MCO: Police release schedule of interstate travel from May 7 – 10

After confirming that interstate travel will be permitted for those who wish to return to their homes in cities after being trapped since March 18, the police have now released the schedule of travel for the 4 days starting from May 7 as follow:

May 7 (Thursday): travel permitted from Kuala Lumpur to other states.

May 8 (Friday): travel permitted from the states of Perak, Johor and Kelantan.

May 9 (Saturday): travel permitted from Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Melaka and Pahang.

May 10 (Sunday): travel permitted from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu.

The scheduling has been done to avoid congestion on the roads. By staggering the movement of vehicles, traffic flow is expected to be smoother.

To date, over 500,000 applications for travel were submitted via the Gerak Malaysia mobile app as well as at police stations (for those who did not have access to the internet). Only those who are 16 years old or older can make the application.

No approval message to be issued

It was clarified that following the application, which must have all the details required provided, there will be no document or message to confirm approval. Travelers can proceed and should they be stopped at roadblocks along the way, the police will refer to the Gerak Malaysia database which should have their details.

The purpose of allowing interstate travel during the four days is to enable people to return to their homes if they have been stuck elsewhere. With businesses starting to resume operations, there will be many who need to report to their workplaces so they need to get home.

This exercise is not for those who have no approval so don’t try to sneak a drive out in the countryside. If you are stopped and cannot give a valid reason for being on the road, you will be charged for breaching the Movement Control Order (MCO). That can mean a RM1,000 fine and/or time in jail.

Observe social distancing

Travelers are advised not to gather in groups if they stop along the way and to practice social distancing. This means that they should be at least a metre apart. Unlike some other countries, there is no mandatory requirement in Malaysia to use a face mask when outside the home. However, it would be a good idea to use one and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Remember that besides the MCO, all other regulations related to motorists and motor vehicles are still in force! So be sure to observe the speed limits and do not drive along the emergency lanes. If your journey is a long one, take a break every few hours at a R&R so as not to lose concentration due to tiredness.

Have a safe drive home!

MCO: More than 2 persons allowed in a car from tomorrow, but must be from same home


Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV to be used for fully autonomous robotaxi by Motional

While manufacturers are still developing autonomous vehicles for private use, it is likely that the first such vehicles that can operate entirely on their own will be commercial vehicles. These are already in use in closed sites but eventually, driverless vehicles could also be used on public roads to transport people around.

Motional, a US-based company founded as a US$4 billion joint venture between the Hyundai Motor Group and auto supplier Aptiv, has released details of its first commercial vehicle for fully driverless public ride-hailing services starting in 2023. Referred to as a ‘robotaxi’, it’s adapted from the latest
Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric vehicle (EV)
.

The robotaxi is Motional’s fifth platform, its second one to go driverless on public roads. With ongoing evolution and advancement, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi benefits from the knowledge and data gained over 2.4 million kms in varied road environments, and hundreds of thousands of hours of testing and assessment.

Motional has hundreds of thousand of hours of knowledge and data for use in developing autonomous vehicles, especially with regards to detecting other vehicles and road-users.

The zero emissions robotaxi is being designed to have SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle capability, which means it will be able to safely operate without a driver. To be able to operate autonomously with safety, it has more than 30 sensors – a combination of cameras, radars, and Lidar – prominently displayed across the exterior, easily distinguishing the robotaxi from human piloted vehicles.

These sensors provide robust 360-degree perception, high-resolution images, and ultra long-range detection of in diverse driving environments. The robotaxi will be outfitted with Motional’s proven driverless technology, which includes advanced machine learning systems — trained on decades of real-world data — that enables the vehicle to safely navigate challenging and complex driving situations.

The technology-driven design rides on the Hyundai Motor Group’s electric
 Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
 (shown above) which was developed specifically for battery electric vehicles. The platform offers passengers with a spacious interior that will be comfortable to work in, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.

The interior will also feature a suite of rider-focused interfaces to allow passengers to intuitively interact with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop. The resulting passenger experience is expected to set a new standard for driverless ride-hailing which will be managed by Lyft, the second-largest ride-sharing company in America after Uber. The robotaxi will be displayed at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich in September and services with the vehicle are expected to start in 2023.

2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5 – first model of new IONIQ EV brand


2020 Ford GT supercar gets upgrades to boost performance

There are still another two years of production to go for the Ford GT supercar and the engineers at Ford Performance haven’t stopped trying to make it better. For 2020, upgrades include increased power of 660 bhp with improved cooling for the 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine.

“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”

Continuous EcoBoost Innovation

Beyond producing 13 more bhp than the EcoBoost engine in the 2017 – 2019 GT, the 2020 GT’s engine has a broader torque band and revised engine calibration. There are also mechanical upgrades that include gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, thanks to lessons learned from the
limited-edition, track-only GT Mk II
.

Additional engine cooling and airflow updates includes new buttress air ducts designed to increase airflow by 50% while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power for the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track.

Suspension damping is increased in track mode to further enhance handling and body control, particularly for those high-speed transient sections of closed-course circuits.

New standard Akrapovic titanium exhaust

Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovic titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a 4-kg savings in weight over the previous system while delivering that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.

Liquid Carbon

Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbonfibre body completely free of paint colour. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbonfibre weave in this limited-edition appearance option.

“This next chapter in the Ford GT story allows us to fully demonstrate our mastery in both the art and science of carbonfibre craftsmanship and finishing,” said Angus Smith, General Manager of Multimatic Niche Vehicles, North America. “The results of this ongoing partnership between Multimatic and Ford Performance speak for themselves, as each visually stunning and unique Liquid Carbon GT is a manufacturing marvel, showcasing the characteristics and nuances inherent in carbonfibre composites.”

Ford GT Liquid Carbon features carbonfibre wheels as standard equipment. Owners can choose titanium lugnuts, 6-point racing harness anchors, 5 interior options and 5 caliper colours. Further personalization is available through two over-the-top stripe options – the dual centre stripes offered on the standard Ford GT or the single stripe found on the Carbon Series, as well as optional painted mirror caps.

Updated Gulf Racing Heritage Livery

Ford Performance is also updating the GT’s iconic heritage livery with a new design (shown above) that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, recalling the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40. The optional carbonfibre number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching that of the historic back-to-back winning car, chassis No. 1075. For the first time on a heritage model, carbonfibre wheels are available in place of aluminium alloy.

Pushing the performance envelope with the Ford GT Mk II [w/VIDEO]


Fuel Prices For February 15– 21, 2020


Orange Supra Turbo in ‘Fast & Furious’ movies to be auctioned next month

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

Next month, a car driven by Paul Walker in the first ‘
Fast and Furious
’ movie in 2001 will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas. It’s the orange 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo which also appeared in the 2003 instalment
‘2 Fast 2 Furious
’. It  was used for multiple interior and exterior shots. Under the bonnet is the famed 2JZ-GTE 3-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

According to Barrett-Jackson, the car was prepared specially for the movie and then returned to original form with the Lamborghini Diablo Candy Orange pearl finish and Troy Lee-designed ‘Nuclear Gladiator’ motif along the side. Extensive documentation accompanies the vehicle, including a Certificate of Authenticity.

Barrett-Jackson, which bills itself as ‘
The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions
’, handled the auction of the personal collection of cars belonging to the actor who died in an accident in 2013. Walker’s collection consisted of 18 cars and 3 motorcycles and Barrett-Jackson collected a total of US$1.32 million (RM5.37 million) for the 5 cars which were auctioned at prices varying between US$220,000 (RM895,500) and US$385,000 (RM1.57 million).

The most notable was the
1995 BMW M3 Lightweight model
 (shown below) – not one but five – that he owned. Walker was an avid fan of BMW and had a total of seven M3s in his collection (including the 5 Lightweights).

[
All images from Barrett-Jackson
]

Very rare BMW M3 Lightweight owned by Paul Walker sold for RM1.57 million


Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Has Money-Saving Festive Promotion For Ford Owners

With the next couple of months being festive periods that will see many people going on holiday or returning to their hometowns to be with loved ones, there will be a lot of motoring taking place. Those who are planning long-distance trips should ensure that their vehicles are in a good condition for not only safety but also to avoid an unexpected breakdown that would certainly spoil the holiday.

For Ford owners, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having a service promotion that will not only ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition but also save owners money. The promotion period is
from December 1, 2022 until January 21, 2023
.

