#DrawDrawDraw – and you might attract the attention of Nissan’s designers (w/VIDEO)

It all starts with a single line.

That is the message from Nissan’s global design team as it looks to connect a worldwide community of artists through the new #DrawDrawDraw social project. The carmaker is offering 23 newly created, downloadable colouring pages featuring Nissan’s classic and current models, futuristic concepts and even some ‘cult classic’ ones such as the Figaro and ChoiMobi.

Nissan designers from around the world created the pages over the last few weeks, a time during which many people have been staying home because of the global coronavirus pandemic.

“To draw, draw, draw, in our world, is one of the best ways to close the gap between wonderful creative impulses in your head and making it a reality – especially as we face this global pandemic together,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice-President for Global Design. “Our team of designers, worldwide, are using this time to breathe, to draw, to dream creatively. I know that some of their best work will come from the challenges that we’re facing now. So we thought: ‘Why not give everyone a chance to express themselves creatively and share it with those who will appreciate it?'”

Click here to download the sketches

Albaisa is launching this effort with a video from his home and, with input from his two young sons, showing what he is currently drawing and why. Designers from his team will post additional videos in coming weeks to talk about their design inspirations, what they are drawing, how they became car designers, and tips for those looking to break into the business.

“Our inspiration for this project came from Nissan designer Giovanny Arroba, the creative mind behind the recently unveiled
Ariya Concept car
,” said Albaisa. “Gio was asked for advice on becoming a car designer. He said, simply and beautifully: ‘Draw like crazy. Draw, draw, draw.'”

Nissan asks individuals to hashtag their drawings – from sidewalk art to napkin sketches to the downloaded colouring book pictures – with #drawdrawdraw. The drawings can be posted on their social media platforms.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating passion and creativity,” said Albaisa. “Don’t be surprised if you see a Nissan designer comment on your drawings and artwork!”

This Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo is what you’ll want in 2020


Kia Sportage is a ‘must test drive vehicle’ in the US

Kia’s Sportage has been named as one of Autotrader’s 2017 Must Test Drive vehicles. The list is made up of vehicles Autotrader thinks consumers need to see and experience before making a decision. The ones that make it on the list are decided by a team of editorial experts who believe that said vehicles have the potential to change customer perceptions on an entire segment or brand.

“Winning an Autotrader 2017 Must Test Drive Award is further testament to the transformation of the Kia brand and marks another accolade for the Sportage, our longest-running nameplate,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning Kia Motors America (KMA).  “Sportage balances world-class craftsmanship and outstanding design, while delivering a host of standard features at a low starting price.”

For a vehicle to be eligible for this title, it has to be currently on sale, be priced under $75,000 and said to offer a significant value – however, that might be somewhat subjective. Apart from that, said vehicle needs to score no lower than a 3.5 on Autotrader’s five-point scale, a tough list of criterias for any vehicle. But that said, since Peter Shreyer took over the reigns of the Kia design team, the automaker has been churning out stunning econoboxes that wouldn’t look out of place parked next a BMW or Audi.

The latest 2017 Sportage has a structure that is stiffer and more spacious when compared to the previous generation. It comes equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies, suspension and steering improvements and an AWD system that Kia says helps improve the vehicle’s driving dynamics. The Sportage with the FWD SX Turbo trim comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 240bhp or 237bhp on AWD models and 353Nm of torque. When in LX and EX trims, it is fitted with a normally aspirated 2.4-litre engine that produces 181bhp and 237Nm of torque.


Honda and Sony to form new company to develop and sell EVs from 2025

Since being established 73 years ago, Honda Motor has been able to remain independent instead of becoming part of a bigger group. On its own, it has been able to successfully manage its business and endure even the most challenging periods without having to surrender its independence. However, the 21
st
 century sees the auto industry changing and with the move towards electric vehicles (EVs), the cost of developing entirely new technologies is very high. In April, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to declare its intention will stop selling combustion-engines vehicles by 2040.

So even though Honda has preferred to be a ‘lone ranger’, it has been forming strategic alliances with some companies in the area of EVs because it is crucial to remain competitive in the new field, and sharing resources is more realistic.
Honda has already agreed with General Motors
 to jointly develop two all-new EVs for Honda’s range, based on GM’s global EV platform. The EVs will be manufactured at GM plants in North America with sales expected to begin in 2024 for that market.

New joint-venture company

On another front, Honda will be working with Sony Group Corporation to develop EVs as well. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines their intent to form a joint venture company through which they plan to engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services. The new company is expected to be established before the end of this year.

The Honda e, a fully electric EV model, is already on sale in Europe.

This alliance aims to bring together Honda’s mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and aftersales service management experience, while Sony has expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies.

Sony has already developed EVs

Honda has already developed a few EV models for sale, with the Honda e having received a good response in Europe.
Sony has also been developing its own EVs
, with two prototypes displayed earlier this year at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. The prototypes appear to have reached quite an advanced stage and have been shown in real-world road-testing.

Sony’s two EVs which were shown at CES 2022 earlier this year.

While Sony announced in January that it would start a new unit called Sony Mobility which would handle commercialization of EVs, this move may well have been too challenging for the company which does not have experience in making cars. Honda, on the other hand, has been producing many fine cars with its decades of experience. As Sony would have vast experience in electronics, which are dominant in EVs, its expertise will be very useful.

So it remains to be seen whether Honda will adopt Sony’s concepts – called VISION-S – or come out with a new design. If they want to do a new design, they have less than 3 years to do so as the plan is to start sales of the first model from the new company in 2025.

A new brand name?

There is also a possibility that the new EVs will have separate branding rather than be sold as Honda or Sony products. This is because the agreement is for the new company ‘to plan, design, develop, and sell the EVs’. It is agreed that Honda will be responsible for manufacturing the first EV model at its own factory.

Honda has had many decades of experience manufacturing cars. not only in Japan but also in other countries.

“The New Company will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility around the world, by taking a broad and ambitious approach to creating value that exceeds the expectations and imagination of customers. We will do so by leveraging Honda’s cutting-edge technology and know-how in relation to the environment and safety, while aligning the technological assets of both companies. Although Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our areas of technological expertise are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance which brings together the strengths of our two companies offers great possibilities for the future of mobility,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, Representative Executive Officer & CEO of Honda Motor.


Proton In 2018 – Part 3: Getting The Dealers Hyped For The Biggie!

In Early March this year, a group of
33 PROTON
 dealers got the opportunity to visit one of Geely’s dealer outlets in Shanghai. The dealer visit was established with the focus to enable PROTON dealers to have a real look and experience Geely’s dealer set up and how this experience could be helpful in setting up similar facade and feel here in Malaysia.

For
Lum Hon Yoon, of Gagah Murni Sdn Bhd
,
“It is a good experience being here. We get to see closer how a Geely dealer outlet looks like. There is a good use of space. More importantly, it has different areas for customers to feel comfortable, there are coffee area, discussion area, children area and reading area as well.
This means that this place is catered for the whole family. Parents do not have to worry so much as the kids will have a play area, or if the wife needs reading time, then she can occupy the reading area, hence anyone can come and be occupied with something and not be bored while waiting for the car to be serviced,”
 Lum explained.

These areas serve its purpose and many of the dealers liked the idea, and view it as a modern family needs.
“People are always busy and the idea to send in a car for service for a few hours seem like a whole day. With built-in areas such as the discussion area, this could also serve as a meeting point where two or more people can come and have a small discussion. Moreover, the existence of a coffee area means that you do not have to run to the nearest Starbucks or Coffee Bean just to get your morning or afternoon coffee fix to get your day going,”
 observed A
w Chiew Soon, of Warna Bestari Sdn Bhd.

Razali Ahmad, of Erakars Sdn Bhd
 shared similar views.
“The showroom area is more or less like the ones we currently have in PROTON outlets. What separates it is the spacious waiting area and the comfortable rest area that looks like your home living room, which is what I anticipate customers will like the most. The additional facilities becomes the pull factor in attracting customers to come service their cars. At least patrons can occupy their time in the most productive ways, so overall it is a plus factor”.

For some other dealers, what impressed them was the smart uniform, and their professional ways of greeting the PROTON entourage.

“As for me, the spaciousness of the waiting area is an appealing idea. More so, what impresses me is their uniform. The guys and girls all look so smart. This is also good for business. Customers who come in, could feel the ‘one ness’ in their approach. For us, it is all about attracting customers to showroom,”
 explained
Azizulmu’min Mohd Hussein Malim, of Rohamas Corporation Sdn Bhd
.

“Furthermore, when sales and service staff speak the same language, be it in terms of uniform, or approach, it confers a lot of confidence amongst the customers, hence selling a product becomes easier, aside from good product knowledge,”
 Azizulmu’min said.

Footnote from the Editor:
 So our dear Proton Dealers, are you convinced yet? Other carmakers have been offering this kind of customer service at their premises here for decades, thus it really isn’t asking too much for ALL Proton outlets to do the same now, is it? –
Chris Wee.


20% discount on toll at Penang Bridge – but only for those with RFID tag

Though affected by the MCO having suspended business activities for a long period, the private sector (with assistance from the government) is trying to also help the rakyat in these difficult times. Household incomes have diminished with some family members losing jobs or having pay cuts or for those who have their own small businesses, the daily income is down.

PLUS Malaysia is also doing its part by offering motorists using the Penang Bridge a discount of 20% on toll charges. Only applicable to private vehicles, the discount will be only for those who have the  Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on their vehicles.

From mid-July 2020

The discount will be available from the middle of July 2020 and is only for those studying or working in Penang. We understand that in order to qualify for the discount, the motorist must have a letter to show he or she is studying at an institution of higher learning or from the employer with an address on the island.

