Jaguar helps former Olympian enter Guinness Book of World Records

Jaguar’s XF Sportbrake has enabled former British Olympic Skier Graham Bell to set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Towed Speed on Skies’. The task was a daunting one because Bell would have to battle the -28 degrees Celsius temperature at high speed at Jaguar Land Rover’s Revi Test Centre in the Arctic Circle.

Attempting this wasn’t an easy feat considering the relative dangers involved with high speed skiing. But the task was made easier thanks to the XF Sportbrake’s Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) and All Surface Progress Control.

These systems oversee the power delivery of the car’s all-wheel-drive system and ensure that the XF remains planted and well within the control of the driver. Maintaining stability at high-speeds is something that is extremely important in a situation such as this.

As a result, not only did Bell break the previous record of just under 113 km/h, but managed did so by a huge margin. He was able to clock a time of 188 km/h which is about 76 km/h faster than the previous record. This is a testament to the capabilities of Jaguar’s AWD system, which kept the former Olympic skier out of harms way.

Speaking of the feat, Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said, “The XF Sportbrake’s superb traction, handling and high speed stability made it the perfect choice for this speed record attempt.”

“We’re extremely proud to have supported Graham in this incredible world-beating achievement – it’s this kind of trail-blazing activity that really tests our cars to their limits,” he later added.

This adds to the list achievements of the Jaguar XF family, which includes being ranked the “Large and Luxury Car” in the JD Power Survey. The latest crop of Jaguars are leaps and bounds better than their predecessors and evidently, many are taking notice of topic.


MOTORSPORTS – Day 2 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival & Toyota Vios Challenge Season 3/Round 2

The action continued for the second day of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge Season 3/Round 2 at Bandar Malaysia, the former TUDM airbase in Sg. Besi, Kuala Lumpur. Given the nature of the track, the more experienced (or braver) racers had wished for rain to gain some advantage but other than a few drops, the track remained dry and hot so strategy was of great importance.

SPORTING CLASS

The best action of the day came from the 3-way battle in the Sporting Class which saw SMS Motorsports’ Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin clinching victory ahead of 17-year old Bradley Benedict Anthony of Dream Chaser and Dannies Ng in third position.

Although Bradley Benedict Anthony and Dannies Ng were fighting for second place, Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin (No 12) was kept under pressure not to make any mistakes.

Sutan led the race from pole position but was forced to work hard during every one of the 20 laps as he came under tremendous pressure to defend his lead from Bradley, who was determined to get past. Too focused on Sutan, Bradley lost his track position to Dannies momentarily before regaining it 2 laps later when the latter missed a gear.

“It was a tough 20 laps with Bradley and Dannies behind forcing me to be on my toes throughout the 20 laps. I had to be super careful at every corner, trying to visualize what to do next in order to avoid making any mistakes that could have cost me the race victory. Their fight for second position did give me some much needed breathing space but it wasn’t enough to have a comfortable gap ahead,” said the 47-year-old competing in his first season of street racing in the Toyota Vios Challenge.

“The first round in Kuala Terengganu was extremely tough for me. In fact, my blood pressure was borderline high as I was just too nervous!” he revealed. “Although I have been racing for more than 20 years, street racing is something new to me and it is super challenging. It is not easy to fight against younger drivers who are aggressive and talented.”

Like Sutan, Bradley was equally elated as he clinched his first ever podium finish after transitioning from karting to saloon car racing this year. “I am quite satisfied with today’s result. It was a close fight but all three of us finished a clean race,” said the young driver.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

In the Super Sporting Class for the professionals, Kegani Racing’s Kenny Lee drove to a textbook race after taking off from pole position. He successfully denied veteran Tengku Djan Ley of a second race victory, with Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin finishing third.

Kenny (above) made a brilliant start to lead into the first corner with M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali in close pursuit. But it was Tengku Djan who gained the most, managing to slingshot himself all the way to third position from sixth on the grid (starting positions were reversed for the first 6 finishers the day before). The race, however, was suspended as the Safety Car was called out to convoy the racing cars after a collision between Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho and Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang.

“I made a good start and managed to make another good getaway during the restart after the safety car peeled away and that gave me a little bit of gap. Towards the finishing stages of the race, the tyres and brakes were beginning to heat up and I had to brake early, but at the same time try to maintain a competitive pace without pushing too hard. This was an exceptionally challenging and technical track,” said Kenny.

For Tengku Djan, second place as well as winning yesterday’s Race 1 was the perfect way to conclude the race weekend. Though he did not win, he has enough points to leading in overall standings in the class. “Today’s race was a combination of luck and strategy. I believe luck played a very big part. There was an incident in front of me and I managed to gain two positions,” he said.

All the racing cars in the Toyota Vios Challenge have identical specifications and performance levels. (Below) After each race, they are inspected to ensure that no unauthorised modifications have been made which can give an advantage.

Also celebrating a triumphant weekend was Mark who finished third in today’s Race 2 and earned second spot in Race 1 yesterday. “The start of the race was good for me and I too capitalized on the incident between William and Freddie but then suffered a moment on the track, and that dropped me to sixth place with a lot of catching up to do,” said Mark.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

As expected, the Promotional class for celebrity racers was not without its fair share of drama. The drivers are not regular racers (with Shawn Lee perhaps having more experience than the others) but they did receive training prior to the start of the series.

Vocal TV presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad (above) catapulted from fourth on the grid to lead the race right to the chequered flag, with singers Khai Bahar and Nabila Razali trailing in second and third positions respectively. En route to earning a second podium finish this weekend, Nabil said: “I’ve won races in the past, but this is the best first placing I’ve ever recorded because it was earned in the presence of Shawn Lee and Shukri Yahaya. It was a sweet moment for me.”

For the record, both beat boxer Shawn and actor Shukri were promoted to compete against amateur racers in the Sporting class for Season 2 before returning to the Promotional class in Season 3.

For third place winner Nabila (above in Car No. 92), the race weekend was also a fulfilling one. “I am extremely satisfied! So far, I’ve managed to not only finish all my races in Season 3 so far but unexpectedly claimed a few podium finishes. No more calling me a wall magnet and this is a very big achievement for me!” she said.

The biggest casualty in the race was Shukri who, despite running as high as third place, was taken out by Shawn in Lap 6 when the latter misjudged his braking point. Actress Diana Danielle meanwhile found herself pointing the car in the wrong direction on the track after being nudged by actor Syafiq Kyle.

“Yes, I am bit disappointed with the way Race 2 turned out, but I consider it a racing incident. As far as the competition goes this season, all the drivers in the Promotional class are extremely competitive and this makes the racing even more unpredictable and exciting,” said Shukri.

UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman is also the company’s Chief Motorsports Officer and has raced in all three seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor’s Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama who finished fifth said the track at Bandar Malaysia was extremely fast but a rewarding experience for all drivers competing in the series. “The decision to hold this second round at Bandar Malaysia proved to be a rewarding experience, not only for the racers who enjoyed competing on a high speed and wider street track for the very first time, but also for Kuala Lumpur spectators due to its strategic location,” he said.

Although the country’s capital city has lots of activities on a weekend, some 10,000 spectators turned up for the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival. The location was convenient to get to and UMW Toyota Motor also offered to subsidize up to RM15 a trip for those who used the Grab service to get to the venue. As at all the other rounds, there was lots of activity for the whole family and for aircraft enthusiasts, there was even the opportunity to see some of the early aircraft used by the TUDM which were parked around the site.

Malaysia’s first fighter jets – the Tebuan (left) and the Sabre. Other aircraft from the early days of the TUDM are also parked there but the site is no longer open to the public.

The former airbase is being redeveloped as Bandar Malaysia which is to be a global financial, technology and entrepreneurial hub. The RM140 billion mega project on the 486-acre site will include housing and an integrated transportation hub like KL Sentral. So it is unlikely that the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival & Toyota Vios Challenge can be held again in 2020. As it is, special arrangements had to be made with the contractors involved in the construction work to accommodate the racing activities. Of course, it would be nice if a small racetrack could also be included in the Master Plan for Bandar Malaysia…

The first cars to greet visitors to the event were the all-new Toyota GR Supra.

Participants in a future round of the Toyota Vios Challenge?

Race Control – where hardworking officials ensure that the races run smoothly and safely throughout the day.

Big screens inside the hangar allowed spectators to watch the racing in comfort.

The drift performance never fails to thrill the crowds with precision driving by top drifters from Japan.

Fans always get to meet their favourite celebrities and lucky ones get autographed posters as well.

MOTORSPORTS – Day 1: Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival & Vios Challenge Season 3, Rd. 2 (w/VIDEO)


F1 (Round 15) – 2019 Singapore Grand Prix Starting Grid

Race starts at 8:10 pm Singapore/Malaysia time on Sunday

UPDATE FOR STARTING GRID: Daniel Ricciardo starts from last position due to disqualification for exceeding the MGU-K power limit during qualifying.

Previous Winners Of The Singapore Grand Prix

2008: Fernando Alonso (Renault)

2009: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)

2010: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)

2011: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault)

2012: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault)

2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault)

2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-AMG)

2015: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2016: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-AMG)

2017: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-AMG)

2018: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-AMG)


Naza Kia Red Cube showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has shut down

The Kia Red Cube outlet along the Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya, Selangor is no longer operating, according to
a news report by our friends over at DSF
. They have also learnt that it is to be taken over by a brand from China soon.

