Production-spec Pininfarina Battista hypercar cruises on roads of California

Joining the exotic and very expensive supercars and concept cars like the
Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider
 and
 Audi Skysphere
 in the Monterey Car Week in California is the first production-spec Pininfarina Battista. Laying claim as the world’s first pure-electric hyper GT, the Battista first road outing on California’s roads marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the company (owned by the Mahindra Group since 2015).

Customers in the USA have a first chance to view the car which is finished in Black on exposed signature carbonfibre bodywork. The exposed bodywork and precision polished Impulso forged aluminium alloy wheels are complemented by an exquisitely tailored interior featuring optional Pilota seats finished in sustainable black leather and quilted Iconica Blu Alcantara upholstery, with Iconica Blu contrast stitching, complemented by the Interior Jewellery Pack finished in brushed aluminium anodised in black.

The Battista is claimed to be the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy, with the promise of delivering a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sportscar using internal combustion engine technology. It will be quicker than a current Formula 1 car with a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of less than 2 seconds, and with 1,900 ps/2,300 Nm output from 4 electric motors. Operating with zero emissions, the Battista’s 120 kWh battery pack is expected to provide a range of over 500 kms when fully charged.

The sound of the Battista

The physical presence of the hypercar also allows the Battista to be heard for the first time. It has a unique soundscape tuned to create an emotional reaction for occupants and onlookers. Following Automobili Pininfarina’s ‘Pure Sound’ philosophy, the soundscape has a core frequency of 54 Hz, an organic frequency that is a multiple of 432 Hz – known as ‘Verdi’s A,’ conceived by famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi.

According to music theory, 432 Hz is mathematically consistent with the universe. Music tuned to 432 Hz is said to be a pure sound while providing greater clarity, and is easier on the ears. From this starting point, the frequency will rise in multiples of 54 Hz with new sound layers added as the speed of the car increases. The seamlessly responsive acoustics will reflect the pure-electric performance of Battista combining rich bass tones to create a signature sound.

Commenting on the distinctive aural signature, Rene Wollmann, Product Platform Director Sports Cars at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Every driver has an emotional bond with a car and the sound of Battista will nurture this connection, not by replicating a familiar car sound, but with one that radiates the beauty of Battista’s design both inside and out. This way, the Battista will not only impress with its aesthetic appeal and performance, but also on a new emotional level enhanced through the sound. We look forward to the input we will receive from clients in the US as we fine-tune Battista’s sonic experience.”

Connected – from anywhere in the world

A special provision made in the car is to be able to access online services consistently and reliably when crossing different countries. Automobili Pininfarina and Deutsche Telekom have come up with a way for Battista owners to do so in more than 50 countries worldwide – a first in the world of hypercars.

Every one of the 150 Battistas (to cost no less than US$2.5 million or around RM10.3 million) will come with an embedded SIM card and roaming technology for optimised connectivity worldwide. Using these components, Deutsche Telekom’s roaming partner network and roaming traffic steering logic enables the vehicle to search for the strongest network, so owners don’t find themselves in communication blackspots even as they cross international borders.

This superior connectivity also means greater convenience for owners to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, the latest thing in the industry. By sending software updates online, the vehicle’s systems or devices will always be up-to-date and perform at their best. The system will be able to remotely update 26 individual electronic control modules in the Battista across functions covering the powertrain, safety and driving dynamics systems, vehicle control, infotainment as well as digital services.

The more exclusive Anniversario edition

As for the even more exclusive
Battista Anniversario
, the bodywork will have one of the most complex paint finishes in the world, with the process of creating akin to a great artist completing an Old Master painting. Skilled artisans will take several weeks to paint each car, building up the finish layer-by-layer and colour-by-colour – all by hand. The body is disassembled and reassembled three times so pinstripes in the three separate colours can be hand-painted directly onto the body.

Battista Anniversario

The Battista Anniversario is also equipped with the ‘Furiosa’ package, comprising a revised carbonfibre front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser. Exclusively on the Anniversario, these parts are finished in a two-tone combination of exposed signature carbonfibre and carbonfibre tinted in Iconica Blu with pin stripes in Bianco Sestriere.

Besides the exclusive livery, a bespoke rear wing, rear aero fins and other bespoke details are unique to the Battista Anniversario. The aerodynamic enhancements enabled by the Furiosa exterior changes deliver increased downforce and greater stability at higher cornering speeds and a more dynamic balance to the car.

Pininfarina has a long history of designed exotic supercars. The Ferrari F40 was one of them.

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)


130,000th Honda Civic delivered to proud owner

Honda Malaysia
 is proud to announce that they’ve reach a major milestone in their company for the delivery of the 130,000
th
 Honda Civic to its proud new owner. This is a major mark of success ever since its introduction here in Malaysia back in 2001 (referring to the year Honda Malaysia was established but the Civic has actually been in Malaysia since the 1970s). Currently holding the top spot in the C-segment category, it is by far one of the most popular models available here in Malaysia.

According to Ms. Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, Honda Malaysia Group Vice President, “A heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation to all our 130,000 Civic customers in Malaysia. Their support and belief in the Honda brand have enabled our models to achieve segment leadership positions including the Civic which is leading the C-segment.”

“In Malaysia, the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and has won many hearts here. It has consistently been well supported by Malaysians. Despite the limitation of sales units in the beginning of the year, the Civic continues to dominate the C-segment with the highest market share at 77%*. With the current line-up of models including the popular Civic, we believe we are on track to achieve our sales for 2019. We currently remain as No.1 in Non-National Segment and No.2 in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) positions.”

Dressed in Dark Ruby Red, the 130,000
th
 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbocharged Premium was handed over to Ms. Fatihah binti Abdul Kadir at Botanic Auto Mall Sdn Bhd Honda dealership. According to the proud new owner, “I have always been a fan of Honda. I booked the car early this year and have been waiting expectantly to receive the car. But, to become the 130,000th Civic owner is really a pleasant surprise! I am truly delighted with my Civic and can’t wait to bring it on-the road.”

Honda Malaysia is currently running their “Enjoy the Special Gifts of Ramadan” campaign throughout the month of May with special rewards up to RM5,000. For more information, head over to
www.honda.com.my
 or visit any of the authorised showrooms nationwide.

New colour for Honda City, Jazz & CR-V – Passion Red Pearl


Bookings accepted for 2021 Toyota Fortuner, priced from RM172,244

The second model to be announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today is the updated Toyota Fortuner which will be available during the first quarter of this year. However, bookings can be made now at all authorised UMWT dealerships nationwide or online.

Assembled in Malaysia, Toyota’s full-sized 4×4 SUV for the Malaysian market will continue to be  available with a choice of two variants at the following prices: Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T – from
RM203,183
 and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ 4×4 A/T – from
RM172,244
. A 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage comes with each vehicle. [
Click here for latest pricelists
]

The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T is a new variant which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ offered previously. A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof will be available exclusively for this new variant which is the flagship of the range. The Black Roof is also available  with the Super White II exterior colour only for this variant with other four exterior colour choices.

Exterior changes

The 2021 Fortuner 2.8 VRZ comes with Quad LED headlamps with a new housing, flanking a mesh-type front grille. The foglamps, turn signals and position lamps have also been  restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The skidplate below the front end is also new, emphasising ruggedness. Additionally, the corner mouldings are specially  shaped for aerodynamic benefits.

For the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, the Bi-Beam LED headlamps also have a new sharper design along with  the revised front grille and front bumper. The turn signals, position lamps and rear combination lamps have also received cosmetic changes for both variants.

What’s new inside

The current generation of the Fortuner has a more premium image and interior feel, and this is  further enhanced with the 2021 models. The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ interior, which has 3 rows of seats, is trimmed with a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new colour and design.

The new instrument panel features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation. Ambient illumination is provided to  add a touch of class at night, while the key cover has been redesigned.

The instrument panel for the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ has been redesigned and for enhanced usefulness,  the MID has additional information for the driver. This variant also gets a new interior trim colour  and new seat upholstery colour to freshen up the cabin appearance.

For added comfort and convenience, the new Fortuner is fitted with LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and the front passenger can now easily adjust the seat with powered controls at the side.

Toyota Safety Sense

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS is standard in the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ). This is  an integrated suite of active safety systems which make use of a camera and radar to monitor and  detect other vehicles, and to take appropriate action to prevent an accident.

TSS, though available in many Toyota models today, has different elements and for the latest  Fortuner, it comes with Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar  Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.

Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist  Function. This activates when lane departure is detected and additional braking force applied to  the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.

Proven powertrains

The proven Toyota powertrains are maintained with the availability of the new 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder  commonrail diesel engine that has a heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler. The  new muscular 2.8-litre engine, which produces maximum power of 204 pd/500 Nm, operates at  high efficiency with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel  at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.

The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ also comes with Variable Flow Control Power Steering, which helps to  improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. This is achieved by having a standby mode (low assist) when the vehicle is not being steered. As with  other power steering systems, the amount of assistance varies according to the speed. It is greater  at low speeds (eg when parking) to make steering easier and becomes less at higher speeds to  give a firmer feel.

The part-time 4×4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth  highway to muddy jungle tracks. With the 4×4 engaged, all four wheels constantly get power to give better stability and grip in all conditions, increasing safety.

