they carry a passenger of the opposite sex who is not their spouse.

It also entails the possibility of their vehicle registration and sticker being revoked.

Students have to fill in a declaration with 11 conditions, and number six says that: "I understand and agree that the university reserves the right to penalise the amount of RM30 and the vehicle registration can be cancelled if it is used to carry (an unmarried couple)."

The rule went viral on social media a few days ago.

Some users asked what the university would do if the occupants were siblings.

Another noted that universities are meant to produce critical thinkers but in this case, they are not even allowed to share a car.

Others speculated that the recent controversy over a couple caught in an indecent act inside a car may have led to this ruling, but a check found that it has been on the university's vehicle registration application form since 2021.

Attempts are being made to contact university officials for clarification.


BMW expects to cut average emissions in Europe by 20% this year

                MUNICH: BMW will continue to grow sales globally while at the same time lowering its European average emissions of carbon dioxide by around 20% this year, chief financial officer Nicolas Peter said on Thursday.

Carmakers need to lower their output of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, but carmakers have struggled to meet stricter emissions goals as clients increasingly choose to buy heavier sports utility vehicles.

“The fleet average emissions will go down significantly in 2020, by around 20%,” Peter told journalists at a roundtable discussion in Munich. BMW’s fleet average emissions were 128 grams per kilometer in 2018, and just below that in 2019, he said.

In 2020, BMW’s fleet average emissions will be just over 100 grams per kilometer and the carmaker will meet the emissions standards for 2021, thanks to higher sales of electrified vehicles and more efficient combustion engines, he said.

Peter reiterated that BMW expected to grow sales in 2020.

“We have started well into January and grew sales in China,” Peter said, adding that the carmaker had sold around 175,000 cars in January.


Driving Honda Sport Hybrid i-DCD cars in Japan

                This year, Honda Malaysia broke new ground again in the affordable B-segment car market by launching the Jazz and City Sport Hybrid i-DCD models, priced at RM84,880 and RM89,200 respectively.

The Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) system integrates a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

Power is transferred via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission for performance akin to a 1.8-litre engine.

This powertrain delivers a total hybrid system output of 137ps and 170Nm of torque.

 Test drive of Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain; the Honda Freed leading the convoy.

Fuel economy for the Jazz and City hybrids are rated at 4.0 and 3.9 litres per 100km respectively.

According to Honda Malaysia, the i-DCD's gear ratio was tested over 7,000km on various road conditions in Malaysia, over a period of more than two years.

It should be noted that the car's air-conditioning continues to function even when the car is idle in full EV (electric vehicle) mode, as the lithium-ion battery can power the fully electric-driven compressor.

The lithium-ion battery is charged automatically each time you brake.

According to Honda Malaysia, the lithium-ion battery is designed to last the lifespan of the car which is defined as 200,000km.

 Test drive of Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain; the Honda Fit (Jazz equivalent here) on the left and Vezel (HR-V equivalent here) leading the convoy.

The lithium-ion battery comes with an 8-year warranty, with unlimited mileage.

Replacement cost for the lithium-ion battery is RM5,513.

Honda Malaysia says there is no need for special service or maintenance work for the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system.

As of June 2017, more than 865,000 Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system have been sold in Japan.

Globally, the i-DCD is produced only at Honda Motor's Suzuka Factory, which also manufactures manual transmissions and CVTs (continuously variable transmissions).

More than 92% of the transmissions produced are for Japan, and rest exported.

Beginning May 2017, the Suzuka Factory supplies the i-DCD motor to Malaysia.

 Test drive of Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain; the Honda Fit (Jazz equivalent here) on the left, and the Jade. At Lake Yamanaka, near Mount Fuji.Driving in Japan: Honda Sport Hybrid i-DCD

This brings us to a two-day drive over more than 360km in Japan, ensconced in Honda cars fitted with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system.

Five Honda models were available, namely the Fit (Jazz equivalent here), Grace (City equivalent here), Vezel (HR-V equivalent here), Freed and Jade.

On the first day, we drove the Jade Hybrid – a six-seater MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) for the drive from Tokyo - Mount Fuji (Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station) - Lake Yamanaka.

The weather was bitterly cold and wet, with strong winds and incessant rain thanks to the after-effects of Typhoon Lan.

It was not the best weather for a long drive out of Tokyo, but the Jade was a snug cocoon to be in as we made our way via the Chuo Expressway.

 Test drive of Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain; the Honda Grace (City equivalent here) leading the convoy.

The Jade Hybrid, with a Sport Hybrid i-DCD system, does not have the conventional instrument cluster with round dials.

Instead, the driver stares at a digital information screen which shows data like battery charge and power, petrol level, vehicle speed, drive mode, external temperature, clock, road speed limit and distance traveled.

With enough charge in the lithium-ion battery, the car starts quietly in EV (electric vehicle) mode, and accelerates silently until the petrol engine is called into operation.

The automated transition from EV mode to petrol engine operation is exceptionally smooth, and seamless.

Due to bad weather, many digital speed limit signages on the highway showed 50kph, and we seldom drove above 80kph.

