One UK company is helping to keep supercar thieves at bay

                LONDON: London has always been a hot spot for supercars but, in recent times, it has become known more as a supercar theft hotspot.

Experts at Windrush Car Storage share their experiences about the effect this is having on car owners in the capital right now.

It’s Saturday and the Windrush London team are open for business when the phone rings - a new client wanting to secure their vehicles immediately.

The urgency of the request was brought about by social media posts reporting that a number of Ferrari supercars had been stolen from across London that morning.

As the Windrush team welcomed the new client into their state-of-the-art facility, the phone continued to ring with other worried owners seeking the security of Windrush for their treasured vehicles, as supercars continued to go missing.

Windrush Car Storage London general manager Alastair Main said:  “That weekend alone we welcomed over 20 new cars into secure storage following a spate of Italian supercars being stolen in London.

"Social media posts from owners alerting followers to look out for their cars, some offering rewards, prompted a number of people to bring their cars into our care.”

While some of the cars welcomed to Windrush were street parked, a number were parked long-term in central London public car parks.

There are many factors to consider when using a public car park to store a prestigious vehicle, including the fact that free access is granted to cars, providing the ticket is used to exit within a set timeframe – usually 15 minutes.

This allows plenty of time for unlawful visitors to gain unhindered access and, in addition, their open construction also brings problems with vehicle condition.

Tim Earnshaw, Founder of Windrush Car Storage, tells more. “Some of the cars that came to us at short notice were collected from long term parking in public car parks located in the heart of the city. What was shocking was the levels of dust and dirt the cars had accumulated and the fact their battery health was poor. This shows that not only do these car parks have a level of vulnerability, but they also do an inadequate job of caring for the car, despite giving the appearance of being a closed and secure environment.”

And it wasn’t just private clients who sought sanctuary for their vehicles.

Professional chauffeur and hire fleets also contacted Windrush to move their cars away from prying eyes, tempted by their 24/7 opening hours as much as the state-of-the-art security, proving the fact that theft is becoming a problem in the city.

Tim added, “the rise in vehicle theft in London has seen more owners seeking secure storage for their own peace of mind. Thefts in London seemed to start when certain Range Rover models became a target for thieves and, subsequently, we now have a number in our care.

Theft of prestigious cars appears to be at its highest in London right now and films circulate on YouTube showing cars, including a Veyron, being subject to ride-by attacks to obtain the drivers watch.

Meanwhile, Windrush Car Storage's large London facility offers state of the art protection and security, hidden from view in a very central location.

Open 24/7, owners are free to use their cars as often as they wish, enjoying the levels of service more akin to a 5-star hotel than a car storage business.

But they don’t like to shout about it, and you won’t find Windrush regularly posting on social media or arranging open days.

Discretion is everything as a recent FT feature on London’s supercar spotters confirmed that when they stated “Cars are kept in a handful of private garages scattered across the city, most famously Windrush’s secret ‘Bat Cave’ in West London. And good luck getting any intel on that.”


MAN introduces new ProfiDrive training programme

                KUALA LUMPUR: MAN Truck and Bus (MTBM) announced today that it is introducing a new training programme dubbed MAN ProfiDrive.

The programme is tailored towards individual customer requirements that helps address fuel economy and driving safety for particular transport assignments through training.

The majority of the sector-specific ProfiDrive training for the drivers is hands-on and carried out with the drivers’ own loaded vehicles, which further increases the long-term learning effect of the training.

The program can be conducted at any location and covers both practical driving skills as well as theoretical aspects of safety, economy and vehicle inspection.

 Mueller with the MAN Efficient Line truck at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2017.

The programme also includes traditional modules for drivers and fleet managers on fuel-efficient driving and off-road driving training; modules for tankers and heavy-duty transporters as well as programs that are specifically tailored to the bus and transporter sectors.

During this year's Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE), MTBM also showcased a specially configured truck for the Malaysia market which helps to save costs and increase safety – the MAN EfficientLine.

With options like the AeroPackage, idle shutdown and cruise control features, fleet owners’ cost reduction target can be achieved easily.
Features included in the truck like the Anti-Spin Regulator (ASR), MAN BrakeMatic (EBS) and Retarder system also help to enhance safety and minimise danger.

 Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi (left) with Mueller during the launch of the MAN ProfiDrive Training Program at MCVE 2017.

“Since the beginning, MAN has stayed committed to provide top-quality, exceptionally reliable commercial vehicles that are perfectly tailored to our customer’s needs. We will continue to offer products and solutions to help fleet owners decrease their fleets’ life-cycle cost, while placing a strong emphasis on safety and reliability”, said Mueller.

"By equipping drivers with better vehicle handling and economical driving techniques, the training can help cut back on fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent and reduce the need for constant vehicle maintenance,” said MTBM managing director Hartmut Mueller.

“This new training program that focuses on the customer’s specific transport task enables us to more effectively help our customers lower their total cost of ownership", he conlcuded.


Volvo seeks global standard for electric car charging

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo is supporting the Charging Interface Initiative in a move to push for a global standard for electric car charging.

The Charging Interface Initiative is  a consortium of stakeholders that was founded to establish their Combined Charging System (CCS) as the standard for charging battery-powered vehicles.

Volvo Cars is one of the leading makers of plug-in hybrid cars and will offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every new model as it replaces its entire product portfolio in the coming years. It will introduce a fully electric vehicle by 2019, based on its modular SPA vehicle architecture.

In order to cement the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and ensure that customers fully embrace the technology, Dr Peter Mertens, the company’s senior vice president for research & development, said a simple, standardised, fast and global charging infrastructure is needed.

“We see that a shift towards fully electric cars is already underway, as battery technology improves, costs fall and charging infrastructure is put in place,” said Dr Mertens. “But while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet. To really make range anxiety a thing of the past, a globally standardised charging system is sorely needed.”

The Combined Charging System, which will offer both regular and fast-charging capabilities, makes electric car ownership increasingly practical and convenient – especially in urban environments, which are ideal for electric vehicles.

It combines single-phase with rapid three-phase charging, using alternating current at a maximum of 43 kilowatts (kW), as well as direct-current charging at a maximum of 200 kW and the future possibility of up to 350 kW – all in a single system.

The Charging Interface Initiative is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the globe.

“We are very happy to support and be involved in the setting of standards for electric vehicle charging systems. The lack of such a standard is one of the main obstacles for growing electric vehicles’ share of the market,” said Dr Mertens.

Volvo Cars, which has a rich heritage of research and development in electric vehicles stretching back more than 40 years, is one of the leading car makers in the field of plug-in hybrids with its Twin Engine technology. Already now, one in five of all Volvo XC90s sold is a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.

“Our Twin Engine technology offers the low emissions, silence, convenience and performance of a pure electric car, combined with the range of a conventional powertrain. It offers the benefits of electrification already today,” added Dr Mertens.


Hyundai offers free steering locks to combat TikTok thefts

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co. will distribute free steering-wheel locks in the US and upgrade anti-theft software on 4 million vehicles after a spate of TikTok-inspired car thefts.

The viral videos target Hyundais and Kias that lack an electronic-security feature - called an engine immobilizer - that keeps the car from being started without a key. So far this year, New York police have arrested 109 suspects for thefts of certain models of Kia and Hyundai cars.

The South Korean carmaker said engine immobilisers have been standard on all Hyundai and Kia cars since November 2021.

A free software upgrade to prevent the method of theft involved in the viral videos has been rolled out to 1 million customers, and a further 3 million drivers will be eligible for the upgrade in coming weeks, Hyundai said in a statement today.

It will also reimburse customers who have bought steering wheel locks and continues to provide steering locks to law enforcement agencies to distribute to local residents who own or lease affected models, it added. More than 23,000 locks have been distributed, Kia said in a separate statement.

"Hyundai Motor America is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products,” the automaker said.

At least 20 state attorneys in the US have sent letters to Hyundai and Kia to urge the automakers to enhance anti-theft measures, with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reporting that 80% of all vehicles stolen in its district last year were Kia or Hyundai models.

"We thank the Attorneys General for the opportunity to let them know what we have done and will continue to do to combat this rise in car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it,” Kia said in its statement.


Kia Optima EX launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia has introduced the refreshed Optima EX priced at RM139,888 (on-the-road without insurance).

The Optima EX is the entry-level variant that joins the RM169,888 turbocharged Optima GT.

“The Optima EX with upgraded features makes a good addition to our Optima range with its bold style, performance and added feature and the Around View Monitor (AVM) system which is not found in the predecessor,” said Datuk Samson Anand
George, group chief executive officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

Powered by naturally aspirated Nu 2.0L CVVL engine, the Optima EX features a 6-speed automatic transmission for better fuel efficiency and improved driving dynamics.

The Optima EX engine makes 161hp and 196Nm of torque, while the Optima GT's  2.0 T-GDi powerplant doles out 242hp and 350Nm of torque.

Running on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Optima EX is fitted with new features such as LED headlamps, fog lamps and rear combination lamps.

Convenience come in the form of power memory for the driver seat, electric parking brake, smart key, push start button and a large 7.0-inch colour screen display, audio compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The AVM uses four cameras located at the front, rear, left and right of the car. This system provides the driver with a 360-degree view of his car’s surroundings, making parking manoeuvre easier.

The Optima EX is available in Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl and Platinum Graphite among others.


Peak gasoline demand looms with engine efficiency gains

                LONDON: Demand for gasoline in the United States, which accounts for a tenth of global oil consumption, is expected to peak next year as engines become more efficient, WoodMackenzie analysts said.

Global demand for gasoline, which accounts for more than a quarter of the world's oil consumption, is set to peak as early as 2021 even in the face of relentless growth in the vehicle fleet, according to the Edinburgh-based consultancy.

A rise in the number of hybrid and electric cars such as the Nissan LEAF, Toyota Prius and Tesla as well as tighter fuel standards in Europe and the United States will contribute to a historic shift in consumption.