The drivetrain of both variants includes an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This  device is very useful in the most difficult conditions and uses the traction control system to control  braking when one of the rear wheels start to spin. It allows engine power to be maintained and  power is directed to the wheel with better traction.

Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online at
build.toyota.com.my
. Locations of all showrooms can be found at
www.toyota.com.my
 or by calling the Toyota Freephone at
1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for more news and articles about Toyota

Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.


A Tribute To The Martini Racing Team’s 7 WRC Titles With Lancia

Lancia and the Martini Racing Team are prominently embedded in the history of the World Rally Championship (WRC), especially during that glorious period of the Group B super rallycars. The Italian cars, with the blue, light blue and red stripes, are just as well remembered as the Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 Turbo.

Of the many rallies the team entered, it was during 1983 when the refined strategy and brilliance of team boss Cesare Fiorio beat Audi to take the first WRC title with the 037. It inspired the Martini Racing Team to continue competing with determination over the next 10 years. The 037 was succeeded by first the S4, and then the Delta Integrali which won another 6 world titles.

In the early 1990s, Lancia celebrated the fifth and sixth WRC titles won with the special versions of the Delta Evoluzione, respectively called ‘Martini 5’ and ‘Martini 6’. The two limited editions were recognizable and unmistakable with the familiar Martini livery and the proud ‘World Rally Champion’ writing.

The legendary Lancia 037 Group B rallycar which could challenge and beat the mighty Audi Quattro.

No one has ever paid tribute to the team of drivers, engineers and mechanics who brought the glory to the Martini Racing Team. Now Kimera Automobili, an Italian company which specialises in restoration of classics, has collected the legacy and values of those men and celebrated them with the EVO37.

This is a limited series car of only 37 units that re-proposes the design, technical and mechanical solutions that perfectly summarize the Martini Racing Team. Additionally, Kimera has also come out with the EVO37 Martini 7 as an even more special limited edition that pays tribute to the 7 WRC titles won by the team.

This model is a continuation of the previous celebratory cars (Delta Martini 5 and 6), with same livery. This car is a further evolution of an already ‘Autentica Evoluzione’, with exceptional details that will delight enthusiasts.

The exterior features a carbonfibre aerodynamic package with splitters, side skirts and ‘nolder’ extractors on the front grilles of the front mudguard. On the sides, there are also ‘naca’ air intakes as well as on the sides of the front bonnet which has a round rear window renewed by new air extraction openings.

A refined reference is also found in the rear bumper which has a quick release system so that the lower section can be removed. When taken off, the mechanical artistry of the 037 group B evo 2 are evident. Visible is the breech of the gearbox and those exhausts, also like the original ones, with an intersected double cone.

The handcrafted reinterpretation uses a treatment in white ceramic material which, in addition to improving the performance, recalls the white colour of the Martini Racing bodywork, also revised in the colour with a white paint enriched by a modern pearl effect.

The rims have been completely redesigned, with an unmistakable reference to those of the Delta Evoluzione era. They are lighter and there has been a subtle redesign of the spokes. In the internal compartments, the typical carbonfibre kevlar material returns, as it was in all the Delta Group A rallycars.

The entire passenger compartment is finished with visible carbonfibre and the same blue perforated Alcantara with red stitching. This theme characterizes the seats which recall, in terms of shape, those of the S4, as well as the door panels and the other cockpit elements. The dashboard has the same colours as the fluorescent orange tachometer of the competition cars and each button is labeled exactly as the original.

The EVO37 Martini 7 by Kimera is a tribute that pays homage to the last Group B 2-wheel drive rallycar to win the world title, beating its all-wheel drive rivals.

Prodrive P25 – the iconic Subaru Impreza 22B reborn


Audi Sport starts preparing RS Q e-Tron for 2022 Dakar Rally

At the very beginning of 2022, the Dakar Rally will be on again in Saudi Arabia. Among the participating teams will be Audi Sport which was a pioneer in the World Rally Championship with the quattro all-wheel drive in a rallycar. This time, it wants to be the first car manufacturer to use an electrified drivetrain to compete for overall victory against conventionally-powered competitors in the world’s toughest rally.

“The quattro was a game-changer for the World Rally Championship. Audi was the first brand to win the Le Mans 24 Hours with an electrified drivetrain. Now, we want to usher in a new era at the Dakar Rally, while testing and further developing our e-tron technology under extreme conditions,” said Julius Seebach, MD of Audi Sport which is responsible for motorsport at Audi.

Testing and preparation are underway with the new RS Q e-tron which has an all-electric drivetrain. The front and rear axles are both fitted with a motor-generator unit (MGU) from the current Audi e-tron FE07 Formula E car which has been developed by Audi Sport for the 2021 season. Only minor modifications had to be made to use the MGU in the Dakar Rally.

The characteristics of the Dakar Rally present the engineers with special challenges. The marathon event lasts 2 weeks and the daily stages are up to 800 kms in length. “That’s a very long distance,” said Andreas Roos who is responsible for the Dakar project at Audi Sport. “What we are trying to do has never been done before. This is the ultimate challenge for an electric drivetrain.”

Because there are no charging opportunities in the desert, Audi has chosen an innovative charging concept. On board of the car is the highly efficient TFSI engine from the DTM. It is part of an energy-converter that charges the high-voltage battery while driving. Since the combustion engine is operated in the particularly efficient range of between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm, the specific consumption is well below 200 grams per kWh.

A third MGU, of identical design, is part of the energy converter and serves to recharge the high-voltage battery while driving. In addition, energy is recuperated during braking. The battery weighs about 370 kgs and has a capacity of around 50 kWh.

The maximum system power of the e-drivetrain is 500 kW. How much of this may be used during the Dakar Rally is still being finalized by the organizers. The electric drivetrain offers many advantages. The electric motors can be controlled extremely precisely and can thus ensure good drivability. In addition, braking energy can be recovered.

The RS Q e-tron only needs one forward gear. The front and rear axles are not mechanically connected, as is also common in electric vehicles. The software developed by Audi takes over the torque distribution between the axles and thus creates a virtual and freely configurable centre differential, which has the positive side effect of being able to save the weight and space that would have been required by propshafts and a mechanical differential.

“As engineers, we basically see development potential in every component. But in terms of the drivetrain system, we have already achieved a system efficiency of over 97% in Formula E. There’s not much more room for improvement,” revealed Stefan Dreyer, Head of Development at Audi Sport for motorsport projects.

“The situation is quite different with the battery and energy management. This is where the greatest development potential lies in electromobility in general. What we learn from the extremely challenging Dakar project will flow into future production models. As always, we are also working closely with our colleagues from road car development on this project,” he added.

The Dakar Rally entry is being run in conjunction with Q Motorsport. “Audi has always chosen new and bold paths in racing, but I think this is one of the most complex cars that I have ever seen,” said team principal Sven Quandt. “The electric drivetrain means that a lot of different systems have to communicate with each other. Besides reliability, which is paramount in the Dakar Rally, that’s our biggest challenge in the coming months.”

Quandt compares Audi’s Dakar project to the first moon landing. “Back then, the engineers didn’t really know what was coming. It’s similar with us. If we finish the first Dakar event, that’s already a success!” he said.

The prototype of the RS Q e-tron had its first roll-out in the plant only at the beginning of this month. An intensive test program and the first test entries at cross-country rallies are on the agenda from now until the end of the year. “This project’s schedule is extremely packed and challenging,” said Roos. “Less than 12 months have passed since the project officially started. We had to begin the development while the regulations for alternatively-powered vehicles had not even been finalized yet. And all of the development took place during the coronavirus pandemic. You mustn’t underestimate that either. What the team has achieved so far is unique. The roll-out was a very special moment for everyone.”

Audi to compete in Dakar Rally 2022, return to WEC, and leave Formula E after 2021


Auto Bavaria takes over BMW/Mini dealership in Tebrau, Johor; to start operations on July 15

The BMW dealership in Tebrau, Johor, which was taken over by Auto Bavaria, will commence operations from July 15, 2020. As a 4S centre, it will offer the full range of services and systems for the BMW, BMW Motorrad, and MINI brands, as well as and BMW Premium Selection (pre-owned vehicles).

The Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealership (formerly managed by a unit of Wearnes) has a large built-up space of 63,000 square feet, capable of displaying up to 10 units of BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles, six MINI cars as well as 8 vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection portfolio.

The car showroom was the first one in Malaysia to have an escalator. It takes visitors upstairs to the motorcycle and MINI sections.

It will start off with a dedicated staff count of over 80 to serve customers of the various brands. As with other dealerships, there will be a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, Handover Area and RATC (reception at the car) Service.

The Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Tebrau, Andy Tian, said: “A new  journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service, but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing
Sheer Driving Pleasure
.”

Auto Bavaria, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, was previously the importer and distributor for BMW vehicles, having taken over from BMW Concessionaires in 1988. It steadily developed the brand in the years that followed until BMW Group Malaysia was established in 2003 to manage assembly, marketing and distribution activities for the various brands. Nevertheless, Auto Bavaria, part of the Sime Darby Motors group, has continued to be the leading dealer chain representing BMW and Mini.

The Boss has arrived in Malaysia

An Auto Bavaria advertisement in the late 1980s after it took over distribution of the BMW brand..

Visit
www.bmw.com.my
 or
mini.my
 for more information on products and services of the respective brands.