 Test drive of Honda cars with the Sport Hybrid i-DCD powertrain; From left - the Honda Fit (Jazz equivalent here), Freed, Jade and Grace (City equivalent here).

The hybrid powertrain provides lots of torque, and the 7-speed dual clutch transmission shifts very smoothly; there are no unpleasant jerks.

This is very different from the dual clutch transmissions we have tried in other car marques, where jerkiness is something the driver oftentimes learns to live with.

Honda's 7-speed dual clutch transmission shifts fluidly, and provided for a quiet and refined drive as we ascended Mount Fuji as strong winds lashed us; only to find the 5th Station closed due to the horrible weather.

The next day saw clear skies, and we took the Grace Hybrid on the Ashinoko Skyline - Hakone Turnpike (Yugawara Pass toll booth) 10km route, which was a twisty, mountainous road where we drove rather spiritedly.

The high mountain scenery and winding route reminded us of scenes from the famous Initial D drift racing anime.

Again, the 7-speed dual clutch transmission performed fluidly and predictably, as we negotiated the turns and twists of the hilly road, before making the 100km highway drive back to Tokyo.

Photo Gallery: Honda VEZEL i-DCD hybridPhoto Gallery: Honda JADE i-DCD hybridPhoto Gallery: Honda FIT i-DCD hybrid


Ford shuffles management in push to bolster supply chain, EV units

Lawler (left) and Field.
DETROIT: Ford Motor Co announced today a management shuffle and the streamlining of its product development and supply chain units, days after flagging a likely inventory build up of up to 45,000 cars that may lack certain parts.

The automaker said chief financial officer John Lawler would take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the makeover of its global supply chain operations until it names a new supply chain chief.

The global auto industry is undergoing rapid transformation as focus shifts to electric vehicles from those powered by gasoline, driving companies such as Ford and General Motors Co to commit big investments, while redrawing their strategies to compete in the fast-emerging market.

Earlier this year, Ford said its electric vehicle and internal-combustion engine units would be run as separate entities, in a move aimed at supercharging its EV business.

To bolster its efforts in ramping up the development of electric vehicles, Ford said it was naming Doug Field as chief advanced product development and technology officer.

In the expanded role, Field will oversee EV products, software and digital systems development, and advanced driver assistance, Ford said.

Field, who formerly headed Apple Inc's car project, was poached by the automaker last year to lead its efforts in advanced technology and embedded systems.

"Developing and scaling the next generation of electric and software-defined vehicles requires a different focus and mix of talent ...," chief executive officer Jim Farley said in a statement.

The company also said it was hiring former employees of HP Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to support its push to develop fully connected, software defined vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems.


Carmakers launch pan-European IONITY charging network

                FRANKFURT: A group of mainly German car makers said today it had formed a joint venture to build out a pan-European network of 400 fast charging stations for electric vehicles by 2020.

The venture, called IONITY, is backed by BMW AG, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co and Volkswagen with its Audi and Porsche brands, the companies said in a statement.

Anxiety over whether battery-powered cars have the range to reach their destination is inhibiting some drivers from switching from traditional petrol- or diesel-powered models.

But with US all-electric challenger Tesla stealing a lead, established brands are teaming up to ensure that electric vehicles (EVs) can get quickly back on the road after hooking up to a High-Power Charging (HPC) station.

“The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles,” IONITY’s CEO Michael Hajesch said. He added that the fast-charging stations would also offer digital-payment capability.

IONITY, to be headquartered in Munich, will open its first 20 charging stations to the public this year in Germany, Norway and Austria. These would be 120km apart, and run in partnership with Tank & Rast, Circle K and OMV.

The network will be expanded to 100 stations in 2018, each one enabling several drivers of different car brands to charge their vehicles at the same time.

Each charging point will have a capacity of 350 kW, and will use the an existing European standard, the Combined Charging System, to reduce charging times compared to existing systems.

The system is not tied to brands, which should make EVs more appealing to drivers, IONITY said.


Volkswagen to end production of Passat model in the United States

                NEW YORK: Volkswagen plans to end the production of its well-known mid-range Passat model in the United States.

After the model year 2022, the car will no longer be part of the production line at the Chattanooga plant in the south-eastern state of Tennessee, the company said today.

Volkswagen justified the decision with its strategic shift towards electric cars, for which the site is to be re-equipped.

Alongside the Jetta, the Passat, which has been produced in special US versions for decades, was one of Volkswagen's most important models in the country for a long time.

However, its significance has declined sharply in recent years. In the second quarter, only about 6,800 units were delivered.

With the Atlas and Tiguan SUVs, Volkswagen has been aggressively targeting US customers' preference for larger and heavier urban off-road vehicles for several years.

To celebrate the "integral role of the Passat in the resurgence of Volkswagen in the United States," a short-run limited edition will will pay homage to the city of Chattanooga.

"We've sold some version of the Passat for nearly 50 years, and the Passat launched our relationship with Chattanooga, which supports thousands of jobs," said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America.