“Domestic travel has been on the rise post-pandemic. With the upcoming Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year holidays falling on long weekends, more people will be travelling and connecting with loved ones. We hope this latest promotion will help our Ford customers stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

20% savings
Ford owners who book a service at authorised Ford service centres during the campaign period will enjoy 20% savings on shock absorbers, brake pads, brake fluid, battery, wiper blades, and upper and lower radiator hoses and coolant.

The promotion is valid for selected Ford vehicles only and does not apply for the new Ranger, Raptor and the new Everest.

Free vehicle inspection
For added peace of mind, all owners are also offered a complimentary 27-point vehicle inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition. This inspection may identify parts or systems with potential problems so that they can be rectified before starting the long journey.

Genuine Ford Parts with Warranty
Customers can rest assured that only Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, ie Genuine Ford parts, are used when servicing at any Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide. With Genuine Ford Parts, customers can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and finish as the parts are specifically designed for Ford vehicles to ensure the best performance. They also come with a warranty of 12 months/20,000 kms (whichever occurs first).

Customers can wait in the comfortable lounge while their vehicle is being serviced and can enjoy complimentary wifi, nasi lemak and drinks.

For added assurance, all the service centre are staffed with Ford-certified technicians who use the proper tools and diagnostic equipment.

For longer warranty coverage
In addition to the standard 5-year manufacturer’s warranty with new vehicles, customers can also opt for the Ford Extended Warranty Plan. This offers the PremiumCare package, with up to 7 years of coverage against unexpected repair costs. To enjoy this PremiumCare package with the most comprehensive coverage, the plan must be purchased before the vehicles is 3 years old or before it has covered 100,000 kms (whichever comes first).

Additionally, there is also the Ford Extended Service Package (ESP) which can be purchased before the vehicle’s first service. With ESP, owners make upfront payments for scheduled services for up to 5 years. By paying in advance, they can save money as the service costs will be ‘locked in’ and not change even if service charges are revised.

Online service appointment booking
Wherever in the world a Ford owner is, he or she can easily book a service appointment online via the SDAC-Ford website. The preferred service centre (there are currently 5 nationwide) can be chosen and a real-time e-Service appointment booking option is available. Owners will immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).

For more information on Ford products, aftersales services and promotions, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

New Ford Dealership Opened In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Hyundai elect new leader for USA division

Hyundai has elected to promote one of its most trusted senior executives of global operations to the position of president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Kyung Soo (Kenny) Lee, will  be responsible for Hyundai’s U.S. sales and marketing.

The Korean automaker has tabled September 18th as the day Lee will take over  president and CEO duties. He will occupy the position left vacant by Jerry Flannery who has now returned as the company’s executive vice president, chief legal and safety officer.

Speaking of the new appointment, Won-hee (Wayne) Lee, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said “Lee has an in-depth understanding of Hyundai Motor’s global operation, following nearly two decades in diverse markets around the world, including the U.S., Europe and Latin America.”

He was later quoted as saying, “I would like to personally thank Jerry Flannery for his leadership and the stability he brought the organization while serving as interim president and CEO.”

Lee, now 61 years of age, has had a long an illustrious carrier at Hyundai that began in 1982 The most recent position that hed held before being appointed as head honcho of Hyundai USA was, president and CEO of Hyundai Translead, a manufacturer of dry and refrigerated van trailers, container chassis and converter dollies.

According to Hyundai, here Lee played vital roles for more than 10 years adding to his expertise in overseas markets. These credentials, the company says, made him the favoured candidate to take on the top job. That said, he has a heavy weight on his shoulders.

Now, he will be tasked with leading Hyundai’s charge against domestic brands such as Ford, GM and Chrysler while still ensuring that it remains competitive enough to fend off the upstart Chinese makers who have managed to undercut it at its own game.


TGR Festival: Here are the Toyota Vios Challenge champions!

Season 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge that ran its course during the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR Festival) has finally draw its curtains closed this weekend as three champions were crowned earlier today.

Held at the famous Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the three racing categories (Sporting, Super Sporting, and Promotional) saw racers from different backgrounds (pros, amateurs, and celebrities) duking it out for the overall champion titles and three names emerged on top.

For Super Sporting, Boy Wong Yew Choong from the ST Wangan Racing squad took the season’s championship with a third-place finish in Saturday’s Race 1 and seventh in Sunday’s Race 2. That was enough to fend off William Ho (Kegani Racing) and Brendan Paul Anthony (Dream Chaser) who finished the season in second and third respectively.

As for the amateur’s Sporting category, everything was far from amateurish as Brendon Lim from Tedco Racing secured the championship crown with the tiniest 1-point advantage against his rival, Eric Yong of ST Wangan Racing Team. Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh also did exceptionally well with a third overall finish of the season.

Fans and attendees who attended the TGR Festival to witness the final round of the Toyota Vios Challenge Promotional class were ecstatic to witness Diana Danielle emerging as the overall champion for the category.

She became the first female driver to win the championship after an entire season of battling the likes of Malaysian celebrities which include Aiman Tino and Akim Ahmad who capped the season off by finishing second and third in the overall standings.

According to UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman Akio Takeyama, “It has certainly been a successful Season 2 for us, and I am pleased to say that the Toyota Gazoo Racing branding has generated tremendous amount of awareness. We look forward to continuing with this initiative as long as possible in Malaysia.”

For more information, head over to
www.toyota.com.my
.


Owner of Nissan Almera Turbo shows that it can go up to 49.5 kms/litre!

Organized by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the
Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive
 was unique way to raise funds for charity. Owners of the sedan were invited to submit the best fuel consumption figure they achieved and the total number of kilometres of all the entries would be converted to money for charity at the rate of RM1 per kilometre.

Almera Turbo owners throughout the country participated, trying their best to get the lowest consumption (which was shown on the computerized display) and when the entries were added up, the total distance was 12,841 kms. This meant that RM12,841 would be provided by ETCM which would be donated to few charitable organizations (to be announced soon).

Turbocharged engine of Almera Turbo can achieve fuel consumption up to 49.5 kms/litre.

2.7 times better than official figure

For the record, the lowest consumption achieved (owners had to send a picture of the Drive Computer display) was 49.5 kms/litre – almost 2.7 times the figure officially stated by ETCM (18.4 kms/litre). In fact, the top 10 drivers were able to achieve more than double the official figure.

To reward the efforts of the top 20 drivers (
click here for the list of drivers
), ETCM will send them an exclusive Nissan GT-R by LEGO while the next best 30 will receive a special edition Nissan Duffle Bag.

Keen to experience the Almera Turbo

If you’re planning on experiencing this fuel efficient, yet powerful (152 Nm of torque) sedan, this would be a good time to do so as ETCM is having a ‘
Test Drive & Win
’ contest. 50 lucky customers will be rewarded with WATSONS vouchers worth RM500 each when they test drive the Almera Turbo at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. Alternatively, they can contact the nearest dealership and have a testcar brought to them.

For a limited period, the
Almera Turbo
 also comes with a free Urban accessories package worth up to RM5,500 while sales tax is exempted, bringing to price down to as low as RM79,906. Two other variants, which also come with the free accessories package, are priced from RM85,715 and RM91,310. Purchasers can enjoy an attractive 1.88% Hire-Purchase interest rate (terms and conditions apply).

Other special offers

Other special offers are for the
X-Trail
 (priced from RM139,643) which comes with an Aero Edition accessories package worth RM5,000, and the
Serena S-Hybrid
 (priced from RM140,226) which comes with 3 years of free maintenance service, parts and labour included.

Nissan Serena S-HYBRID

More information is available at any Nissan showroom or at
www.nissan.com.my
.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor opens Nissan Flagship Store on Lazada


2019 Mazda3 officially launched in Malaysia – From RM139,620

Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles here in Malaysia, has officially unveiled their latest offering here in Malaysia in the form of the new 2019 Mazda3. The new era welcomes in a totally reworked C-segment vehicle based on the beautiful Kai Concept model introduced not too long ago.

For the new 2019 Mazda3, both the sedan and hatchback models are available for purchase with two different SkyActiv-G engine options and a total of three different variants to choose from. The fourth-generation model starts with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine as the base which produces a cool 118hp and 153Nm of torque.