Mitsubishi Triton: The Champion Xperience Which You Can Experience!

We have been looking forward to this one ever since we got the invite and the day has finally come where we managed to get our hands on the
Mitsubishi Triton Athlete
 and take it on a proper off-road course in Tanamera, Shah Alam.

The event is open to the public and is happening from 24 to 25 June and Mitsubishi is inviting everyone to get the “Champion Xperience”. Should you choose to go, you will definitely get the excitement of a rally stage just as we did.

As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a fleet of Triton Athletes and also displayed is an absolute legend, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition. This beast is powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve DOC intercooler/turbocharged unit with 280 PS and 373Nm of torque! It really needs no introduction other than that.

Each Triton has an instructor on standby that will guide you through the off-road trail. Now before that, the Triton Athlete that we drove is not the 6-speed manual that was driven for the
2022 Asia Cross Country Rally Championship
, which Mitsubishi won with the Triton, thus the name “Champion Xperience”.

However, we drove the 6 Speed auto transmission. Must be boring huh? Nope! It was still packed with power and it has paddle shifters which provided a lot of fun. The Triton is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine, which produces 181PS max power and 430Nm max torque with Variable Valve Timing technology. Just 30PS lesser compared to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

However, we have to say that it handles really well, in our opinion at least. We got to drive it through a jungle route where the trail was bumpy. The Triton actually has four selectable drive modes to handle such situations:

2WD High Range (2H): Best used for normal road conditions and for fuel efficiency
Full Time 4WD (4H): Ideal for rough or slippery roads and hazardous conditions
4WD High Range with locked centre differential (4HLc): Used when driving on rugged terrain with low-grip surfaces
4WD Low Range with locked centre differential (4LLC): This provides maximum traction for steep hill/sandy/rocky terrains

But for this route, our instructor told us to just keep it at 4H. So basically, switch across into 4H and all wheels are driven via the transfer case with an open centre differential, this means all four wheels will send power to the ground while still operating independently of one another. This provides the driver with increased traction on rough roads. Perfect for what we needed.

The roads were narrow and steep so we could not really carry a lot of speed. We kept it at 40-50km/h but got to step on the throttle on open stretches which we only managed to get up to 70km/h. However, this part of the drive wasn’t really to test the speed but more towards agility and steadiness. We have to say, for a pick-up truck, it has an impressive turning radius.

Although the Triton is light compared to the Ranger (the Triton weighs in at 1,930kg as compared to the Ranger’s 2,341kg), it handled the hills and bumps well. It didn’t really show signs of struggle but we could see that it needed a little bit more power to come out of a steep hill.

We then came to a stop and got into a shuttle service, which was the Mitsubishi Xpander, to get to the next part of the event. This was it, the exciting “roller-coaster” ride. And by that, we mean the rally taxi ride.

Why is it called a taxi ride? Because you get to sit in the passenger seat of the Rally Taxi Triton, which is basically a race version of the Triton while being driven around by rally drivers with 20-plus years of experience. Generally, rally drivers are different breeds. Why? Well, let me put it this way; they don’t fear anything.

We, on the other hand, were hanging on to our dear lives as the driver rampaged through the two-minute rally track. Drifting and swerving through everything and anything, the driver actually got us to the end in one piece, not sure about our stomachs though. Be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted people. It was thrilling and frightening at the same time but hey, we got to experience what these breed of humans do for a living.

It also showed us why the Triton is a champion. Light, fast, agile and steady through corners and just enough power for off-road stretches.

This event is not something you would want to miss out on. Especially you gear-heads.

Customers who book a Triton at the event will also enjoy exclusive promotions valid until 30 June 2023 and also receive a Stanley lifestyle tumbler. The Triton pick-up truck prices start from RM105,000 and XPANDER starts from RM99,980 quoted on-the-road without insurance (10% SST inclusive) for individual private owners only in Peninsular Malaysia and not applicable in duty-free zones.


For those who are travelling outstation in the coming days

If you have travel plans for this upcoming long weekend, or on your way back home after your final break for 2020, PLUS has some tips on the best times to start so you get a smooth journey. Its Travel Time Advisory (TTA), based on data from other festive periods, focuses on traffic distribution and is aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the highway, most notably at major stretches, toll plazas and rest areas (R&Rs).

Motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards destinations in states further to the north and south are advised to enter the North-South Expressway (NSE) before 9 am. However, if they are heading to destinations closer to the Klang Valley, they can enter the highway after 12 noon.

For motorists who are travelling towards the Klang Valley from the north or south using the NSE, it is best to enter the highway before 9 am. If you are travelling to the East Coast, Melaka or Negeri Sembilan, the TTA recommends entering the highway after 12 noon over the coming days.

30% more traffic on highways

“PLUS expects an increase up to 30% in traffic volume, or 1.7 million vehicles, on every peak day as compared to 1.3 million vehicles on normal days to utilize all PLUS-operated highways in conjunction with the Christmas and New Year festive season,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.

“We therefore strongly encourage the public to closely follow the TTA schedule as they stand a better chance of experiencing a smoother journey as well as to avoid congestion,” he advised.

The latest traffic updates on the highways from the PLUS app, PLUSTrafik Twitter, PUTRI chatbot (a real-time customer texting interface), highway electronic message boards and the toll-free PLUSLine 1800 88 0000.

Mobile route navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps also provide useful traffic information and can be used to plan routes. Additionally, the public can view traffic conditions (in almost real-time) at many sections along the various highways at the
Jalanow website
.

Remember to practice social distancing at R&Rs, and do not gather in large groups. If possible, it is better to order food to take away.

As always, remember to have sufficient balance in your Touch’NGo tollcard or e-Wallet. While it is a good idea to reload before starting your journey, you can also do so along the way at many R&R locations as well as petrol stations – but remember to do it before you reach the exit toll plaza! There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to reload the card.

Remember the SOPs!

During festive seasons, the R&R areas have always been very crowded and while less people will be travelling this year (some may prefer to reduce the risk of being infected), there are still likely to be many people stopping. Do remember to practice social distancing and be at least 1 metre apart, do not gather in groups and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. As the R&R is a public area, you will need to have a face mask on unless you are eating or drinking.

PLUS encourages using the Pre-Order service available on the PLUS Apps for take-away meals at its R&Rs. This will help in reducing crowds seated at tables and minimise exposure time too.

If you have a breakdown along the highway, PLUSRonda will be there to help and if necessary, tow the vehicle to the closest toll plaza.

PLUSRonda will come to the rescue

Finally, be sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tyre pressures, lights, wipers and signals. If you do have a breakdown on the highway, there are usually emergency phones by the side or you can call 1800-88-0000 to get assistance from PLUSRONDA. Be sure to park your vehicle as far off the highway as possible, and ensure that small children either remain in the car or if they get down, are far off the highway and emergency lanes.

Have a safe journey!

PLUS urges highway users to observe SOPs at all times


Porsche will again be strong contenders at Le Mans 24-Hour race this weekend

Porsche has been one of the regular names at the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans, with outright victories from as far back as 1970. And even though the top-level involvement ceased after 2017, Porsche cars have still been strong contenders in the event. It will be no different when the 2021 event is run this weekend and with two 911 RSRs, Porsche hopes to lay the foundation for yet another title win in France. This marks the second time that the latest generation 911 RSR tackles the world’s greatest endurance race.

So far in this season’s World Endurance Championship (WEC), the factory squad has secured two class wins from three races. A total of twelve 911 RSRs will tackle the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes at the 89th edition of the world’s fastest endurance race. With 19 overall victories and 108 class wins to its credit, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer at Le Mans.

“We contested Le Mans for the first time last year with the Porsche 911 RSR-19 and we struggled a bit against the fierce competition in the GTE-Pro class,” recalled Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport. “I’m positive we’ll be significantly more competitive this year. We’ve gathered a huge amount of data and experience with our works team and our customer squads, who get the chance this year to field the latest version of the nine-eleven in the WEC. These insights help us find the perfect setup. We also performed strongly on the high-speed track at Monza. Our success there gave us an extra boost for Le Mans.”

The legendary 24-hour race

The event on the 13.626-km circuit is extremely popular with motor racing fans and is the highlight on the WEC calendar. Located to the south of the city of 150,000 inhabitants, it consists mainly of public roads. Normally, hundreds of trucks and cars drive over the legendary Mulsanne straight every day on their way from Le Mans to Tours. Treacherous ruts present special challenges, especially in the rain.

Contrary to the original plan, which included a mid-June date for the long-distance classic, the 89th running of the Le Mans 24-hour race is being run in August this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike last year, up to 50,000 fans can watch the action live alongside the racetrack.

“I’m convinced that we’ll be much more competitive this year,” says Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “In the meantime, we’ve gathered considerably more experience with the car, and the successes at Spa and Monza have been hugely encouraging. There’s no better incentive for us than a win on the high-speed circuit in Italy. What’s important at the 24-hour race is to maintain contact with the leading pack at all times so that we’re in a position at the end to fight for victory. This means that we have to attack right from the start. I think this a promising recipe for success.”

Due to the length of the Le Mans race, double the usual points are awarded compared to a conventional 6-hour WEC race. As such, the race has often proven to be decisive in terms of the WEC Manufacturer and Driver standings. Moreover, the highlight of the year also features a special qualifying modality: in the Pro class, only the 6 fastest cars from the 1-hour qualification session are permitted to take part in the so-called Hyperpole which determines the best grid positions for the race.