BMW executive Markus Duesmann tasked with reviving Audi

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen has installed former BMW executive Markus Duesmann to reinvent Audi after the German premium brand lost key engineering know-how and influence in the wake of the 2015 diesel-cheating scandal.

Duesmann will become chief executive of Audi as well as take on board level responsibility for research and development at Volkswagen Group on April 1 next year, the Wolfsburg-based multi-brand group said on Friday.

Duesmann’s job will include injecting new meaning into the company’s advertising slogan “Vorsprung Durch Technik”, or “advancement through technology”, after Audi fired a raft of senior engineers in the wake of the diesel scandal.

“Markus Duesmann will do everything to unlock the huge potential of the Audi brand,” Volkswagen Group chief executive Herbert Diess said at a press conference in Wolfsburg on Friday.

Audi, based in Ingolstadt, Bavaria was a major research and development hub within Volkswagen, setting standards in aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight aluminum construction, dual-clutch gearbox technology and four-wheel drive systems.

But the premium brand struggled after it was discovered that engine management software, used to manipulate exhaust emissions tests at VW, was designed by Audi engineers, leading to the firing of engineering chiefs and its long-term CEO.

After Audi chief Rupert Stadler was dismissed, Audi installed a sales expert, Bram Schot as interim CEO, and the brand struggled to redefine “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

“We need to partly refine the ‘Vorsprung’. We are working on it,” Audi’s sales chief Hildegard Wortmann said at the Frankfurt car show in September.

“We don’t need little ‘Vorsprung’ stories, we need real ‘Vorsprung’ stories,” Audi’s current head of research and development, Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler told Reuters.

Audi’s electric car e-tron as well as fuel cell technology are two pillars upon which Audi can resurrect its brand claim, Rothenpieler said.

Audi’s works council chief, Peter Mosch, welcomed the appointment of an external manager. “From Markus Duesmann and his team we expect the stable utilisation of our factories and a more courageous approach.”


Teacher wins Sylphy

                PETALING JAYA: It was a perfect wedding gift for Noor Atikah Sunar who won a new Nissan Sylphy under Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM)’s Chinese New Year “Test Drive and Win a Fortune” contest.

The 24-year-old teacher of the Penang Japanese School, had test driven and bought the Almera sedan which qualified her to run the contest.

“I cannot believe that the purchase of the Almera has led me to win a brand new Sylphy, and timing could not be better as the Sylphy will come in useful for my forthcoming wedding,” Noor Atikah said at a prize giving ceremony at ETCM’s Nissan showroom in Ipoh recently.

The campaign was held during the Chinese New Year months of January and February, and offered customers the opportunity to win a brand new Sylphy.

Nissan buyers were entitled to eight contest entry forms while those who test drive a Nissan were entitled to one contest entry form.

“We wanted to encourage our Malaysian motorist to experience the pleasure of driving a Nissan car.

“We believe that this is a crucial part in the process of selecting a car.

“You need to get to know the vehicle, before you can fall in love with it,” said ETCM marketing director Tan Keng Meng.


Renault launches standalone electric mobility company

                PARIS: Renault Energy Services is a newly created entity, charged with developing smart grid projects, smart car charging systems, vehicle-to-grid interaction and the re-use and repurposing of used electric car batteries.

Thanks to being one half of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Renault is already at the forefront of electric cars and is the brand leader in terms of EV sales across Europe.

But even though the range of its cars has improved dramatically over the past year alone — the latest Renault Zoe is the first affordable EV on sale in Europe to boast a 400km range — there are still many hurdles to overcome before plug-in electric cars can truly drive into the mainstream.

One of the biggest is extending the charging infrastructure, according to the company chairman Carlos Ghosn. "[Range] anxiety is going to be eliminated only when we have a charging structure that is widespread and visible," he said, pointing out that people never worry about the range of their gasoline-powered cars. "Why would you when you have gasoline stations all over the place?"

And in Europe, while plenty of investment is being made to add charging stations, the current electricity grid isn't optimized for supporting a wholesale move from gasoline to EV mobility. IN the UK, for example, the national grid only runs at a 5% surplus, nowhere near enough to charge a 10-fold increase in electric cars.

This is where Renault's new company will come in. It will be looking at ways of maximizing this surplus and of taking energy from the grid (plus other sources including solar panels and renewables) at times of lowest demand and storing it for when it is needed.

Smart grid innovations could see cars charged at slower, more responsible rates based on the owner's needs, drawing energy when it is being generated by cleaner sources only and when there is a surplus of energy.

Likewise, fully charged EV cars not in use could in turn push energy back to the grid at peak times.

Meanwhile recycled car batteries could be installed in people's homes to draw energy from the grid at quiet times and then provide energy to the home during peak hours, to be used to capture and store energy created by solar panels.

Gilles Normand, SVP, Electric Vehicles, Renault said: "The creation of Renault Energy Services marks an important step forward. Investing in smart grids is key to both reinforcing the lead we enjoy in the European electric vehicle market and accelerating the EV industry's scale-up."