Want a bit more power? Customers can also opt for the 2.0-litre High which is only available for the sedan model and the 2.0 High Plus which you can choose either the sedan or hatchback model. This power unit is able to churn out 162hp and 213Nm which is perfect for those who want that extra bit of kick in their everyday drives.

While the engine options are already impressive enough, it’s how the car was designed inside and out that stands as the main attraction. Looking at the exterior, it’s clear that the Kodo design philosophy remains at the forefront of Mazda’s vehicle design with its very own distinct characteristics.

With its ‘beauty through subtraction’ design theme, what you get is a sleeker and more dynamic appearance with minimalism at its best. Smooth contouring lines flow elegantly from front to back. The Liftback model in particular portrays the ‘condensed and emotional’ design concept which results in a powerful yet seductive appeal for any car enthusiasts around the globe.

Mazda has also updated their SkyActiv-Chassis unit that not only with increased rigidity and enhanced damping functions but also provides a more comfortable ride throughout its lifespan. These updates include a new torsion beam suspension package, better seating position, better tyres, and many more to further enhance the Mazda3’s NVH levels.

Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd has priced the all-new 2019 Mazda3 at (OTR price without insurance):

1.5 Liftback/Sedan –
RM139,620

2.0 Sedan High –
RM150,059

2.0 Liftback/Sedan High Plus –
RM160,059

All variants are CBU (completely built-up) units imported from Japan.

In terms of colour availability, customers have a choice from Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray (only for Liftback model), Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, and Snowflake White Pearl. To know more, head over to
http://mazda3.com.my/
.

The first three Mazda3 generations

2019 Mazda6 wins top safety pick award


2022 Maserati MC20 Cielo spyder

In September 2020, Maserati launched its latest supercar – the
MC20
 (which stands for ‘
M
aserati
C
orse’ and ‘20
20
’) as part of a long-term plan to return to greatness, especially in the performance segment. Now comes a ‘topless’ version – the MC20 Cielo spyder – which has a similar overall form as the MC20 but also its own distinct character.

With ‘Cielo’ meaning ‘sky’ in Italian, the design’s emphasis is on bringing the clouds and stars into the cabin, so to speak. This is achieved courtesy of a powered mechanism that folds the roof into a storage area at the rear. The roof is said to be best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and of opening/closing speed (12 seconds).

An open feeling is also possible with the roof in place, thanks to electrochromic ‘smart glass’. With the press of a button, the glass can go from opaque to clear, or reverse the process. Electrochromic glass has been around for some time now and used in non-automotive applications as well. It is usually offered with more expensive high-end models for sunroof applications and is also used for rearview mirrors.

In the case of the MC 20 Cielo’s sunroof, Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology is used. The glass switches its transparency using electricity charges that cause special elements sandwiched in the glass to darken or lighten.

The MC20 Cielo is equipped with an optional High Premium Sonus faber audio system. This has been specially optimized to fit the unique acoustic and positioning needs of the spyder’s cabin which will, at times, be open. The system’s 12 speakers have been located to give the natural sound quality that distinguishes audio systems from the Italian specialist in high-end audio systems,

Like the MC20, the MC20 Cielo has spent a long period in the wind tunnel to refine the aerodynamic efficiency of its minimalist design. There are certain ‘wow’ features that are common, eg the butterfly doors which open up like wings unfolding upwards. They are designed to make it easier for the driver and passengers to get in and out despite the low floor.

The engine is the Maserati-patented 90-degree V6 Nettuno twin-turbo petrol engine with the Twin Combustion Chamber. This approach increases combustion efficiency by using a pre-combustion chamber with twin spark plugs. The concept has so far been used only in F1 engines, so this is another example of F1 technology being transferred to a road car. Though supplied by Ferrari, the engine has been further developed by Maserati’s own engineers and is also built on its own premises.

From the 3000 cc of displacement, 630 bhp/ 730 Nm are produced, delivered to the rear wheels through an 8-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The MC20 Cielo, like its brother, has a carbonfibre monocoque tub enclosed by a lightweight carbonfibre and aluminium bodyshell. The platform is also ready for electrification in future without requiring much structural alteration.

The MC20 Cielo is offered with an exclusive Acquamarina colour, available as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme. This launch colour uses a 3-layer paint based on a racing-inspired grey, with an iridescent mica in aquamarine.

To make the connection between the spyder’s elegance and sporty soul even more exclusive, customers can choose the PrimaSerie Launch Edition. This is a limited series with exclusive features such as the Acquamarina bodywork, ice-coloured interior and even a few golden details.

MC20 Coupe (Fuoriserie version)

David Beckham creates a Maserati MC20 that is truly his own


First ‘Goldfinger’ Aston Martin completed, priced at RM17.7 million (w/VIDEO)

55 years after the last new Aston Martin DB5 left the production line in England, a brand new unit of the same car has done the same thing. It is the first of only 25 cars that the carmaker is making as part of its Continuation programme. Each car will take around 4,500 hours to complete.

It’s not just a standard DB5 that is being made either; it’s the model which James Bond drove in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and comes with an array of gadgets that amazed audiences around the world. Many of the gadgets are functioning too although the machine guns that pop out of the headlights do not fire bullets, for obvious reasons.

Interestingly, though the DB5 is properly engineered like the original, Aston Martin mentions that it is not legal for use on public roads and that the fitment of gadgets is subject to country-specific regulations. Things like the revolving number plates would certainly not be legal. So most of the units will probably for display with occasional drives at special events.

The James Bond DB5 is regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’. Fewer than 900 examples were built between 1963 and 1965 and are today among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models.

Each of the 25 new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen in the movie, taking 4,500 hours to complete. Some modifications and enhancements have been necessary to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability comparable to today’s Aston Martins. All the Goldfinger edition cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

The ‘half sunroof’ is actually an opening with a detachable panel removed. In the movie, the car had an ejection seat on the passenger side – which was used to get rid on an unwanted person.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels cloaking an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the bonnet there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine with three SU carburettors and oil cooler. It produces around 290 bhp which goes through a 5-speed ZF manual transmission and mechanical limited slip differential to the rear wheels.

Servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes, rack and pinion and a suspension set-up comprising coil over spring and damper units with anti-roll bar at the front, and a live axle rear suspension with radius arms and Watt’s linkage. The steering system is not power-assisted but Mr. Bond would not have required it, of course.

And now, let look at the list of gadgets the owner gets in the car:

If mat rempits chase you, there’s a smokescreen generator or oil can also be sprayed onto the road behind.

Someone in front going at 50 km/h in the fast lane? Extend the rams and just push him out of the way!

This would be usegul when you’re in a hurry and there’s an AES camera. That’s why Aston Martin emphasises that the car is not road-legal if you have the gadgets.

Classic dashboard of a 1960s sportscar with a wood-rimmed steering wheel and no airbag.

No GPS and no digital road maps in 1964 so 007 had this tracking device to follow another car using a topographical map.

Remember it was 1964… 19 years before the first Motorola mobilephone was available.

Today, 007 would be using an iPhone and Apple CarPlay to activate all the gadgets.

Back in August last year, the original James Bond car was sold at an auction for US$6.4 million (about RM27.37 million) which was the highest price ever paid for a DB5. Each of the 25 modern units are said to cost £3.3 million, equivalent to RM17.66 million.

Click here for other news and articles about Aston Martin.


Dodge Carryall is a WWII heavyweight

An unusual vehicle has managed to find it’s way into Jay Leno’s garage this Christmas. Purposefully built as a troop carrier in its previous life, this 1942 Dodge Carryall has been restored and modified to a level that will make it the envy of the restomod fraternity. It was part of Dodge’s light military vehicle line-up that included weapon carriers, mobile workshops and several other applications.

Built to support the allied efforts in World War II, more than 255,000 such vehicles were produced in the span of about 5 years. It’s not known how many of them are still on the road today, many have probably ended up in salvage yards or live on as parts of other similar vehicles.

In this episode of Jay Leno’s garage, the former Tonight’s Show host gives this custom creation a once over, and speaks with the owner about its history. Like other guests on the show, this particular Dodge has an important story to tell. Since it rolled off the production line, the Carryall has seen it’s fair share of action, and since its been given a life lane, that should continue for the foreseeable future.

Check out the latest video and let us know if the Dodge Carryall deserves to be celebrated for it’s place in history, and as one of the nicest restomoded vintage trucks that currently roam the public roads.