At least 20% of vehicles crossing the Penang Bridge are expected to benefit from the lower rate which will be RM4.59 instead of the current RM5.74. The duration of the discount has not been mentioned.

PLUS has been encouraging the use of the RFID tag which will promote faster and more efficient passage through toll plazas. Motorists can reload the stored value in their accounts using online applications, reducing the need to be in close contact with personnel at the toll plazas. This will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

RFID tag available online

Previously, motorists had to go to fitment centres to get the RFID tag installed but Touch’nGo is now offering it online at RM35. The tag can be easily stuck on the headlight or at the upper section of the windscreen and then activated online.


One of the world’s largest automotive image libraries opens its digital doors

The Motoring Picture Library (MPL) at the home of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in England has opened its digital doors to one of the largest motoring picture collections in the world. A new improved website is making access easier to over a million historic motoring images which span from the 1880s to the present day.

MPL has over 120,000 colour images and nearly a million black and white photographs filed and catalogued, with thousands of digital originals. Its subject matter includes cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, covering the motor industry, motorsport, the social history of motoring and a huge range of motoring and motor sport personalities. It also includes spectacular motoring art in the form of sales brochures, posters and paintings.

The digital images cover decades of automotive history, mainly in Britain. There are even 3 images of the Proton Satria in the collection.

Celebrated highlights include the Bill Brunell collection, depicting motorsport and social history from the 1920s and 1930s, and the specialist Formula 1 photography of the 1950s and 1960s by Maxwell Boyd.

Established 50 years ago

Since it was established over 50 years ago by Edward, Lord Montagu, the library has grown to become one of the most comprehensive sources of motoring photographs, supplying pictures globally to enthusiasts as well as for commercial ventures, publishing, broadcast and advertising industries.

“The aim of MPL is to offer a fast, efficient and competitive service to every user, whether they be a major publisher or advertising agency, a public service, broadcaster, car club or motoring enthusiast. In every case, we are here to make sure you have the best chance of finding what you are looking for,” said Picture Library Manager Jon Day.

MPL also has nearly a million further motoring images which are still to be digitised, so it welcomes calls to source specific images. Picture researchers are welcome to visit in person, by prior appointment. A fully equipped drive-in studio is also offered in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, which is available to hire for photographic shoots.

The image collections include record-breakers that extended the performance envelope over the years.

Film Library with 40,000 items

A Film Library was also established in 1979, with an initial aim to collect and conserve film on all aspects of motoring for future generations. The film library includes private collections – including those of Ford, Vauxhall, the Rootes Group, Metropolitan Police, the AA and Dunlop – and now comprises of nearly 40,000 items. It has installed its own broadcast standard telecine facility for transferring film to video in-house, as well as a High Definition Spirit telecine to transfer film to full HD.

The British National Motor Museum at Beaulieu was opened in 1952.

The picture library is just one element of the National Motor Museum Trust’s work to preserve motoring history. The museum’s collection of over 280 vehicles is world-famous, along with its extensive range of motoring artefacts and specialist reference library. For more information about the Motoring Picture Library, visit
www.motoringpicturelibrary.com
.


First Petronas AutoExpert Centre opens in Shah Alam

Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysis (PLMM) together with Petronas Lubricant International (PLI) has officially launched Malaysia’s first Petronas AutoExpert Centre. This new service centre focuses on offering the company’s high-end products plus top of the line maintenance services to all customers.

Their very first service centre located in Section 15, Shah Alam under the management of Autohaus KL, one of Petronas’ local partners which is an experienced professional auto service provider.

Autohaus KL (Shah Alam) will be the first of a 100 centres expected to be established here in Malaysia. 30 other countries are also planning to invest in the AutoExpert Centre under Petronas in their five-year plan.

According to Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Petronas Vice President and Marketing, “Having the Petronas AutoExpert service centre allows customers to enjoy Petronas’ technical expertise under one roof at their convenience.”

“Again, we are geared to move like never before by offering value added services that are usually associated with under-warranty care only, accessible to all drivers and passenger car types world-wide. Ultimately, we strive to deliver seamless and frictionless experiences consistently.”

Efficiency, attention to detail, and quality services are the main focuses of the Petronas AutoExpert service centre where specially-trained mechanics work with the latest tools and technology when it comes to all vehicle inspections, engine diagnostics, oil changes, plus many more. All in all, 14 service bays are on standby to accommodate any volume of customers at any given time.

Apart from running the service centre itself, Petronas AutoExpert will also provide all-round solutions schemes for all of their future service centres from training, marketing support, effective trade programs, and consultancy to further enhance Petronas’ overall pursuit as the leading global brand.


2023 Shanghai Auto Show Has Marked The End Of An Era For ICE Cars

As a car enthusiast, nothing beats the feeling of downshifting and flooring the throttle while passing through a tunnel just to hear your engine roar and get a glimpse of the flame shooting out your tailpipes. That’s what cars are about.

Now, imagine watching Fast and Furious but with electric vehicles (EVs). Wouldn’t be the same now, would it?

Sadly, the world is going into a “greener” future and ICE cars are being forgotten about. Based on the predictions of analysts and industry insiders, this year’s
Shanghai Auto Show
 marked the end of the petrol engine era in China, as Chinese electric car firms push transformation across the sector and leave international competitors in the dust.

China has been a top player in the EV game because Chinese firms have secured the domination of their home market, the largest in the world, and are now beginning to turn their attention to international markets thanks to government support for EVs and growing consumer demand.

Electric vehicles made up a quarter of car sales in China in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 94%.

Shanghai has shown Chinese brands “can compete with all of the legacy automakers in every way — performance, quality, comfort, there’s nothing they can’t do”, said EV specialist Elliot Richards.

In Malaysia, according to Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), around 2,631 EVs were sold in Malaysia last year, which represents an 860% gain over the three-figure tally from 2021. More than 10,000 totally electric vehicles are reportedly registered in the department’s database as of December 2022. With the BYD Atto 3 and Ora Good Cat now being popular and affordable, people are transitioning from ICE to electric.

According to forecasts made by Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research, sales of passenger EVs will increase by 82.0% in 2023, reaching a volume of about 5,840 units yearly.

“As more battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are introduced and give consumers more options, we predict that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will lose market share in 2023,” it said.

Norway is leading the way in putting an end to the dominance of internal combustion engines (ICE), with the sale of exclusively new, zero-emission automobiles starting in 2025. Norway is Western Europe’s leading adopter of EVs with just under 80% of new cars sold last year being electric.

In 2030, half of all new automobiles sold in the United States should be zero-emission vehicles, according to President Joe Biden’s climate plan.

To safeguard regional producers and encourage battery production, substantial subsidies are being implemented.

However, that objective includes plug-in hybrid vehicles. Despite having fossil fuel motors, these cars can go several dozen km on their batteries alone.

The US has a long way to go despite being the country where Tesla was born. Only 5.8% of last year’s market was accounted for by sales of solely electric vehicles.

Beginning in 2035, the governments of California and New York intend to prohibit the sale of all new fossil fuel vehicles other than plug-in hybrids. Canada has set the same goal.

Japan, the birthplace of the R32 Nissan Skyline GTR also known as, Godzilla. As a major auto producer, Japan intends to take its time transitioning to EVs and is prioritising hybrid vehicles, of which Toyota is the undisputed global leader. Only 1.7% of new cars sold last year were electric vehicles. In the 2030s, the government intends to prohibit the sale of all fossil fuel-powered vehicles other than hybrids.

The latest agreement retains a 2035 deadline for the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles, a crucial component of the bloc’s climate plans, and puts an end to three weeks of drama caused by a last-minute obstacle placed up by Germany.

Even hybrid automobiles won’t pass muster when all cars must be zero emission. Unless they are made to run on carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, only brand-new battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be permitted for sale in the bloc.

A carve-out was given for synthetic fuels in order to appease liberals in Germany. These fuels are currently under development, but it is believed that they will eventually be manufactured from CO2 using renewable energy, making their use emissions-neutral.

There are now many more low-emission zones around Europe, which restrict older vehicles’ entry to urban areas.

12.1% of new cars sold in the EU last year were fully electric cars. Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden have more aggressively established a goal of switching to zero-emission vehicles by 2030 within the EU.

India, which anticipates a rise in car ownership but is currently dealing with severe air pollution, has set a goal of having EVs make up 30% of all sales by 2030.

Nissan Skyline GTR (R34), MK4 Supra

Sigh, everybody wants a battery with four wheels. It’s a little heartbreaking that the future generation will never know the rivalry that car enthusiasts had between the MK4 Supra and the Nissan Skyline GTR (R34). But then again, looking at the state of our planet now, going green may contribute to the reduction of pollution.


New Nissan Navara launched with 6 variants, priced from RM91,900 (w/VIDEO)

Towards the end of March, we previewed the new Nissan Navara and at that time, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) only showed one variant – the flagship
Navara PRO-4X
. But that is obviously not all there is to the range for the latest ‘Mothertrucker’, as ETCM nicknamed it. In fact, the range consists of 6 variants, all imported from Thailand in CBU (completely built-up) form with prices starting from RM91,900 and topping out at RM142,400 (for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance).

Prices shown are for private registration and do not include insurance premiums.

The wide range is intended to cater to different budgets and usage requirements. While the Navara is usually advertised as a lifestyle machine for private use, it is also just as capable as a workhorse. However, those who buy it for business purposes are likely to use it in rough conditions and won’t care much for fancy features. All they want is a tough, well-built truck that can haul heavy loads and keeps running instead of spending downtime in a workshop. All variants of the new Nissan model come with a warranty of 5 years or 150,000 kms (whichever comes first).