Jaguar Land Rover planning to allow helpful car drivers to earn cryptocurrency

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover, Britain’s largest auto manufacturer, said today it is testing software that will allow drivers of its cars to earn the IOTA cryptocurrency as a reward for sharing data.

The company is developing what it calls “smart wallet” technology to be installed in its automobiles. This would reward Jaguar car drivers with IOTA coins for actions such as enabling their vehicles to automatically report useful data, such as traffic congestion or potholes to navigation providers or local authorities.

Drivers could also earn rewards if the car participates in a ride-sharing program, Jaguar said. The tokens earned could be used to pay for tolls, parking and charging for electric cars.

The overall goal was to “achieve zero emissions, zero accidents, and zero congestion,” the company said.

Global car companies are exploring blockchain applications, figuring out different ways in which they can leverage the technology to suit their different needs. Blockchain, the system powering cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, is a shared database that is maintained by a network of computers connected to the Internet.

The British car company is testing the technology at the new Jaguar Land Rover software engineering base in Shannon, Ireland, where engineers have already equipped several vehicles, including the Jaguar F-PACE and Range Rover Velar, with “smart wallet” features, the company said.

It does not yet have a timetable for when it will be commercially available, said Jaguar, a subsidiary of Tata Motors.

The IOTA token is based on a distributed ledger technology that enables people and machines to transfer money and data without any transaction fees. IOTA trades on digital asset exchanges and was last at 27 US cents per token.

“The smart wallet technology ... can be easily adapted into all new vehicles,” Dominik Schiener, IOTA co-founder and co-chairman of its board, said on Friday.

“IOTA wants to enable interoperability with all these different players. So there is no Jaguar coin, no BMW coin, but one universal token for this machine economy,” he added.


VW's SEAT brand chief steps down as Renault continues CEO hunt

De Meo is a contender for the top job at Renault, but a non-compete clause in his contract is blocking the move. — Reuters
FRANKFURT/PARIS: Volkswagen on Tuesday said that Luca de Meo has stepped down from his current role as head of its Spanish SEAT brand just as rival Renault intensifies efforts to find a new chief executive.

“Luca de Meo, chief executive of SEAT S.A. has had his duties as chief executive of SEAT revoked at his own request and by mutual agreement,” Volkswagen said in a statement on Tuesday.

De Meo is a contender for the top job at Renault, but a stringent non-compete clause in De Meo’s contract is proving to be a hurdle in discussions about a move to Paris, said one source close to the matter.

“There is no agreement yet on how long a potential cooling off period should be,” another source said, commenting on how long De Meo would have to delay his start at Renault, given his intimate knowledge of Volkswagen Group’s strategy.

It was therefore not immediately clear whether de Meo would leave Volkswagen, a multi-brand group which also owns the Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley, Skoda, VW, Audi, Porsche and Ducati brands.

“Luca de Meo leaves SEAT, but remains at VW,” a third source close to the discussions said.

De Meo’s move comes as Renault tries to resolve management turmoil triggered by the arrest of former Renault-Nissan alliance boss Carlos Ghosn in Japan a year ago on financial misconduct charges which he denies.

Ghosn fled Japan last week to Lebanon and has said he will hold a news conference on Wednesday to give his side of the story following his arrest in late 2018.

Renault, currently led by interim chief Clotilde Delbos is drawing up a shortlist of candidates to replace Thierry Bollore, who was ousted in mid October.

“Luca de Meo is among those on the shortlist to head Renault, Clotilde Delbos is another one,” another source said on Tuesday.


Lofty promises for autonomous cars unfulfilled

                NEW YORK: The first driverless cars were supposed to be deployed on the roads of American cities in 2019, but just a few days before the end of the year, the lofty promises of car manufacturers and Silicon Valley remain far from becoming reality.

Recent accidents, such as those involving Tesla cars equipped with autopilot, a driver assistance software, have shown that "the technology is not ready," said Dan Albert, critic and author of the book "Are We There Yet?" on the history of the American automobile.

He questioned the optimistic sales pitch that autonomous cars would help reduce road deaths — 40,000 every year in the United States, mostly due to human error — because these vehicles themselves have caused deaths.

As a result, self-driving maneuvers in the technology-laden vehicles are limited to parking, braking, starting or driving in a parking lot.

Are autonomous cars on the roads?

Autonomous vehicles have only been deployed in limited test projects in a few cities.

"When you're working on the large scale deployment of mission critical safety systems, the mindset of 'move fast and break things' certainly doesn't cut it," said Dan Ammann, CEO of self-driving car company Cruise.

General Motors, Cruise's parent company, had promised a fleet of autonomous vehicles would be on the roads in 2019.

There are driverless shuttles running on specific routes on university campuses, and Waymo, Google's autonomous car division, has been offering robotaxi service "Waymo One" for about a year around Phoenix, Arizona. However, there is a trained driver in the cars to take control in case of emergency.

Waymo is expanding that program, and since the summer it has offered truly driverless service in some Phoenix suburbs that is free in the afternoon and sometimes in the evening. The company is also teaming up with ride-hailing app Lyft to expand to more areas.