CCTVs to also be used to catch traffic offenders in Kuala Lumpur?

For a long time now, CCTV (close-circuit TV) cameras have been watching major roads around Kuala Lumpur and even along the highways. The thousands of cameras (some of which are also accessible by the public at this
website
) help the authorities and highway operators to monitor the traffic conditions in real-time so that they are immediately aware if there is a bad jam or accident.

Now, the Federal Territories Ministry has come up with the idea that, besides monitoring the traffic situation, the cameras can also be used to catch road-users committing traffic offences. The ministry will discuss with Dewan Bandaraya KL (DBKL) and the police about applying this approach but before anything can start, there are still legal issues to be examined.

Images at the
 Jalanow website
 from CCTV cameras located around KL. There are probably many more which are not accessible by the public.

This would relate to whether images captured can be used as evidence to issue summonses and make charges for offences committed. Technically, this should be possible and in fact, camera imagery has long been used by speedtrap cameras as evidence of exceeding speed limits or going through red lights. More recently, the police have used drones to record motorists who have used emergency lanes to beat jams along the highways during the festive season. Presumably, the police will be able to use the images as evidence in court if challenged.

Use of traffic and other surveillance cameras to catch people committing offences is done in other countries. China, for example, has a very extensive network of cameras in its big cities and these use sophisticated recognition technology to identify vehicle numberplates. They also have sophisticated facial recognition technology to identify people moving on the streets. In Europe, the authorities have been using their cameras to catch motorists who are using their mobilephones while driving.

The AES cameras have been in use for many years to catch vehicles breaking speed limits.

So George Orwell’s 1949 book ‘
Nineteen Eighty-Four’
 about a society where ‘Big Brother’ is always watching you is actually happening in the 21
st
 century. Orwell’s book wrote about a society where citizens were constantly being watched by ‘telescreens’ to keep them under control. It gained wider publicity when Apple Computers produced a commercial that used the ‘1984’ scenario and showed how one citizen rebelled against the control. It suggested that Apple’s products would ‘free’ people in some way where computers were concerned.

The presence of cameras watching 24 hours a day may seem intrusive but if people are aware and behave themselves rather than think they can easily get away breaking laws, then at least the objective is achieved. It is like the AES speedtrap cameras – motorists know they are there and will stick to the speed limit.

And the good thing about this automated process is that corruption can also be prevented. Without any human interaction, ‘black sheep’ in enforcement agencies would not have an opportunity to try to get bribes for not issuing summonses. The process will be automatic – an offence is confirmed and the summons is sent out, and it is up to the motorist to accept the charge and pay the fine or challenge it in court.

Police in Spain testing speedtrap camera systems that can detect vehicles braking to reduce speed!


Ital Auto Appointed As New Importer For Ferrari In Malaysia￼

Despite having been affiliated for the past 15 years,
Ferrari
 and
Naza’s
 relationship officially ended in March 2023.

In a statement confirming the termination, the Naza Automotive Group said that it had been examining the brand mix of its automotive business to determine whether it was the best fit for its business plan. According to the statement, “We have agreed to end our relationship with Ferrari S.p.A due to the non-alignment of their expectations to our strategy.” Ferrari was assured of help for a successful business transition.

For some time, a new company had been rumoured to take over. Well now those rumours can be put to rest as Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“Ital Auto”) has been officially appointed as the new official and authorized importer for Ferrari in Malaysia with effect from 5th May 2023.

Since 2009, Ital Auto has been Singapore’s Ferrari importer. The Malaysian billionaire Ong Beng Seng owns the multi-franchise Komoco conglomerate, which includes Ital. In addition to Ferrari, Komoco is responsible for managing Hyundai and Maserati in Singapore.

By providing clients with top-notch customer service and reliable services, they have established themselves as a successful and trustworthy partner.

Naza Italia’s current client deposits and reservations for Ferrari vehicles will be transferred to Ital Auto according to a statement by Ital Auto.

The Ital Auto showroom is rumoured to be situated in Glenmarie and is said to be progressing well for a launch soon.


Private Parking Charges Increased Ahead Of Raya

Despite the anticipation of the upcoming festival, motorists admit that it costs quite a bit just for them to park their vehicles.

Private car parks have taken advantage of the Raya shopping spree knowing that thousands of road users would be out and about. Most of these car parks are open space areas where cars can be seen cramped up.

According to a local news portal, most of these car parks are filled with huge potholes that contain rainwater and are hard to notice, thus damaging the vehicles. The safety of these vehicles is not guaranteed as there are too many cars parked close to each other, which makes the parking charges absurd.

Image source: WapCar

The charging rate for a single entry was just about RM8 to RM10 a week ago, but it is currently increased between RM15 and RM20.

Hamidi Husin, a 51-year-old private employee, claimed that the parking fee rate of between RM15 and RM20 is excessive for a short period of time as some people would want to just run a quick errand.

Another citizen claimed that given the parking lot’s lack of a roof and the unevenness of the road, the fee charged might be a bit exorbitant.

Based on a report by Sinar Harian, a lawyer, Khairul Naim Rafidi, claimed that the Local Government Act of 1976 serves as the fundamental source of authority for private car parking zones in the capital (Act 171).

He clarified that Act 171 gives the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) the authority to enact a bylaw.

According to this law, anyone who wants to run a private parking lot needs to have a valid license. The mayor has sole decision over whether to grant the license.

There are a number of actions the government can take to address this issue, including requiring license holders of private vehicle parking places to pay the charges set by the mayor.

Khairul, who is also the Head of the Law Bureau of Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Selangor added that the people should not be burdened with costs like this.

In addition, he said, among the steps that DBKL can implement is to hold a discussion session with all license holders to determine a reasonable charge.


23% drop in new vehicle deliveries in April

While March saw a big surge in new vehicle sales to take the Total Industry Volume (TIV) past the 70,000-unit level, April’s TIV fell by 23% to 56,213 units of passenger and commercial vehicles.

The decline was attributed by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) to the following reasons – 1) the ongoing global shortage of microchips as well as certain components and logistics delays, and 2) companies with their financial year ending in March put in maximum effort to close with the highest volume.

While the TIV for April 2021 was 4% higher, the cumulative volume after the first 4 months of this year is 8% higher, with 215,965 vehicles sold. This is made up of 140,905 units of passenger vehicles (excluding pick-up trucks) and 25,560 of commercial vehicles (including pick-up trucks).

Local production has, likewise, also been higher in the first 4 months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. The combined output from all the assembly plants was 208.894 units, 10,418 units more than in 2021.

The output in April was also higher this year, with 54,734 units produced, compared to 51,390 units in the same month last year.

Although May is a short working month due to the long holidays during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, the MAA expects that the TIV can be as high as April’s. Many companies still have a backlog of orders to fulfill and even if the market takes a ‘breather’, the numbers can still be high. Nevertheless, how many units that can actually deliver will depend on how many vehicles can be completed given the shortage of microchips.


The D-Max Huntsman is the coolest pick-truck right now

Isuzu UK has introduced one of the coolest looking D-Max pick-up trucks we have ever seen. Called the Huntsman, the fittingly named variant of the D-Max comes in a number of colours but the most menacing of the lot has to be matte green, which the company calls ‘Tundra Green’.

Marketed to countrymen who cherish their hunting rights, the vehicle is decked out with a number of notable accessories that include ‘out of sight’ storage for firearms and ample bed space for dog boxes as well as other equipment. There’s also a rough-and-tough high-mounted tow bar that may prove useful when traversing difficult terrain.

On the outside, there isn’t much that catches one’s attention, which is precisely the point. The Huntsman’s distinctive body colour and lack of flashy chrome bits allow it to blend in with the surroundings. This may prove to beneficial when owners are on a game trail and prefer to stay hidden.

The extensive list of accessories that accompany the Huntsman variant of the D-Max include:

Aluminium Drawer System and Flap

Aeroklas Commercial Canopy with Roof Rails and Roof Vent

Under-Rail Bed Liner

Aluminium Under guards & Rear Diff Protector

Black Roof Rails Set

Black Side Bars & Steps

De-Chrome Pack (incl. U-Pol Raptor to Door Handles, Mirrors, Front Grille etc.)