For such commercial customers, ETCM offers two lower-priced variants with simpler equipment and 6-speed manual transmission, one of which is a single cab. While the 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine is the same for all variants, the one for these two variants has different tuning which produces an output of 163 ps/403 Nm. The engine for the other four variants produces 190 ps/450 Nm and all these variants have a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the bolder, more dominating appearance of the front end, the new Navara (except for the Single Cab) has a new rear Multilink Suspension with dual-rate coil springs that reduce body toss motion; Electronic Locking Rear Differential that allows the left and right wheels to rotate as a unit; Tailgate Assist that helps to lighten opening and closing operation; Integrated Rear Bumper Step that makes bed access easier; and acoustic laminated glass for the front windscreen and front windows to make things quieter in the cabin.

Like all modern pick-up trucks, active safety is comparable to what you get in a passenger car. There’s ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control, an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The last three systems would be especially useful during off-road driving.

For the Navara PRO-4X Auto, VL Auto and V Auto variants, active safety goes on step further with Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver assistance features. These systems monitor the road ahead and warn the driver if there is a possible collision risk. If the driver fails to do the right thing – ie decelerate, brake or take avoiding action – then the computer will apply the brakes automatically to prevent the collision.

Other assistance features include an Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode,  Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which helps during reversing out of a parking bay. And should a tyre lose air, the driver will be made aware of it, which can be useful when driving off-road.

For those who want to personalise their Navara further, ETCM has a range of exclusive factory-fitted accessories and they come with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty. There are four packages, ranging in price from RM3,200 to RM10,950, depending on the variant. The good thing is that this extra cost can be included in the total financing amount and repaid over the same number of years for the H-P loan. Incidentally, ETCM has a Flexi Financing promotion where the monthly instalment for the Navara Single Cab can start at RM670.

Visit
www.nissan.com.my
 to locate an authorised Nissan showroom in Malaysia where you can view and test drive the new Navara.

Preview of the updated Nissan Navara PRO-4X, to go on sale on April 16


TREVO Guard takes the hassle out of motor insurance renewals

Though it’s not apparent to the general public, the motor insurance business is a competitive one and like other businesses, the way to attract more customers is to offer value-added services or benefits. This can make it confusing or tiring for motorists to check each company’s offerings, and they may not get the best deal.

TREVO,  a people-to-people car-sharing marketplace, can help motor vehicle owners with TREVO Guard, a motor insurance renewal service available via the TREVO app. With TREVO Guard, the policies offered are curated to focus on those with special policy features catering to the mandatory insurance needs of  owners in the modern P2P car-sharing and e-hailing ecosystem. Currently, new motor insurance policies from Allianz are available via TREVO Guard.

“This new service builds on our R&D efforts to continuously offer innovative services and features to customers and tap on the capacity of our apps to serve as one-stop sources for everything drivers need to reduce the hassle of car ownership. Car owners in Malaysia often lead hectic lifestyles, so we wanted to make motor insurance renewal easier, faster and better via a convenient service plus added perks – to further free them from the worries that come with car ownership,” said Leon Foong, Group CEO of SOCAR and TREVO Malaysia.

“This service is timely as demand for contactless renewal solutions has gone up exponentially since the rise of the pandemic. With our TREVO Guard renewal service, all users can also easily offset their insurance premiums by making their car available for sharing on the TREVO platform. To further reinforce the spirit of car-sharing, we also offer all customers a certain number of free car replacement days on our SOCAR and TREVO platforms when their cars are in the workshop,” he added.

Perks for early adopters

As an introductory offer for the first 1,000 TREVO Guard renewals, vehicle owners will enjoy a number of perks, courtesy of TREVO. These include a Free Temporary Replacement Car of the same model or similar car segment for up to 7 days per year if the insured vehicle cannot be driven, as well as the complimentary use of a personal ‘buddy driver’ to drive them in their own car for 2x 2-hour trips per year. Meanwhile, TREVO Hosts who are among the 1,000 new renewals will also receive a RM128 cash rebate.

“At TREVO, we’ve seen more and more people embracing the P2P marketplace in the 14 months since we launched. From the Klang Valley to our expansion into Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bahru, we’ve grown our membership to 121,000 people, with more than 4,600 cars listed. This is a clear indication that while private car ownership remains popular among Malaysians, they also want new ways to alleviate the burdens and hassles that come with owning a car,” noted Susan Teoh, CEO of TREVO Malaysia.

“To improve the overall experience of car ownership with TREVO Guard, we are going beyond making motor insurance renewals more convenient for Malaysian car owners, by offering additional peace of mind through attractive benefits such as Free Temporary Replacement Cars, complimentary personal driver service for your own car, plus rebates for TREVO Hosts who are early adopters,” she said.

Interested? The first thing to do for renewing your motor insurance policy is to download the TREVO app and register for a TREVO account (of you have not already done so). Then, using the app, renewal can be done via TREVO Guard. The process is easy – just log in with the app and provide the vehicle registration number and NRIC number (or passport number for foreign nationals), and a motor insurance quote will be sent within 24 hours.

Click here
 to find out more about TREVO Guard or visit their
Facebook page
.


Usage Of Smartphones With Hands-Free Kit Not Against The Law

If drivers swipe or touch the display screen to make or receive phone calls, they are not breaking the law as long as they are using hands-free kits or holders for their smartphones.

This is in order with rule 17A of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 which states that the use of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is prohibited except while using a hands-free kit or holder.

According to Commissioner Datuk Seri Mat Kasim Karim of the Federal Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, it is against the law for drivers to use phones while their vehicles are moving or while stopped at a stoplight or in traffic congestion. Drivers are seen as still being in “active driving mode” under such circumstances, he claimed.

This big commotion about this is due to recent events where
a woman in Penang was issued a summon
 to appear before a magistrate in August for using her mobile phone while driving. She had the phone on her lap and at a roundabout, she held up the phone for just a couple of seconds to double-check the direction while using a navigation application.

According to Mat Kasim, dropping a mobile on the floor of a moving car by mistake and attempting to pick it up while operating the vehicle can also be dangerous since it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

According to The Star, he claimed that drivers can only use their cellphones by pulling over at a parking lot in the absence of a holder or hands-free kit. He also warned drivers that it is illegal to stop in the emergency lane without a proper cause.

In 2020, the police declared that it was illegal to use a mobile while operating a motor vehicle without utilising holders or hands-free devices.

Those who get a summons for the infraction will be taken to court and might be sentenced to a fine of up to RM1,000 or up to three months in jail. Repeat offenders are subject to a doubling penalty.


New Land Rover Defender gets advanced connectivity with world-first dual e-SIM hardware

Unlike its predecessor which was developed long before the electronic age, the new Land Rover Defender is filled with advanced technologies, particularly in the area of connectivity. At CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer electronics show which is on this week, Land Rover is displaying the 4×4 model as the first vehicle with two embedded LTE modems for enhanced connectivity, while the vehicle’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system shares electronic hardware with the latest smartphones.

21st century technology in the New Defender

SOTA technology

The fast and intuitive Pivi Pro system allows customers to make full use of the Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology in the New Defender without compromising the system’s ability to stream music and connect to apps. With its own designated LTE modem and eSIM, the SOTA technology can operate in the background without affecting the day-to-day connectivity provided by the separate modem and eSIM in the infotainment module.

The always-on, connected Pivi Pro setup sits at the heart of the cabin. A 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen allows customers to control numerous aspects of the vehicle using the same processing hardware as the latest smartphones. In addition, customers can connect two mobile devices at once using Bluetooth.

“With one LTE modem and eSIM dedicated to the Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology and the same set-up looking after music streaming and apps, New Defender has the digital capacity to keep customers connected, updated and entertained at all times anywhere in the world,” said Peter Virk, Director of Connected Car and Future Technology at Jaguar Land Rover. “You could liken the design to a brain, with each half enjoying its own connection for unrivalled and uninterrupted service. Like the brain, one side of the system looks after logical functions, like SOTA, while the other takes care of more creative tasks.”

The LTE connectivity behind the Jaguar Land Rover infotainment system also allows the New Defender to roam across multiple networks in different regions to help optimize connectivity. In addition, the cloud-based architecture provided by CloudCar is designed to make it easy to access and use content and services.

Expanded SOTA capability

Land Rover has also confirmed the first New Defender SUVs will feature more SOTA capability than originally projected. At its Frankfurt Motor Show launch in September 2019, it was announced that 14 individual electronic control modules would be able to receive remote updates. However, the first production vehicles will feature 16 control units capable of receiving SOTA updates.

Software updates for the electronic systems can be done ‘over the air’ from anywhere in the world, making it unnecessary for owners to go to a service centre.

Land Rover engineers estimate that in-dealer software updates will be a thing of the past for Defender customers before the end of 2021 as additional SOTA modules come online, rising from the current 16 to more than 45.

Qualcomm Technologies

Powering the Defender’s Pivi Pro infotainment and Vehicle Domain Controller are two high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platforms, each with an integrated Snapdragon X12 LTE modem. The Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platform delivers unprecedented performance and technology integration designed to support highly advanced telematics, infotainment and digital clusters.

With its power-efficient CPU cores and state-of-the-art GPU performance, integrated machine learning and powerful video processing capabilities, the Snapdragon 820Am Automotive Platform will enhance connected in-car experiences, including responsive interfaces, immersive 4K graphics, high-definition media streaming, and immersive audio.