Is the technology ready?

"Automation may be used in areas such as closed campuses, where speeds are low and there is little or no interaction with other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists or inclement weather," said Sam Abuelsamid, engineer and expert at Navigant Research.

The big problem is "perception": the software's ability to process data sent by the motion sensors to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, cyclists or other objects, and then predict their likely actions and adapt accordingly, he said.

And that part is key, said Avideh Zakhor, engineering and computer science professor at the University of California-Berkeley.

"The perception part is not solved yet. The most advanced publicly available is 80-85 percent (reliable). That means that 15 percent of the time, it's going to hit objects and kill and destroy them," she said.

What are the obstacles?

Laws in place in some 40 US states only allow testing of these vehicles. The industry players hope the accumulation of thousands of miles traveled by self-driving vehicles will reassure authorities the technology is safe.

Authorities also will have to adapt road signage to these smart cars.

Contacted by AFP, the main road transportation regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), declined to provide a status update.

When will autonomous cars be on the road?

Not for a few years.

"We should see the deployment of autonomous fleets, likely at a regional level, over the next five years," according to Aurora, a start-up specializing in autonomous driving supported by Amazon and Fiat Chrysler.

But Navigant's Abuelsamid said driverless vehicles should be running soon on a small scale.
"We may see some limited numbers in a few locations by mid- to late-2020 with increasing deployments in 2021 and beyond," he said.

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, said in late October that his cars will be "able to drive from one's house to work, most likely without interventions," although "it will still be supervised."

Albert, the analyst, told AFP that Tesla may have overpromised, and he cautions that customers who paid US$3,500 in advance for the promised fully autonomous features "effectively gave the company a no-interest loan."


Porsche Panamera wagon heads for Geneva show

                STUTTGART: German car company Porsche has always been the sportscar brand with built-in reliability, but for this year's Geneva motor show, it really wants to be seen as the dream car maker that puts a premium on practicality.

The Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, as the company is choosing to call it, is essentially a shooting brake take on its existing executive fastback.

It keeps everything that's good about the existing car, including engine range and luxury interior appointments and then adds a further 20-50 litres of trunk space (depending on whether the rear seats are up or folded flat.

It also for the first time offers owners the option of five instead of the usual four individual seats in what the company calls a 4+1 formation.

In other words, the middle seat in the second row isn't for everyday use but can be called into service when needed. Those with smaller families or those that see the car as an interesting alternative to a traditional limo can instead specify it with two individual, electrically reclining rear seats complete with centre console for entertainment and connectivity.

"For Porsche, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forward into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche," said Michael Mauer, Director of Style Porsche of the latest model.

This latest new Porsche is the second Panamera variant to arrive in less than a week. On Feb 24, the company revealed a range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid which mates a V8 engine to a battery motor in order to attain a 310kph top speed and a 0-100kph time of just 3.4 seconds while only sipping 2.9 litres of fuel per 100km in the process.

Although the Sports Turismo won't be getting that particular 680hp powertrain, it will be offered with all of the other engines currently on offer across the Panamera range, including the 4-litre 550hp turbocharged V8.

And even though it doesn't cut through the air quite as smoothly as its coupé styled counterparts, thanks to an ingenious adaptive roof spoiler that automatically adjusts based on speed, the car should still be a lot of fun to drive.


1999 Year Model Honda Accord and 2000 Year Model CR-V recalled

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia is recalling 2,784 units of 1999 Year Model Accord and 2000 Year Model CR-V to replace their Takata driver airbag inflators.

The exercise is a preventive measure in line with Honda global Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI) recall.

The affected models are 1,380 units of 1999 Accord and 1,404 units of the 2000 CR-V.

Honda Malaysia said the current selling models are not affected in this product recall, and the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls for customers.

 Interior of Honda Accord 1999.

The company said the product recall was necessary as a preventive measure to address the possibility of the Takata driver front airbag inflator having excessive internal pressure and thus, causing the airbag to fail to function properly or to rupture.

As at today, there is no report in Malaysia of any incident or injury caused by the Takata driver front airbag in these two Year Model vehicles.

The replacement of the affected Takata drive front airbag inflator is free of charge and all costs related to this replacement activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Affected owners will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product recall.

Honda Malaysia said affected owners can contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of notification to replace the driver front airbag inflator subject to parts availability.

The company is also encouraging owners who have relatives or friends having these two year models to immediately contact Honda Malaysia to arrange for the driver front airbag replacement.

Honda Malaysia is taking all necessary precaution at its dealerships nationwide to protect the well-being of its valued customers and Honda associates.

As such, the affected customers should make an appointment in advance to ensure a smooth and quick driver front airbag replacement process.

Customers are required to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities, which include wearing face masks properly, maintaining physical distancing and sanitising their hands at all times when visiting the dealerships.

The replacement stock will be available in stages and owners who are unsure if their vehicles are affected in this recall, can obtain more information by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my to check their vehicle status.