Porsche GT Team drivers

The regular WEC drivers Gianmaria Bruni from Italy and Richard Lietz from Austria join forces with Frenchman Frederic Makowiecki in the cockpit of the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR. The Frenchman, who contested this year’s 8hour race in Portugal, brings a wealth of experience with him. Makowiecki has contested the Le Mans no less than 10 times – for the last 4 years sharing driving duties in the factory-run vehicle with Bruni and Lietz. In the No. 92 sister car, Frenchman Kevin Estre and Neel Jani from Switzerland will be supported by Michael Christensen. The trio used the WEC race in Portimao in June to get in sync with each other. Estre and Jani currently lead the Drivers’ championship after scoring 2 class wins from three races. In the Manufacturers’ classification, Porsche ranks second just seven points behind the leader, Ferrari.

The customer teams

A total of 8 of the latest generation 911 RSRs contest the GTE-Am category, in which amateur drivers with a Bronze or Silver FIA status share a car with professionals.

Porsche’s two customer teams will also tackle the race with the 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro class – a category that is usually the domain of factory teams. WeatherTech Racing puts its trust in Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium, Earl Bamber from New Zealand and the American amateur driver Cooper MacNeil. Sharing the cockpit of the identical vehicle campaigned by HubAuto Racing from Taiwan are Maxime Martin from Belgium, Alvaro Parente from Portugal and Dries Vanthoor. The Belgian is the younger brother of Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor.

Porsche to return to endurance racing in new LMDh prototype class (w/VIDEO)

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.


CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept shows next evolution of e-SUV

CUPRA, the high-performance brand of Spanish carmaker SEAT, was the
first carmaker to join the Extreme E
 all-electric off-road series that started this year, entering in partnership with ABT Sportsline. The 3-year old brand’s involvement is to enhance its R&D while promoting electrification, sustainability, and also gender equality (the series requires each crew to have one male and one female, both to having driving roles).

While the e-SUV used during the current season of Extreme E is one which is common for all teams, CUPRA is already looking ahead when it can develop its own machine. It will become the second manufacturer to use its own bodywork for its team, and Tavascan Extreme E Concept shows what the racing car will look like.

Future design language

It also hints at the design language to be used in the future production CUPRA Tavascan which will be the brand’s second fully electric model designed and developed in Barcelona, Spain and will reach the market in 2024.

“We strongly believe in the Extreme E project as a whole,” said Antonino Labate, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Operations at CUPRA. “Electrification, sustainability, gender-balance and diversity are common values between CUPRA and Extreme E. The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is clear proof of the hard work that we’re doing at CUPRA in order to be able to compete next season.”

Completely redesigned exterior

The Tavascan Extreme E Concept integrates a completely new exterior design with 100% CUPRA DNA and a holistic approach to natural material use making it more sustainable, adaptable and easy to repair. The front and rear design has changed considerably from the vehicle that is racing in the first season of Extreme E.

LED technology delivers greater freedom to produce a vehicle with CUPRA DNA, with the headlights in groups of three triangles on either side providing a more imposing look. The LED lighting is set into a 3D-printed frame – a technology chosen to gain a competitive edge. The 3D-printed parts can be manufactured in just 6 hours, meaning the team can adapt to changes very quickly. Whether it’s because of an incident or changes to the light position, the components can be modified in a very short time without the need for cumbersome and expensive tooling.

3D-printed elements for bodywork

“The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is the next evolution of our all-electric off-road racing car with even more CUPRA DNA and a design that hints at the brand’s future direction. But it also delivers technical advancement too,” said Head of Technical Development at CUPRA Racing, Xavi Serra. “The concept car uses flax fibres throughout the bodywork to improve sustainability and 3D-printed elements that can be quickly recreated to keep the race car out on the track.”

Constructing as much of the body structure as possible from flax fibres – extracted from the flax plant – reduces the use of carbonfibre components and the vehicle’s impact on the environment. The material can be worked in the same way, achieving the same shapes and radii required by engineers, and is a technology that could easily be adapted for production vehicles.

The e-SUV concept is finished with copper accents – a time-honoured CUPRA mark – parametric texturing and dynamized lines to help the exterior shimmer and move as the vehicle shifts through the landscape, and an overlapping CUPRA logo to create a powerful 3D effect.

“I am delighted to see CUPRA launch the Tavascan Extreme E concept as it enables it to become the second manufacturer to use its own bodywork for its Extreme E team. This move not only injects added style and personality into the series, but also supports our goals for Extreme E to prove itself as a global marketing showcase for partners, as CUPRA prepares to launch this model to consumers in the future,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E.

The e-SUV used by the ABT CUPRA XE team in the first and current season of Extreme E .

Extreme E Arctic X Prix: Like nothing the motorsport world has ever seen (w/VIDEO)


Proton provides 50 units of X70 to Ministry of Health for frontliners in the war against COVID-19

Like Geely Auto, its sister company in the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Proton has also been contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus. With the frontliners being the vital force in this battle, Proton has provided 50 vehicles to the Malaysian Ministry of Health for its use.

The vehicles, all Proton X70s, will primarily be used to ferry medical workers to and from work as well as to any hotspots in the country in need of urgent attention.

Meanwhile, the carmaker has also provided vehicle owners with some tips on what to do with their vehicles which may have remained unused for up to 28 days due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which began on March 18 and is set to end on April 14.

Here are 4 tips from Proton that you can carry out at your home:

Stay charged up

While technology has progressed since the early years of automobile production, one fact remains – a vehicle engine needs to be started periodically (the recommended period is every 7 days) in order to maintain functionality. This particularly applies to the battery which stores electricity that is used to start the engine and provide electrical power to also power systems.

If the engine is not run frequently, the alternator is unable to charge the battery and it will lose its energy. To avoid this, start your vehicle’s engine and keep it running for 10 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

Run only the engine during those 10 minutes and keep all other systems off. If your vehicle is not parked without your home compound, do remember to lock it when you have finished!

Keep the pressure up

Tyre pressures should be checked bi-weekly to ensure they are at the recommended levels. To know what the right pressure is, you can refer to the Owner’s Manual or the sticker that is usually found on inside face of the door pillar next to the driver’s seat.

Then check the pressures of all tyres using a tyre pressure gauge. If you have an X70, you can also use the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System display to see the pressures. Should the pressures be lower than recommended, go to the nearest petrol station to get them to the right pressure.

Additionally, leaving your vehicle parked in the same spot for several days could result in flat spots on your tyres. Eventually, the tyre will lose its circular shape which can cause vibrations to be transmitted through the steering wheel when driving, even on smooth roads. To avoid this, move your vehicle forwards or backwards when you’re charging the vehicle’s battery.

Remember the wipers

If your vehicle is going to be parked in the open under the sun for this extended period, it’s good practice to keep windscreen wipers lifted up. The glass can get very hot under the sun and the heat transfer from the glass as well as prolonged exposure to UV rays will cause the wiper blades to harden, making them less effective.

Keep the inside sanitized

Especially at this time, hygiene is vital and it’s a good idea to practise sanitising your hands and the surfaces you’ve touched, particularly in your vehicle. After each journey, make sure you use some disinfectant to wipe surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, window switches and gear lever. If you have an audio system with a touchscreen, mist some disinfectant onto a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface. Take extra care not to overdo it as too much moisture could damage the vehicle’s equipment surface.

2020 Proton X70 – lower prices, extra features and now assembled in Malaysia


Proton delivers more vehicles as the two factories increase output

Proton sales have been steadily rising as the company ramped up production after overcoming its parts shortage issues. The Malaysian carmaker reports that for the month of May, its sales totalled 9,792 units (inclusive of export sales), which was 10.8% higher than the month before, and 3.7% more than the volume in May 2021.

The brand retains its position overall No.2 in domestic market sales and with the May volume accounting for an estimated market share of 19.6%, the market share after 5 months is estimated to be up to 17.1%.

“The increase in sales for Proton in May is a direct result of the company boosting its production volume to catch up to market demand. As with the rest of the automotive industry, we are continuing to try and secure sufficient parts supply to clear our backlog of orders. While that is happening, Proton would like to express its gratitude to customers who have supported us in bearing with the long waiting period,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of the company.

Proton X50 dominates

The little brother of the X70 has been in great demand since being and continues to dominate the SUV segment of the market. 2,779 units were registered nationwide in May, and Proton believes that it is the leader for B-segment SUVs as well as the overall leader for the SUV market.

The company also states that the X70 and Exora continue to lead their respective segments with sales of 692 units and 387 units, respectively.

As for the Saga, the company’s perennial bestseller, 3,996 units were delivered in May, which the company said placed it in second position for A-segment sedans. The continuing popularity of the model comes as it switched from the previous version to the 2022 models which was launched on May 12. Over 12,000 bookings have been received for the new model which has improved features, safety and quality in a refreshed design.

Overseas sales

The Saga has also been doing very well in export markets. The export volume for the first 5 months of this year now stands at 1,482 units, an increase of 71% compared to the previous year. Export sales for May were reported to be 513 units, an increase of 12.5% compared to previous month while the cumulative total is 2,086 units is an increase of 47% compared to the same period in 2021.