Two X12 LTE modems provide parallel high-bandwidth downlink and uplink connectivity across multiple networks, ultra-fast connectivity and lower latency for secure, reliable communications. Additionally, the X12 LTE modem features an integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and automotive dead reckoning, increasing the vehicle’s capability to accurately keep track of its location and position.

BlackBerry QNX

The New Defender is the first Land Rover vehicle to include a domain controller that consolidates a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and driver convenience functions built on top of the QNX Hypervisor. Consolidating more systems onto fewer ECUs is integral to the future of automotive electrical design and will be the model for the Land Rover brand’s next-generation vehicle architecture.

Within the New Defender, the Blackberry QNX operating system helps deliver a smartphone-like experience for Pivi Pro infotainment users. The technology also powers the operating system for the latest generation TFT Interactive Driver Display, which can be configured to show vehicle instrumentation, navigation instructions and mapping information or a combination of the two.

BlackBerry QNX technology is embedded in more than 150 million vehicles on the road today and used by top automakers for their ADAS, digital instrument clusters, connectivity modules, hands-free, and infotainment systems.

CloudCar

Jaguar Land Rover is the first global car maker to use CloudCar’s latest cloud-based services platform. Working with the world-leading developer of connected driver experiences brings new levels of customer convenience to the Pivi Pro infotainment fitted to the New Defender. The CloudCar system supports a variety of service and content functionalities and recognizes dial-in numbers and codes, as well as locations, stored within calendar meeting invites. Customers can then navigate to or dial-in to meetings and conference calls with a single touch of the central touchscreen.

Bosch ADAS

Land Rover is on the road to a connected and autonomous future and the New Defender features a variety of technologies developed with Bosch to enhance the driving experience. Alongside the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Assist, Bosch has supported the development of the Land Rover brand’s innovative 3D Surround Camera System, which gives drivers a unique view of the vehicle’s immediate perimeter using four wide-angle HD cameras, each providing a 190-degree field-of-view.

Connected using a 3Gbit/s video backbone and fused with 14 ultrasonic sensors, the clever technology gives drivers a choice of vantage points including a top-down plan view and seamless perspective view. It even performs as a virtual scout, allowing customers to pan around the vehicle on screen for the ultimate Command Driving Position on and off-road.

New Land Rover Defender’s Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle system provides ‘future-proofing’


Priced From RM123,888, The Redesigned Hyundai Tucson Offers More Than Just A Facelift

The 2018 redesigned
Tucson
 has been launched at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide. Unveiled with futuristic new exterior and interior designs, the facelifted Tucson is available in two variants i.e the 2.0L Elegance and the 1.6L Turbo which are priced at *
RM123,888
and
 *RM143,888
 respectively. (*Price excludes insurance and only applies to Peninsular Malaysia.)

The signature elements of the Hyundai cascading grille and modern-day surfacing found in the rear view create shadowy, dramatic impressions that represent the Hyundai DNA. The new 17-inch rims as well as LED headlights and rear lights (applicable for the Turbo variant) offer a new dynamic stance of this redesigned version. The 1.6L Turbo is offered with a Chrome Garnish grille, Chrome Coated door handles with pocket lighting as well as LED headlights with Positioning Lamp and Low Beam Assist-Static Lights. The 2.0L Elegance comes with the Metallic Silver grille and Halogen Bulbs with Positioning Lamp.

The cockpit is redesigned featuring Hyundai’s latest 7-inch floating display that comes with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™; a new front panel air-conditioner vent design, new cluster, and a new leather seat design. The 1.6L Turbo comes with more advanced features such as the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Electro-Chromic Mirror (ECM), 8-way power seat for the driver with 2-Way Lumbar Support, 4.2-inch TFT LCD Super Vision and a leather garnish for the front panel.

The
1.6L Turbo
 maintains the T-GDI engine that produces
177PS
 of horsepower and delivers a maximum torque of
265Nm
 from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm while the
 2.0L Elegance
 maintains the Nu MPi engine that produces
155PS
 of horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of
192Nm
 at 4,000 rpm.

Safety features such as the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) come as standard for both the variants. The 1.6L Turbo variant comes with six airbags, smart tailgate system, as well as Front and Rear Parking Distance Warning while the 2.0L Elegance variant only comes with two airbags and Rear Parking Distance Warning.

“The response for the Tucson has been encouraging since we opened our order books about two weeks ago. The new design is appealing to many SUV enthusiasts because it is modern, futuristic and chic. I am confident that the Tucson will be the choice for many young urban dwellers,”
 said Mr
 Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan).

The Tucson is entitled to 50,000km free service with 3 years’ validity and a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. For more information or to place a booking, interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.


No price increases for locally-assembled Toyota models

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is informing customers that there are no planned increases in prices of Toyota CKD (locally-assembled) models at this time. The company is probably making this statement in view of the speculation of prices going up as Honda Malaysia recently announced increases for some of its models.

While it was reported earlier that there will be
no price increases for CKD models
, this only refers to any effect from the transparent methodology of reporting the Open Market Value (OMV). The Finance Ministry gave assurance that if any CKD model was affected by increased prices as a result of the calculations, the amount of increase would be fully absorbed/exempted by the Finance Ministry during 2020.

Nevertheless, as we also pointed out in the earlier report, it does not mean that prices will not change at all in 2020 due to other factors. Ravindran K, President of UMWT, said that factors such as exchange rates and tax revisions can affect prices. “As far as possible, the company has always tried to maintain price stability by absorbing the increases as much as we can,” he added.

The Yaris, priced from RM70.888, is currently the lowest-priced CKD Toyota model and its price remains unchanged.

The CKD models in UMWT’s current line-up are the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Vios, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova and Toyota Hiace.

For the current prices of the various models, visit
www.toyota.com.my
 or any authorised dealership and UMWT branch nationwide.

Finance Ministry gives firm assurance that new reporting methodology will not increase vehicle prices during 2020


Police Cripple Syndicate Stealing Cars From Workshops, Valet Parking Services And Carwash Shops

The PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) have crippled a syndicate which has been stealing luxury car models with the arrest of 14 persons during a raid recently. The suspects arrested were aged 22 to 43 and included the mastermind of the group.

PDRM Secretary DCP Dato’ Hjh. Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said that during the raid, 5 luxury vehicles were also seized and they were believed to have been stolen.

A
Bernama report
 quoted a statement from Dato’ Hjh. Noorsiah as saying that the syndicate targeted car sales centres and workshops, valet parking services and car-wash shops in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Pahang.

“The modus operandi of members of this syndicate is to pretend to be a buyer or owner of a vehicle and trick employees at the premises concerned into handing over the keys before fleeing with the car,” she said. The police had received 14 reports on theft of luxury vehicles, believed to involve the syndicate.

“This syndicate is also found to have obtained the services of ‘jockeys’ to send some stolen vehicles to Thailand,” she added.

Dato’ Hjh. Noorsiah advised the public, especially employees at car sales centres, workshops, valet parking and car-wash shops to be cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be owners or representatives of the vehicle owners before handing over the cars or keys to them.

“We recommend that security measures be taken at the premises involved and that the procedure for handing over the keys and vehicles to be tightened,” she said.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


McLaren adds a windscreen to the Elva

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

The McLaren Elva, one of the models in the Ultimate Series which consists of the F1, the P1, Senna, and the Speedtail, was originally designed without a windscreen, an open-top that would give an exhilarating experience like that of a motorcycle. Nevertheless, the engineers developed an Active Air Management System (AAMS) to provide a barrier of air so as to reduce the blast when travelling at high speeds.

However, not all customers may appreciate the absence of the glass shield in front and in some states in the USA, regulations require it to be fitted. So McLaren is now adding a windscreen to the Elva (which means ‘she goes’ in French), a move which obviously adds weight to the car.

20 kgs of extra weight

The original Elva is McLaren Automotive’s lightest-ever roadcar and keeping weight down has been one of the strong points of the brand. Installing a windscreen with the heavy glass adds extra weight which includes electronically synchronized rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors. To save weight, the frame is made of carbonfibre and the AAMS is also left out, resulting in a weight increase of just 20 kgs.

A separate engineering programme optimized aerodynamic and dynamic performance to ensure this variant has the same driving dynamics and performance of the original car. The vehicle stiffness is also said to be maintained.

Customers will have the option of having a windscreen or no windscreen as the original car was designed (above).

Performance comparable to Senna

The acceleration of both versions, which have 804 bhp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engines, is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna. The claim is 2.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the fully open Elva as performance figures for the one with the windscreen are not available at this time since the first production unit has not been completed.

The Elva links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva racing cars of the 1960s. These were amongst the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company that he founded; today’s Elva was created to evoke the spirit of driving enjoyment symbolized by these cars.

They are available with heritage liveries like that of the Satin Casa Blue windscreen model prototype pictured. Customisation is, of course, available although the model will be among one of the rarest of McLarens. The initial plan was to make 399 units, but this number was reduced to 249 units and this year, the company has said that only 149 units will be available, with first deliveries starting at the end of this year.

“Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements.  Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windshield version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

This is the 800hp McLaren Elva – no roof, windscreen or windows!


Brabus Turns The 911 Turbo S Into A 900hp Rocket

Brabus really needs no introduction but if you have been living in a cave for the past three decades, the company is a high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company known popularly for their collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

However, recently, Brabus unveiled their take on a Porsche
911 Turbo S
. Originally, the 911 Turbo S has a output of 640hp, a top speed of 330km/h and does 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds. Its name, the 900 Rocket R, is both appropriate and a hint at the level of performance it offers.

The 3.8-liter flat-six engine that powers the Brabus 900 Rocket R has two custom-built, high-performance turbochargers. It can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds. This rocket accelerates from 0 to 200 km/h in about 7.2 seconds!