5 x 18″ Black Alloy Wheels with Pirelli All Terrain Tyres

3.5T Tow Bar & 13 Pin Electrics

Tailgate Damper

Premium Protective Mat Set

Isuzu UK says that it will offer this impressive bit of kit as the Huntsman Pack (£5,995/RM32,925.80) that will be made available for purchase to those who already own the double cab variant of the current D-Max. In addition to that, it will also be offering the Pedders Suspension kit for an extra £1,000 (RM5,492.21), which could provide more versatility.

Those wanting a bit more exclusivity can also opt for the new bespoke Huntsman leather interior. And if the matte green body finish isn’t to your liking, you can choose between the Cosmic Black and Obsidian Grey body colours.

The D-Max Huntsman is definitely the coolest pick-up truck name that we have ever come across, and considering who its aimed at (no pun intended), adds to the vehicle’s desirability. Though we aren’t too fond of hunting or game trails here in Malaysia, we would still welcome this Huntsman with open arms.


Government directs toll concessionaires not to force motorists to use only RFID

The government believes that motorists using highways should have a choice of payments, rather than be forced to use only RFID (
R
adio
F
requency
ID
entification). This was decided after a Cabinet meeting yesterday and was announced by the Prime Minister who was responding to the congestion that was caused when PLUS, the major toll concessionaire in Malaysia, introduced RFID for Electronic Toll Payment (ETP) on the entire length of its North-South Expressway from last Saturday.

Various factors appear to have contributed to the massive congestion, from the reduced number of lanes for other ETP methods (ie the Touch ‘n Go card being tapped on a reader and the contactless SmartTAG with the TnG card) to failure of the RFID sensors to detect the tags on the vehicles, as well as confusion due to some (or all) SmartTAG lanes being converted to RFID lanes. Improper placement of the RFID tags, which are very tiny devices, has also been identified as a possible cause for non-detection and it is possible some of the tags, priced at RM35 (although it is known that they cost less than RM1) each, may be defective.

The two locations for sticking the RFID tags/ They are on the outside surface so they will be exposed and motorists are concerned about durability in the long-term. Care has also to be taken at automatic carwashes where the brushes could damage or even rub off the RFID tag. A replacement costs RM35 at this time.

Non-detection of the RFID tag is among the reasons that have caused the massive congestion at toll plazas and PLUS has stationed personnel with handheld devices to check on the device function.

“The Cabinet, in its meeting today, is of the view that road-users must be given a choice, just like how it was practiced when Touch ‘n Go was introduced in its early years and cash payments were still allowed to continue. Users must be given the freedom whether to use RFID, Touch ‘n Go or SmartTAG,” said the Prime Minister.

He said that the toll concessionaires should not make all lanes use only the RFID method. “If there are 10 lanes, maybe several lanes for RFID and the rest should be for TnG and SmartTAG. We don’t want to pressure motorists,” he said, adding that any matter regarding toll payments by Malaysians will need to be referred to the Cabinet.

Like the SmartTAG, the RFID method also allows contactless ETP but uses the radio frequency for its signal instead of infrared (IR) that is used by the SmartTAG (which requires a TnG card to be present in the unit). PLUS claims that RFID offers quicker processing (but the vehicle must not travel faster than 30 km/h through the lane) without the vehicle having to stop for detection. However, the IR system does not require motorists to stop either, as millions of motorists will know. In places like Germany which use the IR system, vehicles can pass under the sensors (no toll plazas needed) at up to 100 km/h because they do not have to stop for the barrier to open.

Toll collection in Germany using the infra-red system similar to that used for the SmartTAG in Malaysia.

“In Germany, the Nationwide Truck Tolling System installed on all highways in a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) configuration has proven to be highly effective, catering to more than two million trucks travelling at up to 100 km/h. It uses a similar IR technology like in Malaysia to validate payment. We have also successfully replicated this test in Malaysia. Our SmartTAG compatible units comply with DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) standards and are ECE R10 certified. They operate in the 400THz band and are therefore able to transfer data 10,000 times faster than RFID. Being battery-powered, every unit is active with a wake-up time of just
two milliseconds
 compared to the passive RFID’s
45 milliseconds
,” said EFKON Asia, the Austrian technology provider that developed the IR-based toll collection system used on Malaysian highways.

Related article:
From Touch ‘N Go To SmartTAG To RFID – Is It Necessary?

According to PLUS, a SmartTAG lane can allow up to 1,000 vehicles through in an hour (550 with manual tapping). With RFID, PLUS claims that the processing rate can be faster and they state a speed of about 1,200 vehicles an hour. But that claimed quicker rate of processing is nullified since in both methods, vehicles still have to wait for the barrier to rise. Unless there is some innovation that can make the barrier rise faster in the RFID lane than in the SmartTAG lane, the pass-through rate will be the same.

No toll plazas on Singapore roads to cause congestion; motorists pay toll electronically when they enter the Central Business District where there are varying charges throughout the day.

Why does there need to be a barrier when, in other countries, they have already done away with the barrier? In Singapore, for example, their toll collection for the road pricing system (ERP) around the Central Business District is done without barriers and vehicles just drive under gantries and their payment is electronically collected. While the system used is a different type (wireless shortwave), the point is that they do not need barriers which slow down traffic flow. According to PLUS, they still need to have a barrier as there is no legal framework yet to protect their interests.

PLUS is promoting RFID as the first step towards the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system in future which will have no barriers and therefore eliminate congestion in places where toll has to be collected. However, there is no clear evidence that continued use of the SmartTAG method cannot also achieve MLFF. RFID requires further new investments – not to mention motorists having to spend again to install a new ETP system – whereas the IR system is already in place and runs reasonably reliably.

The toll plaza along the Federal Highway near Subang Jaya which was set up in the 1990s and removed just before the last General Election. Although its removal should have speeded up traffic flow, the situation today seems to be even more congested as traffic builds up more quickly at the bottleneck further down the road (near the Subang Jaya turnoff).

But whether removal of a barrier and even the whole toll plaza will allow traffic to flow more smoothly and remove congestion is uncertain if you look at one example where it has happened. This is the toll plaza near Subang Jaya in Selangor which was set up in the 1990s and then removed some years ago, just before a General Election. It seems that even with no toll collection being done, there is still congestion on that stretch so it is no different from before. In fact, some feel that when there was a toll plaza, at least the traffic flow was regulated and was slightly better on the other side of the toll plaza.

In a consumer society, choices and freedom of choices are important elements. Consumers will choose what they believe to be the best for their needs and in the case of ETP, there will be some who may even prefer cash payment. These could be people living in rural areas who travel on highways infrequently and who do not want their money stuck in some e-wallet, or spend money buying a SmartTAG that they will use only once a month. Many may like the TnG card since it can not only be used for ETP but also for parking and even travel on public transport. The RFID system may have a few advantages but for now, it seems that all it can be used for is ETP, which makes it poor value for money.

Is PLUS really RFID-ready? Most motorists would think not.


Hyundai reveal new smart connected services

At the ongoing Seoul International Motorshow in South Korea, Hyundai revealed a slew of interesting projects that might come to frustration within the next couple of years. Part if its future mobility strategy, the automaker demonstrated a suite of connected technologies that might find its way into its actual vehicles and help to make things a little more convenient of its customers.

“Controlling vehicles via voice assistant is something that could become common-place in the not-too- distant future,” said Seung-Ho Hwang, Executive Vice President and head of Auto Intelligence Division at Hyundai Motor Company. “We are working with various companies in Korea and around the world to ensure that all of our platforms are compatible and that Hyundai customers will be able to interact with the Internet of Things in ways that have never before been possible.”

The company’s in-house developed Connected Car Service Platform (ccSP) will allow owners of Hyundai vehicles to connect ‘seamlessly’ to other Internet of Things (IoT) services making their daily lives just that much more convenient. There are two systems that are at the heart of Hyundai’s platform which are Home to Car and Car to Home.

Home to Car will allow drivers to interact with their vehicles with just their voice. Through voice commands, they will be able to start up their vehicle as well as close and open its doors.

Car to Home on the other hand, will allow them to operate devices at home such as lighting, climate control and audio systems, while in their vehicles and on their journey home. The Home to Car service is slated for a 2018 release while the Car to Home service will be made available the following year.

Besides this, Hyundai also revealed its Connected Car roadmap that outlines a number of objectives that will ensure smart connected technologies offer better convenience and efficiency to their customers. With Proactive Caring, this system regularly monitor’s the vehicle’s diagnostics and allow for the diagnosis of potential problems and even allow for remote proactive maintenance of vehicles.