After the first 5 months of this year, Pakistan has emerged as the biggest export market with 1,350 units, followed by Egypt and Brunei with 172 and 158 units. respectively.


New Bentley Bentayga Speed takes its place as flagship of the SUV range

Bentley’s first SUV, the Bentayga, arrived in the market in late 2015 and since then, it has become the brand bestselling model. Now the range gets an additional variant in the form of the new Bentayga Speed which takes its place as the flagship. It combines the W12 powertrain and many of the models’ luxurious features as standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.

Building on a long tradition of Speed models that began with the Continental GT in 2007, the new Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proved by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.

The new Bentayga Speed builds on the completely refreshed design of the latest version of the SUV, adopting the same Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range.  Introducing the very latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin, the new model is significantly revised both inside and out.

“The new Bentayga has already raised the benchmark for luxury SUVs, against which all others are measured. Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid in the coming months, it’s important that we still recognise the customer desire for absolute performance. The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world but, more than that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga – the best of both worlds, the pinnacle,” declared Bentley’s Chairman & CEO, Adrian Hallmark.

Performance and agility

The Bentayga Speed elevates already high performance levels, exploiting the 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 ps/900 Nm. The maximum speed is raised to 306 km/h, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint can be completed in a claimed 3.9 seconds.

Efficiency is also an important aspect of such a powerful engine, which takes the skilled engine builders approximately 10% of the total hours required for the manufacture of the Bentayga Speed. To achieve effective cylinder deactivation with the complex layout of the W12, the engine control unit deactivates one complete bank of 6 cylinders as required.

Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensors, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits carbon dioxide emissions but realises significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.

In 5th to 8th gears, when the driver releases the throttle (at motorway cruising speed, for example) the car will open the torque converter, dropping the engine to idle and simply allowing the car to roll or ‘sail’. When the throttle is re-applied, or the car starts going downhill and detects an increase in speed, the transmission is re-engaged.

To use this power appropriately, the Bentayga Speed is equipped with four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort at one extreme; Sport at the other and with Bentley mode – the balanced recommendation of Bentley’s chassis team in Crewe – along with a Custom mode for customers who opt to create their own driving set-up.

Uniquely for the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver superior cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive to drive.

The Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight savings of more than 20 kgs over iron brakes.

Purposeful looks

To match the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured sideskirts, unique front and rear bumpers together with dark-tint radiator and bumpers grilles, and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the performance credentials.

A unique 22-inch wheel design is available in two finishes (painted and dark tint) and Speed signature badging to add to the sporting design cues. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain.

17 standard paint colours are supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges, with an additional 24 duo-tone options. That’s 88 options but if a customer cannot find exactly what he or she wants, the paintwork colour can be matched to any sample provided. The range is complemented by a palette of 15 hide colours, 6 colour splits and 8 veneers and 2 technical finishes.

Balance of luxury and performance inside

Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.

‘Speed’ seat embroidery on the backrest of all of the seats is included as standard and, as a no-cost option, customers can choose to replace the ‘Speed’ embroidery with that of the Bentley logo. A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to the Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split.

Sector-leading infotainment

Setting new standards in the sector for customer technology interfaces, the Bentayga flagship introduces a new, cutting-edge infotainment system. A bigger and brighter, high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen, with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and much improved touch functionality, now spans the entire width of the centre fascia.

The advanced navigation system features free-text, context-specific search entry, including an address or point of interest. Navigation is improved with a 3-dimensional building display, satellite maps, content in the driver’s next generation Head-Up Display and several other useful features. The Head-Up Display can now project traffic information, street names and distance to destination too.

The fully digital driver’s information panel is similar to the one found in the Continental GT and new Flying Spur. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations. The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic (traditional two-dial design of speedometer and tachometer) or Expanded format that has the right dial replaced with an area for maps and media information.

How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars


Illegally Parked Lamborghini Damaged By Angry Passer-By In Penang

Image: Oriental Day News Online

Parking spaces are inadequate in most cities and people park indiscriminately in any space they can find. The authorities will take action and even tow some vehicles away if not place a summons notice on the windscreen. But they cannot be around all the time so there will be cases (many of them) when cars are parked illegally and inconvenience others.

Usually, people will grumble about the inconsiderate parking which may obstruct pedestrians from walking by safely. In some cases, cars are parked at the entrance of ramps for those won wheelchairs, preventing them from going up to a kerb easily.

Most of the times, people will just grumble and with social media these days, take pictures and post them on pages like ‘
Stupid Parking Idiots
’. But one person recently decided to take his own action against a car parked illegally near a bus stop in George Town, Penang. The car also blocked a passage for disabled people in wheelchairs.

According to a report in the
China Press
, a man had passed by a Lamborghini parked near the bus stop. He was riding a bicycle and perhaps he was angry that he had to move further towards the busy traffic, endangering his life. He was said to have expressed his anger to by-standers as well. He then approached the car and kicked the bonnet and damaged the door mirror. It is believed that he also scratched the car.

And where was the car owner? Having a meal at a shop nearby. He was not having any emergency but simply decided that he could park there without considering other road-users. Alerted about the ‘attack’ on his car, he called the police after coming out to check.

The incident naturally made it to social media where many people supported the actions of the man. They commended him for doing what they had wished they dared to do themselves when coming across such situations.

We don’t know if the owner of the car made a police report since he too would be charged as he was parked in an area with a yellow line, besides being close to the bus stop bay. And the man who damaged his car would also face charges for damaging property. Quite likely, the fine would be less than the cost of a Lamborghini door mirror.

What’s your opinion of this? Do you also support the man for his actions?

Police Hunting For Man Who Threw Bottle From Balcony Onto Busy Road


Mitsubishi Motors Network Gets Another 3S Outlet In Klang Valley

The Mitsubishi Motors network continues to grow in Malaysia with the opening of a new 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) in Rawang, Selangor, recently. This brings the number of Mitsubishi Motors outlets in the Klang Valley to 16, with a total of 54 showrooms (out of which 49 are 3S Centres) and 55 service outlets nationwide.

The new outlet in Rawang is operated by Lofty Ambition (Rawang) Sdn Bhd which is not a newcomer as a Mitsubishi Motors authorised dealer. The company, which has been an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer since 2014, also operates three other outlets for the brand in Ipoh, Taiping, and Sitiawan in Perak.

Besides being strategically located to serve customers and Mitsubishi owners in the surrounding areas, the 3S facility is also accessible via the PLUS North-South Expressway, useful to note for travellers who may need assistance on their journeys.

Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (right) with Sam Chang, Dealer Principal of Lofty Ambition Rawang.

The 3S centre consists of a 3-storey shoplot and has a built-up area of 4,000 square feet. It is designed in accordance with the Mitsubishi Motors’ brand identity and presents the brand’s global brand message: ‘
Drive Your Ambition’
.

Customers will be able to view new Mitsubishi models in the showroom while those who send their vehicles to the service centre can make use of a comfortable customer lounge which has complimentary wifi service. The service centre is fully equipped with the necessary tools for maintain Mitsubishi vehicles and the technicians have also been thoroughly trained for their work.

Congratulating Lofty Ambition for opening another Mitsubishi Motors showroom, Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), said: “This goes to show the company’s confidence in the Mitsubishi brand, and commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi’s presence and network in Malaysia. This new showroom is to serve our customers better in the Klang Valley as we see a huge potential for business growth, especially for the Triton pick-up truck and XPANDER 7-seater crossover.”

Mitsubishi Triton Phantom Plus, a limited edition of the popular pick-up truck.

Commenting on the business situation this year, Mr. Ikeda said that, during the first half of the year, MMM sold 12,261 cars, a 63% growth compared to the same period in 2021. “Our estimated market share is 4% and Mitsubishi Motors is retaining its position in the top three spot among non-national brands in Malaysia,” he added.

To know more about Mitsubishi Motors’ products and services in Malaysia or to locate an authorised dealer in the network, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

Mitsubishi sales continue to grow in spite of market challenges


More Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in use in Europe

Even before full electrification with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has gone mainstream in global markets, some manufacturers are already moving ahead with fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Hyundai Motor was among the first with production FCEV passenger models and is steadily growing its hydrogen fuel cell commercial trucks with the XCIENT Fuel Cell model.

Fuel cell (FC) technology is particularly well-suited to commercial shipping and logistics due to long ranges and short refueling times. The dual-mounted fuel cell system provides enough energy to drive the heavy-duty trucks up and down regions with mountainous terrain.

“XCIENT Fuel Cell is a present-day reality, not as a mere future drawing board project. By putting this groundbreaking vehicle on the road now, Hyundai marks a significant milestone in the history of commercial vehicles and the development of hydrogen society,” said In Cheol Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Division at Hyundai Motor. “Building a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, where critical transportation needs are met by vehicles like XCIENT Fuel Cell, will lead to a paradigm shift that removes automobile emissions from the environmental equation.”

Joint venture in Switzerland
The XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, manufactured in Korea, are marketed a joint venture company which has Swiss company H2 Energy as a partner. The joint-venture company, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility (HHM), offers the XCIENT Fuel Cell in a leasing deal which includes all costs, from import to technical support to the availability of green hydrogen. The big advantage is that there are no initial costs for the end customer.