This kind of performance reminds us of a quote by Jeremy Clarkson, “If you have a powerful engine in your car, you can get home at night more quickly. Which means you spend more time with your children. Which means they’re less likely to grow up as glue sniffers.”

For the best handling, a specially designed Brabus sports suspension system with Brabus coilover springs and fully adjustable shock absorbers is used.

The new 22/21-inch Brabus Monoblock P “Platinum Edition” wheels are fitted on the 900 Rocket R. The Widestar bodywork, as Brabus refers to it, is a full body kit for the exterior. It has improvements made of carbon fibre, such as a new front lip spoiler, new air vents in the wheel arches, and a new diffuser at the rear. The entire system has undergone wind tunnel optimisation, and according to Brabus, the outcome is “next-level aerodynamic efficiency.”

The majority of the interior elements in the cabin are covered in black leather, and the seats have hexagonal designs. Alcantara leather is used to cover the headliner. Additional intriguing details to the design include the centre console’s high-gloss carbon fibre components, the anodized aluminium Brabus pedal pads, and the carbon fibre door sill trims with integrated LED backlit Brabus logos that change colour in time with the interior lighting.

There will only be 25 of these rockets made, and they cost around 465,000 EUR (RM2.3 million before taxes).


FEATURE: Malaysians, Why Do You Hate Wagons So Much?! They’re Super-Cool! [+Videos]

Wagons. Estates. Stationwagons. Touringwagen. Sportwagen. Shooting Brake.

Sports Wagons.
 Call them what you will, but they have
never
 been popular here in Malaysia, and that folks is a crying shame, because wagons are
uber
 cool.

To make matters worse for the dwindling wagon market, Volvo Car Malaysia recently announced that they will cease offering the incredible
V90 T5 & T6 R-Design
 wagons locally solely due to poor demand. As can be seen from
this recent 0% GST news release

from VCM, all iterations of the V90 wagon are indeed already missing from their line-up…

This of course didn’t sit too well with many of us, seeing as how we (i.e. the Malaysian motoring media) absolutely adored the V90, to the point where when its wheels got stolen right-off the car at VCM’s own parking lot, many of us took it personally and proceeded to post notifications of the theft on our own personal social media pages (we were
pissed!
). For the record the wheels were never recovered and it cost VCM RM17k to replace them and subsequently de-fleet the said unit, so whoever you are (wheel thief
and also
 buyer) I personally hope you rot in hell…

It’s the weirdest thing really; Malaysians won’t buy wagons new, but actively seek-out used ones
voraciously
. As such, a used Mercedes-Benz W124 wagon will typically cost at least three to four times more than its sedan counterpart in the second-hand car market, as would a Volvo 245, 850 T5 & 945 wagon, BMW E30, E34 & E39 wagon, etc. Even a Toyota KE70 wagon will cost at least
three times more
 than a KE70 sedan. In fact
any
 wagon from the same lineage will always cost more than its sedan counterpart, even a freaking Nissan Sunny. The Mercedes-Benz W123 wagon (below) now costs about
seven
times more than its sedan variant locally. No,
really
.

And that’s the greatest irony; if no one wants them in the first place when they’re new, how is it that they are able to command a much,
much
 higher price in the used car market? They should be borderline un-sellable in the second-hand car market, since no one wants them even when they’re brand-spanking-new right? Speaking of brand new, here’s one that’s still available locally, the
Mazda6
 wagon…

Now tell me honestly that isn’t simply amazing looking. Look at the lines, simply gorgeous. Defy convention folks, thumb your nose at the norm, and buy a wagon, you won’t regret it. At the very least, you’ll know it’s going to be worth more in the second-hand market than its sedan sibling.

Now have a look at this video from Volvo and judge for yourself why wagons are so cool.

In addition to the Volvo V90 above, thanks to
AutoExpressUK
, here’s a look at some of the nicest, sportiest and most desirable wagons out there… but first, a bit more eye-candy on the Volvo V90, this time in the latest
Cross-Country
 guise. And no, we won’t be getting it here…
no demand
, remember? –
Chris Wee.

And now, the coolest wagons according to AutoExpressUK, starting with the…

Audi RS 4

Fans will moan about Audi replacing the
4.2-litre V8
 engine used in the previous RS 4, with a less enjoyable 2.9-litre unit, but with
444bhp
,
600Nm
 of torque and a top speed of
174mph
 (280kmh) in the new car, there are worse problems to have. The interior compliments a car that has a split personality between sensible and ludicrous, but lacks the sense of theatre that some of its rivals bring. At over £60,000 it is by no means cheap – not that that is untoward in present company.

Audi RS 6

The Audi RS 6 is one of the leading lights in the fast estate world. Partly thanks to its looks, but also helped a its
552bhp twin-turbocharged V8
 which will rocket you and four other passengers from 0-100kmh in just
3.9 seconds
, and on to a limited top speed of
155mph
(250kmh). Prices start from just over £81,000, but for that you do get a comfortable, quiet cabin (most of the time) and 565-litres of boot capacity.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso

Some will argue the
Ferrari
 GTC4 Lusso isn’t a ‘proper’ estate, but if you consider that it is just leaning a little harder on the left of the performance-practicality balance, it becomes easy to see why it made this list. The Ferrari has a
6.3-litre V12
 under the bonnet which pumps out
681bhp
and
 697Nm
 of torque, which allows it to obliterate most of this list with a 0-100kmh time of
3.4 seconds
 and a claimed top speed of
208mph
 (335kmh).

Ford Focus ST

While the petrol version of the
Focus
 ST wagon is a great fast estate, the 2.0 TDCi is our pick of the bunch. This is largely down to the delivery of the power, with the
diesel’s
 get up and go being less unruly and easier to put down on UK roads, but that does not mean the diesel is a slouch – the performance stats of 182bhp, 400Nm of torque and a 0-100kmh time of
8.3secs
 proves as much. Add to this a claimed
economy
 of 67.3mpg – high 40s low 50s are more realistic – and the diesel Focus ST estate becomes incredible alluring.

Mercedes-AMG C63

The Mercedes-AMG C63 is a full-blown muscle car. Under the bonnet is a
4.0-litre turbocharged V8
 which produces a thunderous
469bhp
 and
650Nm
 of torque (increasing to
503bhp
 and
700Nm
 if you opt for the S model). S or not, both models feel astonishingly quick and of course offer impressive levels of practicality, with the only real issue for everyday use being the firm ride. The interior is a comfortable place to be, even if it is not quite on the same level as the E-Class.

Mercedes-AMG E63

You are going to need deep pockets to drive away in an E63 estate as they start north of £84,000 – which is slightly more expensive than the starting price of the Audi RS 6. That said, the E63 is one of the fastest cars on the road, never mind estates. The latest generation is all-wheel drive and in S guise packs
604bhp
 and
850Nm
 of torque. Plus, owners get a drift mode. From a standing start it will hit 100kmh in just
3.6 seconds
 and go on to a limited top speed of
155mph
(250kmh) – these figures change to
3.5 seconds
 and
186mph
 (300kmh) in the S version.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

The
Porsche
 Panamera is no longer the ugly duckling it once was, and the Sport Turismo is no exception. If you go for the range-topping Turbo S E-
Hybrid
, flat out you will be doing
193mph
 (310kmh)and 0-100kmh is over in a meger
3.4 seconds
 – wiping the floor with all but the Ferrari on this list. Even if you drop down to the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, the
6-cylinder turbocharged
 engine allows the big German to reach
160mph
 (257kmh)flat-out and sprint from rest to 100kmh in
5.5 seconds
. While the performance is strong here, practicality is not. The rear is just about big enough to get two adults and a smaller human buckled in, and 520-litres of boot space is a tad underwhelming.

Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf R estate is related to both the Skoda and SEAT mentioned in the link below (but comes with four-wheel drive), and offers one of the finest all-round driving packages you can get for the money – the R starts at around £36k. Under the hood there is the same
2.0-litre four-cylinder
 producing
296bhp
 as found in the Leon, but here it is only available with VW’s seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The exhaust note sounds good with a nice deep burble, which helps keep up the fun even when you aren’t exploiting the strong chassis.

For the FULL article from AutoExpress, which features a few more estates from brands unavailable here, click this
link
.

Wagon Photo Gallery
 (all images from
AutoExpressUK
)


2020 Volvo S60 T8 R Design launched in Malaysia – RM295,888

After months of anticipation and teasing, Volvo Car Malaysia has finally unveiled the latest 2020 Volvo S60 sedan for the Malaysian market in the form of the powerful
2020 Volvo S60 T8 R Design
. The latest third-generation S60 four-door oferring marks the new wave of Volvo offerings here in Malaysia with its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular product platform.

Being the face of Volvo’s confident design language, the new S60 also features the classic Volvo styling cues many enthusiasts have come to love and appreciate. This includes the very iconic “Thor’s Hammer” front LED headlights, new front grille, and that awe-inspiring Volvo Iron Mark plus the very sporty R Design package.

According to Mr. Nalin Jalin, managing director of Volvo Car Malaysia, “What makes the Volvo S60 a driver’s car is the dynamic chassis and drive modes as it delivers excellent control and an engaged performance. This, combined with the acclaimed technology from our 90 Series and other 60 Series cars, ensures that the Volvo S60 t8 R Design it is on its way to being one of the best sports sedans on the market.”

Perhaps the most profound feature of the new Volvo S60 is what lies under the hood. Powered with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine, the new S60 T8 R Design produces a massive 407hp and 640Nm of torque.  We’re guessing that it’ll be one hell of drive up and down Genting with this beautiful beast.