Then there’s Smart Convenience. A system that provides vehicles with regular updates to ensure that the software being run is of the latest version with all the proper security updates. Connected Efficiency builds upon this service by making sure connectivity-reliant systems are updated at the most convenient time such as when the vehicle is charging. It can also provide guidance, information or warnings to drivers when necessary. It will be able to check on the weather and let you know when conditions will be favorable for you to have your car washed.

Lastly, Cost Efficiency is a system that will provide cost-saving suggestions to drivers. It will analyse driving patterns and fuel economy then recommend the routes that offer the best fuel consumption or battery life. It will also help to provide a more accurate ‘distance to empty’ figure.

Hyundai’s new systems aren’t that far off and are confident that these technologies should find their way into their upcoming vehicles in the next few years.


F1 / Round 17: 2022 Singapore Grand Prix Highlights And Results

It’s Singapore, so rain was not unexpected and in the hours before the F1 race started, commentators were saying things like ‘buckets’ and ‘dumped with enough water to sail a small boat’. Due to the heavy rain, the scheduled 8 pm start was delayed for an hour to 9:05 pm. Even though the rain eased about 20 minutes before the start time, at least 24 mm of water had fallen on the track.

Heavy rain notwithstanding, the fans turned up in the biggest number in the 13-year history of the event, with attendance of 302,000 spectators. That was 2,000 more than the first F1 race in 2008 and according to Singapore’s Transport minister, about 50% were from overseas.

Finally, at 9:09 pm, the 61-lap (or maximum of 2 hours) F1 race got underway on the wet and slippery track. Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez got off to a better start than Charles Leclerc, reaching Turn 1 first. Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton went a bit wide through that turn, letting Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz slip by (Hamilton would say that the Ferrari had his him).

As for Max Verstappen, a weak start saw him drop 4 places from P8 on the grid. Conditions were still slippery and Williams Racing’s Alexander Albon went off at Turn 7 momentarily. Hamilton was unhappy with his tyres as well having started on intermediates rather than full wets that he had asked for. Further back, Hamilton’s team mate, George Russell, who had started from the pit lane was only able to get up to 17
th
 after 5 laps.

Verstappen was still down in 9
th
 and on lap 6, began to go for Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, a past winner in Singapore. Perez meanwhile was still maintaining his lead about 1.5 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

Lap 8 saw the first retirement as Alfa Romeo’s Zhou GuanYu and Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi cut across the Chinese driver’s path. The Alfa Romeo went into the wall at Turn 5 while Latifi limped back to the pits with a puncture, and ended his race as well. Latifi would later receive a 5-place grid drop for the next race for the incident.

Further back, at about the same time as the Latifi-Zhou incident, Russell and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas also had contact. Both cars suffered some damage. The Safety Car had come out and would circulate for 2 laps. Its appearance meant that the race would be unlikely to reach 61 laps before 2 hours so it could almost predictably end at 11:09 pm.

As the Safety Car left the track, Perez got off to a smooth and quick start again to start opening the gap with the Ferrari. On the next lap, Leclerc tried to reduce the gap and put in the fastest lap. One-fifth of the 61 laps was completed, with about 90 minutes remaining.

Verstappen was working very hard to move up the field and by lap 13, he was up to 7
th
 and looking at the rear end of Alpine’s Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard, incidentally, clocked his 350
th
 race start today. Hamilton was holding 4
th
 behind Sainz without worrying too much about McLaren’s Lando Norris who was about 5 seconds behind. The McLaren driver had also been asked to stretch his tyres as long as possible, so he wasn’t pushing as hard as he might have wanted to.

Just as Verstappen seemed to be easing off the pressure on Alonso on lap 21, the Alpine came to a stop at Turn 10 with Alonso shouting ‘engine problem’ over the radio. The Dutchman wasted no time in passing and moving another position closer to the front – if not a win, at least a place on the podium.

Although Alonso had managed to stop at a slip road off the track, the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was still activated for one lap. Russell quickly came into the pits for mediums, sliding a bit as he departed. Being further back, his stint on the mediums would provide useful information for Hamilton.

Lap 23, when the race resumed, saw Perez having a 3-second gap from Leclerc, while Hamilton was still duelling with Sainz. 7 seconds behind, Norris was keeping an eye on his mirrors for the Red Bull, Russell was struggling with his tyres but could not afford to go back in.

Three laps later, the yellow flags appeared again, this time to warn of the Williams of Alexander Albon having crashed at Turn 8. Though losing his front wing, Albon was able to make it back to the pits. As there was no obstruction, the VSC was activated for a while again. Although the wing was changed, the Williams engine could not start properly and that was the end of the Singapore GP for the second of the team’s cars.

On lap 28, the drivers were again frustrated to have VSC back on again. This time, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon had smoke coming from his car which had stopped – and then rolled backwards. Perez didn’t use the opportunity to pit and although the Ferrari crews were ready, their drivers did not come in either. The first hour had passed around that time and slightly less than half the 61 laps had been completed.

The drivers were waiting for the moment VSC went off and when it did, Verstappen tried to outrun Norris but didn’t make it and had to hit the brakes. Hamilton was trying to get past Sainz but his tyres were not gripping well. In fact, grip was so poor that he crashed into the barriers on lap 33! However, he managed to reverse and the damage did not seem so serious. His crash allowed Norris to move forward and he now had to deal with Verstappen instead.

On lap 35, Leclerc came in and took on medium tyres but Sainz continued to circulate. The next lap, Perez came in and was still able to get back into the lead when he rejoined the race. However, he was greeted by news that Scuderia Alphatauri’s Yuki Tsunoda had crashed at Turn 10, and that brought out the Safety Car to complicate things.

Norris used the chance to get into the pits for a change of tyres, and his team mate, Daniel Ricciardo also did likewise although Norris took on mediums whereas the Aussie wanted soft tyres. 23 laps and about 35 minutes remained as the Safety Car led the F1 racing cars.

It departed on lap 39 and racing resumed – and that’s when Verstappen skidded off at Turn 7 in his effort to get a quick start. But he didn’t crash and quickly rejoined the race, dropping to 8
th
 in front of Hamilton. The skid had been due to locking the brakes, which caused his tyres to flat-spot so he had no choice but to get them replaced. When he got back to the race, he was right at the back. But he quickly moved on position up as he passed Russell who had a puncture due to contact with Haas F1’s Mick Schumacher.

On lap 43, with about 23 minutes remaining to the 2-hour cut-off time, Perez still had the lead but was beginning to report concerns about the engine. Leclerc was less than a second behind and just waiting to grab the lead. There was tremendous pressure on the Mexican and at one turn, he even locked up his wheels. Plus, he was aware that after the race, the Stewards were going to review an incident during a restart. He might win and celebrate… but it could also be taken away from him.

Verstappen had managed to get up to 12
th
 but it was tough getting through the traffic. He had no chance to win this race but he was trying his best to get up far enough to at least collect some points. He managed to get past Bottas on lap 51 to the first of the point-paying positions.

In the closing laps of the F1 race, Verstappen started to chase Hamilton to take his 8
th
 place. Hamilton was intent to passing Vettel ahead and made a mistake on lap 58, allowing the Red Bull driver to flash past him.

As 5 minutes remained, Perez was trying to get a gap of at least 5 seconds in case he received a penalty for the Safety Car infringement (not keeping within 10 car lengths of the Safety Car). But he was still in the lead at the 2-hour limit ended the race on lap 59, with Leclerc crossing the finish line 7.6 seconds behind.

UPDATE
:
Sergio Perez Gets 5-second Penalty But Still Wins Singapore GP
Sergio Perez got to keep his win at the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix last night following an investigation by the Stewards relating to infringement of regulations. At the conclusion of the race, he received his trophy on the podium but was then summoned to a meeting with the Stewards just before midnight.
The investigation was into a Safety Car infringement where he was seen not being within 10 car lengths, as required, of the Safety Car while it was active. There were in fact two similar infringements on separate occasions during the 59-lap race (shortened from 61 laps due to the 2-hour time limit).

For the first offence, he received a reprimand but for the second, he was given a 5-second penalty and two penalty points on his licence. The team had been preparing for the time penalty and were believed to have indirectly urged him to get the biggest possible gap to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who was running second.