Hyundai chose Switzerland as the starting point for its business venture for various reasons. One of the reasons is that zero-emission trucks do not have to pay Swiss roadtax charges. This nearly equalizes the hauling costs per kilometre of the FC truck compared to a regular diesel truck.

400 kms of range
The XCIENT Fuel Cell, the hydrogen FC version of its Xcient truck, is equipped with a 180-kW hydrogen FC system incorporating two 90-kW fuel cell stacks. With a 350-kW e-motor, the vehicle is claimed to be able to travel 400 kms on a full tank and requires only 8 to 20 minutes to fill up. Seven large hydrogen tanks offer a combined storage capacity of around 32.09 kgs of hydrogen.

To date, Hyundai has exported XCIENT FC trucks to Switzerland, where it has 23 corporate fleet clients, and more recently, to Germany where 27 units will be used by 7 companies in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Second European market
This will be the second time that Hyundai has exported its FC truck to Europe after it clinched a deal with 23 corporate fleet clients in Switzerland. Production is not in high volumes at the moment and by 2025, the company expects to have produced 1,600 FC trucks.

Hyundai Motor is also developing a long-distance tractor unit capable of traveling 1,000 kilometers on a single charge equipped with an enhanced fuel cell system with high durability and power, aimed at global markets including North America and Europe.

In addition to the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, Hyundai also produces the
NEXO, a second-generation hydrogen-fuelled SUV
. By 2025, the company aims to sell 670,000 electric vehicles annually, including 110,000 FCEVs.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to take lead in technology for future hydrogen society


MID-WEEK FEATURE: New Michelin Primacy 4 Launched! “Safe When New, Safe When Worn”

Piston.my
 was recently invited to
Pattaya, Thailand
 to witness and try-out the latest offering from renown tyre maker,
Michelin
, the new
Primacy 4
!
Sep Irran, Editor of MotoMalaya.net
 files this report…

One of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, Michelin, has officially unveiled their latest generation vehicle tyre; the
Michelin
Primacy 4
. The latest and best addition into their premium Primacy range yet comes with a very assuring slogan,
“Safe When New, Safe When Worn”.

This particular catchphrase is not just mere words the PR department from Michelin conjured up, folks. After years of research and development, they’ve pushed the limits of tyre safety technology and produced a tyre that provides lasting safety and excellent performance not only when brand new but up to the point where they’re worn down after miles of usage whilst providing the ultimate comfort throughout.

According to
 Pascal Nouvellon, Managing Director of MICHELIN Malaysia,

“A tyre’s grip and braking performance – especially on wet roads – is critical to road safety in our country. Malaysian consumers today choose their tyres based on their characteristics when they are new.”

“But what happens to grip and braking performance after 50,000 kilometres, or after a few years of use? In the tyre industry, performance tests are typically conducted on new products. Michelin is a step ahead. We want to demonstrate that our performance is maintained with mileage and time,”
 added Pascal.

Three years worth of effort and innovation led to the birth of two new technologies developed for the new Michelin Primacy 4. The first one is the
EverGrip™ Technology
 where it provides two remarkable features, which are:

New tyre sculpture
 – provides increased water evacuation space by 50% for wet grip as the tyre wears with usage, which allows the tyre to still safely grip wet roads even when worn.

New-generation rubber compound
 – bonds rubber and silica more strongly and evenly together, which provides uniform energy dissipation upon contact with the road, resulting in better grip on wet roads, even when worn.

The second ground-breaking technology by the folks from Michelin is the
second-generation Silent Rib Technology
which helps in elevating the overall driving experience and comfort. How are they able to achieve this? By the introduction of brand new
inter-locking bands
 that helps to minimize the deformation of tread blocks as the tyre is rolling. This helps by:

Reducing the air pumping sound effects for a more silent ride

Providing better shock absorption in response to road obstacles for a more comfortable ride

Michelin invited media members from all over Asia to Pattaya, Thailand for a very exciting test drive to see how the Michelin Primacy 4 is able to perform under different conditions. The Primacy 4 Experience showcased how it’s able to perform under super wet conditions when brand new AND when worn out to 2mm remaining tyre depth. The result was quite amazing, to say the least.

Michelin commissioned
TÜV Rheinland Thailand Limited
 to test new and worn MICHELIN Primacy 4 tyres on wet roads, as well as new and worn tyres of other premium tyre brands. The result? Michelin Primacy 4 tyres brake 2.5 meters shorter when new, and 5.1 meters shorter when worn, compared to other premium brands in the market.

With Michelin’s main focus of pushing the limits of tyre safety even when worn, they’ve accomplished something more amazing in which we were able to witness for ourselves at the test track. The Michelin Primacy 4 tyres are able to brake 1.8 meters shorter than brand new tyres from other premium brands!

Pascal continued by saying that
 “The new Michelin Primacy 4 addresses two major pain points of consumers in our country: safety journey after journey, due to unfavourable road conditions and rain-related accidents; and on comfort, due to challenging road and traffic conditions. Sustainability of our products is Michelin’s key corporate strategy. Instead of producing tyres that are easily depleted, we strive to deliver tyres that provide safety and true value to consumers, while respecting the environment, throughout its full life cycle.”

The new
Michelin Primacy 4
 will be available from
July 2018
 onwards with
64
 available sizes from
 15 to 18 inches
 in diameter, with an estimated MSRP of between
RM400 to RM700
 each depending on size (TBC, check local authorised dealer).

Those who own popular vehicles like the
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, BMW 3 and 5-series, Mercedes E and C-Class
 plus many more are all able to enjoy the new Primacy 4. For more information, head over to
www.michelin.my
, ‘TYREPLUS’ or any of the Michelin’s authorised dealers across Malaysia.

Michelin Primacy 4 Pattaya Thailand Launch Photo Gallery…


When Geely produced a ‘Rolls-Royce’ (w/VIDEO)

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

While Geely (the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) today has design studios in Europe and Asia with world-class designers who create original styling for the group’s products (which include Proton), there was a time in the early days when Geely’s cars were essentially adaptations of models by other manufacturers. Some may call it ‘cloning’ or outright copying but it depends on the way and the circumstances one manufacturer uses the design of another company for its own product.

In the case of Geely, originally established as a refrigerator maker in 1986, the first car produced by the company called the Haoqing (HQ) in 1998 was adapted from a Daihatsu Charade (the G100 generation). However, it was permitted by FAW Tianjin, which was Daihatsu’s partner in China and had itself adapted the basic Charade design. Geely incorporated a Mercedes-like front end and people who went to China and saw the HQ would often tell their friends about a ‘Mercedes hatchback’ which they saw there!

Geely’s first car – the Haoqing (HQ)

Ambitions to be world-class manufacturer

However, Geely also aspired to become a global player and in time, it developed its own capabilities in all aspects of automobile design and development. It recruited experienced designers, with Peter Horbury leading them. Horbury was originally design head at Volvo and was responsible for ‘throwing the box’ out of the Swedish cars and giving them curves and sleek lines suited to the 21st century.

Geely’s founder, Li ShuFu, has been an ambitious man all his life, and it shows in all that he has done, especially during the past 12 years. The Geely Group has a large number of brands in its portfolio and covers virtually every segment of the auto market almost to the peak. And he could well have also been thinking about the pinnacle too as Geely once came out with a concept model of what anyone would have mistaken for a Rolls-Royce model.

Rolls-Royce Phantom in 2009

Similar styling elements to a Rolls-Royce

It was the Geely Excellence (GE) which was displayed at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show and as would be expected, the company refuted claims of copying a Rolls-Royce Phantom although there might be some elements that looked similar. Those elements would be the prominent vertical grille, large rectangular headlights and even a figurine on top of the grille, with the side view having a degree of similarity as well.

Meanwhile, Geely suggested that if the 5.4-metre long limousine was to be produced and offered for sale with a proposed name of ‘YingLun’, it might cost around £30,000 (around RM170,000) – about an eighth the price of a Phantom. Apart from the majestic proportions, the interior was as the saying goes, ‘fit for a king’ and indeed, it would be only the king alone as the concept model had only one seat in the back (a throne?). The single seat could have been also because the body was narrow (about 1800 mm) compared to a Phantom which was 1990 mm wide. In the front were seats for the driver and one more person, perhaps an assistant or a bodyguard.

Not considered ‘flattery’

Like every Rolls-Royce, the GE was also luxuriously appointed with wood, leather and wool, and equipped with a privacy partition, massage seat, a star-studded ceiling and a wine cabinet. The engine proposed was said to be a 3.5-litre V6.

The Rolls-Royce people did not consider that, in this case, ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ and were certainly unhappy that the GE was unveiled near its own Phantom at the motorshow. With the notable design elements protected by trademark registration, the British carmaker could have taken legal action, as the media speculated at that time.

Legal action was not taken

However, Hal Serudin, Corporate Communications Manager at Rolls-Royce Asia-Pacific, who was there in 2009, said that there was no legal action. “I remember that event well and one of my colleagues said ‘We are certainly not flattered by this’. Anyway, as you recall, they also mentioned a price for the car which would have been targeted at a segment of customers very different from those who buy a Rolls-Royce,” he told PISTON.MY.