With Volvo being one of the leaders in vehicle safety technology, it comes to as no surprise when they announced that their new S60 is packed to brim with safety features. The SPA platform alone uses boron steel which makes the strongest Volvo car to date which features several safety systems to offer protection inside and out.

Equipped with Volvo’s City Safety Technology, the new S60 features specs like automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems that is able to detect pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals.  It also features the Pilot Assist driver assistance system that can operate with speeds up to 130km/h.

Other notable features include:

Run-off Road Mitigation

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Cross Traffic Alert

Charcoal Fine Nappa Leather with Open Grid Textile upholstery

Harman Kardon Premium Sound System

Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system

Volvo Car Malaysia has priced the 2020 Volvo S60 T8 R Design at RM295,888 (OTR without insurance). Colour options are available for this new Volvo offering are Fusion Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Pebble Grey Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic, and Birch Light Metallic. For more information, head over to
www.volvocars.com.my
.

Volvo’s first fully electric model line starts with the new XC40 Recharge


Lamborghini Squadra Corse releases hypercar teaser and previews Urus ST-X

Lamborghini Squadra Corse, the carmaker’s motorsports division, looks ahead to the future with two world previews which were presented during the Super Trofeo World Finals in Jerez de la Frontera. A teaser foreshadowed the new 12-cylinder hypercar that will debut in 2020, while the Urus ST-X was taken to a circuit for the first time, driven by 9-time Motocross Champion Tony Cairoli.

Teaser of the Lamborghini hypercar

The Urus ST-X super sportscar developed by Squadra Corse and designed by the Centro Stile is a track-only machine with no plans for races. It will be produced as a limited edition, with aerodynamic and mechanical specifications designed to bring out the best of the iconic 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine that delivers 830 bhp.

Special features of the Urus ST-X

During the preview, it was possible to view a number of special features of the car such as the large rear wing, the airscoop on the roof, and the racing front bonnet with dual air intakes.

The structure is composed of an aluminium front frame joined to the carbonfibre monocoque, designed to guarantee the highest standards of safety. To house the engine, a steel rollcage was created that maximizes the torsional and bending stiffness characteristics.

The Urus ST-X is equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine and has a lighter structure. The front features a carbonfibre bonnet with supplementary air intakes and the rear is characterized by the carbon wing and the racing exhausts.

The 6-speed sequential Xtrac transmission has a structural load-bearing function, with respect to the suspension compartment, the arms of which are directly connected to the gearbox, guaranteeing optimal kinematics and a significant improvement in the stiffness to weight ratio. The differential is an innovative mechanical self-locking type that allows the driver to adjust its preload dynamically to optimize driveability depending on the circuit and the conditions of the asphalt.

Lamborghini declares the Urus ST-X as the first Super SUV in the world of racing. The body is dominated by the Verde Mantis (green) colour typical of Lamborghini Squadra Corse, highlighted with red details; the cockpit, reinforced by a tubular roll-bar, features racing seats and a fire extinguishing system.

Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar


Formula E –  a global entertainment brand with sustainable motorsport at its heart

Many good ideas have started on the back of a napkin… the first laptop, the original Mini and, on the evening of March 3, 2011, the idea for an all-electric single-seater street racing series. These ideas all started out as nothing more than scribbles on a napkin.

Written in just a few words in a restaurant in Paris were the beginnings of what would become the world’s first all-electric international single-seater championship – Formula E. Authored by FIA President Jean Todt and Spanish businessman Alejandro Agag, the two men developed the series as a means to demonstrate the potential of sustainable mobility to help create a better, cleaner world.

The first round of the first season was held in Beijing, China in 2014.

Since making its global debut in the grounds of the Olympic Park in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has grown into a global entertainment brand with motorsport at its heart. Now, with 11 teams and 22 drivers on the grid, the championship has attracted the world’s best motorsport teams and talent.

A new era of racing

In January 2018, Formula E welcomed global technology and robotics giant ABB as title partner of the championship, sparking a new era of all-electric street racing aided by one of the biggest names in electrification.

With a total of 9 manufacturers on board – Jaguar, Nissan, BMW, Audi, DS and Mahindra – Formula E grew in prominence and now serves as a competitive platform for global car manufacturers and mobility providers to test and develop road-relevant technologies.

Who would have imagined single-seater cars racing through the streets of Rome, London, Putrajaya, Jakarta and New York?

Technology transfer for EVs

By racing on the streets, the series acts as a catalyst, helping to refine the design of electric vehicles and improve the driving experience for everyday drivers of road cars. Technology developed for the racing cars can be adapted and commercialised for use in the growing number of electric vehicles that will appear in this decade.

Now, building on over 5 seasons of all-electric city street racing, the championship boasts one of the best sporting calendars in the world, with 14 races in 12 cities across 5 continents. Typically starting during the fourth quarter of the year, the current 2019/20 season sees the series being run on the streets of Seoul and Jakarta for the very first time as well as returning to London for the double-header season finale.

The Gen 2 Formula E racing car

Mercedes-Benz EQ in Formula E

New teams Mercedes-Benz EQ and TAG Heuer Porsche have joined the grid to make the sixth season of Formula E a highly competitive one. This is the new era of racing in the 21
st
 century that will keep growing in popularity with each new season.


Fuel Price Updates For July1 – July 7, 2021


Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin to collaborate on EV tyre innovations

The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) aims to capture a 7% share of the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2030, by which time it expects to be selling 1.87 million vehicles annually. To achieve this goal, the Korean carmaker will invest around 19.4 trillion won (US$16.10 billion) in EV-related businesses.

Besides its own investments, it will also work with other parties in various fields of expertise and one of them is Michelin. A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed recently for collaboration on R&D for innovative tyre technologies over the next 3 years. These technologies will be used in the development of next-generation tyres optimized for premium EVs.

The MoU is the second one between the two companies, following the successful completion of their first partnership. This collaboration will lead to a new journey towards developing next-generation tyres to be equipped with the Group’s clean, smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

“This partnership with Michelin will result in real innovations in tire technology, solidifying Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a leader in the smart mobility industry,” said Bong-soo Kim, Vice-President and the Head of Chassis Development Centre at the Hyundai Motor Group. “By fully leveraging our mobility technology and Michelin’s tyre expertise, we are confident in our ability to achieve ground-breaking innovations in tire performance enhancement and create synergies in this organic collaboration.”

In the previous 5-year partnership that began in November 2017, the companies jointly developed an exclusive tyre for the
IONIQ 5 EV
. There were also joint experiments and analysis methods carried out  which were related to tyres as well as technology exchange.

Over the next 3 years, HMG and Michelin will jointly develop the following innovations: eco-friendly tyres with increased use of eco-friendly materials; tyres optimized for next-generation EVs; and a real-time tyre monitoring system which will help advance autonomous driving technology.

The tyres for the IONIQ 5 EV were jointly developed by Hyundai and  Michelin.

“The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin over the past 5 years contributed to the successful launch of the Hyundai IONIQ 5,” said Georges Levy, Executive Vice-President of Automotive Original Equipment at Michelin. “We are pleased to announce that the relationship has been extended for 3 more years to continue our work together on new technologies in favour of safer, cleaner mobility. The association between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin is founded on the same vision and on a shared passion for excellence, performance and innovation that have become increasingly essential factors as we rise to the mobility-related challenges we all face today.”

The next-generation tyres will be installed on future premium EV models of HMG. The new tyre technology is critical to meet the durability requirements of tyres, as well as driving performance and electric efficiency under high load as the driving range of EVs continues to increase.

There will also be joint research to analyse tyre wear, tyre load and road friction beyond the current standards of tyre temperature and air pressure. The new tyres are also expected to significantly improve  ride comfort by reducing vibration and noise generated by EVs at high speeds.

Additionally, there will be research into ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tyres to about 50% of the total tyre weight from 20% currently.

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors launches second EV – the Hyundai IONIQ 5, priced from RM199,888


RFID implementation on PLUS Closed System highways postponed

The completion date of the introduction of RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) system for paying charges electronically at all remaining PLUS toll plazas has been postponed. Following
implementation on its Open System highways in January
, the concessionaire had been carrying out testing and progressive work with the aim of having the remaining 83 PLUS and 10 LPT2 (East Coast) Closed System toll plazas equipped with RFID facilities by April 1, 2020.

Open System toll plazas are for highways where a fixed rate is paid whereas the Closed System  charges by the distance travelled, eg along the North-South Expressway.

Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) being in force since March 18 and to run until March 31, 2020, the work has been suspended. “At PLUS, we believe the MCO is an important move to protect the health, safety and well-being of not just our employees but all Malaysians from the threat of COVID-19. Based on this principle, we have decided to defer the launch of the RFID payment system on PLUS and LPT2 highways to a new date upon the lifting of the MCO,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.

Related:
62 highways (including Penang Bridges and 2nd Link) to accept RFID payments from January 1, 2020

PLUS also takes this opportunity to urge the public to adhere to the MCO and to remain at home in order to help flatten the spread of COVID-19 and more crucially, to protect one’s health and family’s wellbeing.

Motorists using PLUS highways should also be aware that the reload facilities at all its Toll Plaza Customer Service Centres and Reload lanes at both Open and Close Toll Highway are closed during the MCO period. Reloads of the Touch’nGo cards can be done at Self-Service Kiosks available at 67 locations at selected R&R areas as well as various ATMs, petrol stations and convenience stores.

“We strongly advise all motorists to plan their journeys by reloading their Touch‘nGo card at reloading centres nationwide, as well as other reload facilities available,” PLUS said, adding that motorists are also advised to keep a 1-metre distance apart when queuing, not just at the reload machines but also in any public place.