The United States saw spectacular growth in gasoline demand following the collapse in oil prices in 2014 and as its economy recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, reaching a record high of 9.326 million barrels per day last year.

Gasoline demand is expected to grow to peak of around 9.45 million tonnes in 2017 and remain largely unchanged in 2018 before slipping to 9.28 million tonnes in the following year, according to WoodMac.

"We expect gasoline engine efficiency to continue to improve through better deployment of batteries in hybrid vehicles," WoodMac analyst Alan Gelder said.

An expected recovery in oil prices in coming years is also expected to curtail demand growth, he added.

At its peak, global gasoline demand is expected to reach 25.89 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2021, accounting for roughly a quarter of oil demand.

The decline in US and European gasoline consumption will mask a steady expansion in demand in Asia, where most of the global increase in the vehicle fleet will take place.

While engine efficiencies increase, the global gasoline car fleet is expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2025 to above 1 billion vehicles, according to WoodMac.

Vitol, the world's top oil trader, last month said it expected global demand for gasoline and diesel to peak in 2027-2028.

The question of when oil demand will reach its apex has been one of the most central and divisive for the industry, which faces the prospect of a world almost free of fossil fuels by the end of the century if a UN-backed plan to stem global warming is enforced.

Some companies, including Royal Dutch Shell, the world's second-largest oil and gas company, say oil demand could peak in the 2030s. The International Energy Agency, the West's energy watchdog, expects oil consumption to grow in the foreseeable future, albeit at much slower rates.

"We still see global oil demand growing but the role of transportation shrinks," Gelder said.

Growth will be driven by the petrochemical sector, which uses oil feedstocks to produce plastics, as well as demand for diesel and gasoil from the commercial transportation sector, particularly buses, ships and planes, he added.

The world's car fleet, including diesel cars and trucks, is set to grow by some 20 percent to 1.32 billion by 2025, according to WoodMac.

But the pace is expected to drop sharply compared to historic rates.

"Traditionally we had (annual) oil demand growth north of 1 million barrels per day. We are transitioning over the next decade to growth of around 500,000 bpd a year," Gelder said.


DS 7 Crossback SUV rolls in at RM200K

                PETALING JAYA: Naza Euro Motors, the sole distributor for DS in Malaysia, has officially launched the new DS 7 Crossback sport utility vehicle (SUV) which now takes aim at premium makes.

As a single variant (Performance Line), this French SUV is being locally assembled in Gurun, Kedah, with an on-the-road price-tag (without insurance) of RM199,888 and comes with four colour choices of Nera Black, Pearl White, Absolute Red and Platinum Grey.

Warranty is a five-year or 120,000km warranty (whichever comes first) where new owners will have access to the Subang Skypark SkyLounge as well as a newly-launched suite of "DS Only You" services that includes DS At Your Service concierge services, DS Assistance - 24-hour roadside assistance, access to MyDS smartphone application and the DS Valet which handles local collection and delivery for servicing.

Sitting on Groupe PSA's Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), the DS 7 has a 2,738mm-wheelbase and measures in at 4,573mm-long, 1,906mm-wide and 1,625mm-tall while hiding a 1.6-litre (1,598cc) turbocharged engine under the hood that produces 165hp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1,400rpm.

The front-wheel driven power is managed by a six-speed automatic transmission (EAT6) with Electric Impulse Auto Gear Control and paddle-shifters while rolling on 19-inch "Beijing" Onyx Black alloy wheels with 235/50 series tyres that allow it to cruise at a top speed of 220kph while carrying 555 to 1,752 litres (with rear seats folded) of cargo in the boot.

Externally, the DS 7 has been fitted with LEDs for the front Active Vision headlights (with five beam-modes of Town Beam, Country Beam, Motorway Beam, Adverse Weather and High Beam), rear light clusters and daytime running lights.

The cabin takes on 'The Spirit of Avant-Garde' styling with an 8.0inch central touchscreen for the 14-speaker Focal Electra HiFi audio system that comes with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Mirrorlink that makes up the DS Connect.

Occupants will note the ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloche trim finish for the toggle switches, the French watchmaker's BRM R180 Chronograph at the centre of the dashboard, chrome accents, ‘Basalt Black’ grained Alcantara upholstery with Carmine/Gold topstitching, aluminium pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and grab handles as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The DS 7 has been given the full five-star crash rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) with its six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, emergency brake assist.

Also included are electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, anti-skid regulation, dynamic stability control, driver attention warning, ISOFIX anchor points and a passenger detection system.

“The DS 7 Crossback is a model we have been anticipating to introduce in Malaysia. Its arrival signifies a new milestone for the DS brand in Malaysia, after having come a long way since first stepping foot in Malaysıa in 2013," said Naza Corporation Holdings group executive chairman and CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

The company targets to sell 100 units of the DS 7 Crossback Performance Line SUV for the remainder of the year and is confident it will be able to achieve this.


Lamborghini hailed best employer for seventh consecutive year

                ROME: For the seventh consecutive year, Automobili Lamborghini has received the prestigious “Top Employer Italia 2020” certification.

This award was given by the Top Employers Institute, a global certification body for companies that achieve the highest quality standards in their human resource management policies.

The certification recognizes Lamborghini’s strategic approach to human resource management, based on the enhancement of individual skills on one hand, and the promotion of social values and ethical corporate responsibility on the other.

The innovative projects that led to Lamborghini’s certification, placing the company in the ranks of the most attractive employers, supported the phase of major expansion and change brought about by the introduction of the Urus Super SUV.

The company doubled in volumes, turnover, and space occupied, along with a substantial increase in employee numbers, reaching over 1,800 by the end of 2019: up 62% over the last five years.

The 100-plus new hires last year were well balanced between administrative staff and production line employees, and further lowered the average employee age, currently under 39 years old.

“The company represents new levels of social innovation and services provided to the community and country, guaranteeing its people opportunities for personal and professional growth as well as the redistribution of resources towards welfare and family support services.

 Tossini

"This is carried out within a framework in which the individual search for meaning merges with the collective sense of organizational belonging,” said Automobili Lamborghini chief human capital officer Umberto Tossini.

New processes and levels of activity were accompanied by the development of innovative projects in diversity and inclusion.

In the area of diversity governance, a pilot reverse mentoring project was launched recently, aimed at reducing the generation gap in the company, where 60% of the employees are from 21 to 39 years of age.

This stimulates the transfer of knowledge across the junior employees and senior professionals, with a view to continuously improve skills and the inclusion of newcomers.

In terms of gender diversity, Lamborghini applies a policy of equal pay for female and male employees with equal qualifications and duties.

With the renewal of the supplementary contract, numerous initiatives have been introduced in favor of equal parenting, which also financially rewards new mothers with an increase in the supplementary allowance during the optional maternity leave period.

The company’s corporate social responsibility program promotes volunteer initiatives involving employees who want to support the projects managed by the humanitarian NGO EMERGENCY as part of its “Italy Program”.

In creating a link between the world of business and the social world, these initiatives aim to stimulate the spread of participatory and responsible culture among employees.

Along the same lines is a particularly innovative professional development program, the only one of its kind in Italy, introduced by the company’s supplementary contract, which provides for a number of training sessions on the Italian Constitution, with the aim of further disseminating its principles and guiding vision with respect to economic and social contexts.

Added to this are campaigns aimed at promoting greater awareness and culture in relation to sustainability.

These diverse initiatives range from the company restaurant that is now plastic-free to meetings with leading figures in the world of sustainability in collaboration with the Climate Reality Project, a non-profit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change.


2018 Toyota Harrier: Full specs and two trims from RM238,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor has started deliveries for the 2018 Toyota Harrier, which comes in two trim levels priced at RM238,000 (Premium trim) and RM259,900 (Luxury trim).

Prices are on-the-road (including GST, without insurance).

Buyers enjoy a full 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty as well as nationwide aftersales support with ready availability of genuine parts.

Extra features for the Harrier 2.0T Luxury include an electrochromic rearview mirror (reduces dazzle automatically), a memory setting for the driver seat and a seat ventilation system which keeps the front seat occupant’s body cool, and a nanoe generator to give a healthier environment in the cabin.

Nanoe ions (nanoe is a term combining ‘nano-technology’ and ‘electric’) are moist ions and especially beneficial to hair and skin.

Released from the vent on the driver’s side, the ions spread throughout the cabin.

MORE PHOTOS:
New Toyota Harrier previewed, to go on sale in 2018 from RM238K

The 18-inch alloy rims are standard fitment while the Harrier 2.0T Luxury also gets a panoramic moonroof, power-operated boot, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

This is the first time that the Harrier is officially available through authorised Toyota outlets in the country and it joins the Vellfire and Alphard in the CBU (completely built-up) range imported from Japan.

"As the earlier generations were intended only for the Japanese domestic market, we were unable to sell them officially. However, Toyota Motor Corp has now decided to offer it outside Japan and we are among the first countries to sell it officially,” said Ravindran K., president of UMW Toyota Motor.

The 2018 Harrier has a sharp aerodynamically-angled grille and incorporates a hawk emblem.

LEDs are used for the headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, cornering lamps, foglamps and rear combinations lamps.

The front signals show the driver’s intention to turn left or right, or change lanes, by a sequential display of lights.

The fully imported Harrier 2.0T has a 2-litre 8AR-FTS petrol engine with a twin scroll turbocharger.

This engine features D-4ST direct fuel-injection and a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) system.

Pre-Crash System

Owners of the new Harrier will be well protected by the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Package, a suite of Active Safety systems available in a Toyota model in Malaysia for the first time.

Pre-Crash System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-Beam System are part of the TSS Package.

The Pre-Crash System helps to reduce collisions with vehicles ahead.

Active between 15 km/h and 180 km/h, it uses a radar sensor working with a camera to monitor the road ahead.