Before Naza Kia took over the building, it was a Toyota showroom and it was the second purpose-built car showroom built in Malaysia. The first company to occupy it when it opened in 1978 was Borneo Motors, then the distributor for Toyota vehicles. It was one of the very first 3S centres as it had a showroom, a small service centre which also sold spare parts and even a used car section.

The building, with its sloping façade, cost RM3 million to construct and became a landmark along the Federal Highway. It was the first of a few car companies to open outlets in the area. The building was then passed over the Sejati Motor (UMW Toyota Motor today) in 1982 when the company took over the Toyota distributorship for Malaysia.

UMW Toyota Motor used it as its head office as well as showroom for many years until 2005 when it built a new complex in Shah Alam, its present location. With the departure of the head office, the showroom was also closed down and was vacant for a while until Naza Kia took over in 2011.

Before Naza Kia took over, the building was a Toyota showroom from the time it opened in 1978.

Naza Kia spent some RM5 million to renovate the building to follow the Korean carmaker’s Red Cube concept. The facility in Malaysia was the second country after South Korea to adopt the concept which has since been used for Kia outlets in many other countries.

The closure of the flagship showroom comes at a time when there are
rumours of the Kia franchise changing hands
, notwithstanding the fact that Naza Kia is also promoting the new
Kia Seltos SUV to be launched soon
.


F1 (Round 8): Results And Highlights Of 2020 Italian Grand Prix

♦ Lewis Hamilton, who set the fastest lap ever in F1 history yesterday, got off to a great start and pull ahead. But the same could not be said of team mate Valtteri Bottas who kept slipping back due to some damage sustained at the start when there was a collision with Lando Norris.

♦ Kevin Magnussen was an early casualty; on the first lap, his Hass racing car having sustained damage to the front wing and had to come into the pits to change the parts. But his race would come to an end on lap 19 when he had to pull over.

♦ Another dark day for Ferrari as Sebastian Vettel’s car continued straight at the first chicane with smoke billowing from the rear brakes that must have failed. He had done just 6 laps and though he could return to the pits, his race was over.

♦ Alexander Albon received a 5-second time penalty for an incident with Romain Grosjean. The penalty would be carried out when he came into the pits.

♦ By the 17th lap, Bottas was down to sixth place, 20 seconds behind Hamilton and watching Max Verstappen in his mirrors.

♦ Magnussen’s car stopping on the track on lap 19 brought the Safety Car out, and Hamilton and Antonio Giovinazzi were the first driver to rush into their pits to get new tyres. However, thw two drivers could have entered the pit lane too early, when it was still closed, and the Stewards deliberated on the matter. Observers noted that the lights indicated the pit lane was closed at that time.

It certainly was a dark, dark day for Ferrari at its home track when Vettel was first to retire and then Leclerc crashed halfway through the race.

♦ As the Safety Car pulled off on the 24th lap and the race resumed, Charles Leclerc was in an advantageous position and the Ferrari driver shot past two Alfa Romeos to fourth place – and then lost control on the Parabolica and crashed! Ferrari’s day got even darker – and on home territory too.

♦ Leclerc’s crash damaged barriers extensively and the red flags came out, bring the racing to a stop for repairs to be carried out. 26 laps of the total of 53 had been completed as all the cars came to a stop in the pit lane.

♦ While waiting for the race to resume, Hamilton and Giovinazzi were informed that they had 10-second stop and go penalties. They would have to come in and wait 10 seconds after completing one lap when the race started again. For Hamilton, that put him 23 seconds behind everyone else and virtually last in the pack.

♦ Max Verstappen’s race ended on lap 31 after he pulled into the pits and the engineers found a problem with his Power Unit.

♦ Hamilton was working very hard and with 5 laps remaining, he was up to 10th from 16th and still putting in very quick times – 3 seconds quicker than other cars on some laps. Bottas meanwhile was in 5th, a second behind Norris.

♦ Pierre Gasly held on to the very end, crossing the finish line less than a second ahead of Carlos Sainz. For the Italians fans, the win by Scuderia AlphaTauri would have made up for the great disappointment of both Ferraris dropping out.

Lewis Hamilton had a good lead for 26 laps and then got a 10-second penalty for entering the pit lane before it was opened.

With Hamilton having a 10-second penalty, Lance Stroll found himself momentarily to be in the lead with 26 laps remaining – but lost it to the Alfa Romeos behind him almost immediately when the race restarted.

Renault’s Formula 1 team to be renamed Alpine F1 Team from 2021


Perodua Contributes Medical Equipment & Toys To Sabah Women & Children Hospital

A team of
Perodua
 volunteers paid a visit to the
Sabah Women and Children Hospital
 recently, bearing gifts for the child patients as well as equipment and supplies for the hospital, in celebration of the
Kaamatan
 season and to usher in the holy month of Ramadan.

The equipment and supplies contributed by Perodua consisted of two sets of Miller 3 straight laryngoscope blades with handle, worth RM1,800 each, plus 40 bed pillows with PVC covers.
“We wish to acknowledge and thank the selfless staff of the Sabah Women and Children Hospital for their services to the people,”

Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer YBhg Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh
 said.

Together with
Lego Malaysia
, Perodua brought smiles to some 250 child patients by giving them the gift of play. Each was given a Lego playset along with other goodies by Perodua volunteers.
“Perodua takes this opportunity to wish Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan to all who celebrate. May this festival bring us all closer together, and we hope for a harvest just as plentiful next year,”
 said Datuk (Dr) Aminar.

Over on the peninsular, Perodua recently returned to
Shan Children’s Home
in
 Perai, Penang
 with a team of 10 volunteers from outlets in Penang and Kedah. The carmaker first visited Shan Children’s Home on the eve of Deepavali last year, when it contributed over RM20,000 in the form of goods and cash and announced its commitment to a three-year Corporate Responsibility programme with the home.

This time, Perodua arranged a bread-making class for the home’s 19 children, which they found entertaining and educational. The volunteers also helped with some spring cleaning and handed out soft toys to the children, making their day.

“There are so many ways we can help these children. Material and monetary help is welcome, but both are finite. By engaging the children in educational activities like this, we hope to equip them with skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lifetime,”
 concluded Datuk (Dr) Aminar.


Fuel Price Updates For September 30 – October 6, 2021


Toyota, Sharp and NEDO to conduct road trials of high-efficiency solar cell panels

Sunshine does good and bad things for mankind. It provides light to see better for about half the day and it helps to dry clothes. However, it can cause skin cancer and in certain conditions, even start fires. Sunshine also contains energy which can be converted into electricity and at least one study suggests that solar power can be the world’s largest source of electricity by 2050.

Unfortunately, capturing sunshine to convert it in amounts large enough for practical usage has required technologies that have taken a while to develop. In fact, research began as far back as the 1930s but it is only in the past decade that R&D has accelerated and advanced technologies have been developed which are also commercially viable.

Technological advances needed

While sunshine alone can’t power a car (the technology would need to be very, very advanced), it can be used for the battery packs in electrified vehicles. Currently, the battery packs are recharged by drawing electricity from public or household electrical supply stations or by regeneration in the car’s powertrain. Solar power can supplement this and has the potential of improving cruising range and fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles.

In fact, Toyota has already been using the approach since 2010 in the Prius to provide power for the climate control system. In 2017, it went further by enlarging the solar panel on the roof to provide electricity for the battery pack. Later this month, NEDO (a national R&D organization in Japan), Sharp Corporation, and Toyota Motor Corporation will carry out public road trials to assess the effectiveness this approach with Sharp’s modularized high-efficiency solar battery cells.

Thin-film solar battery cells

These solar battery cells are in a thin film about 0.03 mm in thickness. This makes it possible to efficiently install the film to fit the curves of parts with limited space. The battery cells will be installed on the roof, bonnet, rear hatch door and other areas of a Toyota Prius.

The idea is, of course, to maximise the area of coverage to capture as much sunshine as possible. By enhancing the solar battery panel’s efficiency and expanding its onboard area, Toyota was able to achieve a rated power generation output of around 860 W, which is approximately 4.8-times higher in comparison with the Prius Prime’s solar charging system.

In addition to substantially boosting its power generation output, the testcar will employ a system that charges the driving battery while the vehicle is parked and also while it’s being driven, a development that is expected to lead to considerable improvements in electric-powered cruising range and fuel efficiency.


Genesis to add G80 Sport variant to its range in October

Genesis, the Hyundai Motor Group’s premium luxury brand, is adding a sportier model to its G80 range. To be known as the G80 Sport, it will be launched in the third quarter of this year. No doubt, this model will be an important one for the European market which the Korean brand has just begun entering.

Genesis design identity

The G80 range was launched last March and the G80 Sport uses the same Genesis’ design identity of ‘Athletic Elegance’ but has its own front end design. Additionally, the radiator grille has a dark glossy chrome, and a 3-dimensional wing-shaped front bumper accents the intake grille. Black bezels around the LED headlamps also contribute to the bold and sporty look.

Lower down, the G80 Sport will have exclusive 20-inch dark sputtering alloy wheels with their G-Matrix Pattern and two additional caliper colours offered in black and red.

There is also a unique bumper design at the rear to give a powerful and aggressive appearance. The Genesis designers adjusted the colour of the bootlid molding too, while adding a new diffuser design to the bumper.

The G80 Sport will be available in Cavendish Red, an exclusive new colour. The name is inspired by a cliffside on the north coast of Prince Edward Island in Canada, while the colour was drawn from the area’s famous red cliffs.