Meanwhile the highway concessionaire has also clarified that none of its toll plazas and highways are closed. However, with the MCO in effect, the police may be filtering vehicles to ensure their occupants are authorised to travel. PLUS advises the public to contact the PDRM Hotline at 03-2266 3356 for latest updates on road diversions and inspection throughout this period.

Related:
Updated List Of Toll Plazas With Restrictions

Shops at many PLUS R&R/lay-bys to remain closed till March 31


Hot Wheels Japan Historics 3 makes global debut at AOS 2019

One of the world’s most recognized companies and legendary die-cast toy car manufacturer Hot Wheels made their way to the AOS 2019 (Art of Speed Malaysia) and to make things extremely special, they’ve unveiled their latest Hot Wheels Japan Historics 3 collection.

The renowned Malaysian ‘Kustom Kulture’ event was chosen for the global debut of the brand’s latest limited-edition collection which comprises of five legendary Japanese models. These significant models that played a huge role in the Japanese automotive history are:

Datsun Sunny GB120 ‘Sanitora’ pickup truck

1985 Honda City Turbo II ‘Bulldog’

1968 Mazda Cosmo Sport

Nissan Skyline RS R30

1965 Nissan Silvia first-generation

To make things even more special, AOS brought in two life-sized models of from the collection which last weekend at MAEPS Serdang which were the Nissan Skyline RS R30 and the 1985 Honda City Turbo II. The Skyline was flown in from Brunei and custom painted just for Hot Wheels Japan Historics 3 global debut.

There’s still no news on the pricing of this very limited collection from Hot Wheels but what we do know is that it’ll go on sale sometime next year. Looking at how fast the first two collections sold out in the past years when they went up on sale, we suggest that enthusiasts better be prepared if you want to cop one of your very own.


Fuel Price Updates For December 2 – December 8, 2021


PLUS makes a statement on the problems at toll plazas after RFID implementation


Black Badge Cullinan – The King of the Night completes the Rolls-Royce Black Badge family

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presented Black Badge; a permanent Bespoke family of motorcars that defined the taste patterns of an emerging generation of super-luxury consumer. These are products for those who refuse to be defined by traditional codes of luxury and yet find reassurance in Rolls-Royce’s fluency in their bold aesthetic and uncompromising lifestyle requirements.

This highly successful alter ego is codified by the mathematical symbol that represents a potential infinity, which is placed discreetly within the motor car’s interior. This marking, known also as the lemniscate, was applied to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record-breaking Rolls-Royce-powered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane, denoting that it belonged to an insurance class reserved for boats with unlimited and therefore infinite engine power. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars selected this hallmark for Black Badge to reflect its own unrelenting pursuit of power.

Rolls-Royce debuted its Black Badge family with the Wraith and Ghost in 2016, followed by the Dawn in 2017. Today, the family is completed with the addition of the Black Badge Cullinan: the darkest and most urban statement of Black Badge yet.

“Black Badge reflects the desires of a distinct group of Rolls-Royce clients: men and women who take risks, break rules and build success on their own terms.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The Cullinan Goes Black

The Cullinan is an ideal model for the Black Badge as it appeals to the younger, more adventurous clientele of Rolls-Royce. The Rolls-Royce of SUVs did much to reach a new group of clients looking for enriching experiences. Yet, within this group exists a subset of individuals who seek to subvert the motorcar’s domineering presence by permanently cloaking it in the night.

While clients can draw on the marque’s 44,000 ‘ready to wear’ paint options or commission an entirely individual Bespoke hue, it is anticipated that many will opt for Black Badge’s signature Black. Multiple layers of paint and lacquer are meticulously applied and hand-polished 10 times, representing the most comprehensive surface finish process ever applied to a solid paint colour. The depth and intensity of Black Badge Cullinan’s coachwork serves as the perfect canvas upon which to throw a contrasting hand-painted Coachline into stark relief.

On the prow of the car lies the defining expression of the Black Badge. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, which has taken many forms throughout the marque’s history, is presented in high gloss black chrome. For the first time, this finish extends onto its mounting plate, creating the darkest Black Badge yet.

This transformation pervades the other symbols of Black Badge. The ‘Double R’ badge on the front, flanks and aft invert to become silver-on-black, while chrome surfaces such as the front grille surround, side frame finishers, boot handle, boot trim, lower air inlet finisher and exhaust pipes are darkened. While they appear black, the vertical grille bars remain polished, reflecting the blackened surfaces that surround them to add a frisson of movement that hints at the car’s dynamic intent.

The overall effect artfully simplifies and enlarges the motor car’s exterior design graphics, emphasising its imposing proportions and confident stance. This is further dramatized by all-new 22-inch forged alloy wheels, reserved exclusively for the Black Badge Cullinan. Designed in the Black Badge house style, the gear-like graphic emphasises the model’s vast reserves of power while also recalling an infinitely occurring lemniscate.

The gloss black and polished design also creates the perfect stage for the marque’s first ever coloured brake caliper. The high gloss Red paint has been specifically developed to withstand the rigours of elevated temperatures generated by the motor car’s uprated braking system while still offering a perfectly smooth finish befitting of Rolls-Royce.

Superlative comfort, audacious interior design

Ordinarily, great efforts are expelled to distance occupants from a Rolls-Royce’s mechanical function. However, the marque’s Colour and Trim experts gently sensationalised the engineering substance of the Black Badge, seamlessly blending superlative comfort, bold aesthetics, advanced materials and precise, meticulous craftsmanship.

This ethos is perfectly embodied by the Black Badge Cullinan’s Technical Carbon veneer. In the spirit of Sir Henry Royce’s founding philosophy, “When it does not exist, design it”, a collaboration between the marque’s designers, engineers and craftspeople saw the creation of a new luxury material. Inspired by masterpieces of urban architecture, a naked-weave carbonfibre finish has been developed to create highly accurate repeating geometrical shapes that produce a powerful three-dimensional effect.

Each leaf of Technical Carbon is finished with six coats of lacquer before being left to cure for 72 hours then hand-polished to Rolls-Royce’s hallmark mirror finish. This process takes 21 days and is only deemed complete once every piece is inspected by a craftsperson to ensure complete reflective uniformity across each of the 23 pieces within the car.

Starlight Headliner has joined historical Rolls-Royce iconography such as the Spirit of Ecstasy, Pantheon Grille and ‘Double R’ monogram. Its presence in Black Badge Cullinan intensifies the cabin’s ambience by casting a low light over the lavish leather seats. Presented in fine Black leather, handwoven with 1,344 fibreoptic lights, it is a true reflection of the sky at night and incorporates eight brilliant white shooting stars that dart at random predominantly over the front occupants, subtly acknowledging the motor car’s owner-driver appeal.

A final touch completes the interior seating: the Infinity lemniscate motif is embroidered into the fold-down rear armrest as an elegant reminder of the power contained within. This simple but potent symbol is also incorporated in the illuminated treadplates and engraved on the clock face, itself framed by brushed and darkened steel case bearing the name ‘Cullinan’. Red-tipped clock hands and instrument display needles also serve as a discreet reminder of the motor car’s dynamic prowess.

The Architecture of Luxury’s dark side

The Black Badge is far more than an aesthetic treatment. In creating this class of motor car, it was of vital importance for Rolls-Royce to conceive a meticulously considered dynamic personality that perfectly harmonised with the motor car’s remarkable visual identity. Indeed, the exceptionally high expectations of the marque’s clients defined a rigorous testing protocol lasting more than 3 years to ensure that the Black Badge Cullinan would be relevant to their needs.

Key to the visceral thrill of Black Badge Cullinan is the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium architecture that debuted with Phantom. The sub-structure not only delivers extraordinary body stiffness but its flexibility and scalability allowed the SUV to be fitted with all-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering. These dynamic features have been comprehensively exploited and re-engineered for  the Black Badge while retaining the peerless quality of ride that has driven Rolls-Royce’s success.

The Architecture of Luxury has been engineered to meet size and weight requirements of different propulsion systems. When the driver presses the ‘Low’ button situated on the gear selection stalk, they unlock Black Badge Cullinan’s full suite of technologies. This is asserted by the proud amplification of the motor car’s 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 through an entirely new exhaust system, announcing its arrival with a deep, authoritative basso profundo.

It was deemed unnecessary to make changes to the engine’s ample internal capacity, however the flexibility of the twin-turbo V12 has been exploited to generate an extra 29 ps, creating a total output of 600 ps. The sense of a single, infinite gear has also been sensationalised with the addition of a further 50 Nm of torque, bringing the total to a 900 Nm.

The Black Badge Cullinan gets a Bespoke transmission and throttle treatment that creates a sense of urgency without ever undermining its Rolls-Royce peerage. The drivetrain, ZF 8-speed gearbox and both front and rear steered axles work collaboratively to adjust the levels of engagement depending on throttle and steering inputs. Changes to suspension components and settings add to the suite of dynamic technologies that ensure an appropriate balance between dynamism and refinement. The result is an extremely well-mannered tourer at low speeds and a vivid driver’s device when pressed.

To bolster confidence when exploiting Cullinan’s alter ego, the braking bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased. Redesigned brake disc ventilation also allows consistency in these changes while braking at elevated temperatures.

The Black Badge Cullinan is priced from RM1.8 million (excluding Malaysian taxes) and can be commissioned through Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur.


This is the new Volkswagen R logo

When it comes to sportiest Volkswagen on the planet, the models always come with their performance brand letter, the Volkswagen R. Bred and perfected on the race track, all Volkswagen R models are offered and enhanced with both superior performance and all-round capabilities for daily driving which includes comfort and driving dynamics.