If there is a possibility of a collision, the driver will first be warned by a buzzer and message.

Depending on the speed the vehicle is going at, Pre-Collision Brake Assist will be activated to increase braking pressure if the driver presses the brake pedal.

Should no action appear to be taken by the driver to reduce the vehicle’s speed, Pre-Collision Braking immediate begins and automatic activation of the 4-disc brakes will take place.

Even if a collision cannot be avoided, the Pre-Crash System can help to reduce the impact and effects of the accident.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control is a more intelligent type of cruise control.

Available from speeds of 50 km/h, the system uses a radar sensor for monitoring.

If a vehicle is detected ahead which is slower and the set cruising speed is higher, then the speed of the Harrier will be reduced automatically so as to maintain a safe gap between the vehicles.

Once the vehicle ahead is no longer present, the set cruising speed will be resumed.

The driver can manually set the gap between vehicles in three different levels.

As with all cruise control systems, deactivation occurs immediately when the brake pedal is pressed.

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist keeps the vehicle within the lane and works in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control radar.

If the vehicle deviates from the centre of the lane, the system will apply a small amount of adjustment on the steering system to create a counter-force that will keep the vehicle within the lane.

The system is active at speeds of 50 km/h or more and on lanes that are at least 3 metres wide.

Other safety systems include 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (flashes the rear hazard warning lamps to warn following drivers in an emergency braking situation), Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Brake Hold, and Parking Sensors with Reverse Camera.
2018 Toyota Harrier 2.0T (Premium) at RM238,000

- 1,998cc Twin-scroll Turbocharged, In-line 4-Cylinders, 16-Valve DOHC with VVT-iW
- 231ps at 5,200rpm to 5,600rpm
- 350Nm at 1,650rpm to 4,000rpm
- 6-Speed Automatic with Super ECT
- 235/55R18 tyres
- Temporary spare tyre
- Fuel Tank: 60 litres
- Headlamps: Automatic Bi-LED with Sequential Turn Signal
- LED Cornering lamps,
- LED Daytime running lights
- LED Front fog lamps
- DVD Player with 7-inch Capacitive Touch Screen, Smartphone Connectivity, Wi-Fi, Internet Browser
- Voice Recognition, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth
- Reverse Camera
- Smart Entry and Start System
- Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control with Capacitive Touch Control Panel
- Ultrasuede seats
- Powered front seats
- Power Lumbar Support: 2 Way
- Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film
- Steering Column: 4-way Power Adjustable with Auto Tilt Away
- Pre-crash System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)
- 7 Airbags
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRC)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Automatic Brake Hold
- Front and rear parking sensors
2018 Toyota Harrier 2.0T (Luxury) at RM259,900

- Panoramic Moonroof
- Power Back Door
- Rain-sensing Wipers
- NanoE ion generator for cabin
- Premium Nappa Leather seats
- Memory function for driver's seat
- Power Lumbar Support: 4 Way
- Ventilated front Seats
- Electrochromic Rear View Mirror
- Illuminated Scuff Plate
Optional Accessories

- Navigation System (RM1,272 with GST)
- Tonneau Cover (RM1,590 with GST)
Four colours:

- White Pearl Crystal Shine (extra RM848 with GST)
- Dark Blue Mica Metallic
- Silver Metallic
- Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine (extra RM848 with GST)


Renault treats four lucky winners to a meal delivered by their favourite celebrity in a Koleos

                KUALA LUMPUR: TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, recently treated four lucky winners from its #MYFineDineDelivery contest to an exquisite French cuisine experience at Yeast Bistronomy - all delivered right to their doorstep with a Koleos.

The event was made even more special with the arrival of two celebrities/influencers – Sissy Imann and Fiqrie Dahari, who personally delivered the winners’ exclusive French gourmet meals.

The four winning entries were selected and the winners could choose which personality they preferred for their delivery.

Wan Rogayah Wan Muhamad and Nur Arofah binti Hassan selected singer-songwriter Sissy Imann while Kalaivinothini Kumanan and Alice Ong Siew Khoon picked social media influencer Fiqrie Dahari.

On the delivery day, both celebrities were each driven in Renault’s flagship sports utility vehicle – the Koleos, to collect and deliver the winners’ meals.

The company assured that the famous duo remained safe by ensuring proper hygiene was practised and that face masks were donned at all times.

The Renault #MYFineDineDelivery campaign was a photo contest that ran on Instagram from June 10 to 21.

Participants stood the chance to win simply by following @RenaultMalaysia on Instagram and submitting a photo of a Raya meal in their best ‘fine dine’ style.

In the photo caption, participants had to name their dish and select the celebrity they preferred by hashtagging either #sissyiman or #fiqrieme.

The final step was for participants to tag @RenaultMalaysia and #MYFineDelivery to their post.

The campaign was simply designed to raise awareness about the French carmaker's Concierge Service, which
offers free door-to-door delivery for Renault customers within the Klang Valley.

Customers can easily access the service online via the Renault E-Store.

For more information, log on to www.renault.com.my or call 1800-18-8663 (Monday – Sunday, 8.00am – 8.00pm).


Last Lamborghini Aventador and its virtual NFT version up for auction

                PARIS: Lamborghini has announced that it will be selling an NFT to accompany the last Aventador LP 780-4 Coupe to roll off the production line.

The whole lot will be sold at auction by RM Sotheby's, starting April 19 to 21. Bidding can also be made directly on the RM Sotheby's website.

The NFT takes the form of a virtual work, created by the artist Krista Kim, who specialises in digital artworks and the metaverse.

It is a virtual reproduction of the car, customised by the contemporary artist, and accompanied by exclusive sounds from DJ Steve Aoki.

An NFT is a unique certified digital token, which guarantees its exclusive nature.

For the Italian carmaker, this sale symbolises not only a switch to fully electric production —first hybrid then 100% electric — but also, more symbolically, its arrival in a new digital era, that of the metaverse.

Only one buyer will be able to own this NFT.  The buyer will also have access to the brand's VIP services, which include exclusive virtual previews of the brand's future models, as well as a private tour of the Lamborghini Museum in Italy.

The sale will take place from April 19 to 21, 2022. It will, of course, be possible to bid directly on the RM Sotheby's website.

As for the real car, the final edition is known fittingly as the Aventador Ultimae. It will be sold at starting prices upwards of €400,000 (RM1.8mil) in a limited run of 250 roadsters and 350 coupés, dpa cited the car maker as saying.

Recognisable from the outside mainly by new colour combinations and on the inside by the limited edition badge, the Ultimae houses a longitudinally mounted V12 engine in the rear.

This Lambo is squeezing every last drip of power from its engine, and has pushed its horsepower to 780hp from the 6.5 litres engine, the maker say.

Driven by all four wheels as standard, the final Aventador accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 2.8 seconds and reaches up to 355kph.

You're not paying for a lower carbon footprint, however, and Lamborghini puts fuel consumption at 19.6 litres and CO2 emissions of 452 g/km. What climate change?

But Lamborghini says work has already started on a more frugal successor to the Aventador with a hybrid drive.


Porsche and Ericsson launch 5G research network

                LEIPZIG: Porsche has teamed up with Swedish mobile network supplier Ericsson to launch a 5G research network at its Leipzig factory.

This is the first 5G research network in a Porsche production environment.

The 5G research network enables the secure transmission of signals in real time. The independent 5G research network uses a private frequency spectrum, but is based on the same technology used in commercial networks.

Networking, digitalisation and automation are shaping not only the vehicles, but also the production processes of the future.

The 5G research network in place here makes it possible to test a variety of systems in the production context that would benefit from a switch to wireless communication, and the mobility enabled by it, in a risk-free and flexible manner.

Specialists are already turning their attention to a first concrete use case.

The pilot project in the technology cell of the Macan body shop is working on the wireless transmission of robot signals.

In this use case, process devices on a robot are controlled via 5G rather than wires. The experience that Porsche is gaining here will provide a foundation for future automation concepts.

“These 5G tests are an important step for the Leipzig factory towards the production practises of the future. The pilot area in the Macan body shop provides us with an outstanding opportunity to test use cases in the production environment”, said Gerd Rupp, chairman of the management board of Porsche Leipzig GmbH.

READ MORE: Proton partners Maxis in 5G collab for Tanjung Malim factory


Watch and get into the mind of designer Chip Foose

                SAN DIEGO: US exhaust systems specialist MagnaFlow has announced the release of its latest video spotlight, “The Sound of Passion,” which features car design sifu and artist Chip Foose.

You may recall Foose as the guy behind the hit television series, “Overhaulin’” which continued to attract more fans and build his legacy through the years.

Foose, who is already an inductee into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame, will be recognised as the show’s Builder of the Decade at the 2019 show taking place this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona near Los Angeles.

The nearly five-minute long video puts viewers in the mind of Foose as he narrates and introspectively looks back on his life and career thus far, examining how he got to where he is today.

After 31 years of design, Chip Foose has solidified his name as one of the most prominent and well-known automotive designers and builders of the modern era.

In the wake of his father, Sam Foose’s, passing, the video places viewers in the mind of Foose and allows them to experience first-hand the calling Foose felt for automotive design from a young age.

He attended the Art Center College of Design where he continued to hone his craft.

After working as the staff designer/fabricator for the Asha Corporation where he was ultimately promoted to director of design, Foose officially started his own company, Foose Design, in 1989.

Since the formation of Foose Design, he has continued to sketch and build eye-catching vehicles.


Bugatti Veyron: A tribute to speed

                PARIS: The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was the first series production car to break the 400kph barrier 15 years ago.

It hit 407kph. This had never been achieved before with a series production car.

The French luxury maker of hyper sports cars was the first series manufacturer to achieve this record, which still stands today, with the Veyron 16.4.

The first hyper sports car was designed for a power output of over 1,000 PS, to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in under 3 seconds, and to drive faster than 406kph.