BMW, VW and ChargePoint to build EV fast-chargers

                DETROIT: BMW and Volkswagen are joining with ChargePoint to build a US network of fast-charging stations for electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the companies said Thursday.

The companies plan to install nearly 100 ChargePoint ports on the US East and West Coasts by the end of 2015 as part of an effort to promote greater sales of EVs such as the BMW i3 and the VW e-Golf.

 Click image to enlarge.

ChargePoint operates one of the leading EV charging networks, with more than 20,000 charging ports in North America.

Tom Gage, chairman of EV Grid and an expert in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, said BMW and VW were among the largest vehicle manufacturers to help fund development of the US charging network.

"Most people will rarely use it, but knowing it is there seems to remove a big purchase barrier" for electric vehicles, said Gage. Many EVs have relatively short driving ranges of less than 160km between charges.

The BMW/VW endeavor follows the establishment by California-based electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc of an extensive network of fast-charging stations for its battery-powered Model S sedan.

Tesla's Supercharger network, where Model S owners can quickly recharge their cars for free, now has nearly 2,000 ports at more than 350 stations around the world, including 160 in the United States and Canada. The Supercharger port uses a proprietary design that only works with Tesla cars.

The ChargePoint network offers several kinds of ports that will accept SAE Combo connectors - an industry standard type used on the i3 and the e-Golf - as well as the CHAdeMO connector used on the Nissan Leaf. The stations will also have Level 2 chargers, which can recharge most EVs at a much slower rate.

BMW and VW said the ChargePoint DC Fast ports will be able to recharge an i3 or an e-Golf up to 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes.

To access the ChargePoint network, owners need a special card or a ChargePoint smartphone app. BMW and VW owners are automatically enrolled.

VW and BMW are making equal investments in the ChargePoint venture, but the automakers declined to disclose financial details.


Ford educating youth with Drugged Driving Suit

                DETROIT:  Ford  has created a unique suit to dramatically teach young people about the dangers of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

Ford developed the suit together with scientists from the respected Meyer-Hentschel Institute in Germany to simulate some of the effects of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy); including slower reaction time, distorted vision, hand tremours and poor coordination.

The new Drugged Driving Suit will be incorporated into Ford Driving Skills for Life, the young driver program that has provided training to more than 500,000 people around the world through hands-on and online tuition since its inception 11 years ago.

“Driving after taking illegal drugs can have potentially fatal consequences for the driver, their passengers, and other road users,” said James Graham, global program manager for Ford Driving Skills for Life. “We have already seen first-hand the eye-opening effect that our Drunk Driving Suit has had on those who wear it, and are confident that our new Drugged Driving Suit will have a similar impact.”

Recent national data shows drugged driving on the rise. According to the most recent findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 18 percent of all motor vehicle driver deaths involve drugs other than alcohol, such as marijuana and cocaine. A NHTSA roadside survey also found that 22 percent of US drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Like the Drunk Driving Suit that Ford incorporated into the Driving Skills for Life program last year, the new Drugged Driving suit simulates the effects of reduced mobility, vision and coordination with padding and ankle weights, goggles and headphones.

“We know that some drugs can cause trembling hands, so we incorporated a device into the suit that creates just such a tremour,” said Gundolf Meyer-Hentschel, CEO of the Meyer-Hentschel Institute. “Drug users sometimes see flashing lights in their peripheral field, an effect recreated by our goggles, while imaginary sounds are generated by the headphones. Additionally, the goggles distort perception, and produce colorful visual sensations – a side effect of LSD use.”

According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,  9.9 million people 12 and older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs. Similarly, a meta-analysis of multiple studies from the National Institute of Health has shown that the risk of being involved in an accident roughly doubles after marijuana use.

Ford Driving Skills for Life was established in 2003 by Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts to teach newly licensed teens and parents the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs.

The basic premise behind Ford Driving Skills for Life is to provide a step in the learning process, providing new skills and information not currently shared with newly licensed drivers in basic driver education courses. By the end of 2015, the international program will be offered in 30 countries and a hands-on driving clinic conducted in all 50 states in the United States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The program is expected to have provided behind-the-wheel training to more than 150,000 drivers globally by the end of this year.


Volkswagen enters new age of mobility

 e-Golf Intelligent Charge.

LAS VEGAS: Volkswagen demonstrated an entire fleet of vehicles at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to show just how much the car and computer are already intertwined today and will continue to grow together in the future.

The main focus at the show were on four aspects: computer-controlled drive systems; app and smartphone integration; intuitive vehicle operation; and autonomous and semi-autonomous driving.

"The two inventions of the century, the car and the computer, are gradually coming closer together. We need to design future mobility to be even more intelligent and even more networked," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG.

Electric mobility is coming into its own. The e-Golf and Golf GTE are the protagonists of a new mobility. At CES, Volkswagen is showing, among other things, how electric cars will be able to automatically dock to inductive charging stations and output signals that indicate the battery state-of-charge using the vehicle's exterior lights.

 App-Connect.