Perez managed to extend the gap to 7.595 seconds as he crossed the finish line, so even with the penalty, he still won the race which was the fourth in his F1 career.

PETRONAS And Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Renew Partnership


Perodua provides two cars for shuttle services at MAEPS quarantine centre

The War on COVID-19 involves everyone – in fact, it is a global fight – and many companies are helping in various ways. Those with resources like factories have used their manufacturing facilities to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) instead of their usual products. Carmakers, with lots of cars available, have also provided vehicles for use by healthcare personnel to get around and do their important work.

Recently, Perodua provided an Aruz and a Bezza to the Pusat Kuarantin dan Rawatan COVID-19 Berisiko Rendah 2.0 (PKRC) at MAEPS, Serdang in Selangor. The facility is presently used as a quarantine centre for those infected with COVID-19. The cars were provided through Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Malaysia (NADMA) which is responsible for emergency management. They will be used to transport essential items sent by families or friends of those who are in quarantine.

Together with the cars, RM300 per month of petrol vouchers have been provided and the Malaysian carmaker also contributed 5 laptops for NADMA’s use.

Various other forms of support

This support follows many other contributions made to key public institutions nationwide, especially the frontliners. The contributions have been in cash and supplies to help in fighting the pandemic. For example, last month, Perodua contributed an
additional RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to Hospital Sungai Buloh
, a key medical facility that handles a large number of COVID-19 cases.

Perodua has also supplied face shields, manufactured by an associate company, to various organisations in Malaysia over the past year. The recipients have been schools, clinics, local government offices and councils, and even hawkers at markets in Perodua’s surrounding community.

Perodua was among the companies that made a contribution to the NADMA COVID-19 Fund as the pandemic began in 2020.

East Malaysia not forgotten

While a large proportion of Perodua’s sales are in Peninsular Malaysia, the carmaker does not also forget that the East Malaysian markets have also contribute to its ascent to being the No. 1 brand in the country. And like a good corporate citizen, the company has been giving back to the local community there.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities last year, it provided the
 Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital
 with a portable flexible videoscope set, while 250 underprivileged paediatric patients received contributions ranging from school supplies to prescription glasses. These contributions were a follow-up from an earlier initiative in 2018 which saw the contribution of two laryngoscope blade sets and 40 bed pillows, and toys for some 250 child patients.

Perodua contributes face shields to Hulu Selangor schools


Sebastien Loeb to take on steep banking of Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb will be taking part in the race up the steep banking of Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry at this year’s Les Grandes Heures Automobiles (LGHA). He will be piloting his monstrous Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak, the very same car that he used to shatter the Pikes Peak Hill Climb record in 2013. A feat that remains unbeatable till this day.

Unlike its road going brethren, the the 208 T16 Pikes Peak is powered by a 3.2-litre turbocharged V6 engine that puts out 875bhp. The whole car weighs a minuscule 875kg even with all the aerodynamic bits tacked on. In 2013, the car oly took 8 minutes and 13 seconds to complete the legendary hill climb race in Colorado Springs, a record that still stands today.

As such, judging from Leob’s track record, at at this year’s Les Grandes Heures Automobiles (LGHA), we may witness another record being broken. That said, it isn’t the only Peugeot competing though, because Peugeot will be showing off its Group B 205 T16s, African Rally 204 and CD-Peugeot LM66 short-tail Le Mans racer too.

The new second-generation 3008 road car will be making its world dynamic debut at the very same event, which will be a big deal for the fans of the French automaker. We will get into more of that at a later date, but we digress.

The LGHA will also play host to a display of rare classic cars and motorcycles for the public to view and admire. Though this is an annual event, this year, the organisation is hoping to attract more international car clubs and competitor participation.

Sebastien Loeb and his racer will be in action on the 23rd of September, which isn’t that far away but until then, check out his Pikes Peak hill climb attempt in this video below and let us know what you think.


MMU team recognised in Shell Eco-Marathon Virtual Off-Track Awards for Asia Pacific and the Middle East

The Shell Eco-Marathon, one of the world’s leading student engineering competitions, has been running for the past 35 years and despite still not being able to get back on the track in 2021, the event continued to celebrate the innovation of student teams and their Off-Track submissions.

While adapting to the ‘new normal’, the Shell Eco-Marathon 2021 adopted a unique model that involves new and exciting virtual opportunities, all with the continued goal of addressing an age-old problem that focuses on improving vehicles’ efficiency to travel as far as possible using as little energy as possible.

A participant in the 2010 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia which was held at the Sepang Internatioanl Circuit.

198 entries from 64 teams

This year’s Shell Eco-Marathon Virtual Off-Track Awards for Asia Pacific and the Middle East received a record number of submissions at 198 entries from 64 teams across 11 countries, nearly twice the number of submissions from past years. After shortlisting the best teams, a virtual panel used scorecards to select the winners and runners-up.

A new feature is the global Virtual League, enabling teams to accrue points across a range of different challenges including the Off-Track Awards and a brand-new Autonomous Programming Competition, which all feed into an ongoing league table.

Only Malaysian team

As with many other events these days, the winners were announced during a live virtual ceremony held recently. Team Grune Welt from MMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology in Melaka emerged as the only Malaysian team recognised at this year’s Shell Eco-Marathon Off-Track Awards for Asia and the Middle East.

The MMU Team’s Eco-V7 battery-electric prototype vehicle earned the judges’ recognition with its thoughtful sustainable design and other unique features. The team won US$750 and 100 Virtual League Points, propelling their current ranking to 10th in the Asia Pacific Region and 30th globally.

“The 2021 virtual programme is designed to recognise and reward the students’ achievements throughout the year. From virtual technical inspection to Off-Track Awards and global energy challenges like ‘Pitch the Future’, it aims to stretch and strengthen their STEM skills from start to finish,” said Norman Koch, Global General Manager, Shell Eco-Marathon. “While nothing can replace the excitement of the track, we hope that these virtual components will continue to provide opportunities to Shell Eco-Marathon teams throughout this season as we navigate these difficult times,” he added.

Keeping spirit of innovation alive

Over the years, the Shell Eco-Marathon has seen thousands of high school and university students from across the world build ultra-energy-efficient vehicles, in a variety of designs, using a spectrum of energy types. Every year brings new stories of human endeavour and technical excellence, as teams push the boundaries of what’s possible. Through the Shell Eco-Marathon, the spirit of innovation is kept alive among its student participants.

FEATURE – The German engine that was born on a Japanese bullet-train


Flight Attendants Smart Plan To Smuggle Drugs in Toothpaste Tubes Foiled!

After a flight from Paris, France to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam Airlines last Thursday, four flight attendants were arrested  for allegedly smuggling drugs during the usual routine of security clearance check.

The cabin crew thought it wouldn’t be suspicious to pack toothpaste tubes with 25kg’s of ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine but obviously thought wrong. During the search, custom officers found more than 150 tubes of toothpaste packed with illicit drugs.

According to Jalopnik, three flight attendants and one cabin manager were caught trying to transport 154 toothpaste tubes, 112 of those tubes were filled with grey tablets, which weighed a total of 8kg’s including the weight of the packaging, the balance 42 toothpaste tubes were stuffed with white powder weighing 3kg’s total.

According to the flight attendants, they were paid $424, or 10 million Vietnamese dong (RM1884.75) to transport some goods to Vietnam. Offences such as these are brutally dealt with in Vietnam as it will lead to life in prison, or even a death penalty.

Based on the report, the flight attendants were new employees for the Vietnamese airline with more or less a year’s experience. It was said that the customs officials were actually tipped off about the alleged smuggling scheme and law enforcement hoped to capture the alleged traffickers as they picked up the cargo at the airport, but no one had arrived to collect the luggage.


BIKES: Harley-Davidson Now Officially Open In Juru Autocity, Penang!

That’s right!
 Northern region
HOGs
 can rejoice, for they now have a place to call home right in the middle of Juru Autocity, Penang, with the official opening of
Harley-Davidson Penang
!

But not only that, HDMP (Harley-Davidson Malaysia, Penang) also took the opportunity to announce the launch and introduction of 14 CKD models built in Bangkok, Thailand… one of them is the
HD Fat Bob
 below…

Both the red and black bikes are identical models, but the former is made in Bangkok, while the latter is made in Milwaukee, USA. There is no telling them apart, both are identical in terms of specs, but the one made in Bangkok costs RM40,000 less. Yes,
FORTY THOUSAND
 ringgit less than the one “Made in USA”.