It was powered by an engine completely developed from scratch: W16 with 16 cylinders, with a displacement of 8.0 litres, and four turbochargers.

The 1,001 PS output and 1,250Nm of torque were distributed by a newly developed, seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) to a permanent all-wheel drive.

The Veyron 16.4 accelerated from 0 to 100kph in 2.5 seconds. No other series production vehicle could accelerate that fast in 2005.

The hyper sports car reached a speed of 200kph in 7.3 seconds, and 300kph in 16.7 seconds.

However, the main development goal was the top speed of 407kph. No other series production vehicle had been able to break the magical 400kph barrier before.

The engineer and the driving force behind Bugatti, Ferdinand Karl Piëch, developed the legendary Porsche 917.

The racing car had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time for Porsche in the 1960s and drove with a top speed of 406kph on the Hunaudières Straight. The Veyron was to drive even faster.

"Bugatti has been at the pinnacle of automotive engineering for over 110 years. With the Veyron 16.4, Bugatti not only unveiled what can be called the world’s first hyper sports car in 2005, but also achieved an unbelievable speed record", said Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann.

"Even 15 years after the record, it is still a car of sheer power, speed and elegance in a timeless design. An icon of automotive history."

The car broke two further records in the following years.

In June 2010, the enhanced Veyron 16.4 Super Sport even topped that performance. Its engine produced 1,200 PS and propelled the hyper sports car to speeds of up to 431kph.

Behind the steering wheel was the French racing driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel, once again claiming the world record as the fastest street-legal series production vehicle.

In April 2013, the open-top Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse set yet another speed record: reaching 408.84kph, becoming the world’s fastest street-legal roadster.

This wasn't the last speed record that Bugatti would break.

In 2019, Bugatti was the first manufacturer to exceed the 300mph (482.8kph) mark with the latest Chiron Super Sport 300+.

At the same time, Bugatti set a new speed record at 304.7mph (490.4kph).

Bugatti's speed records remain today as milestones in automotive history.


VW's Traton and TuSimple team up on self-driving trucks

                MUNICH: Volkswagen's Traton commercial truck unit and self-driving technology startup TuSimple will team up to develop self-driving trucks, the companies said on Wednesday.

Traton has also taken a minority stake in TuSimple, a San Diego, California-based self-driving technology company focused on heavy-duty trucks, as part of the deal.

The partnership is the first of its kind in Europe, bringing together a global OEM and SAE level 4 self-driving technology company.

Both companies have launched a development programme to operate the first SAE level 4 autonomous hub-to-hub route between Södertälje to Jönköping in Sweden using Scania trucks.

TuSimple has already been trying out its technology since 2015 with several million test kilometres on public roads and is a leading developer of autonomous driving, for example in the fields of perception and night vision.

Traton’s goal is to test driverless truck fleets on roads throughout Sweden, Germany and other
countries. This could serve as a means of counteracting the increasing lack of drivers in the medium term. Experts estimate a shortage of around 60,000 drivers in Germany alone. — Additional reporting by Reuters


Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback and A 35 sedan: A flashy or mature choice

                After establishing a solid foundation and following for its mainstream luxury models, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia seems intent on building up the appeal of the niche high-performance Mercedes-AMG line-up.

While the larger Mercedes-AMG sedans and sports utility vehicle (SUVs) are still considered expensive, compact models from the A Class appears to strike a balance between easier entry pricing while delivering AMG performance.

Arguably the “cheapest” true-blue Mercedes-AMG offering available locally, the A 35 4Matic sedan and the A 35 4Matic Edition 1 hatchback, costing RM336,277 and RM366,785 respectively, on-the-road without insurance and without SST.

Based on the current A Class sedan (V177) and hatchback (W177) generation, the Mercedes-AMG variants get a huge upgrade in performance, styling and panache.

For a start, both cars arrive with aggressive and more hunkered-down styling with black highlights, twin louvre radiator grille, front splitter, front air intakes with flics, side aprons, rear diffuser and spoiler as well as larger 19-inch wheels with cross-drilled front 350mm brake discs.

The body of the cars have also been made stiffer and more robust, introducing elements such as an aluminium sheer plate below the engine and additional front diagonal bracing for quicker turn-in during high-speed road or track driving.

The strong sporty cues are also felt inside with the flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel, sporty seats, as well as plenty of Artico and Dinamica upholstery, and quality metallic inserts.

The dashboard is highlighted by a pair of 10.25-inch display screens and the cars also get the latest MBUX voice-operated system and centre console touchpad in the regular A Class line-up.

The A 35 models also feature an AMG display menu where the driver can access engine data, coolant temperature and G-force, among others.

Adding more excitement are the turbine-styled air vents and the 64-colour ambient lighting that can turn the interior into a disco-like scene during night driving.

With the sedan and hatchback having the same wheelbase of 2,729mm, the front and rear leg room are similar and should be just enough for vehicles of this segment.

However, the A 35 sedan whose roofline slopes towards rear after the B-pillars for an elegant quasi coupe-ish look, has caused the rear passengers to have 16mm less headroom than those of the hatchback.

Overall, the rear seat to ceiling distance of 944mm still makes the A 35 sedan a practical vehicle for daily use.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that has been tuned to deliver 306hp and 400Nm of torque and mated to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G dual clutch transmission with 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Depending on the driving condition, the 4Matic system could be running the cars on front-wheel drive only to reduce fuel consumption or alter the torque distribution for up to 50:50 front and rear for optimum traction.

Both cars also come with five Dynamic Select driving modes of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual where the engine response, suspension stiffness, exhaust note or even transmission shifting strategies are pre-set.

While the engine powering both cars are the same, the lighter A 35 hatchback completes the 0-100kph sprint in 4.7 seconds and is 0.1 second quicker than the sedan.

Both cars have the same top speed which is electronically limited to 250kph.

Starting up both cars is joyous as they quickly fire up with a throaty growl before settling down to a purr.

Engage the gear selector to drive and the cars pick up speed quickly without the need to floor the accelerator even half way down.

When driven casually at Comfort drive mode, the exhaust note of both cars are a bit higher compared with typical family cars and this would be easily noticed by passers-by.

Switch to Sport+ mode and the engine feels livelier with a more invigorating and louder tone.

Floor the throttle and brutal acceleration is unleashed with noticeable firecracker-like pops from the exhausts during gearshifts.

Those familiar with Mercedes-AMG models will know that their suspension set-up are stiffer compared with their luxury and comfort-oriented Mercedes-Benz siblings.

Even though the A 35 models came with adaptive adjustable damping to aid ride comfort, going fast on pothole-riddled roads is strongly discouraged.

The harder suspension, on the other hand, improved high-speed handling and cornering, making both cars extremely fun and enjoyable on straight highways and twisty trunk roads.

Steering is precise and responsive, giving high levels of confidence when making quick lane changing manoeuvres.

Compared with the A 35 hatchback that uses perforated Nappa leather on the steering wheel, the A 35 sedan’s Nappa leather and suede-like Dinamica combination is more pleasant to touch and allows for better grip.

But the A 35 hatchback has justification for its higher price over the A 35 sedan - it gets front AMG Performance Seats with higher side bolsters that not only offer better hold on the front occupants during boisterous driving but also shout more sporty vibes.

The A 35 hatchback also gets a larger rear spoiler that is more eye-catching compared with the simpler unit on the A 35 sedan’s boot lid.

Overall, features are extensive and include airbags, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Adaptive Brake Lights, Blind Spot Assist and Cruise Control among others.

Also available are KEYLESS-GO, Parking Package with reverse camera, PRE-SAFE System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, sat-nav, Advanced Sound System, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services.

Both A 35 models offer similar levels of thrills. It all depends on the buyer’s preference. The hatchback is certainly flashier while the sedan is more mature, practical with a bigger 420-litre boot and is around RM30,000 cheaper.

SPECIFICATIONSMercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic Edition 1 HatchbackAcceleration (0-100kph): 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 250kph (electronically limited)
Fuel consumption: 7.3-7.4 litre per 100km
Boot space: 370 litres
Price: RM366,785 (on-the-road without insurance and without SST)

Our Ratings

Overall score 8.1
Styling 8.5
Comfort 7.5
Performance 9
Safety 8
Value 7.5

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic SedanAcceleration (0-100kph): 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 250kph (electronically limited)
Fuel consumption: 7.3 litre per 100km
Boot: 420 litres
Price: RM336,277 (on-the-road without insurance and without SST)

Our Ratings

Overall score 8.1
Styling 8
Comfort 7.5
Performance 9
Safety 8
Value 8

Engine: 1,991cc, four-inline cylinder, dual camshafts, turbocharged
Maximum power: 306hp at 5,800rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm from 3,000–4,000rpm
Transmission: AMG Speedshift DCT 7G, 4Matic all-wheel drive
Features: Airbags including knee airbag, suspension with Adaptive Damping System, Dynamic Select, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, AMG bodystyling, electrically folding exterior mirrors, Multibeam LED, Aluminium AMG Design Trim Elements, ambient lighting, AMG Performance steering wheel with control buttons/switches, Artico leather/Dinamica microfibre seats, auto dimming mirror, electric adjustable front seats with memory function, Thermotronic Climate Control, centre console Touchpad, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Adaptive Brake Lights, Blind Spot Assist, Cruise Control, KEYLESS-GO, Parking Package with reverse camera, PRE-SAFE System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, MBUX Multimedia System, sat-nav, Advanced Sound System, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Communications module (LTE) for Mercedes me connect services, 19-inch wheel


Assisted driving systems struggle with collision tests, says study

                DETROIT: Assisted driving systems installed in Tesla Inc, Hyundai Motor Co and Subaru Corp vehicles failed to avoid head-on collisions in testing done by American Automobile Association (AAA), though Tesla's Autopilot system did slow the vehicle to a walking speed before striking an oncoming, foam model of a car.