Later this year, VW will introduce the second generation "modular infotainment platform" (MIB II) in the United States and Europe. Along with the new infotainment system, MirrorLink will also be made available for the first time, integrating the apps and operating layout of numerous smartphones (including Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony) into cars.

When MirrorLink is introduced, two other interfaces will also be launched under the App-Connect label: CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto (Google).

In the next revolutionary step — which Volkswagen is showing with the Golf R Touch concept vehicle at CES — the infotainment unit will use cameras to not only detect hand gestures, but understand and assign meaning to them. Gesture control will make it possible to control displays and functionality without having to use a touchscreen.

 Volkswagen Golf R Touch.

The Golf R Touch is equipped with three displays: the 12.8-inch high-resolution infotainment system touchscreen; a Control Center (8.0-inch with touch feedback) arranged beneath it to control vehicle, climate control and media functions; and an Active Information Display (digitalized instruments, 12.3-inch).

Volkswagen is now showing another evolutionary stage of Park Assist: Trained Parking. Here, the car scans a frequently driven path to a parking space via camera, and from that point on it executes the path semi-automatically by computer control.

In another evolutionary stage, it will be possible to have the car parked by the driver remotely, using a smartphone to control the car.


Porsche takes wraps off drop top 911 Speedster concept

                LONDON: Porsche has just revealed its 911 Speedster concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain, and when or if it goes into production, this will probably be the swansong for the current 991.2-generation of the iconic sports car.

The German manufacturer continues to stop a little way short of admitting that it will definitely go into full production, but Porsche has been officially describing the concept as a "potential series production version." And on top of that, prototypes of the droptop have been seen testing on roads in Germany, which likely wouldn't be happening if the company wasn't intending to put the car onto the production line.

The concept shares a chassis with the 911 GT3 and uses a six-cylinder engine producing what's said to be "more than 500hp" and revs to 9,000 rpm. This is also what we expect to see from an eventual production 911 Speedster, which will get the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six powerplant from the GT3, which in that car develops 493bhp and 461Nm of torque.

Although the concept is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, if the production version of the car follows in the footsteps of the GT3 it will be offered with a choice of the manual or a seven-speed PDK transmission.

In something of a classic sports car style, the Speedster will have a lightweight tonneau cover instead of a retractable soft or hard convertible roof. Further weight-saving measures being taken will include the bucket seats being made of carbon fibre, while the comforts of air-conditioning, satellite navigation and a sound system are also dispensed with in the name of saving weight.

And although the body of the concept is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, the front hood and the wings are all made of a lightweight carbon fibre composite material. The rear cover is also carbon fibre and connects behind the front seats covering a roll-over structure, and it has the "double bubble" iconic design element that's been a feature of all 911 Speedster models since as long ago as 1988.

A production version is expected next year, and as only 356 of the 997-generation Speedster were built we should expect a similar low number of these to be produced too. As the last Speedster cost around €56,600 (RM267,000) more than the GT3 of its time, it suggests this one could retail from somewhere around the €175,500 (RM827,000) mark.


PLUS to speed up vehicle pass-through rate through toll gates

                PETALING JAYA: Highway operator PLUS Malaysia Berhad is implementing technology that enables users to drive through tolls faster when using touchless payments.

It announced that Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) would make the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cashless toll payment system run more smoothly, allowing users to pass through at up to 30kph.

This is compared to the more widely used SmartTag system, which has a 20kph pass-through speed.

The system will be used along the Hutan Kampung-Sg Dua closed highway, which runs from Kedah to Penang. It had previously been tested there since July 2020.

PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said the system uses high-resolution cameras at both entry and exit lanes to recognise the passing vehicles’ number plates and works with its Toll Validation Centre (TVC) to seamlessly process customers’ payments.

He said the Hutan Kampung-Sg Dua stretch was currently the most-used closed toll highway in Malaysia, and expected to see 30% more users in the next few months following the lifting of inter-state travel restrictions.

Thus the system was expected to enable travellers to get through the busy toll faster.

The operator was also working with the Works Ministry, the Malaysian Highway Authority and Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd to expand RFID toll payments at all its highways from Juru, Penang to Skudai, Johor by early 2022.

The new tech was part of an effort to create a barrier-less, multi-lane free flow highway, where drivers make contactless payment by driving under gantries equipped with scanners, rather than through toll plazas with barriers.

This is similar to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing system that also uses gantries to detect and charge road users passing through, which works at speeds from 20-30kph on arterial roads and 45-65kph on expressways.


Most potent Chevy Corvette breaks cover

                DETROIT: Chevrolet introduced on Sunday the 2019 Corvette ZR1, the most powerful and with the most advanced technology yet. The debut was made exclusively via Instagram.

The Corvette ZR1’s exclusive LT5 supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755hp 969Nm of torque (969 Nm), is setting a new benchmark in performance. Further, the ZR1 elevates Corvette’s track capability with two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages, including an available High Wing that provides an estimated 430kg of downforce.

The LT5 6.2L V-8 delivers the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, thanks in part to a new, more-efficient intercooled supercharger system that offers 52 percent more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger. GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its record output.