Sport-specific equipment

Inside, the G80 Sport receives the Sport model-specific 3-spoke steering wheel, and the dashboard garnish comes in 3 different designs including Sport-exclusive real aluminium, real carbonfibre, and a diamond-patterned hybrid weaving pattern, which will debut for the first time ever in the G80 Sport.

Customers will also be able to choose exclusive seat quilting designs based on their choice of a diamond or V pattern. They have a choice of three interior colour themes, including black monotone with a choice between grey or red stitching, and Sevilla red.

Technical details are likely to be similar to the G80 sedan with additional emphasis on driving dynamics. The G80 Sport will also have Rear Wheel Steering to enhance cornering capabilities. The petrol powertrains available for the sedan are a 304 ps 2.5-litre turbocharged Inline-4 and 380 ps 3.5-litre turbocharged V6, as well as a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 210 ps.

The Genesis story

Genesis initially began as a model name, used for high-end luxury sedan under the Hyundai brand. However, in 2015, the carmaker decided that it should become a standalone brand. This followed the same sort of approach taken by Honda (Acura), Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti) when they wanted to move higher up in the market.

Until this year, Genesis has focussed on the Korean, North American and Russian markets. This year, it has entered China and since last month, it started its entry into Europe. The first European markets are  the UK, Germany and Switzerland. Since 2015, Genesis has sold more than 500,000 vehicles, with the G80 accounting for more than half of that number.

Genesis reveals G70 Shooting Brake for European market


Next generation of Honda Civic revealed in America, expect it in Malaysia in early 2022 (w/VIDEO)

It’s 2021 and just under 6 years from the time the 10
th
 generation was introduced (in America), Honda has revealed a new generation of the Civic. With a history of almost 50 years, the 11
th
 generation Civic continues the nameplate that was used for Honda’s first global car.

In designing the new Civic, Honda stylists and engineers revisited design concepts of previous generations, maintaining the brand’s original design approach of ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (or ‘M/M’). Unlike the 10
th
 generation which had a major design change from its predecessor, an evolutionary approach has been taken this time round for the 11
th
 generation.

Subtle design changes

The body design is ‘thin and light’ with a low bonnet and front fenders, and the low horizontal beltline gives a low-slung look to the profile. Key to the new Civic’s styling was moving the bottom of the windscreen pillars further back rearward by 50 mm, which elongates its bonnet for a sleeker  silhouette. This also visually connects the pillar to the front wheel hub, a subtle design element that emphasizes its wheels and tyres for a stable, planted stance.

Current 10th generation Civic (Malaysian market).

A low beltline with horizontal windowsills and door-mounted side mirrors improve visibility while maintaining the clean lines of the exterior. A sharp shoulder character line carves a gentle arc from the front fender to the taillights, giving continuity to the design. The lower character line carries up from the bottom of the front door, rising across the rear doors, and through the rear fenders for an enhanced sense of motion.

The additional stability provided by its new wider rear track is emphasized by stronger rear shoulders, wide-set taillights, and the upswept and aerodynamically efficient trailing edge of its bootlid. LEDs are used extensively for all the lighting units, offering benefits such as quick light-up time and longer life as well as low energy consumption.

Uncluttered cabin appearance

Inside, the M/M approach gives a simple, clean and modern look that is reminiscent of the early Civics. Back then, there were less electronic features so there was less ‘visual clutter’ and the interior designers have sought to replicate this for the latest model.

While the overall dimensions are not significantly changed (although the wheelbase has increased), which means the interior packaging continues to offer good head, leg, shoulder and hip room for all occupants. The sense of spaciousness is enhanced by the low, flat beltline and clean cabin layout, as well as the expansive view all round. The front seat design uses Honda’s Body Stabilizing Seat approach with a new-generation seat frame that firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives.

Further improving visibility is the top of the Civic’s instrument panel, which has been designed with minimum cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions. A striking metal honeycomb mesh accent stretches from door to door across the dashboard. It serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and climate controls, while the intricate flow-through design conceals the air vents for an uncluttered look.

High-quality materials are used throughout the interior, especially on touchpoints, with close attention paid to the operation of all switchgear and controls. Materials were also chosen with an eye toward practicality, such as the new premium centre console trim specifically designed to hide fingerprints and smudges to help maintain a high-end appearance.

Driver-focused technology

The instrument panel has become more high-tech with partial or full digital displays, depending on the variant. Top variants will have the Civic’s first all-digital LCD instrument display measuring 10.2 inches with a high-definition full-colour LCD panel. A ‘surprise-and-delight’ feature – the brake lights, headlights and turn signals of the displayed Civic vehicle image turn on and off when activated or deactivated.

For the North American market, where the new Civic will be manufactured at two locations, Honda is installing a Bose Premium Sound System for the first time (in the model). The system has been custom-engineered precisely for the best sound quality and reproduction in the Civic’s cabin. Expert audio engineers developed the Bose sound system with advanced components and technologies, working closely with Honda engineers to integrate the system early in the vehicle design process.

Stiffer body structure

The 11th-generation Civic body structure is said to be the most rigid in Civic history, with an 8%  improvement in torsional rigidity and 13% improvement in bending rigidity versus the previous generation. This stiffer structure supports improvements in ride, handling and NVH.

As with other models, Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure is designed to meet present and anticipated future collision standards while minimizing additional weight. This is achieved with the extensive use of lightweight materials, such as aluminium and various grades of high-strength steel, as well as an expanded application of structural adhesives. The new, stiffer body also reduces the transmission of road and wind noise to create a more relaxed driving environment.

Drivetrain choices

Engine choices will differ from region to region although the two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre or a turbocharged 1.5-litre – are likely to continue to be offered for ASEAN versions. Both are paired with an updated CVT and are said to have improved fuel efficiency.

The suspension system has been tuned to take maximum advantage of the stiffer body structure and lengthened wheelbase for a smoother ride, while improving sporty handling. The front MacPherson struts have new low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings to improve steering feel and self-centering, and the spring and damper alignment has been optimized to minimize operational friction.

At the rear, the wider track enhances stability, with a new larger compliance bushing with an improved bushing axis to minimize harshness. Additionally, the two rear lower arms are equipped with a new bushing that reduces noise and vibration inside the cabin, while also promoting better straight-line stability and turn in. The electronic power steering has been re-tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability.

An all-new and lighter aluminium front subframe with an efficient truss and rib structure provides rigidity and stability. Additionally, a new lightweight flex tube in the exhaust system decreases noise transmission. The reduced suspension friction and improved bushings help reduce harsh road shock by 20%.

Advancing safety performance

New active and passive safety systems are available for the Civic and in a world’s first application, both driver and passenger frontal airbags are designed to more effectively reduce conditions associated with brain injury by better controlling head motions in certain types of crashes. These all-new airbag designs, offered in the US version, attempt to address the recently recognized issue of severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions.

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure in the new Civic has been enhanced for even better compatibility with larger vehicles. This includes improved occupant protection in angled frontal collisions, with a new upper A-pillar structure, side frame and lower firewall structure—all designed to route crash energy around the cabin. Side impact protection also has been improved, with stiffer structures in the roof, side sill and B-pillar, doors, and the rear wheel arch and C-pillar.

The new front driver’s airbag system in the Civic uses an innovative donut-shaped structure to cradle and hold the head to reduce rotation. The passenger-side front airbag uses a three-chamber design to achieve a similar result, with two outer chambers designed to cradle and control head rotation. It is also used in the new Acura TLX and MDX.

The standard Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver assistive technologies uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view than the previous radar+camera-based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is also capable of more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.

The new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control. It also has more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane-Keeping Assist System. With the addition of 8 sonar sensors, the Civic will have, for the first time, Low-Speed Braking Control, and front and rear false-start prevention.

Pedestrian safety was not overlooked in the engineering of the new Civic. It has a new front bumper beam safety plate designed to decrease leg injuries and the bonnet incorporates an embossed inner structure designed to reduce injuries to the head if the pedestrian hits the bonnet.

Images and video of new Civic shown are of the US version. ASEAN version may differ in some areas and features.

New Civic for ASEAN

As has been the case for many generations now, the model revealed in America may not be identical to the one we will get in Malaysia. Honda designers consider preferences influenced by culture and make small changes here and there. However, the engineering would be largely similar since that part has been developed at great cost and to make too many modifications would be an unnecessary expense.

Every Civic generation has been assembled in Malaysia since the mid-1970s when the first generation was launched. It was the 100,000th unit (inclusive of other models) assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Melaka in 2007.

As it takes up to a year for a new Honda model to be in Malaysian showrooms, this new Civic generation will probably appear in early 2022. When the model is launched in Thailand, then you can expect the Malaysian debut to occur within months. The only thing that may slow down the process is that the Civic is assembled locally at the Melaka plant, and Honda Malaysia tries to localise parts supply as much as possible. This is an extra step that adds time, instead of just getting all the parts in the pack from the main factory in Thailand.

Do you like the new Civic? If you prefer the current one and want to get one before stocks run out, you can locate an authorised dealer at
www.honda.com.my
.

Honda’s new premium cabin air filter can lower infection risk from COVID-19


Hyundai Kona earns 5-Star rating

Hyundai’s newest vehicle, the Kona has received high marks in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash safety tests. The independent European body determined that the Kona deserved a 5 star rating, the highest distinction possible in  all four categories: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian and Safety Assist.

“The five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP for the All-New KONA proves that our newest SUV fulfills the highest standards for the safety of our customers,” says Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The top result demonstrates that Hyundai Motor not only offers technology-driven and innovative solutions, but also makes them easily accessible to everyone.”