The AAA, a US consumer and travel services organisation, said the tests illustrate how current assisted driving and automated braking systems fall short of true autonomous driving, and require drivers to stay in control of vehicles.

A fast-growing number of new vehicles are equipped with Automated Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, that partially automate functions such as steering, staying in a lane and braking.

Tesla's Autopilot is one of the best-known such systems, but most major automakers offer similar technology. Regulators, auto insurers and automakers warn that ADAS systems cannot safely substitute for a human driver's full attention.

In their latest study of the limitations of assisted driving technology, researchers for AAA set up four scenarios for the three tested models: Overtaking a dummy car travelling in the same direction as the tested vehicle; overtaking a dummy cyclist heading in the same direction; confronting a dummy car on a head-on collision course at 40kph; and avoiding a dummy bicycle rider crossing the test car's path.

All three tested vehicles detected and avoided hitting the dummy vehicles and cyclists travelling in the same direction, ahead of the tested vehicles, AAA said.

But the Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru Forester did not appear to detect or slow to avoid colliding with the foam dummy vehicle during a simulated head-on collision, AAA said.

The Model 3 did automatically hit its brakes when it detected the oncoming dummy car, slowing to 3.2 miles per hour or slower before colliding with the dummy car.

Tesla did not reply with comments on the study. Hyundai said in a statement it "is reviewing the findings in AAA's report as part of our ongoing commitment to customer safety."

Subaru is looking into the AAA test to understand the methodology and does not have a detailed response at this time, spokesman Dominick Infante said in an email. The automaker has improved its EyeSight assisted driving system for the 2022 model year Forester, he added.

AAA said a Subaru Forester it tested failed to detect a simulated bicycle rider crossing its path in five test runs. A Tesla Model 3 and a Hyundai Santa Fe did see and brake for a dummy cyclist crossing their paths.


King Long Kingo van offers power and value

                KLANG: The King Long Kingo van is another value for money offering from China Auto Manufacturers (M) Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Sendok Group.

The 15-seater 3.0-litre diesel-powered premium van is the latest addition to the group's locally-assembled Chinese van range.

Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan officated the recent launch of the King Long Kingo van at the group's headquarters in Jalan Kapar, Klang.

"It is the most powerful van among its peers. It is aimed at the corporate, travel and tours market," said group chairman Datuk Emran Kadir.

Emran also pointed out that Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co Ltd is a renowned bus and van manufacturer in China.

It has a five-speed manual transmission and is powered by a 3.0-litre 16-valve DOHC common rail diesel turbo intercooler engine that has a maximum power output of 144hp at 3,400rpm and torque of 370Nm at 2,000rpm.

The King Long Kingo comes with projection headlamps with LED lights, front fog lamps and powered windows, electric wing mirrors, tiltable steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels, ion air purifier, an LCD screen with DVD player and six speakers, as well as a reverse camera.

For more comfort, the cabin has two rear roof lamps, and its rear air-conditioning comes with nine air-vents.

Safety features include ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), brake assist, anti-glare rear view mirror and rear reverse sensor with distance buzzer.

The on-the-road price (private registration, including insurance) of the van is RM115,229.90.

It is open for pre-order where vehicles will be delivered from April 1, 2015 onwards.

For orders received from January 17 till February 16, 2015, China Auto Manufacturers is giving RM2,000 free fuel voucher and free luxury seats (or rebate of RM3,000).

The King Long Kingo van comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), and free towing services during the warranty period.

 Middle console box with 3 cup holders.

China Auto Manufacturers has more than 50 appointed service dealers throughout Malaysia, and provides 24/7 breakdown service support.

Also present at the launch event was Sendok Group managing director Gwee Bok Wee, who said the group's locally-assembled Chinese van range had been well-received by the local market.

"In 2013, we sold about 500 to 600 vans. Last year, sales grew to close to 1,000 units. So, sales growth has been very strong," said Gwee.


Rolls-Royce confirms July launch for all-new Phantom flagship

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce is planning to reveal its latest limousine as the centrepiece of a special exhibition in London's Mayfair celebrating the history of the Phantom nameplate.

Rolls-Royce is curating a unique event, scheduled for July 27, that will showcase the all-new Phantom VIII and, for the first time in history, bring together what it considers the seven greatest historical examples of the Phantom ever built.

When the Phantom Mark I made its debut in 1925, its creators had just one goal in mind - to build the best car in the world. The resulting car did indeed set a new benchmark for comfort, elegance and reliability. For example, thanks to a 7.6 litre straight-six engine under its stretched hood it could cruise at 130kph when other cars would throw a rod trying to keep up and soon became the vehicle of choice for royalty and Hollywood stars.

 The Phantom.

Over the years, everyone from heads of state to military commanders and the Beatles have fallen for the Phantom's charms. And it is this connection with the highest echelons of society and of culture, and the symbol of ultimate success that the Rolls-Royce brand came to represent, that essentially helped the company survive through the fallow 1970s and 1980s when German premium automotive marques like Mercedes and BMW started coming into their own in terms of comfort, performance and reliability.

Over the past 92 years, there have only been seven iterations of the Phantom, and the Mark VI stayed in hand-built production for 22 years (1968-1990) before the nameplate was suspended.

When BMW bought the company at the turn of the millennium it announced it was bringing back the Phantom. And while the jetset and brand purists were skeptical, the resulting car, the Phantom VII, which made its debut in 2003 and only went out of production at the end of 2016, was the first Rolls-Royce to roll out of Goodwood for over three decades that really could comfortably claim to be "the best car in the world" and in line with the company's founding mantra - take the best, and make it better.

However, by setting its own standards so high, the new Phantom is going to have to be something incredibly special if it really is going to pick up where the last car left off.

Still, by organising such a huge, celebratory event to mark its launch, Rolls-Royce is clearly confident that the new car will have no problems in resetting the bespoke benchmark, yet again.

The Great Eight Phantoms will take place in Mayfair, London from July 27 and over the coming weeks, Rolls-Royce will reveal the story behind each individual Phantom selected to play a starring role at the event.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail

In a related development Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Sweptail, Rolls-Royce has redefined the automotive notion of bespoke and has thrown down the gauntlet to every carmaker that claims to offer super luxury vehicles.

The Sweptail is the most expensive car on the road with an estimated cost of US$10mil (RM43mil).

For that money, the owner gets a curved panoramic glass hatchback and hand-formed aluminum boattail, to the carbon fiber and leather attaché cases that deploy from hidden drawers inside the doors. Even the numberplates, front and rear are integral to the exterior, formed and hand polished from solid aluminum.

"Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of haute couture," said Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce's Director of Design. "It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer."


Mercedes Vision EQXX concept targets world's longest electric range at 1,200km

                FRANKFURT: One day, no one will bat an eyelid if an electric car can go 2,000km on a single charge. But for now any auto maker that can validate its electric car can travel 1,000km is reason for keen interest.

Daimler said last week it's working on just one such car with a claimed 1,207km of range. That's about the distance from Beijing to Shanghai.

Daimler told investors at a virtual strategy update that Mercedes engineers are working on a Vision EQXX concept whose avowed goal is to stretch the range to beyond 1,200km. No timeline was disclosed as to when the concept car would be revealed.

However, the next-generation technologies learnt from the Vision EQXX programme would be adapted for use in future series electric vehicles.

The exceptional range would be based on not just advanced battery tech but also efficiency gains, said Daimler.

Mercedes-Benz F1 HPP group in the UK has also been roped in to work on Vision EQXX because of their deep knowledge in electric motors and motorsports.

At present, the Lucid Air sedan has the longest electric range at 800km. It is followed by Tesla Model S at 610km and Tesla Model 3 at 560km.

READ MORE: What Daimler plans to do from here on


Almost 1,000 summonses issued in KL traffic ops over weekend

                KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic ops in the city over the weekend have led to nearly 1,000 summonses issued and 43 motorcycles seized for illegal modifications.

City Traffic Investigation and Enforcement chief Asst Comm Sarifudin Mohd Salleh said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 12) that six arrests were also made at road blocks in Duta Kiara and along the Duke Highway for drunk-driving and reckless driving,

"As a whole, the operation from Sept 10 to Sept 12 led to 984 summonses issued for various offences, as well as 43 motorcycles seized for exhaust modifications.

"The department will continue launching operations, especially on the weekends, to prevent road menaces and to ensure the safety of road users," he said.


A fresh batch for this weekend's GR Vios Sprint Cup

                SHAH ALAM: Almost half the grid from a total of 42 registered drivers will be made up of young drivers when Round 1 of the Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup gets going this weekend (May 5-7) at the Sepang International Circuit.

In only its second year being held, the GR Vios Sprint Cup is being held as part of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) and will consist of two one-hour races on Saturday and Sunday.

Two-driver teams will be competing in three generations of Vios vying for total prize monies amounting to RM60,000 per race weekend.

Held independently of the Vios Challenge, the GR Vios Sprint Cup retains the format of a one-make series, meaning everyone will be taking to the track in identically race-prepared Toyota Vios with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres and fuel.

This levels the playing field and emphasises on race craft, driving skills and experience.

The rules also state that Tier-1 or seeded drivers be paired with new or novice drivers.

The overall champion in each of the two races at the GR Vios Sprint Cup stands to win RM10,000 cash, followed by RM8,000 for the first runner up, RM6,000 to the third place winner, and RM4,000 and RM2,000 for the fourth and fifth place winners respectively.

In total, the Vios Sprint Cup offers prize monies amounting to RM60,000 per round.

The charge of young drivers will be led by former and new recruits in the Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Program.

They include former Rookie champions Naquib Azlan and Nabil Azlan, Amer Harris, Putera Adam, Jwan Hi, Mika Hakimi, and current and Season 6 rookies Ariff Azmi and Azriel Azhar.