Seven-speed manual and eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with the LT5. It’s the first time an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1.

The Corvette ZR1’s aggressive appearance is at the same time functional.

A new front fascia is designed to channel air for propulsion-system and drivetrain cooling, with four new radiators bringing the heat-exchanger total to 13. A special carbon-fibre “halo” hood is open in the middle to clear the LT5 engine’s supercharger/intercooler assembly. Additional features, including aero packages with stanchion-mounted wings, help push the ZR1 harder onto the track for more confident handling and faster lap times. Top speed of the ZR1 is over 338kph.

“As the highest-performing Corvette ever, the ZR1’s design supports its capability in every way,” said Kirk Bennion, Exterior Design manager. “The new wings, for example, help generate more downforce without adding drag, enhancing road holding and top speed.”

The ZR1 will offer two aero packages: a standard rear Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed and helps generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the Z06’s base aero package, and an available two-way-adjustable High Wing that offers maximum downforce on the track for the quickest lap times — about 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the available Z07 Performance Package. All models also feature a Chevrolet-first, downforce-enhancing front underwing.

The adjustable High Wing is part of the new ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning for greater cornering grip.

Both of the ZR1’s wings are tied into the chassis, like the Corvette Racing C7.R racecar, for strength and stability.

The Corvette ZR1 also gets an exclusive but optional Sebring Orange Design Package. Centered on its Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior colour, the package also includes orange brake calipers, orange rocker and splitter accent stripes, orange seat belts, orange interior stitching and unique, bronze aluminum interior trim.

The driver-focused cockpit includes standard leather-trimmed seats, with sueded microfiber inserts offered. Heated and vented Napa leather-trimmed seating is also available, as well as a carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel, competition sport seats, Performance Data Recorder and Bose premium audio system.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 goes on sale next spring from US$119,995 (RM490,000), with a convertible version priced from US$123,995 (RM507,000).

To watch the reveal, log on to Chevrolet's official Instagram channel.


Hyundai Palisade and facelifted Kona to arrive this year

                SHAH ALAM: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles, will be bringing into Malaysia the award-winning Palisade luxury sports utility vehicle and face-lifted Kona compact SUV this year.

The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship 7-seater SUV that uses a new SUV chassis.

With exceptional roominess for the second and third row seats as well as generous cargo space, the Palisade is positioned as the ultimate family vehicle.

Powered with an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-itre V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, it offers excellent power and efficiency with an estimated 291hp at 6,000rpm and around 355Nm of torque at 5,000rpm.

Taking inspiration from aviation technology, the Palisade’s exciting features include a Heads-Up Display (HUD) that projects a virtual image onto the windshield, to improve road visibility for the driver.

This feature also uses a system of mirrors combined with a full-colour TFT LCD display and features adjustable brightness to ensure excellent day and night-time visibility.

The Palisade boasts an industry-first, innovative  roof vent diffuser design that provides a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers.

This diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.

HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the Kona which was launched last year had captured the attention of many who yearn for a distinctively designed compact SUV.

“The public had their first look of our compact SUV, Kona, last year and it was well received despite the stiff competition in the SUV segment.

"Considering the positive response and reviews received for the newly designed Kona overseas, we are confident we will be able to capture more hearts this time around,” said Low.

Among the exciting highlights of the facelifted Kona are a new Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a more refined front fascia design, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, an enhanced SmartSense state-of-the-art safety package and a remote starter.

The four-cylinder petrol engine produces 147hp at 6,200rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.

The Smartstream engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency. HDSM did not say whether it would continue to sell the new Kona variant that has an even more powerful  1.6-litre turbocharged engine. The pre-facelift Kona 1.6T that are still on sale now produces a hefty 175hp and 265Nm of torque.

On the exterior, the front-wheel drive Kona receives an urban sporty styling as part of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness global design theme.

The new exterior design is even more provocative and sensuous than before with a curved bonnet design.

This facelifted version also projects a more sophisticated and progressive look in its interior.

The new console area gets a new horizontal layout while the air vents and speakers also get new rings with aluminum finish.

Also included in the new version is an upgraded ambient lighting technology that lights up the cupholder and foot lamps on the front passenger and driver side.

New interior colour options, materials and trims are also to be expected.

Aside from Palisade and Kona, Low said other new models are also in the pipeline this year and they would be packaged in a way to excite the market.


Honda Malaysia recalls 58,140 cars over driver airbag inflator

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced a recall for 58,140 cars produced from 2011 to 2013, to replace the driver airbag inflator.

All affected car owners will get notification letters. Those who receive the letters are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest authorised Honda dealer for inspection. Replacement works will be carried out once parts are ready. Cost of parts and labour related to the recall will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia urges owners of affected Honda cars to get their vehicles checked, and parts replaced at authorised Honda dealers as soon as possible upon receipt of the notification letters. Honda Malaysia affirms that all current selling models are not affected by this recall.

Honda owners can also call toll free 1-800-88-2020.