Volkswagen unveils a new logo and brand design for new era

With the alignment of their
newly launched VW logo
, they’ve decided to present the next-generation R logo that’ll represent all of their future performance sport models. This logo also symbolises a fresh start for the brand’s performance arm with a more distinct and sleeker feature.

According to Jost Capito, Managing Director of Volkswagen R, “Volkswagen R is all about excitement and thrill, and in the future, we will continue to focus our efforts on integrating these emotions into the Volkswagen brand. We are taking a strategic and operative approach to working on great products and creating a unique customer experience.”

As for Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, he said “The R marks the athletic apex of our model program and the R logo serves as an expression of both aesthetics and sportsmanship. At the same time, it is gaining in terms of both clarity and charisma, as is the new Volkswagen brand logo.”

The first ever VW model that carries this new R badge is the Atlas Cross Sport R-Line which will officially unveiled on 11 October 2019 for the North American market. Stay tuned to Piston.My for more updates on the car, logo, and everything in between.

REVIEW: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Highline


Goodyear chosen as supplier for WEC LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2) and European Le Mans Series

Goodyear continues to gain increasing preference in the motorsports world as it is chosen as Official Tyre Supplier. Following its appointment by the FIA as tyre-supplier for the
World Touring Car Cup (WTCR)
 and
British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)
, the international governing body has now also made Goodyear the official tyre supplier to the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

A multi-season contract between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the FIA World Endurance Championship and Goodyear was agreed following ACO’s decision to appoint a single tyre supplier for this highly competitive Le Mans Prototype class.

The contract, to supply all the WEC teams in the LMP2 class, begins with the 8-round 2020/2021 season which starts at Silverstone in September, before continuing across four continents around the world. its climax will be the 24 hours of Le Mans in June 2021, a race which Goodyear-equipped cars have won outright on 14 occasions.

“Goodyear has a long and remarkable history in motorsport. In addition to our unbeaten record in Formula One with 368 Grand Prix wins, we have 14 overall wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This partnership allows us to showcase our technology, durability and performance in the most famous endurance race in the world. We are proud to have been chosen for this challenge,” said Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear.

The LMP2 official tyre partnership with ELMS, the world’s leading continental endurance racing series, will begin in April 2021. In ELMS, the LMP2 category is the top tier of a multi-class championship that races at six of Europe’s top circuits.

The partnership means that all LMP2 entrants in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, including cars from outside of WEC and ELMS, will benefit from the latest developments in Goodyear Racing tyres. In addition, Goodyear will also increase its brand visibility on and off the track to support its launch of the latest range of Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, featuring motorsport-derived technology.

Goodyear returns to international sportscar racing


Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG launched in Malaysia

Manic new Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG super-saloon debuts in Malaysia – Yours for RM698,888 and RM723,888 (Edition 1).

The famed German three-point star badge’s Malaysian arm, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has expanded the W205 C-Class range once again with the recent introduction of its manic and powerful C63 S AMG variant recently.

The super-saloon was presented by a special guest Jean Alesi. The Frenchman, who is a former F1 ace and current Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador introduced the beastly new saloon alongside Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars of MBM.

Based on the fourth generation or W205 chassis C-Class platform, the C63 S AMG is offered in two forms in Malaysia. The range is comprised of the C63 S AMG ‘base’ model, followed by the C63 S AMG Edition 1 as well for a limited time period only.

As you’d expect of any AMG-tuned special, the C63 S adopts subtle yet aggressive enhancements as far as aesthetics go. Not the AMG twin-blade front grille with a central three-point star, followed by subtle yet deep front apron, flared wheel arches, an aggressive rear bumper design, not forgetting the boot-lid spoiler, striking 19-inch AMG Y-spoke alloys, as well as the tell-tale large ventilated brake rotors complete red-painted AMG calipers.

On board, the C63 S AMG retains much of what is seen in the regular W205 C-Class, but the cabin gains some of the typical athletic enhancements signature of any AMG special. Specific to this AMG special though are brushed aluminium and carbon fibre cabin trims, an IWV-desgined analogue clock, as well as a pair of AMG performance seats covered in leather and microfibre primed up front.

Underneath, the C63 S AMG is propelled by a signature and hand-built 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine. Closely related to the V8 powering the AMG GT S, the C63 S’ mill develops a whopping 510hp and a phenomenal peak torque of 700Nm. All this is sent to the rear wheels via a7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT sports automatic transmission.

The powertrain grants the C63 S AMG with a 4.0-second century sprint time, with top speed fovered at 250km/h in standard or 290km/h if you opt for the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Complementing the powertrain are features such as the three-stage adjustable AMG Ride Control sports suspension, the AMG Dynamic Select switch complete with ‘Race Mode’, as well as Mercedes-AMG’s ‘Race Start’ launch control feature. Incidentally, all these are standard-equipped in the ‘S’ version of the new C63 range. What is optional though are the AMG carbon ceramic brakes suite.

Though the Edition 1 variant wasn’t presented during the press launch, MBM states that the special edition is available for orders. It will feature a special aesthetic cabin scheme comprised of Edition 1 badges, plus the choice between red pepper carbon-fibre or light longitudinal-grain aluminium dashboard trims.

Exterior-wise, the Edition 1 will also add a spoiler lip finished in high-gloss black, exterior wing mirrors and matte black wheels, plus side sports stripes in matte graphite grey above the side sill panels. A Night package further adds chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes and red highlights for the radiator grille.

Available for orders now with select authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide, the manic new C63 S AMG carries a starting price of RM698,888 sans options and insurance costs. The Edition 1 is priced RM25,000 higher from RM723,888 instead.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES CREDIT: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

Gallery


Ford does its bit to help with disaster relief in Mexico and Caribbean Islands

Ford is doing its part to help with disaster relief in regions that were hardest hit by the recent wave of natural disasters. One of the most recent of the lot, was a powerful earthquake that struck Mexico on 7th September and then another, just 12 days later.

Apart from this, the after effects of Hurricane Maria that struck the Caribbean on September 20th, knocked out power and severely damaged much of Puerto Rico when it came ashore with category 4 winds. It also laid waste to property in the Virgin Islands, which was still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Irma.

Ford has managed to contribute $200,000 USD (RM 841,300) to the United Way in Mexico (Fondo Unido Mexico) and will match employee donations to the Mexico Earthquake Relief Fund, up $50,000 USD (RM 210,325). Ford Mexico & Dealers Civic Committee is also providing $200,000 ((RM 841,300) in support to United Way Mexico and toward rebuilding schools.

In total, Ford will probably raise close to half a million US dollars (RM 2,103,250) to help with disaster relief efforts in Mexico, which will take the country a considerable mount of time to recover from. As for the hurricane relief efforts, Ford will be donating $100,000 USD (RM 420,650) and the Ford region is contributing an additional $100,000 USD (RM 420,650).

Besides this, the Blue Oval will continue to match contributions to the American Red Cross, up to $300,000 (RM 1,261,950). This, as well as other efforts by its employees have ensured that a substantial amount of money has been raised for a good cause.

Experts say that the recent hurricanes occurrences can be considered as a side effect of global warming. In recent years, our planet has been heating up, as a result, the air has been retaining far more moisture than before. This in turn, could eventually cause significant climate change in the coming years.


Hyundai NEXO Cleans Over 900kg Of Air During “Clean” Driving Month!

Hyundai
 has revealed that the
NEXO
 has cleaned more than
900kg
 (918.75kg) of air on London roads during Clean Driving™ Month. That is the same amount of air that 1 adult breathes in 60 days or 1,455 adults breathe in one hour. The brand-new next generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle took to the streets of London across 31 days culminating in a weekend where the public had the opportunity to get behind the wheel.

With a total of 350 miles driven overall, the car –
which actually cleans the air as it drives
 – was driven along London’s dirtiest driving route throughout the month. The route was mapped in partnership with University College London who reviewed open source data from a King’s College London pollution study to look at Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels and Particulate Matter (PM) levels with particularly congested roads including Marylebone Road and Park Lane.

The NEXO, which is available next year and emits nothing but water, has an advanced air purification system which filters 99.9% of very fine dust (PM2.5) which is then retained in the NEXO and not expelled back into the air.

NEXO’s air filtration system uses three stages of filtering. Firstly, outside air passes through an advanced air filter where 97% of ultrafine particulates alongside harmful gases such as Sulphur dioxide and Nitrous dioxide are filtered and retained. Remaining particulates are then absorbed on the surface of the humidifier in stage two and finally the air reaches the Gas Diffusion Layer within the fuel cell stack. This layer is made of carbon fibre paper with a microspore structure allowing for further filtration – the resulting air released has over 99.9% of ultra-fine particles and toxic gases filtered out.

Sylvie Childs, Hyundai’s Senior Product Manager for NEXO
 (above) says:
“We are all concerned about air quality and what affects it. At Hyundai, we are committed to improving the efficiency and environmental performance of all our vehicles and have been investing billions in bringing a full range of low and zero emission vehicles to the marketplace. We believe that the availability of alternatives, like the NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle, will bring the UK closer to its zero emissions future.”

The NEXO is Hyundai’s technological flagship, a stylish SUV packed full of the latest innovation in Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems and a driving range of up to 414 miles (WLTP). The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle emits nothing but water and can be refuelled in less than 5 minutes – similar to the time it takes to refuel a conventional diesel or petrol car.

As well as being a zero emissions vehicle, NEXO also features an adjustable regenerative braking system that recuperates additional energy when possible and significantly reduces other pollutants like brake dust. From 2019, the new NEXO will be available to consumers and via selected lease companies.