The compact SUV completed the required tests with more than satisfactory results thanks to it’s slew of safety tech. Most notable of the lot have to be Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The former monitors vehicle movements, prompting drivers to keep within the white lines when they stray off course. It does give off audible and visual warnings before stepping in to steer it back on track.

The latter, which is becoming commonplace on many new vehicles, monitors the road ahead via radar and camera sensors. If the system senses an impending collision, it warns drivers both visually and audibly. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings, the system will step in and apply the appropriate braking pressure to avoid or lesson the severity of an impact.

Apart from these, the Kona also benefits from having High-Beam Assist (HBA) with Static Low Beam Assist, Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCCA). Together, these safety features makes up Hyundai’s SmartSense system.  Adding to this, the car also offers SUV capabilities, allowing drivers to traverse tricky terrain in a safe manner.


BMW Group Malaysia was the leader in the premium automotive segment in 2020

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to know more about promotions at BHPetromart.

While Mercedes-Benz Malaysia declined to release their total sales numbers (for 2020), BMW Group Malaysia has done so, announcing that they delivered 11,016 vehicles from across the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad ranges. With this number, BMW Group Malaysia lays claim to leadership in the premium automotive segment nationwide as their products accounted for over 52% of the segment.

2020 was a challenging year for every industry and it was not just local but global. During the year, BMW Group Malaysia kept up its activities and introduced no less than 25 model variants from the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands. Over 87% of the vehicles sold were assembled locally at the plant in Kedah.

Four of those models were electrified, an area that the company claims leadership in. Over 2,200 units of electrified vehicles nationwide, mainly the hybrid variants of the BMW 5-Series and BMW 7-Series models.

Local and global success

The success of the company in Malaysia mirrored BMW Group’s performance globally with over 2,300,000 units delivered during the year. Over 190,000 were electrified vehicles from the BMW and MINI brands, an increase of over 30% in deliveries of such vehicles from the year before.

In Malaysia, the BMW brand gained 8,903 new owners in 2020, leading the overall premium segment in Malaysia by over 47%. The best-performing model was the 3-Series with over 2,500 units delivered, followed by the 5-Series with over 1,600 units delivered.

The BMW X Family of Sports Activity Vehicles contributed to over 39% of total deliveries, which numbered over 3,200 units. The
X1
 proved to be very popular with over 1,000 SAVs being registered.

MINI Malaysia recorded almost 1,000 sales, taking more than 5% segment share of the Malaysian premium segment. The 987 units delivered were led by the MINI Countryman model, with over 47% of the total number being the
Cooper S Countryman
 version.

Towards greater electrification

Malaysia has a fast-evolving mindset towards electrified vehicles and BMW is in a dominat position to drive this change. In 2020, it recorded over 2,200 deliveries of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles which included the locally-assembled BMW 330e M Sport as well as the
All-Electric MINI.

BMW Group Malaysia also worked with NGOs during the year to deliver food and basic essential grocery to needy families, refugees, and migrant communities in the Klang Valley during the period when movements were restricted.

In light of the travel restrictions and social distancing measures implemented in March last year (and which continue in 2021), BMW Group Malaysia quickly adapted to the changing times by also digitalising many existing touchpoints and services to enhance the premium ownership experience for customers in Malaysia. This was underlined by the introduction of the
BMW Shop Online
 and the MINI eShop, alongside
BMW Engage
 and BMW i-Renewal – expediting essential parts of the premium mobility experience to keep the process as seamless as possible.

BMW Group Malaysia lowers BMW and MINI prices with shorter warranty periods


Formula E Gen3 racing car unveiled, to be used from Season 9 in 2023

Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which will run in 2023, will see all-new racing cars being used in the fully electric single-seater series. Referred to as Gen3, signifying them as third generation designs, the cars are designed and optimised specifically for street racing.

Developed by engineers and sustainability experts at the FIA and Formula E, the Gen3 is intended to show the world that high performance and sustainability can co-exist without compromise. At the same time, cutting-edge technologies (especially for electric vehicles), that are developed for the racing cars will eventually transfer to road-going production models.

While aerodynamic development programs have been central to driving incremental improvement in motorsport for decades, the Gen3 propels software engineering forwards as a new battleground for motorsport innovation and competition. Performance upgrades to the Gen3 will be delivered as software updates directly to the advanced operating system built into each car.

With a disruptive design inspired by the aerodynamic form of a fighter jet, this will be the fastest Formula E car yet, capable of over 322 km/h. Yet it will also be the most efficient formula racing car ever: more than 40% of the energy used within a race will be produced by regenerative braking. The powerful electric motors will have around 95% power efficiency as it generates up to 350 kW (equivalent to 470 ps), compared to approximately 40% for an internal combustion engine.

This will also be the first-ever formula car with both front and rear powertrains. A new front powertrain adds 250 kW to the 350kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600 kW. There is ultra-high speed charging capability of 600 kW for additional energy during a race, almost double the power of the most advanced commercial chargers in the world. There will be no rear hydraulic brakes with the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability.

Linen and recycled carbonfibre will be used in bodywork construction for the first time in a formula car featuring recycled carbonfibre from retired Gen2 cars and reducing the overall amount of virgin carbonfibre used. This will reduce the carbon footprint of the production of the Gen3 bodywork more than 10%. All waste carbonfibre will be reused for new applications through adoption of an innovative process from the aviation industry.

Natural rubber and recycled fibres will make up 26% of new Gen3 tyres and all tyres will be fully recycled after racing. Only sustainably-sourced minerals will be used and battery cells will be reused and recycled at end of life.

The carbon footprint of the Gen3 has been measured from the design phase to inform all reduction measures taken to reduce environmental impact, while all unavoidable emissions will be offset as part of Formula E’s net zero carbon commitment.

Seven automakers have registered with the FIA to race the new Gen3 in Season 9. They are DS Automobiles, Jaguar, Mahindra, Maserati, NIO, Nissan and Porsche.

“Both technologically and environmentally, Gen3 sets new standards in the sport. The FIA and Formula E development teams have done a superb job, and I thank them for their hard work on this project. I am delighted to see so many leading manufacturers already signed up to the championship’s next era and await Gen3’s competitive debut in Season 9 with great anticipation,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.

Formula E Gen1 racing car (above) and Gen2 (below), which is currently used in the final season this year.

|Photographer: Wiebke Langebeck|Event: Preseason Testing|Circuit: Circuit Ricardo Tormo|Location: Valencia|Series: FIA Formula E|Season: 2021-2022|Country: Spain|Keyword: season 8|Keyword: season eight|Keyword: S8|Keyword: motorsport|Keyword: electric racing|Keyword: single seater|Keyword: open wheel|Keyword: 2021|Driver: Sebastien Buemi|Team: Nissan e.dams|Number: 23|Car: Nissan IM03|Car: Spark SRT05e|

Nissan takes over French e.dams Formula E team


New Infiniti could signal directional shift

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury sub-brand has released a teaser image of a new sleek concept car. It will officially be unveiled at the North  American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 2018. The automaker says that the car will take the look of a traditional sedan to the next stage of evolution.

Based on first impressions, the car should have angular contours that builds upon Infiniti’s sporty design language. Blessed with fluidic contours that seem to be concentrated toward the front fascia, the new car is poised to be a show stopper.. Sporting a muscular stance, this Infiniti will herald in a new era for the brand.

Though details surrounding performance are a bit sketchy at the moment, Infiniti did say that it that will have smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains. This could lead many to suspect that the new car will have some sort of hybrid powertrain.

Whatever the case maybe, we will know for sure next month when the car graces the auto show in Detroit alongside its retro-modern cousin,
Prototype 9
, another special creation. If Infiniti keeps this momentum going, it could be on its way to win several awards in 2019.


MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV To Be Produced As A Limited Edition Model

Just 8 months ago, it was an idea and with the positive feedback encouraging the top management, MINI is now going ahead with a limited production of a battery-electric Cooper SE Convertible. 999 units of the world’s first zero-emissions premium convertible in the small car segment will be produced alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

“Three years ago, we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE. Today, one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

Similarly sized as the conventionally powered MINI Convertible, the battery-electric Cooper SE Convertible uses a 135 kW/184 ps electric motor from the BMW Group’s electric mobility competence centres in Dingolfing and Landshut.

The electric drive accelerates the open-topped from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.2 seconds. A range of 201 kms is claimed and throughout the journey, the occupants should enjoy a very quiet drive since it is electrically powered.

Customers will be able to choose the Cooper SE Convertible with an exterior finish of Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The E logo (familiar from the MINI Cooper SE) is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.

This limited edition model gets special alloy wheels. The 17-inch cast alloy wheels in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design are made of 100% secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material can significantly reduce CO
2
 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

The sports seats are in MINI Yours Leather Lounge design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather finish contributes to the fun-to-drive atmosphere and stylish driving comfort and can also be heated.

In the lower steering wheel spoke, the MINI Electric Badge highlights the limited character of the all-electric convertible. The exclusive Piano Black surfaces, which can be set off by the ambient lighting, also contribute to car’s exclusive status.

The design of the interior emphasizes the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents, such as the yellow start-stop toggle switch. Overhead is the textile soft top in MINI Yours style with typical Union Jack pattern which can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof.