2011 Geely Emgrand GE concept had no similarity to a Rolls-Royce.

There were different responses to Geely’s ‘re-invention of a classic’ and some regarded it as a very clear sign of copying. Geely took note and the GE evolved into the Emgrand GE in 2011 (shown above) with a massive chrome grille that had absolutely no visual connection to a Rolls-Royce. The concept model was shown at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show and had a plug-in hybrid powertrain with two seats behind.

Geely Auto looks at ‘passenger safety’ from a different perspective, aims to make cars ‘healthier’


Maserati Hosts 5th Edition Of Paris-Modena “Kilometres For Charity” Event

Earlier this month from
June

7
th
 to June 13
th
 2018,
and under the leadership of Italian car brand
Maserati
 and the Maserati West Europe offices, this race, the 5th Edition of the Paris-Modena “Kilometres For Charity” took place. Besides the personal challenge to participants, each kilometer covered during the race (around 100km per day) raised money for the association
“Rêves”
 which aims to realize the dreams of ill children.

Once again Paris-Modena attracted a large number of VIP participants, including F1 former driver and actor Paul Belmondo, Italian national cycling team coach Davide Cassani, former professional cyclists such as Alessandro Ballan, Marco Velo and Paolo Fornaciari. Also attending were José Miguel Antúnez, former Spanish national basketball captain, Italian alpine skier Manuela Moelgg, the Michelin starred chef Andrea Sarri, and Matteo Panini, owner of the Panini Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important collection of historical Maserati cars.

This beautiful adventure was reserved to 35 cyclists, who travelled through France and Italy to reach Modena in five days! The start of the race was on Friday,
June 8
th

2018 at Vienne near Lyon, France, and the route took the cyclists to Mens and the famous climb of Alpe d’Huez.

On Saturday
June 9
th

they continued their journey towards Galibier pass, till Modane where the city welcomed them for lunch. They eventually reached Turin for the night. On Sunday
June 10
th
 the cyclists started the stage from Grugliasco “Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant” where Maserati produces the
Quattroporte
 and
Ghibli
. The athletes also stopped at the
Mirafiori
 plant where the Maserari
Levante
 is produced. They managed to take a ride on the well-known test track.The route continued through Langhe region.

The
fourth day
, the participants went to Lido Di Camaiore having a lunch there at Bagno Ariston Mare before a ride to Montecatini Terme. They will pass by Lucca, Collodi and reach the thermal city in the afternoon.

The
last leg
 of the race will lead them from Montecatini Alto through Abetone and then to Modena where the cyclists will benefit of an exclusive visit of the private Panini collection, which includes some of the most beautiful historic Maserati’s cars. The final destination will be the head office of Maserati. Pirelli provided the P Zero Velo tires for the bicycles and the new colored tires for the Maserati cars.

See more of the event on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/parismodena

and on Instagram
@parismodenaofficial.


Isuzu Elf range enhanced with extra safety features, B20 compatibility and longer warranty

Isuzu Malaysia’s latest ELF light-duty truck range has been enhanced with safety upgrades as well as additional warranty benefits for operators. The enhancements are available in 18 variants of the ELF, which range from 4-wheeler to 6-wheeler versions. With the newly enhanced trucks, truck operators will have safer, more productive and sustainable business.

In the area of safety, there is the new Isuzu Safety Plus platform which consists primarily of four main safety features – ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-slip Regulator (ASR) and Supplemental Restraint System Airbag.

ABS, EBD and ASR are active safety systems which will be valuable in helping drivers avoid accidents, especially in slippery conditions. EBD automatically distributes brake force distribution according to the load on board, road condition and speed. With optimised brake force distribution, the driver will be able to have better control of the vehicle.

The ASR function, which can be deactivated when not needed, can prevent the wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, improving grip. This is helpful during cornering especially and can contribute to increasing the lifespan of the tyres.

Besides the airbag, the seatbelt system in the Elf also has extra functions to maximise the restraint of the driver. A Pre-Tensioner retracts the seatbelt instantly, removing the slack so the driver’s body is  firmly secured on the seat. Secondly, a Load-Limiter releases the webbing force gradually so as to not exert too much pressure on the driver’s chest, thus minimizing injury to the body during a frontal collision.

“The enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus truly represents a thorough evolution to delivering more superior levels of safety and performance that many truck operators seek in order for them to effectively navigate their business in today’s market environment,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.

This enhanced ELF range incorporates Isuzu’s S.E.E Technology which signifies the three core aspects of Safety, Economy and Environment. “With Isuzu’s S.E.E Technology at its core, the enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus corresponds to today’s truck operators’ need for efficiency, safety, cost savings and lower carbon footprint – everything delivered in a dynamic, versatile and reliable light-duty vehicle,” explained Mr. Nakamura.

In support of the government’s promotion of cleaner fuel to increase Malaysia’s energy security, improve air quality and the environment, Isuzu has ensured that its truck engines are readily compatible with B20 biodiesel.

Customers who purchase the enhanced ELF range with Isuzu Safety Plus will enjoy extended warranty coverage of 5 years or a maximum of 200,000 kms. This extensive warranty coverage is said to be one of the best in the market, assuring customers of long-term support with peace of mind and lower costs.

The ELF, assembled at Isuzu Malaysia’s plant in Pahang, has been the top-selling light-duty truck for the past 10 years in Malaysia. “The introduction of this new range is expected to perpetuate its market-leading position. At Isuzu, we believe we have raised the bar once again and we are confident that this enhanced range is poised to propel us to achieving another notable milestone as the most preferred and most sellable light-duty truck in Malaysia this year and beyond,” Mr. Nakamura said.

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine


New VW Golf GTI TCR ready for competition

There’s a new Volkswagen in town, but it isn’t street legal. Based on the 7th generation Golf GTI, the 2018 Golf GTI TCR, is the latest iteration VW racer for the TCR category. It retains the same overall look and shape of the road going version, but builds a upon it with a widebody kit, aggressive front and rear bumpers as well as a prominent hatch mounted rear spoiler.

“The new look for the Golf GTI TCR resulted from close cooperation with Volkswagen Design. This helps us to underline just what a close relationship exists between the production model and the racing version,” explained Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Sven Smeets.

He added, “For example, the engine comes directly from series production and only requires minimal adjustment for competitive racing. This is proof that the Golf GTI provides the perfect foundation for our customer racing cars.”

The VW Golf GTiI TCR is said to be one of the most successful racing touring cars of the year. In fact, in the TCR International Series, French driver Jean-Karl Vernay claimed the drivers’ title last month in Dubai. And the 350bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine Golf that VW  provides race-ready for professional teams and drivers, was declared ‘Model of the Year’.

Other accolades include the TCR class in the VLN Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. In the same gruelling 24-hour race, the Golf GTI TCR finished well ahead of more powerful cars from other categories. Apart from this, Kantadhee Kusiri and the Liqui Moly Team Engstler won the TCR Asia title and Francisco Abreu, the TCR Iberico.

This new car will be ready for delivery to race teams from January onward. Before that, the car will make its public debut at the Essen Motor Show from 2 to 10 December. During the event, VW will be offering fans and clients to get up close and find out more about the car.


The Naran, with Celare Pack, due for launch soon

To know more about promotions at BHPetromart, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

Ameerh Naran, a racing driver whose entrepreneurial ambitions saw him focussing on the premium luxury sector, has established internationally-recognised, exclusive private jet brokerage. Combining the knowledge and experience he has gained in the motorsport and luxury worlds, he formed Naran Automotive which is based in the UK.

The company, which has plans to make luxury ultra-high performance cars, has revealed a unique ‘Celare Pack’ for its debut model – The Naran. The Celare Pack highlights the duality of The Naran as  an aggressive on-track weapon as well as an object of beauty. It allows customers to tailor the 4-seater hyper-coupe to meet their individual needs, whether they prefer pushing the limits on the track or drive on public roads.

The option – its name derived from the Latin for ‘to conceal or hide’ – is inspired by the adjustable systems used in motorsport, includes the removal of the rear wing, adjustments to the front-end aerodynamic setup with airflow disrupters and a change of tyres.

Within 20 minutes the aerodynamic package can be installed or removed by Naran Automotive engineers, switching the car between road-legal GT3 racing car and a piece of art. Owners will receive a carbonfibre wing cradle to mount the wing safely when not in use.

The Naran, an all-wheel-drive, front mid-engined hyper-coupe, is capable of producing an industry-leading 1,377 kgs of downforce, exceeding that of a GT3 racing car. It is claimed to have an acceleration time from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 2.3 seconds, with an expected top speed of over 370 km/h.

Naran Automotive has worked with technical partner EY3 Engineering to optimise whole vehicle aerodynamics to deliver this focused performance without compromising the monolithic design language and coupe silhouette.

The team developed unique, hidden solutions to deliver a perfectly balanced vehicle, including motorsport-inspired carbon composite bargeboards, which are attached directly to the front wishbone to help smooth airflow from the front wheels.

A full flat floor and split-rear diffuser delivers critical airflow to energise the rear wing, while the front splitter directs flow under the car feeding the front diffusers to generate all front downforce. The cooling channels above feed the brake discs, engine intake and cooling pack, with the latter exiting through the bonnet to increase downforce and reduce drag.

Daniel Mense, engineering director at EY3 Engineering, said: “The aerodynamic development of The Naran is firmly rooted in motorsport pedigree with benchmarking against GT3 racing cars. We have been constantly challenging ourselves to optimise airflow for ultimate lap time and performance without any compromise to the distinctive design. This has resulted in some aerodynamic solutions that are unique to The Naran.”