The grid will also be made up of young drivers Inigo Anton, Abdul Miqail, Muhammad Alif Shawqi,Amirul Haikal, Mitchell Cheah, Aaron Haikal, Amir Mirza, Timothy Yeo, and Ashen Shanmuganathan.

The race weekend will also see Ashen teaming up with his father Shanmuganathan Arumugam competing for the Kashash Vina Motorsports Racing Team, while on paper, the most formidable pair appears to be Laser Motor Racing’s Eddie Lew who will be partnered up with Amer Harris.

Race 1 of the GR Vios Sprint Cup on Saturday will see both drivers driving in two separate qualifying sessions, with the faster driver required to start the 1-hour race before making a mandatory pit stop for a driver change.

In Race 2 on Sunday which will start as a reverse grid order based on the results of Race 1, the slower driver of the pair will start the 1-hour race and again required to make a mandatory pit stop.

Both races will be a rolling-start format.

UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ravindran K said the race series has been a phenomenal journey to bring more young drivers into Malaysia’s circuit racing scene.

“The Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Program has been at the epicenter of these efforts, but the format of a one-make race series and a level playing field which extends throughout the Vios Challenge, Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup have also been instrumental in attracting a larger pool of young drivers,” said Ravindran.

“It is equally fulfilling to see these young drivers move on to excel in more competitive series beyond that organised by Toyota, with some not only competing in the MCS but also abroad.

“Overall, events like the Vios Challenge, Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup have proven effective in not only exposing but preparing young drivers for sprint, semi-endurance and endurance racing on an accelerated platform as they move up the motorsports ladder,” he said.

The GR Vios Sprint Cup will feature 2 rounds this year with Round 2 scheduled for June 23-25, also to be held at the Sepang International Circuit.

Fans can head to Sepang International Circuit this weekend or tune in to live broadcast on www.toyota.com.my and UMW Toyota’s Facebook page.


Daimler's designated chairman Zetsche renounces job

                FRANKFURT: Daimler’s Dieter Zetsche will not seek to become chairman of the German carmaker’s supervisory board, he told Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper.

Zetsche, 67, a former chief executive of the company which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, was due to take a seat as chairman on the board of directors, which in Germany is known as the supervisory board.

“Naturally I would like to have done the job. I also believe I would have done it well. But in the end I decided that I do not want it, that I renounce this opportunity,” Zetsche is quoted as telling the paper.

“We acknowledge Dr Zetsche’s decision with great respect,” a Daimler spokesman said.

Zetsche said Daimler’s top investors would have backed him to succeed Manfred Bischoff but that there may have been opposition from other shareholders.

“The fact that after 40 years of work I am not regarded by some as an asset, but as a burden, I do not need that,” Zetsche is quoted as telling the paper.

Zetsche, who aside from being chief executive of Daimler, was also head of Mercedes-Benz, was due to succeed Bischoff at Daimler’s annual general meeting on March 31, 2021.

Earlier this month Daimler agreed to pay US$2.2 billion to resolve a US government diesel emissions investigation and claims from 250,000 US vehicle owners.


Proton sales in May up by 40% over April's

                SUBANG JAYA: Sales for national carmaker Proton rebounded in May following a slow start to the second quarter of 2023, due to the Malaysian automotive market being affected by the festive period and the ending of deliveries for tax-free cars in March.

Some 13,268 units (domestic + export) were sold last month, equivalent to sales growth of 40.9% over April and an increase of 35.5% over May 2022.

Sales for the first five months of the year stand at 62,970 units, a year-on-year increase of 38.9%, the highest for any brand in the Malaysian automotive sales table.

Meanwhile, Total Industry Volume (TIV) is estimated to have rebounded by 32.2% in May, closing at 61,600 units and as a result, Proton’s market share is calculated as 21.5% for the month and 20.9% for the year.

The Proton brand entered a new export market in May, its first market for 2023 and 12th overall when it debuted on May 24 in Mozambique.

To kick things off, the local importer is offering the Proton X70 and X50 touting their safety features and affordable luxury as unique selling points.

 X70.

Aside from entering a new market, May was also the best month for export sales thus far in 2023 with 217 units sold, led by the Saga.

As for overall sales, the Saga retained its position as the best-selling model with 5,819 units sold in May.

The achievement places it second overall for A-segment sedans with 27,214 units sold so far, a remarkable increase of 51% over the previous year.

There are three Proton models still leading overall segment sales.

 X50.

The X50 continues to lead B-segment and overall SUV sales with 2,801 units sold in May.

Despite finishing second for B-segment sedan sales last month with 2,290 units, the Persona remains the overall leader for the segment while the evergreen Exora achieved 440 sales to stay atop the C-segment MPV market.

YTD sales growth for the three segment leaders are 31% for the X50, 78% for the Persona and 39% for the Exora, proving demand for Proton’s models remains strong despite competition from newer rivals.

 Saga.

This remains true for the Iriz too as the 732 units sold in May helped it achieve a 47% increase in YTD sales.

Finally, 929 units of the X70 were sold in May while the all-new X90 ended its first three weeks of going on sale with 257 units sold, placing it second in the D-segment SUV market.

Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah said May was memorable for the company not just in terms of sales achievement.

 Exora.

He said the company also launched the all-new X90 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in the same month.

“We are humbled by the numbers posted and a 40% increase in sales is a just reward for our efforts, but there are still seven months left in 2023 and the company is hungry for more.

“As for the performance of our newest model, demand for the X90 has been strong as customers take advantage of our early bird package that offered accessories, a Proton X-Watch, a data package with 4GB free for five years and enhanced insurance benefits.

“The company will also have more new product launches and introduce updates to our existing range while making our debut in the EV market via our subsidiary, Pro-Net so there are a lot of activities on the horizon for the rest of 2023,” said Roslan.


The next electric-car battery champion could be European

                PARIS: With Europe expected to lead the world in electric-car sales for a second straight year, an epic rush to build a battery-supply chain from scratch is playing out across the continent.

After years of ceding the EV battery business to foreign companies, Europe wants in. Prospective manufacturers are popping up in the Nordic region, Germany, France, the UK and Poland in a transcontinental competition to chip away at the dominance of China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution.

Fuelled by state support of at least €6.1 billion (RM29.7bil) and investment plans totalling 10 times that in just one year, the race is on for a regional champion to emerge.

The contestants include startups Northvolt AB in Sweden, Britishvolt Ltd. and France’s Automotive Cells Co., and powerhouses Tesla Inc. and Volkswagen AG.

BloombergNEF estimates the continent could see its share of global battery production rise to 31% by 2030 from just 7% last year.

“We’re creating a new industry in Europe; we’re creating a completely new ecosystem,” Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission vice president overseeing the battery initiative, said in an interview.

“The investments are really pouring in.”

Sefcovic estimated the planned investments just for 2019 to be about €60 billion (RM292bil), triple that being spent in China. Those eye-watering totals cover the entire supply chain, from materials and cells to assembly and recycling.

Amid tougher emissions rules and fines for violating them, sales of EVs - both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models - in Europe more than doubled last year to about 1.3 million units, topping China for the first time.

That could reach 1.9 million this year as VW, Stellantis NV and BMW AG map out plans for new models and higher output, and Ford Motor Co. and Volvo Cars commit to going almost all-electric.

Those ambitions will require a lot of power packs, and the local auto industry’s reliance on overseas suppliers grates on political leaders in Germany, France and Brussels. They are loathe to have local automakers, which are major employers, be reliant on battery makers based outside the region.

The clamber to build up local supply chains is palpable.

Traditional car-making countries Germany, France, Italy and the UK are especially keen to stay competitive in battery technology and maintain their manufacturing bases. Germany is elbowing its way to the front of the pack, committing as much as €2.6 billion (RM12.7bil) to the battery business and luring Tesla, CATL, LG Energy and ACC to set up shop there.

“Every nation wants a battery plant,” said Jean-Pierre Corniou, a former Renault SA executive now a partner at consultancy SIA Partners.

There are plans for 27 battery-producing sites across the region that could churn out least 500 gigawatt-hours of cells this decade, he estimated.

Powering up

After years of ceding ground to Tesla, CATL and LG Chem, plans for battery factories are popping up across Europe amid surging EV sales

VW made a massive bid for the pole position last month by unleashing an estimated US$18 billion (RM74.5bil) plan for six battery factories in Europe – including one in Salzgitter, Germany - and to expand its network of fast-charging stations.

If all goes as intended, the German automaker and partners could leapfrog challengers and become the world’s No. 2 cell producer behind CATL, according to BNEF.

“Automakers are realising they would lose out on a lot of added value, so they want to re-appropriate the manufacturing process,” Corniou said.

The European Commission set a target of getting at least 30 million zero-emission cars on the roads by 2030, and the ambition is that European factories would cover more than 90% of the demand for batteries.

VW will plug its own packs into its own cars, leaving wide-open lanes for competing battery makers to nab customers. European automakers are under pressure to meet stricter European Union emissions rules, and consumer spending is expected to explode as nations emerge from Covid-19 lockdowns.

Battery demand is forecast to be so strong that production barely will keep pace by decade’s end, according to UBS Group AG analysts.

So the market is there. Yet it won’t be easy for the startups to catch CATL, Panasonic Corp. and LG Energy, all of whom spent years honing operations in Asia and the US before moving into Europe.

CATL, the largest producer of rechargeable cells, will invest 78 billion yuan (RM50bil) to add about 230 gigawatt-hours of capacity worldwide within the next four years. The Ningde, China-based company supplies almost every major global EV brand, and it’s scheduled to start producing in Germany this year.

And then there’s Elon Musk. Tesla is the biggest EV maker, selling about half-a-million cars last year, and plans to assemble Model Ys and batteries in Germany to juice its European expansion.

Musk’s operations are becoming a magnet for EV suppliers and triggering a local industrial renaissance. That expertise is daunting for competitors, said Isobel Sheldon, chief strategy officer for Britishvolt.