The Mini MOKE Returns With Electric Power

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


2020 Audi e-tron Sportback unveiled – all electric, all-wheel-drive, all awesome (w/VIDEO)

Audi’s future of electric is now further expanded with the launch of their second e-tron model line-up in the form of the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback. Combining a dynamic SUV coupe with Audi’s signature electrification, the new Audi e-tron Sportback promises great clean range together with state-of-the-art features.

Offered with up to 300kW and 350hp of power output, the Audi e-tron Sportback has a range of up to 446km with just a single battery charge. To identify its futuristic identity, Audi has installed digital matrix LED headlights for the very first time in a mass-production vehicle which offers exceptional yet controllable precision thanks to its ability to break down into tiny pixels.

Apart from those cool-looking headlights, the exterior dimensions portray a very elegant looking SUV coupe together with EV characteristics (4,901mm long, 1,935mm wide, 1,616mm height). A flat roof over a muscular body plus steep raked D-pillars further accentuate the Sportback features that many will find ecstatic to look at.

Riding on 20-inch wheels paired with Audi’s sport air suspension package (S line), the new e-tron offering comes in an array of colour options for future customers (13 different paint finishes in total). There will be two variants on offer, the Sportback 50 Quattro and Sportback 55 Quattro (230kW, 540Nm torque & 347km max range). Both models promise efficiency, performance, and driving comfort.

Top speed has been limited to 200km/h with selectable driving modes that help vary power delivery and performance together with its two-stage planetary gearboxes. A simple yet modern switch is all that’s needed to select gears that help the new e-tron Sportback to essentially conquer any terrain.

When charged at fast-charging stations of up to 150kW using direct current (DC), the battery can be charged up to 80% in just 30 minutes. The same time but will lower voltage (120kW) is needed for the Sportback 50 quattro variant. This allows for ease of travel, especially in long-distance journeys.

As for home charging, Audi will be offering a wide range of solutions with an output of up to 11kW. This is considered perfect for long-term use that involves daily driving when overnight charging is applied.

The interior specs include:

Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D Sound System

Audi phone box with wireless charging.

Two-display MMI touch response operating system (upper 12.1-inch touch screen & lower 8.6-inch display

MMI Navigation plus and the DAB+ digital radio

615-litre luggage capacity

Electric tailgate

3-inch Audi virtual cockpit + many more

Pricing for the European market will start from €71,350 which is around the RM328,600 mark.


BMW i Vision Circular Concept demonstrates how the ‘circular economy’ can be used for automobiles

Scrapping cars at the end of their useful life has been a common practice for decades. The metal and plastic parts that can be extracted can be reused for other goods – but not necessarily cars again. BMW thinks that cars of the future should be made from nearly 100% recycled materials. This will support the idea of a ‘circular economy’, where materials are continually reused, rather than discarded at the end of a single product’s lifespan, as in the conventional linear economy.

To demonstrate how the circular economy can be applied by the auto industry, the carmaker built the i Vision Circular concept which is a compact EV that might be in use in 2040. Working with companies like BASF and the ALBA Group, materials like recycled plastics are identified as sustainable materials that go into the construction of the i Vision Circular concept.

The recycling approach applies to the all-solid-state battery pack which is also manufactured almost entirely using materials sourced from the recycling loop. It will achieve much higher energy density with significantly reduced use of the most valuable resources, especially rare earth materials.

BMW also used 3D printing for many interior components, which further helps reduce waste, the automaker noted. The process produces less scrap material, and whatever isn’t used can be fed back into the production cycle as raw material.

Circularity from design stage

“We gave thorough consideration to circularity from the outset during the design process for the BMW i Vision Circular. As a result, this Vision Vehicle is packed with innovative ideas for combining sustainability with a new, inspirational aesthetic – we call this approach ‘circular design’,” explained  Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

The number of parts on the bodywork has been reduced as much as possible. Instead of having a chrome surround with bars, for example, the iconic kidney grille has been newly interpreted as a digital surface. Even the
brand logo
 on the front end is engraved and the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.

The surfaces below the windscreen are made from secondary aluminium. An additional sensor cluster between the two kidney elements groups together technological features, enabling simple disassembly within a single removable element. The bumper area further down is manufactured from recycled plastic with a sophisticated marbled surface.

Minimum parts and ease of disassembly

Having a small number of different mono-material groups with connections that can easily be undone is crucial for good recycling. For this reason, there are no bonded connections or composite materials and, instead, intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners are used. A special socket wrench can separate the component parts joined by the fastener with a single rotation.

The tyres in ‘Vivid Blue Rubber’ are made from certified, sustainably cultivated natural rubber and have a slightly transparent appearance. Extra coloured, recycled rubber particles are added to the tyre compound for strengthening, creating an intriguing terrazzo effect and purposefully highlighting the reuse of materials.

The wheel rims are designed and manufactured with minimal materials use. Rim centres with maximum permeability provide brake cooling, while the more enclosed surfaces to the outer reaches of the wheels ensure the greatest possible aerodynamic efficiency. The wheels are fixed in place with a quick-release fastener at the centre of each wheel.

Only visible when looking from above, a narrow fin is integrated centrally in the rear section of the glass roof. It contains the communications and antenna technology, and provides information on the status of the vehicle (open/closed, charge level of the battery, etc.). It also integrates the high-mounted centre brake light.

Luxurious ambience with recycled materials

Inside, the i Vision Circular is also true to employing materials and production processes that are indicative of a responsible approach to the environment and its resources. But that does not mean it cannot have a luxurious ambience. For this, the interior designers carried out purposeful selection of materials. This involves using not just the right basic materials in the form of mono-materials but also clever new joining techniques for them which avoid the use of glue in order to ensure optimum suitability for dismantling and sorting at a later stage.

In order to minimise the amount of waste and offcuts, all components and materials will be manufactured to fit exactly using processes such as 3D printing. Any surplus material will be systematically fed back into the materials cycle.

The instrument panel is turned into a next-generation ‘phygital’ (a newly coined term that refers to turning digitality into a haptic experience) user interface. Here, it takes the form of a hovering, V-shaped sculpture that projects out into the cabin. At its heart is a 3D-printed, crystal body with nerve-like structures running through it, great visual depth and an enthralling lighting effect. This is where the vehicle’s “thinking” is visualised, allowing the user to see its intelligence at work.

The information area you would normally expect to find in a central information display is located above the instrument panel, at the bottom of the windscreen. This display area takes the Head-Up Display to a whole new level. All relevant information is projected onto the bottom area of the windscreen across its entire width. Driving displays for the driver can be found here together with communications functions and entertainment features for the passengers.

3D-printed steering wheel

The steering wheel forms a link between past and future at the same time as reducing the quantity of material and components. The rim has been 3D-printed from bio-based material, with the wood powder variant shown here giving the steering wheel a natural and warm feel. The unconventional, central positioning of the vertical spoke in gold-bronze adds a modern twist.

The display and operating surface below the windows visible on the outside of the car can be found on the inside too, forming a connecting element between interior and exterior. Here again, it extends back into the rear of the car and around the Hofmeister kink. Featuring the same crystal appearance as the instrument panel and ambient lighting, this element in the sidewall adds to the intriguing and mystical aura produced in the cabin.

BMW makes it clear that the i Vision Circular concept is not the basis or any future model. It has a range of next-generation EVs under development, referred to as ‘Neue Klasse’ (German for ‘New Class’) which may adopt some of the ideas from the sustainability-focused concept car.

BMW brand logo modernised with visual style of today to suit digital age


Avalanche Andretti Formula E team Wins Opening Round Of Formula E Season 9

Michael Andretti may be having challenges getting a team, with Cadillac as partner, into Formula 1, but where Formula E is concerned, the Andretti team was readily accepted and has remained a consistent participant since the first season. And this year, as the Avalanche Andretti Formula E team, it has taken the first victory of the new Season 9 in Mexico City this weekend.

Driver Jake Dennis had a dominant drive to win the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix ahead of TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driver Pascal Wehrlein who started from sixth to finish second, and Mahindra Racing’s Lucas di Grassi who slipped from pole position during the race to finish third.

Season 9 of the all-electric single-seater championship also sees totally new racing cars designed and optimised specifically for street racing. Designated GEN3, these are the world’s fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric racing cars designated GEN3. Developed by engineers and sustainability experts at the FIA and Formula E, the GEN3 cars are intended to show the world that high performance and sustainability can co-exist without compromise. At the same time, cutting-edge technologies (especially for electric vehicles), that are developed for the racing cars will eventually transfer to road-going production models.

The race started off with di Grassi getting into the lead early as he had pole position, As the field filtered through the first few turns, Robin Frijns’ ABT CUPRA was one that didn’t make it. He ran into the back of Norman Nato’s Nissan at Turn 9, bringing out the Porsche Taycan Safety Car. The collision was severe enough that the Dutch driver broke his wrist, while Nato had also to retire.

Racing resumed on lap 6 of the 36-lap race restart, and the order that had been set while under the Safety Car di Grassi, Dennis, Hughes, Lotterer, Ticktum, Wehrlein, Fenestraz, Buemi, da Costa and Evans in the top 10. Sam Bird (Jaguar TCS Racing) had earlier said he didn’t think anything else could possibly go wrong in Mexico but on Lap 7, his car came to a halt with another technical issue.

ATTACK MODE this year is even more strategic with 350 kW available for 4 minutes in 2 intervals. The drivers and strategists can decide to split it across 2 activations lasting 2 minutes, a 1+3 minute activation, or a 3+1 minute burst.

Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy and Cassidy and reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne of DS PENSKE were first to jump for their initial boost. The latter went for  3+1 minute split as he sought to recover from a disappointing qualifying session. With instant progress, he leapt past Cassidy into 13
th
 place.