The bespoke 5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which produces 1,048 bhp and 1,036 Nm of torque, is being crafted in Germany with partners Racing Dynamics.

Just 49 units of The Naran will be built for sale, and each car can be personalised to the requirements of the customer. This includes the designation of a bespoke model name – a convention normally reserved for luxury superyachts.

“Our vision is to deliver an unrivalled driving experience with no compromise between performance, design and luxury. Through the expertise of our world class partners we have been able to unearth innovative aerodynamic solutions that would normally only be deployed in high level motorsport,” said Ameerh Naran.

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)


PDRM gets new Honda Civic 1.8S as replacement for patrolcar fleet

As the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has a large fleet of patrolcars, it takes a while to change the fleet. Evaluations must be conducted on potential replacements with reliability, durability and performance being important considerations.

After its assessments, the PDRM finally chose the Honda Civic 1.8S as its new patrolcar, with the first 425 units being delivered recently. The delivery was to have taken place in March but had to be postponed due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting movements at the time.

“We are delighted that we are now able to resume the plan to deliver these new mobile patrol and enforcement vehicles which are expected to assist in the tasks and responsibilities of the police force in effectively responding to emergencies, maintaining law and order,” said  Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama. “We are pleased that the Royal Malaysia Police have chosen the best-selling model in C-segment to assist them in their daily tasks, enforcements and administrative duties for the country.”

All 10 generations assembled in Malaysia

The current Civic is the 10th generation of the model and was launched in 2016 in Malaysia. Since the first generation introduced in the 1970s, every generation of the model has been assembled in Malaysia. The latest one comes from Honda Malaysia’s own plant in Melaka.

Latest 2020 version of the Civic was launched early this year.

The police personnel using the Civic will be assured of good performance from the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which delivers power through Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Maximum torque is 141 ps with 174 Nm of torque for strong acceleration and meeting Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) standards, fuel economy should be good. This would be important since the cars will be in use a lot for daily duties.

Honda’s Next Generation Safety Technology – the proprietary Honda SENSING suite – will help protect the personnel in the event of an accident while also allowing them to have good control over the car if they are in high-speed pursuits. The Civic, which is rated 5-star by ASEAN NCAP has safety features such as 6 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist with Agile Handle Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ABS, Brake Assist and Auto Brake Hold.

The retail price of the Civic is around RM114,000 although with the recent announcement of exemption of 10% Sales Tax, the price will be lower from June 15 until the end of 2020. More information on the model as well as other Honda models in Malaysia can be found at
www.honda.com.my
 or any of the 101 authorised dealerships nationwide.

Updated Honda Civic officially launched, priced from RM113,600 – RM139,600


Fuel Price Updates For September 9 – September 15, 2021

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PHS Automotive Malaysia is the new Audi distributor for Malaysia

Detail

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has taken over as the official distributor of the Audi brand in Malaysia. Like Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), PHSAM is owned by Porsche Holding Salzburg, a leading automotive retailer in Europe which also has operations in China, Japan, South America and Southeast Asia.

PHSAM will be involved in wholesale, marketing and aftersales activities for the Audi brand in the country. Currently, there are Audi Centres located in Juru (Penang) and Glenmarie (Selangor, and an authorised Service Centre in Ipoh. The Audi Centre in Setia Alam, Selangor will resume operations on August 1, 2022.

Leading the PHSAM team are two Managing Directors – Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner – who also hold similar positions at VPCM. Together, they have played key roles in steering the success of the Volkswagen brand in Malaysia, including the expansion of its locally-assembled product line-up.

“The premium automotive landscape is extremely competitive, and we have plenty to do and multiple challenges to overcome, but we are fully committed to the growth of the Audi brand. Audi is one of the world’s leading premium brands and has a loyal local following that spans generations, so there is untapped potential in the Malaysian market,” said Mr. Winter.

“Our focus will be on strengthening the SUV, S line and quattro range, with electrification playing a major role in the Company’s future planned roadmap. With the strength of our team’s experience and backed by PHS’ global expertise, we are confident of sustainable growth for the Audi brand,’’ he added.

Management processes are already in place, with other priorities being expanding aftersales services and strengthening the existing dealer network to achieve profitable growth. “Customer satisfaction is top of the list for us, and we recognise the importance of a strong working relationship with our dealer partners to grow and reach our targets and enhance the ownership experience for our customers,” said Mr. Leitner.

The present product line-up for the Malaysian market. All Audi cars purchased authorised showrooms from July 1, 2022 will be offered with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance.

Audi urbansphere concept shows what the luxury MPV of the future could be like


Volkswagen readying EV hill climb racer for Pikes Peak

Volkswagen is currently developing an all-electric race car specifically for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA in June 2018. This all-wheel drive prototype will be VW’s entrant in the world renowned mountain race that is considered a proving ground for manufacturers and daredevils alike.

The annual hill climb race has been one of the source of attraction for many since 1916, due to its challenging turns and steep 4.3km elevation. It’s 19.99km long course starts at a height of 1,440 metres above sea level, which rises gradually to 4,300 metres at the finishing line. US driver Rhys Millen holds the track record for electric prototypes with a time of 8 minutes and 57.118 seconds.

VW wants to break that record on the 24th of June 2018 with its new electric prototype that is being jointly developed by Volkswagen Motorsport and Technical Development in Wolfsburg. The German automaker, sees this competition as a way to challenge itself to reach greater heights. The new Le Mans looking racer has been fitted with massive front and rear spoilers to help it remain planted on Pikes Peak’s changing road surfaces.

“The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world’s most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore excellently suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies,” explains Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

“Our electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test on Pikes Peak will give us important findings that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies,” he later added.

It’s been about 30 years since VW participated in the Hill Climb. The last time it fielded a racer in the competition was in 1987. And back then, it entered a twin-engine Golf that showed a lot of promise, but didn’t manage to finish the race. As such, VW sees the 2018 session as a chance of it to redeem itself and come back stronger than ever.

This Motorsport project is also considered part of the company’s process of transforming into a leading producer of electric vehicles. According to the automaker’s near future business plan, VW wants to be a leading producer of electric vehicles by 2025. And by then, it hopes to be able to offer customers about 23 all-electric models.


The top comes off the Lamborghini Sian Coupe with a Roadster variant

Ten months after Lamborghini launched the Sian as its first production hybrid super sportscar, an open-top variant has been unveiled. Only 19 units will be produced – and all are already sold.

The Sian Roadster, as a true roadster, adds a new purity with the open-air cabin. The aerial view of the car is reminiscent of the iconic
periscopio
line inspired by the first Countach, running diagonally from the cockpit to the rear and culminating in the aerodynamic airstreamers behind driver and passenger.

The long sculptured contours and characteristic aero wings give the Sian Roadster an unmistakably powerful profile. The car’s very low front, with integrated carbonfibre splitter, houses the iconic Lamborghini Y-shape headlights.

The extreme and strong rear of the car incorporates Lamborghini’s evocative hexagon design, including 6 hexagonal taillights inspired by the Countach. The rear wing is integrated within the profile and extends out only during the driving to enhance the performance.

To optimize aerodynamic efficiency, airflow is directed through the front splitters and through the front bonnet, through the side air intakes and outlets and over the rear spoiler, with no loss of aerodynamic efficiency from the roadster’s roofless design.

Active cooling vanes on the rear use unique materials-science technology patented by Lamborghini. The operation of the vanes is triggered by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and providing an elegant and lightweight cooling solution.

The Sian Roadster makes its debut in Blu Uranus, especially selected by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, which works together with the Ad Personam department to entirely personalize the colour and finish of each client’s Roadster.

The Oro Electrum wheels have a colour chosen by Lamborghini to signify electrification. The complementary interior is an elegant combination of white with Blu Glauco detailing and aluminium elements in Oro Electrum, New-design air vents produced via 3D printing allows customization with a client’s initials.

The Sian Roadster is powered by the same hybrid system as the coupe which provides the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It combines the V12 engine with a 48-volt e-motor, delivering 34 hp, which is incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and improved performance. The e-motor also supports low-speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power.

With the advanced technology, the engine, which incorporates titanium intake valves, has been uprated to 785 bhp. With an additional 34 bhp from the hybrid system, the maximum output is 819 bhp, giving the Sian Roadster a claimed capability of going over 350 km/h. From standstill, it is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.9 seconds.

The powertrain has Lamborghini’s innovative supercapacitor application – a world-first technology storing 10 times the power of a lithium-ion battery. Located in the bulkhead between cockpit and engine, it ensures perfect weight distribution.

Three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power, the electric system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kgs. It thus delivers a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. Symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles, the most lightweight and efficient hybrid solution.

There’s also a highly sophisticated regenerative braking system, especially developed by the carmaker. The symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor, contrary to normal Li-Ion batteries, can be charged and discharged with the same power. It fully charges the energy storage system every time the vehicle is being braked.

The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away (up to 130 km/h) when the e-motor automatically disconnects. This improves the elasticity maneuvers and makes it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.

“The Sian Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sian’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sportscars, and the open-top Sian Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding new solutions.”

Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar

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Fuel Price Updates For June 10 – June 16, 2021

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.