“Tesla is the biggest thorn in the side for the European cell-manufacturing base,” she said.

When it comes to the startups, Northvolt - founded by former Tesla executives - is years ahead of rivals.

The company has a US$14 billion (RM58bil) supply deal with VW and another with BMW AG, and is preparing to churn out cells by year’s end at its Skelleftea site. Northvolt wants to grab 25% of Europe’s battery market by 2030, chief executive officer and founder Peter Carlsson has said.

That was before the VW offensive. Automakers “are putting more and more efforts behind their electrification plans and have revised their battery needs upwards,” said Jesper Wigardt, a Northvolt spokesman. “We will need to evaluate our target continuously.”

Britishvolt plans to start building a £2.6 billion (RM15bil) factory in northeast England later this year. The site will use hydropower from Norway and could be online by 2023.

The Blyth-based startup is in talks with EV makers in the UK, EU, US and Japan, she said without elaborating.

Further behind - but flush with public funds for development – is a joint venture between Stellantis and oil giant Total SA. Instead of starting from scratch, ACC plans to hasten expansion by producing batteries at two former car-parts plants.

“Europe isn’t too late,” said Corniou, the SIA consultant. “The market will be colossal, and there’s a need for competitive technology.”


Davinci Motor's futuristic electric motorcycle DC100 set for US launch at CES 2023

                LAS VEGAS: Davinci Motor, a fast-growing Chinese manufacturer of high-performance robotic electric motorcycles, will showcase its futuristic DC100 electric motorcycle at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here, marking the first time that the company's products have landed in the US market.

Headlining Davinci Motors's CES 2023 booth will be the brand-new DC100 product, which the company bills as the first electric motorcycle designed to rival traditional 1,000cc motorcycles in terms of performance.

Expected to be a hit with attendees at the event, the DC100 features a sci-fi-inspired design.

When it comes to the two-wheeler's aesthetic and performance, engineers and designers have worked to strike a balance between acceleration, speed, and range.

The electric motorcycle is capable of achieving 0-100kph in 3 seconds before topping out at 200kph. At the same time, it boasts a range in excess of 400km, while a full charge takes just half an hour using level 3 DC fast-charging stations.

The appearance of Davinci Motor at CES 2023 marks a period of continued momentum for the company following its European debut in November at EICMA, the world's leading exhibition of motorcycles in Milan, Italy.

"We're excited to announce that CES 2023 represents our first on-site appearance in the US market," said Rosanna Libia, Davinci Motor International Business Manager.

"As a tech-driven company, this show is top on our agenda for events where we want to represent ourselves as a tech company in the US and across the world. CES 2023 serves as the perfect opportunity to introduce our product to the US market."


VW in final talks to seal biggest M&A deals in China EV sector, say sources

                HONG KONG/FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG is in final talks to seal its largest investment deals with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firms, two sources said, as the German automaker accelerates its push into the world’s largest market for environmentally friendlier cars.

The firm is poised to buy 50% of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Holding, the parent of EV partner JAC Motors, for at least 3.5 billion yuan (RM2.1bil), the people said on condition of anonymity as the matter was private.

It is also set to become the biggest shareholder of EV battery maker Guoxuan High-tech Co Ltd, the people said, adding both deals could be announced as early as Friday.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the deals, details of which are reported here for the first time. JAC and Guoxuan declined to comment.

The deals highlight how Volkswagen is keen to retain its status as the largest foreign automaker in China even as government virus-busting measures decimate sales, in the face of encroaching rivals such as Tesla Inc, which last year became the first foreign automaker to wholly own a car plant.

At the end of last year when 25 million vehicles were sold in China — and just before the coronavirus was first reported in December — the government targeted 25% of 2025 annual vehicle sales to be made up of new energy vehicles.

The deals would make Volkswagen the latest foreign automaker to increase ownership in China since the government started to relax ownership rules in 2018 here with Germany's BMW AG quick to take control of its main local venture.

Volkswagen target Anhui Jianghuai, based in the eastern city of Hefei, is fully state owned. It counts its core asset as its 25.23% stake in JAC — formally Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp Ltd, which has a market value of US$1.84 billion (RM8bil).

The Anhui provincial office of the State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission declined to comment.

After completing the deal, Volkswagen plans to invest fresh capital in its 50:50 venture with JAC and build capacity with its modular MEB platform, an architecture enabling efficient production of various EV models, said one of the people.

Shanghai-listed JAC last week said its parent planned to bring in a strategic investor, which will not cause a change in its control.

Volkswagen’s purchase of a stake in Shenzhen-listed Guoxuan, also based in Hefei, would mark it first direct ownership in a Chinese battery maker.

It plans to buy about 27% of Guoxuan mostly via a discounted private share placement as well as from top shareholder Zhuhai Guoxuan Trading Ltd, which holds 18%, and founder Li Zhen, who owns 12%, said one of the people. Son Li Chen also owns 2.5%, showed filings to the stock exchange this month.

Based on Guoxuan’s market capitalisation of US$4.3 billion (RM18.7bil), a 27% stake is worth US$1.16 billion (RM5bil).

Zhuhai Guoxuan and Li Zhen could not immediately be reached for comment.

Guoxuan has suspended trading of its stock since May 20 and on Tuesday said Zhuhai Guoxuan and Li Zhen would sell part of their holdings to an unidentified strategic investor. It said it will also issue shares to the investor via a private offering.

The deals have yet to be finalised and investment sizes may change as negotiations continue, the people said.

Volkswagen also has ventures with state-owned China FAW Group Corp Ltd and SAIC Motor Corp Ltd. It aims to sell 1.5 million new energy vehicles a year in China by 2025.

“Volkswagen consistently searches for ways to strengthen and deepen our relationships with local partners,” Volkswagen told Reuters. “In this regard we will explore possible options together with all stakeholders to secure long-term success.”


Sunny prospects for electric cars as solar cells aim to extend range

The Sion.
FRANKFURT: Using solar energy for cars isn't new of course, but it's taken on a fresh impetus now that electric vehicles are searching for the maximum range.

The idea is neither crazy nor a gimmick, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany.

"In order to achieve a CO2-free energy supply in all sectors, we have to massively push ahead with the expansion of photovoltaics, beyond just house roofs and open spaces," said ISE director Andreas Bett.

"In the future, solar modules will be integrated even more into our built-up environment, for example in vehicles," he says.

According to studies by the institute, cars with photovoltaic cells on the roof could, depending on the size of the usable area and the solar radiation, generate enough electricity to power a car for more than 2,000 extra kilometres a year.

Start-up Sono Motors has proclaimed its Sion small car to be the first self-charging electric car. It has around 250 barely visible solar cells that the manufacturer says will be able to power the car for up to 35km a day in good weather.

 Solar cells on the roof of the Prius PHEV.

There's also a socket for conventional charging and a battery with the capacity for 255km.

The car is expected to go on sale in 2022 or 2023 for a starting price of around US$30,000 (around RM122,000).

In the Netherlands, another start-up last year presented the much sleeker Lightyear One, which is designed for long-haul driving.

According to the manufacturer, the flat and aerodynamic coupé has five square metres of solar cells under its metal skin, providing enough energy for an additional 70km a day on top of the battery range.

Sales of the four-door model with a range of up to 725km should start this year for around US$215,000 (RM870,000).

Third in the group of solar cell-powered vehicles is the American start-up Aptera. For several years now, the company has been working on an idiosyncratic tricycle with extremely low air resistance and it has now added solar panels to the design.

With an area of three square metres, the 180 cells are supposed to collect enough electricity for almost 20,000km per year.

According to company boss Chris Anthony, that should allow most customers to get by without ever needing to plug the vehicle into a power socket.

Production is slated to begin this year and the vehicle should cost between US$30,000 and US$60,000 (RM243,000), depending on the specifications.

Established large-scale manufacturers are also turning to solar energy.

 The Aptera.

Toyota, for example, offers a Prius plug-in with a solar roof, which is supposed to provide an extra 5km of electric travel per day. With 200 sunny days a year, that would add up to more than 1,000km.

Hyundai also uses solar cell technology in its US model Sonata and it's reported that when the Korean manufacturer brings out its Ioniq 5 electric car this summer it will have a solar roof to add more range.

Toyota is also experimenting with incorporating larger areas of solar panels on the bonnet and trunk lid of the Prius to generate more electricity. However, the prototypes don't look particularly elegant.

However, solar cells don't have to be bulky, according to the Fraunhofer Institute.

The institute has developed a solar roof that can be painted any colour and thus becomes almost invisible. On a mid-range car the roof should be able to generate enough electricity for up to 10km per day.


Germany to require 'black box' in autonomous cars

                BERLIN: Germany plans new legislation to require manufacturers of cars equipped with an autopilot function to install a black box to help determine responsibility in the event of an accident, said transport ministry sources.

The fatal crash of a Tesla Motors Inc Model S car in its Autopilot mode has increased the pressure on industry executives and regulators to ensure that automated driving technology can be deployed safely.

Under the proposal from Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt, drivers will not have to pay attention to traffic or concentrate on steering, but must remain seated at the wheel so they can intervene in the event of an emergency.

Manufacturers will also be required to install a black box that records when the autopilot system was active, when the driver drove and when the system requested that the driver take over, according to the proposals.
The draft is due to be sent to other ministries for approval this summer, a transport ministry spokesman said.

Germany is home to some of the world's largest car companies including Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW and the government wants the industry to become a global player in the market for self-driving vehicles.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said in April the industry should draw up a wish list for Berlin to help develop self-driving vehicles, ideally with a timetable.

Companies around the globe are working on prototypes for self-driving vehicles, but such cars are not expected to be available for the mass market before 2020.


BMW Motorrad USA introduces on-board luggage system for off-road riding

NEW YORK: BMW Motorrad USA has introduced a totally new concept in on-board luggage and personal storage for the growing number of adventure riders exploring roads less travelled.