By lap 10, di Grassi was leading Dennis by half-a-second, and three Porsche-powered cars in the top five as the Avalanche Andretti team is using the same power unit as the Porsche team. But things changed just 2 laps later as Dennis caught the Mahindra driver by surprise on Turn 3. NEOM McLaren’s Jake Hughes tried to follow through as well but the Brazilian must have woken up and closed the door, so to speak.

Having grabbed the lead, Dennis started to open up the gap to di Grassi with a Fastest Lap. Through that first round of ATTACK MODE, he pulled out some 4 seconds on the rest by the halfway point in the race.

However, on lap 19, the Safety Car was called out again when Edo Mortara’s Maserati MSG Racing Tipo Folgore pirouetted backwards into the Turn 1 wall. Not a good start for the Italian team and also four pointless races in five for Mortara. It would be 3 laps before racing could resume and when it did, the order was Dennis, di Grassi, Hughes and Wehrlein.

The second round of ATTACK MODE boosts saw Wehrlein and Lotterer jump from fourth and fifth as they set about closing on the lead quartet. Di Grassi and Hughes followed a lap later but the McLaren driver couldn’t hold the Porsche off, with Wehrlein holding on to the podium place. On lap 29, Wehrlein managed to get ahead of di Grassi into the chicane. The Mahindra appeared more marginal on energy and was unable to put up a fight so it became a Porsche powertrain 1-2 at that point.

Another 5 laps were added on for time lost under the Safety Car, and while the two leaders were comfortable, di Grassi was left clinging to third under pressure from Hughes. The battle for third, fourth and fifth between di Grassi, Hughes and Lotterer was in full force in the remaining laps. By the fourth added laps, Buemi (Envision Racing) was fairly secure in sixth and da Costa in seventh. Lotterer did pull a surprise, though, pinching fourth from Hughes and at the hairpin on the last lap.

“It was such a physical race. These cars are so hard to drive physically and with the lower grip as well, it makes everything more challenging. But it’s even more rewarding, especially when you win by 5 seconds,” said Avalanche Andretti’s Dennis.

The next location is in the Middle East, with two rounds – both at night – to be run in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on January 27/28. Formula E broke new ground when it worked closely with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport to have the event’s first night races at the opening of Season 7 in 2021. The fast and flowing 21-turn 2.49-km circuit, flanking the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, will once again be lit up by the latest low-power LED technology. These reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to non-LED units, and are powered by sustainably-sourced biofuel generators.

The next two races will be run at night at the street circuit in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.


Hyundai IONIQ 6 Wins 2023 World Car Of The Year Title – Plus 2 Other Awards

Hyundai Motor’s
IONIQ 6
 has won the 2023 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title, as well as the World Car Design of the Year and World Electric Vehicle awards. The Hyundai Motor Group also collected another award for the Kia EV6 GT which won the World Performance Car title.

The IONIQ 6 – also known as the ‘Electric Streamliner’ – beat the other finalists which included the
BMW X1/iX1
 and the
Kia Niro
 for the overall title. The IONIQ 6 was one of 21 original vehicles that were in contention for the 2023 WCOTY awards in the 19
th
 year of the event.

This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group as the
IONIQ 5
 was
last year’s winner
 in the same three categories.

In addition, SangYup Lee (above left), Executive Vice-President, Head of the Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Centre, was also picked as the 2023 World Car PERSON of the Year.

The winners in the other categories are: World Luxury Car – Lucid Air, and World Urban Car – Citroen C3.

Lucid Air

Citroen C3

A jury of 100 international automotive journalists from 32 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work.

Vehicles eligible for the overall WCOTY title must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units a year; must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets; and must be ‘on- sale’ in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents at some time within the period of January 1, 2022 and March 30, 2023.

Picture yourself on a tropical adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, or an exquisite culinary experience in Italy, or a historical tour in Egypt. Come explore the world! Join the Monthly Travel Bonanza 2023! Spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol stations and stand a chance to win great prizes every month! Exclusive for BHPetrol eCard app members only.

This year, there were 78 eligible vehicles in total for the World Car Design of the Year award. The judging panel consisted of 6 highly respected world design experts. These included designers who were previously with top global carmakers.

PREVIOUS OVERALL AWARD WINNERS

2022 – Hyundai IONIQ 5
2021 – Volkswagen ID.4
2020 – Kia Telluride
2019 – Jaguar I-PACE
2018 – Volvo XC60
2017 – Jaguar F-PACE
2016 – Mazda MX-5
2015 – Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 – Audi A3
2013 – Volkswagen Golf
2012 – Volkswagen UP!
2011 –  Nissan LEAF
2010 – Volkswagen Polo
2009 – Volkswagen Golf 7
2008 – Mazda2
2007 – Lexus LS460
2006 – BMW 3-Series
2005 – Audi A6

Women’s World Car Of The Year Announces Six Category Winners For 2023


Toyota Maintains No.1 Position In Brand Value, With Tesla Recording A 32% Gain

The COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years brought industries to a standstill in 2020 as lockdowns were initiated in many countries. Then, as things seemed to get better in 2021, a global shortage of microprocessors (as well as other parts) slowed production, especially of motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, in spite of having tough challenges to overcome and growing waiting lists of customers, the leading automotive brands still saw their brand values rise in 2021. In the Best Global Brands 2022 listing released by US brand consultancy Interbrand, the top 10 brand leaders in the auto sector remained largely unchanged, with increased values last year.

Sixth overall, Toyota again topped the list for the auto industry with its brand value rising 10% to US$59.757 billion after an 8% drop in the previous year’s list. Mercedes-Benz also maintained its position in second place and leader of the luxury brands. It was the only other auto company among the overall top 10 brands.

Third placed Tesla, which only began appearing on the Interbrand list from 2020, recorded the highest increase of 32%, raising its brand value to US$48.002 billion.

Hyundai Motor’s brand value rose 14% to $17.314 billion in 2022, placing it overall 35th for the second straight year but dropping one position in ranking among auto brands. This is Hyundai’s  eighth consecutive year among the top 40 brands. Since entering the ranks of the top 100 companies in terms of brand value in 2005, the carmaker has remained in the top 100 for 16 consecutive years.

Overall, Apple held on to the No.1 position for its 10th consecutive year, while Microsoft moved up into second place, overtaking Amazon. For the first time the average brand value of Best Global Brand crossed US$3 trillion, a 16% rise from 2021 and the fastest rate of growth ever recorded. Technology brands continue to dominate the rankings, making up the top 5 brands in the table.

Interbrand has been researching and analysing the world’s most valuable brands since 1999. The top 100 are assessed on financial performance of each brand’s products or services, role of the brand in the purchase decision process, and strength of the brand with regard to securing future corporate earnings.

To be included in Best Global Brands, a brand must be global, and at least 30% of revenue must come from outside the brand’s home region. The brand must also have a significant presence in Asia, Europe, and North America.


UMW Toyota Begins Deliveries Of New 2018 Harrier

Following the preview of the all-new Toyota Harrier at the Malaysia Auto Show 2017 last November,
UMW Toyota Motor
 received many orders for the model which is being officially sold for the first time in Malaysia. The first units are now being delivered to customers who made bookings earlier and the new Harrier has prices starting from
RM238,000
 in Peninsular Malaysia.

“We are encouraged by the response to the introduction of the all-new Toyota Harrier in Malaysia. As the earlier generations were intended only for the Japanese domestic market, we were unable to sell them officially. However, Toyota Motor Corporation 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 Harrier comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. This includes availability of genuine replacement parts for this latest generation.

The latest generation of the Harrier has a sharp aerodynamically-angled grille and incorporates a hawk emblem which emphasises the aggressive and elegant image. 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 comes with a 2-litre turbocharged engine. Two versions are available – the Harrier 2.0T Premium and Harrier 2.0T Luxury which has additional equipment. It comes with 4 colour choices.

The Harrier has the 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.

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.

Other safety systems include 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 + Auto Brake Hold, and Parking Sensors with Reverse Camera.

Additionally up to 7 SRS airbags protection and cushioning for the front occupants, supplemented by side airbags as well as curtain shield airbags which deploy over the side windows (front and rear) during a side collision. There is also a knee airbag below the steering column to protect the driver’s knees during a frontal collision.

For more information on the new Harrier, visit Toyota’s website
toyota.com.my
.

(All photos herein supplied by UMW Toyota Motor, as is)


SDAC-Ford Ara Damansara dealership outlet in Ara Damansara, Selangor, recognised for top performance

The SDAC-Ford National Dealer Convention held annually by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, aims to recognise top-performing Ford dealerships in the country across key business categories including sales, aftersales, service operation excellence and business performance.

For 2021, the SDAC-Ford Ara Damansara dealership outlet was recognised as Best Overall Ford Dealership Outlet, and won this top distinction based on overall performance in sales and aftersales services. The dealership outlet also won the greatest number of awards amongst all Ford dealership outlets nationwide.

Commitment to deliver

SDAC-Ford Ara Damansara’s performance was attributed to its commitment to delivering on overall sales and aftersales performance despite the challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic. It was also recognised for Overall Sales Target Achievement, Best Overall Sales Outlet (Champion), Best Overall Aftersales Outlet (2nd Runner-Up), Aftersales CVP (Customer View Point) Excellence (Central region), and Parts Sales Target Achievement (Central region).

“We are truly honoured to be named the 2021 Best Overall Outlet despite being in operation for only 2 years. This recognition is a testament to our strong commitment in delivering outstanding business performance while ensuring service excellence throughout the entire ownership journey. We remain steadfast in pursuing excellence and in providing world-class service to all our Ford customers,” said Steven Kong, Dealer Principal of Sime Darby Auto Connexion-Ford which is located at the
Sime Darby Motors City complex
 in Ara Damansara, Selangor.

Full range of services

The outlet offers a complete range of services and has a showroom displaying the latest Ford models available in the Malaysian market, as well a fully-equipped service centre on the upper levels of the building. For customers waiting for their vehicles being serviced, there is a comfortable and spacious area with refreshments and light snacks available, as well as complimentary wifi service.

To know more about the services offered at SDAC-Ford Damansara and other Ford outlets in Malaysia, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ by SDAC-Ford provide owners with ways to enjoy their truck to the fullest


Dream Car Performance Garage is the latest member of the PETRONAS AutoExpert network

Dream Car Performance Garage, which had its official opening today, is the latest member of the PETRONAS AutoExpert network in Malaysia. Located in the Temasya Industrial Park at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, the service centre is a full-fledged auto service provider with experience in high-performance and high-end models.

The PETRONAS AutoExpert concept is an initiative by PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM) together with PETRONAS Lubricant International (PLI) which was introduced in Malaysia in April last year. It aims to establish 100 centres in Malaysia, with more to be opened across 30 countries in the next 5 years.

The idea behind the PETRONAS AutoExpert service centre is to allow customers to enjoy PETRONAS’ technical expertise, particularly in the area of lubricants. Business partners like Dream Car Performance Garage will offer value-added services that are usually associated with under-warranty care only.

The service centre offers a range of PETRONAS lubricants especially formulated for high performance engines.

As a PETRONAS AutoExpert service centre, Dream Car Performance Garage has specially trained mechanics utilizing the latest tools and technology to conduct vehicle inspection, engine diagnostics, oil change and other services. It also has access to systems and tools that help facilitate a more efficient service, with PETRONAS providing support such as training, marketing advice, effective trade programs and consultancy for future business development, as well as leveraging on PETRONAS as a leading global brand.

Click here for other news and articles about PETRONAS at PISTON.MY
.


Fuel Prices For October 26 – November 1, 2019


F1 (Round 13): Provisional Results For 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Racing Team confirms its seventh consecutive Constructors Championship title after winning 11 races in the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, with 4 rounds remaining.


Limited Edition Huracans To Be Unveiled For Lamborghini’s 60th Anniversary

In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, Lamborghini will introduced three limited-edition variants of the Huracan.

60 units each of the Huracan STO, Huracan Tecnica and Huracan EVO Spyder will be unveiled on 21 April at an exclusive event as part of Milan Design Week alongside the Lamborghini Revuelto.

Each of the V10 trio series will come in two alternative configurations, each of which redefines Lamborghini’s tradition of developing cutting-edge, fashion-forward colours with the addition of specialised liveries.

Each car has been fitted with a “1 of 60” carbon fibre plate and the logo “60th” painted on the doors and stitched on the seats to emphasise the exclusivity of this particular series.

The STO

High-performance athletic apparel is the source of inspiration for the 640hp V10 STO livery. The exterior of one variant will be various colours of blue, while the interior of the other will be black, grey, and red with grey and black bodywork. Both will get 20-inch Hek matte black aluminium wheels and exposed carbon fibre.

The Tecnica

The Italian flag and motorsport serve as inspirations for the Tecnica standard. While the second configuration has white paintwork, green lines, and green details inside as well, the first configuration has grey bodywork with black and red features and a black and red interior. The 20-inch Damiso shining black rims on these Tecnica models are included.

The EVO Spyder

The EVO Spyder can be configured with bodywork in Blu Le Mans with contrasting Bianco Isi (white) details. The same colour scheme is used for the interior in Nero Ade Alcantara, embellished with embroidery in Blu Amon (blue) and piping in Bianco Leda (white). The alternative version features bodywork in Verde Viper combined with Bianco Is and the interior is upholstered with Nero Ade Alcantara combined with Rosso Alala and Bianco Leda. Both special versions are equipped with 20″ Damiso shiny black rims.

The “60th Anniversary Giro” trip will begin on May 24 in Italy and end on May 28 in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna with an open-to-the-public Concours d’Elegance in which more than 150 Lamborghinis are anticipated to take part.


Dealers Now Need To Pay Meta To Sell Cars On Facebook

Early this year, Meta informed customers that as of January 30, it will no longer let sellers create used-vehicle listings using a Facebook business profile. Similar limitations that applied to rentals and real properties were also put in place. The adjustments come after Facebook decided to stop allowing dealerships to use marketing partners to push goods into Facebook Marketplace in 2021.

Some dealers claim they will accept the additional advertising costs imposed by the modifications to use the platform to reach their intended online audience. Others said that the new regulations won’t have much of an impact because their profits through the Facebook Marketplace were so minimal.

When Automotive News contacted Facebook and Meta, the parent firm, they did not provide a response. However, several dealership groups selling automobiles on Facebook Marketplace were forced to redesign their online marketing strategies as a result of the adjustments, which became effective at the end of January.

According to Max Muncey, a spokesman for LaFontaine Automotive Group, the dealership group is reusing current advertising funds in addition to making new investments to offset the increased cost.

“Internet sales are necessary. It’s just that the Meta marketplace never showed the kind of results that we see from the other third-party sellers,” said Joe Jackson, Bowman Auto Group general manager.

According to a source that is familiar with Facebook’s auto dealership business, dealerships will no longer have any free person-to-person listings for autos and real estate on Facebook Marketplace; instead, they will only have paid advertising alternatives.

To have real visibility on Facebook going forward, dealers need a dealership page and then sponsored ads and the changes have drastically decreased marketing opportunities on Facebook.

Then again, there are loopholes being played here as there are active Facebook groups where listings are posted by personal accounts. Some Facebook groups have rules in place to deny the act of buying and selling whereas others just see it as an opportunity to continue the service that was once free.

It is quite clear that Facebook is fast limiting its reach that was once vast, and for those who would like to continue enjoying that reach, they are now forced to pay for it.


Mitsubishi partner Fast & Furious Live global tour

Fans of The Fast & Furious movie franchise who aren’t happy waiting a couple of years for the release of the next installment, will be happy to know that the F&F Live show exists. During this live event, a number of supped up performance cars will be driven around the arena in a manner that closely resemble maneuvers depicted in the movies.

Mitsubishi UK has decided to partner the live show by providing several stunt and support vehicles. Cars that will perform these stunts include a Lancer Evolution that is part of a unique interactive segment of Fast & Furious Live. A fleet of Mitsubishi L200/Triton pickup trucks will be tasked with assisting the show’s production team.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Mitsubishi’s turbocharged presence to our live-arena production,” said James Cooke-Priest, CEO, Fast Live Productions. “The audience will expect to see this famously fast Japanese brand mixing it up in the live action, and we’re very excited at the support Mitsubishi is providing the show.”

The Japanese automaker has had a long and illustrious relationship with the movie franchise since the The Fast and The Furious first hit the silver screen. Brian O’ Conner’s (Paul Walker) Green Mitsubishi Eclipse, Yellow Mitsubishi Evolution VII and Roman Pierce’s (Tyrese) Purple Eclipse Spider, are sometimes revered more than the show’s stars.

And with Fast & Furious Live, Fast Live Productions, the maker of the show plans on rekindling some of the action packed and adrenaline pumping scenes of F&F. It aims to recreate stunts depicted in the movies with cars and locations that criss-cross the various installments. Key scenes will be recreated via state-of-the-art 3D projection mapping.

The show’s producers say that the experience will transport fans straight into an immersive extension of the Fast & Furious movies. Fast & Furious Live’s global tour will kick off in the UK in January of 2018. If you would like to know more about it,
CLICK HERE
.


Audi Uses Artificial Intelligence For Wheel Design

Each year, alloy wheels with new designs are introduced on new car models or as updates for existing models. The designs are varied, some purely aesthetic while others have functional features to improve cooling of the brakes or aerodynamic efficiency, especially for electric vehicles.

For original equipment wheels, ie those installed at the factory by the carmakers, the designs are usually done in-house (although there may be times when specialised wheels are provided by suppliers). This is just another part of the work at the design department and often, the designers are on the look out for new ideas and inspiration.

But where to find untapped sources of inspiration when it comes to designing wheels? This is where Audi’s design department is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), a goal the German carmaker has set itself on its way to becoming a data-driven company.

With FelGAN, the company now employs software that uses AI to open up new sources of inspiration for designers at the Audi Design Studio in Ingolstadt, Germany.

‘Thinking out the box’
An in-house development by Audi’s IT department and Audi Design, the AI-based software FelGAN enables ‘thinking out the box’. The project is now enabling creative people to draw from a practically unlimited pool of ideas. Interacting with the software lets designers discover motifs from completely new perspectives, giving them suggestions that they can further evolve and work into their creations.

In concrete terms, FelGAN works either by rapidly proposing a large number of photo-realistic designs itself or recombining existing designs in a targeted way. In this way, the system acts as a kind of spontaneous idea hub for Audi’s wheel design team, allowing them to exchange new versions and variations. The tool lets designers easily experiment with shape, colour, surface structure, and other parameters in real time.