Intended for use when riding BMW GS-model motorcycles off-road, the Atacama Adventure Luggage System provides more flexibility when piloting expert-level, back-country trails as well as continuing the expedition off the bike at remote camping locations.

The luggage system, which uses the same case carrier system developed for the original BMW aluminum cases, gives riders an extra level of flexibility and security when navigating more challenging riding conditions and further enhances the capabilities of the GS. Currently, the Atacama Adventure Luggage System is only available through authorised BMW Motorrad USA dealers.

The Atacama Adventure Luggage System includes the Atacama Side Cases and Atacama Duffel. The side cases require the purchase of an additional adapter kit by model for installation. A unique feature of the side case system is the frame and wedge that provide a solid mounting to the motorcycle and easy removal and installation without the need for straps and constant adjustment.

The Atacama Duffel serves as a top case and convertible hiking backpack. Vinyl inner liners ensure main compartments are fully waterproof. Cinch straps (included) are used to attach to the motorcycle luggage rack. Side cases are available in 25l or 35l sizes. The bags ranged in price from US$327 to US$484.

BMW Motorrad USA spokesman Michael Hernandez said the product was developed in the United States with the needs of global adventure motorcycle riders in mind.


New BMW 3.0 CSL debuts with 560hp/550Nm

                MUNICH: The 3.0 CSL that BMW has just unveiled signifies the culmination of celebrations worldwide this year to mark the 50th anniversary of M.

We saw the arrival of the new M3 Touring, M4 CSL and M2 earlier in the year. And now, it's the turn of the 3.0 CSL to bask in the spotlight.

Only 50 consecutively numbered units of the special model will go on sale.

BMW said the 3.0 CSL was developed with the intention of combining the best of five decades of racing expertise from M in an automobile with a highly emotional aura.

All facets of its character – dynamic exterior elegance, a classic sportscar cockpit, intelligent lightweight construction, a straight six-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive – are based on traditional principles of an M automobile.

They complement each other with the help of the latest technology to create the ultimate symbol of fascination for top performance in the style of the brand that has been successful for 50 years.

The production of all vehicles at the Dingolfing plant in Germany will take around three months.

The new 3.0 CSL features the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine ever used in a road-legal M car.

The previous 3.0 CSL engine made 151kW/206hp. Since then, the straight six-cylinder engine with M Power has undergone an impressive development. Engines of the same design mobilised an output of 204 kW/277 hp in the M1 as early as 1978 and 250 kW/340 hp in the second-generation M5 from 1991.

The fifth-generation M3 was launched in 2014 with a 317 kW/431 hp straight-six engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology.

The drive system in the new 3.0 CSL uses M TwinPower Turbo technology, giving a maximum output of 412 kW/560hp and peak torque of 550Nm.

The straight six-cylinder engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox whose spread and transmission ratios are ideally matched to the performance characteristics.

Precisely defined gear shift travel enables fast and precise gear changing. The gearshift knob made exclusively for the 3.0 CSL protrudes from the centre console and is a luxurious accessory.

The exclusive interior carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are produced by hand both in Munich and at the BMW Group component factory in Landshut by specially assigned bodywork specialists.

A specific process was conceived for the paintwork of the 3.0 CSL, in which each individual part has its characteristic colour design. In addition, a team of 30 specially qualified and experienced technicians is responsible for the configuration and assembly of the vehicles.

Due to the complexity of the processes in the factory, each 3.0 CSL passes through eight assembly cycles at just as many production stations, a procedure that takes up to 10 days in all.

The high level of manual work means that the time required to assemble a 3.0 CSL is many times higher than that of a conventional M car.

After completion in the factory, each vehicle also undergoes a multi-stage quality inspection and approval process at the main Dingolfing plant before it is released for delivery to the customer.

The Dingolfing plant is the company’s largest European production site. In addition to several M cars, the luxury sedans of the 7 Series and body components for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are produced there.

The 3.0 CSL is the reincarnation of a legendary sports car both for the racetrack and the road. In the founding year of BMW Motorsport GmbH, the historic 3.0 CSL was developed for use in touring car competitions, where it became the most successful racing car of its era.

It won the European Touring Car Championship during its inaugural season in 1973 – and repeated this title win five more times in succession from 1975 to 1979.

The road version of the racing car, which was developed for homologation purposes, became a widely known symbol of inspiring driving pleasure focused on the essentials, especially in its final stage of development.

CSL – this combination of letters in the model designation stood for “Coupé, Sport, Leichtbau” (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight), a concise summary of the two-door car’s recipe for success.

In addition to wide wheel arches, its coupe-shaped body also received an eye-catching aerodynamics package, which included a front spoiler, air bars on the front side panels and a roof spoiler.

Completing the design modifications vs. the other coupes in BMW large series was a rear wing that optimised the grip of the rear wheels.

It was not approved for road use and therefore lay in the boot when the vehicle was delivered, but nevertheless received much public attention so that the Coupe was given the nickname “Batmobile”.

With an increased displacement of 3,153cc and a maximum output of 206 hp, the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine with direct injection ever used in a BMW model ensured sporty power delivery.

The powerful drive system was combined with refined suspension technology. Its unladen weight was just 1,270kg.

The reduced weight was achieved through comprehensive lightweight construction. The doors were made of aluminium, as were the bonnet and the boot lid, which were supported on filigree retaining rods after opening.

Numerous other body components such as the roof, side panels and luggage compartment partition were made of particularly thin sheet metal, and the chrome bumpers were replaced by plastic skirting.

Lightweight bucket seats and the omission of insulation material, power steering and electric windows ensured optimal weight reduction. An overall power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 kilograms per horsepower was thus achieved.

The new 3.0 CSL is the contemporary reinterpretation of all these features anchored in its model designation. Its coupe-shaped body sets traditional accents for sporty elegance and expressive dynamics. Its drive and suspension technology stems from the latest developments for racing cars and high-performance sports cars from M.

And the lightweight construction reaches an outstanding level, above all through the extensive use of carbon. The power-to-weight ratio of the BMW 3.0 CSL is a mere 2.9 kilograms per hp.

With its classic coupe proportions and a traditional vehicle concept that combines a front engine and manual transmission with rear-wheel drive, the new 3.0 CSL follows in the footsteps of its historic ancestor.

Distinctive air deflection elements, powerfully shaped wheel arches, a striking rear spoiler and numerous other details are based on the design of the legendary coupe from the 1970s.

The forged light-alloy wheels (20-inch in front, 21-inch in rear) are fitted with Michelin tyres developed exclusively for the 3.0 CSL. They bear the number 50 embossed on the tyre sidewalls, providing a subtle reference to the anniversary of M.

In addition to the roof, bonnet and boot lid, the front and rear aprons are made entirely of carbon. The front and rear side panel attachments, the side sills, the rear diffuser, the rear wing and rear spoiler are also made of the high-tech material.

All carbon components are manufactured in small series, mostly by hand for the 3.0 CSL.

The most striking feature at the back is the rear wing, which is enclosed at the side and translates the characteristic appearance of the “Batmobile” into a modern design language.

Designed to generate additional downforce and thus optimise traction on the rear axle, the air deflector encloses the entire rear section, thus becoming a dominant visual element. For aerodynamic sake, it is combined with a strongly pronounced carbon diffuser in the rear apron, thereby optimising airflow in the underbody.

The interior also sees the use of carbon and other lightweight construction. Instead of additional seats, the rear offers a storage compartment with two integrated helmet compartments.

CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced acoustic insulation. The driver and front passenger sit in M Carbon full bucket seats. The diagonal connections between the seat surface and the backrest are reminiscent of the construction principle of the lightweight seats featured in the historic model.

Seat height and inclination can be adjusted exclusively via a three-stage screw linkage in a workshop.

The sports car cockpit uses black Alcantara seat surfaces and M seat belts are combined with an M Alcantara steering wheel, an anthracite roof liner, black Alcantara and matt carbon surfaces.

Contrast stitching and other accents in white correspond with the exterior paintwork of the 3.0 CSL.

The matt interior trims in a carbon fibre finish feature sequential numbering for each of the 50 units available.

This marking, documented in the interior from #01/50 to #50/50, corresponds in each case to the final digits of the suspension number, thus representing a clearly visible and authentic reference to the individual vehicle identity.


Next Corvette will be a mid-engined hardcore hybrid

The Corvette ZR1.
DETROIT: The eighth-generation (C8) Corvette will switch to a mid-engined layout for the first time in its illustrious history. Reports say there will also be a hardcore hybrid variant that could develop as much as 1,000bhp.

What's perhaps even more surprising is that the C8 Corvette will further break with tradition by being offered for sale alongside a new version of the current C7 model.

Autocar in the UK reports sources inside General Motors have indicated a mildly revised version of the current C7 will continue to be produced as an entry-level alternative to the new, more expensive C8.

Even though the all-new mid-engined C8 will cost considerably more than the C7 that will be sold alongside it, it will still be priced significantly lower than the junior supercars offered by many rivals.

When the C8 comes to market in 2019 it will use an updated version of GM's LT-specification 6.2-liter V8. Although the all-alloy unit is light, responsive, relatively cheap to build and able to generate around 500bhp without breaking a sweat, it still uses pushrods and therefore won't be able to match the kind of low-end torque turbocharged rivals manage with ease. Staying with that engine also provides a clear connection between the new mid-engined 'Vette and the more affordable front-engined C7s.

This is just the start of a more significant revamp. GM has a long history of introducing faster versions of its performance cars not long after the base models are launched.

Reports in the US suggest an overhead camshaft V8 may be in the works, in both naturally aspirated and twin-turbo forms, with the turbo version developing as much as the 745bhp of the current supercharged Corvette ZR1. A hybrid version would bring an electrically-powered front axle to the party, potentially giving the Corvette an astonishing total system output approaching 1,000bhp.