How AI learned to design wheels
The name ‘FelGAN’ is a mix of the German word for ‘rim’ (
Fel
ge) and ‘
GAN
’, the latter being an acronym for
G
enerative
A
dversarial
N
etworks. GANs are a special form of self-learning computer program in which two algorithms compete as opponents during the so-called ‘training’, becoming better and better in competition with each other.

It works like this: One of the two algorithms, the ‘generator’ makes artificial images of a specific motif – in the case of FelGAN, a vehicle rim. The discriminator – the ‘competitor’, so to speak – sees a selection of images, consisting of real wheel photos alongside images from the generator. Now the discriminator decides whether each image is a creation of the generator or a real photo. This process is repeated again and again until training is completed.

Both algorithms are designed to learn from their mistakes and improve continuously. After enough runs, the generator’s creations are so deceptively real that even the human eye cannot, or can only barely, distinguish them from real photos.

The application’s intuitive user interface, which is based on Streamlit technology, creates short development cycles and quick feedback between the design and IT team. So that designers do not have to rely on high-performance local hardware when using the software solution, the components of the AI application – which require a lot of processing power – are run in the cloud.

Cooperation between humans and AI
Another benefit of FelGAN is that the software assigns a mathematical value to each design that the AI makes. Referred to by developers as ‘DNA’, these values can be used at any time to reproduce designs. Audi designers can also feed the program with their own designs and photos, adding them to the virtual experimental surface. This is based on special algorithms that determine the appropriate DNA values for the images that designers feed in.

Often, designers only go on to use individual elements from FelGAN’s creations, refining them into a harmonious overall design. In addition to mastery of the tools of the trade, a creative eye and professional experience play the decisive role here. Finally, the experts at Audi make the virtual design a reality by producing a prototype of the wheel, either in plastic or aluminium, using a high-tech milling machine.

Further advances
“In the modern age, data brings immense added value for companies and their employees. Audi has committed to the goal of becoming a data-driven company. To this end, we are going to use AI in many departments. So our data team is always on the look-out for new technologies,” said Thomas Knispel, Head of Machine Learning & Data Science at Audi.

In the future, the technology behind FelGAN could be expanded into a comprehensive AI design platform that could also serve as a source of inspiration for designers from other Audi departments. Furthermore, an AI rating system is currently being developed in which each rim generated by FelGAN will be assessment with regard to its carbon balance.

Audi e-rickshaws to be tested in India

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


BMW and MINI Service Fast Lane Centre opens in Penang

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 for more information.

Meanwhile, the Penang branch of Auto Bavaria, an authorised BMW, Motorrad and MINI dealership, has introduced its first-ever dedicated BMW and MINI Service Fast Lane Centre. The stand-alone facility will complement the services provided by its main service centre.

The BMW & MINI Service Fast Lane Centre has a floor area of 30,000 sq. feet and is fully air-conditioned with a premium customer lounge, 6 service bays, and two RATC (Reception at the Car) bays. The centre specialises solely on quick service and repairs with emphasis on regular vehicle maintenance, wear and tear repairs, tyre replacement, cosmetic repairs and more, for better efficiency and time optimisation.

Quotation before work commences

According to Sime Darby Auto Bavaria’s MD, Vi Thim Juan, the Service Fast Lane concept aims to help customers optimise their time while getting the necessary service and repairs for their cars. The cost of service or repair as well as the duration needed to complete the service will be discussed in advance when a customer calls to book for the Service Fast Lane.

“Our Service Fast Lane Centre is designed to fit customers’ routines with minimal interruption. Service appointment scheduling is also flexible, allowing customers to bring in their cars at a time most convenient to them. With Service Fast Lane, service and repairs are done in a fraction of the time while customers sip their coffee and relax at our lounge,” said Mr. Vi.

Customers can be assured of receiving cost estimates, including itemised costs for parts and labour prior to any work commencing, as Auto Bavaria continues to deliver on its promise of price transparency for customers to make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles. The centre operates 6 days a week, except on public holidays.

For more information on BMW or MINI products and services in Malaysia, visit
www.bmw.com.my
 or
MINI.MY
.

RM570 million Sime Darby Motors City officially opened at Ara Damansara in Selangor


HardKhor Motorsports Report: Our Malaysian racers in UK and Korea

Besides the Formula 3 championship in the UK, there were two major race series in Korea this month – the Blancpain GT Word Challenge Asia and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series – and our Malaysian drivers were there.

British Formula 3 Championship

Former karter Nazim Azman who is now furthering his studies in the UK won his first race in the recent popular British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) F3 series (Race 2) at the Brands Hatch circuit. Driving for Chris Dittman Racing, Nazim started in 3rd place and immediately took advantage of a collision in the first lap between the pole and 2nd placed drivers. He took the lead and from there had to fend off his team mate for the rest of the race. Holding his position, he took the chequered flag with a gap of just 0.334 seconds from the next rival.

Former karter Nazim Azman wins first race British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) F3 series.

BLANCPAIN GT WORLD CHALLENGE ASIA Rd.5

The Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia Round 5 was held at Yeongam, a previous F1 venue. Another Herman Tilke-designed circuit, it is 5.6 kms long with undulating and narrow sections in some parts.

The Audi R8 LMS GT3 2019 run by Audi Sport Asia Team Absolute Racing with a win in Fuji the last time out was back with Weiron Tan & Aussie Martin Rump and looking for another top 3 finish in the PRO class. Melvin Moh & Singaporean Daniel Au were in their Mercedes AMG GT3 in the Pro-Am class in one of the 4 Craft-Bamboo Racing cars as was H.H Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim (Jefri) of Johor in his Triple Eight Racing run Mercedes AMG GT3.

There were quite a few Malaysian technicians and crew chiefs in the Blancpain paddock, some of whom just flew here directly from last weekends Spa 24 Hours GT race. These were the hardworking guys from teams like Earl Bamber Motorsports, HubAuto Corsa, Absolute Racing, Open Road Racing and Modena Motorsports.

The practice sessions are seldom accurate indicators of what’s to come on race day especially so in a track which very few drivers and teams have raced on recently. So the teams were busy finding out track conditions and limits and looking for optimum set-ups.

Race 1 was largely uneventful until Weiron set a fastest lap time in the race just before the pit stops. H.H Prince Jefri held station for most of the race, fending off challengers and was 12th before handing over to Shane. Daniel Au too seemed to be holding on to his position before he suddenly slowed and ended up behind the GT4 runners before handing over to Melvin.

After the pit stops, Martin Rump in the Audi rejoined in 8th and eventually finished 6th overall. It was similar for Shane who rejoined in 8th and finished 7th in #888.

Melvin, on the other hand, rejoined dead last in 23rd. He swiftly dispatched some of the GT4 runners and backmarkers to eventually finish 16th overall with a lap down at the chequered flag. In the ProAm class, H.H Prince Jefri/Shane Van Gisbergen finished first.

Race 2 saw unusually hot with track temperatures at 58 degrees C. and humidity similar to Malaysia! Shane Van Gisbergen started in 1st as the pole-sitters Max Goetz and J Lee appeared to have suffered a penalty dropping them 5 places down the grid. Martin Rump started in 10th and Melvin in 12th.

It was a manic start as the first few corners are slow and narrow and tend to bunch up the field resulting in Melvin being pushed down to 15th whilst the Audi of Weiron and Martin gained two places to 8th.

At the pit stops, Martin handed the Audi R8 LMS GT3 to Weiron Tan in 8th, while Melvin was up as high as 10th. before the pit stops and Shane handed #888 AMG GT3 to H.H Prince Jefri Ibrahim from 1st place and with a 14-second lead!

With 23 minutes to go, H.H Prince Jefri was in the lead whilst Weiron, now up to 3rd, had an incident with the Am leader in the last turn resulting in a drive-through penalty. H.H Prince led for a few laps but was inevitably caught and passed by Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, The Prince drove well for a rookie to bring his car home in 5th overall and 3rd in ProAm Class. Weiron, after serving a penalty, finished 9th and Daniel Au brought the #55 AMG GT3 home in 17th.

From what I saw, Weiron’s Audi had the pace but not the luck in Korea. Melvin had to struggle with his car for pace but H.H Prince Jefri had a flawless car which was the fastest throughout the weekend and got on the podium twice again!

LAMBORGHINI SUPER TROFEO ASIA KOREA

Malaysian Afiq Ikhwan Yazid started this round with his Japanese team mate, Toshiyuki Ochiai leading the points chart after outright wins in the previous rounds in Fuji. Afiq is in the hotly contested ProAm class which have seen as many as 14 drivers taking part in some rounds. This very successful one-make race for Lamborghini Super Trofeo Huracans also has 2 cars in the Pro class and up to 8 in the AM class. The other Malaysian driver is Zen Low, with partner D Hwang in their Aylezo Racing car #69.

In Race 1, the #38 Team Hojust Racing car with Ochiai started in 5th and he impressively held off some experienced Pro class racers behind him. After the pitstop, Afiq rejoined in 8th and proceeded to display his experience and mastery of the Lamborghini as he carved his way up to 3rd overall and 1st in ProAm before the chequered flag was weaved. Zen Low in the #69 car finished 8th overall eventually.

Afiq started from pole in Race 2 and led right up to the pitstops, setting fastest laps several times in the process. He then handed over the car to his team with a 5-second advantage over the next car. Ochiai was soon swamped by Pro leaders Evan Chen and Puhaka and he finished 3rd overall and 1st in ProAm class for Team Hojust. Aylezo Racing finished 7th overall and took 2nd in the Am category.

* Photo credits to the British F3 Championship, Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia and Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia websites.