HDMP is located at Juru Autocity, right next to the Ford showroom.

HDM Penang Official Opening Photo Gallery…


Adding momentum to Honda’s 900,000th unit in Malaysia campaign

Sometime in the third quarter of 2019, Honda will deliver its 900,000th vehicle in Malaysia. It’s a significant milestone for the brand which has been a household name among Malaysians for decades and Honda Malaysia intends to celebrate the milestone in a big way.

The campaign with its tagline ‘
Terima Kasih 900K’
 was launched last month and builds the momentum towards achieving the milestone. Today, the company announced a collaboration with three major brands – Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi – on the
‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone
’.

The ‘
Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’
 campaign will see lucky Malaysians driving home 9 new Honda models. Three of the models will be given away to participants in contests organised by Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi.

Collaboration with homegrown brands

”The collaboration with these homegrown brands is a first for Honda Malaysia and will offer more value to Malaysians. We are very excited about this campaign as it provides an excellent opportunity to reward Malaysians for their unwavering support. It is a gesture of appreciation for the customers’ trust that has helped make each of these brands, including Honda, a sought-after brand in Malaysia,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“I am pleased to note that we have been receiving encouraging participation in the ‘
Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone
’ Campaign. We believe this campaign will further elevate the Joy of Owning a Honda car for our customers,” Mr. Ishiyama added.

Honda Malaysia’s management team (left and right) with the first winner of campaign, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi and his family.

Honda Malaysia today also announced the campaign’s first lucky winner who will be driving home a Civic 1.5 Turbo. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at a Honda dealership in Kelantan. The winner, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi, will receive his car during the campaign’s Grand Event at the end of September 2019.

How to participate

Eight Honda models are still up for grabs in the campaign which all 90 Honda sales dealerships in Malaysia are participating in. Participation can also be done through the ‘
Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’
 campaign nationwide tour which started in East Malaysia and will move throughout Malaysia this month and next month. The locations are listed at
www.honda.com.my
 as well as the Honda
Malaysia Facebook page
.

To participate in the campaign, customers can register their details through a QR code or visit the campaign’s website before taking part in the activities or contests to earn giveaway tickets. The more tickets collected, the higher the chance to win the Honda models! To register or to get more information, visit
honda.com.my/microsite/900k
 .

Click here for other news and articles on Honda at PISTON.MY


Hot Rocket Sim Racing Division To Promote Sim Racing In Malaysia

Simulator racing, or sim racing, has been around since the 1980s. Over 40 years, the virtual form of motorsport has grown in popularity and both the hardware and software have advanced tremendously. Today’s sim racing software is so realistic that even F1 drivers use them for training and they are used for championships with global participation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when countries went into lockdown and people were confined to their homes, sim racing became even more popular. While real-world racing activities had to be stopped, sim racing took off as an alternative for motorsports lovers.

Almost anyone can get into sim racing. The basic requirements are a computer/game console, sim rig, large monitor and a fast internet connection. Players can compete against computer rivals or real human rivals around the world.

Compared to real-world racing, the cost of getting into sim racing is therefore fairly low. The average expenditure of a racer in local race events at the Sepang International Circuit  could cost up to RM100,000 a year alone, so most people can’t get into racing.

The industry continues to grow at a fast pace globally and is a major part of the gaming industry. Even the FIA recognises it and refers to it as ‘digital motorsports’, having created a Digital Cup as part of the FIA Motorsport Games. The sim racing market size value was estimated at US$4.49 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$9.99 billion in 2027.

With such a growth trend, Hot Rocket Racing Club had partnered up with RaceRoom Asia to enter the sim racing world and cultivate Malaysia’s talents in sim racing. RaceRoom, which will work with Hot Rocket’s Sim Racing division, offers the premier free-to-play racing simulation software based in Germany.

“Hot Rocket hopes to scout for local talents and bring them out on the competitive route. To be competitive in sim racing, a driver must understand all aspects of car handling with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tyre wear and grip, and suspension settings. Participants who perform at an exceptional level will be selected for our driver development program to train with our other partner, Axle Sports and coached by Alex Yoong, a former F1 driver,” said Terry Kuan, Founder/President of Hot Rocket Racing Club.

Participants will receive personal coaching from Alex Yoong, a former F1 driver (second from left).

“We plan to incubate these talents and prepare them for high profile races and the highest performing drivers will be sponsored to represent the Hot Rocket Race Team. We hope to inspire and cultivate young Malaysians to reach their highest potential and bring the colours of our country’s flag to the world’s stage,” he added.

The venture started off with a ‘Race all you want’ session for all Hot Rocket members at ‘RaceRoom Racing Experience’ in Ara Damansara, Selangor, recently. This will be followed by monthly sim races at RaceRoom with free training for all members of Hot Rocket.

The RaceRoom Racing Motion Simulators (costing RM150,000 each) consist of a Thinkvision 44-inch curved monitor, Simucube direct drive steering base, Ascher Martin steering wheel, 3motion ‘Silentforce’ 3dof G-force motion simulator, Load cell (Pressure sensor) brake and accelerator pedals, and run on RaceRoom Racing Experience EvO software.

“Malaysia has a plethora of talented individuals who needs a platform to be recognized. The club functions as the vehicle to launch our ‘astronauts’ into space and towards the stars. This will inspire a whole generation of Malaysians to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. Hot Rocket Racing Club is not only a motorsports club, but an incubator for talents to go where no Malaysian has gone before,” Mr. Kuan said.

Ferrari launches first e-sports Sim Racing team


Elon Musk Says Tesla Looking To Invest In India

Elon Musk, the CEO of
Tesla
, stated on Tuesday that the electric vehicle manufacturer plans to invest in India “as soon as humanly possible.”

Musk’s remarks came during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York while Modi was on a state visit to the country where Musk briefed Modi on the strategy for establishing a manufacturing base in India.

Musk thanked the Prime Minister and hoped that there will be an announcement about this matter in the not-too-distant future.

Modi visited a Tesla facility in California a few years ago, according to Musk, who described himself as “a fan” of the Indian prime minister.

According to Musk, India has significant potential for a sustainable energy future that includes solar energy, stationary battery packs, and electric cars. Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX, said the company also intends to offer Starlink satellite internet service to India.


The Brabus 930: Mad Cousin Of The Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E-Performance

The Brabus 930 is the most potent supercar the aftermarket expert has ever produced. Given that it is based on the
Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance
, which was introduced in Malaysia this year, this shouldn’t be all that surprising.

Exterior

The exterior has been improved by Brabus with its numerous matte or glossy carbon components that improve the car’s aerodynamics. The front end features a front spoiler, huge air intake caps, and a more breathable grille. The car’s Monoblock Z Platinum Edition 10-spoke wheels, which are 21 inches in the front and 22 inches in the back, are also installed by the tuner which are wrapped in Continental SportContact 7 rubber.

The four 3.5-inch titanium/carbon tailpipes are complemented by a carbon diffuser insert at the back of the vehicle. Actively regulated butterfly valves in the stainless steel exhaust system from Brabus change the sound of the exhaust by switching between a quiet “Coming Home” mode and a louder “Sport” mode that is bound to either impress or agitate the neighbors. In addition, Brabus has included its plug-and-play Airmatic Sport Unit module, which, depending on the drive mode, can lower the ride height by up to 0.8 inches.

Interior

The wildest Brabus ever has a plush black leather interior that is complemented by crimson stitching and piping to highlight its elegant side. The floor of the cockpit and trunk as well as the seat surfaces are stitched with a sophisticated triangle design. To ensure the best performance of the integrated temperature control system and maximum comfort, the centre parts of each seat have been selectively fitted.

Powertrain

The Brabus 930 provides the pinnacle of contemporary performance engineering. The supercar is the most potent Brabus has ever produced. Brabus claims to have created a driving experience like no other by utilising the hybrid capabilities of the GT 63 S E-Performance platform.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged BRABUS high-performance V8 accelerates this all-wheel-drive monster from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.8 seconds with a mind-blowing output of 930 horsepower when used in conjunction with the modular plug-in hybrid drivetrain technology. A nine-speed gearbox, which can be switched either automatically or manually at the driver’s discretion, transmits 1,550 Nm of lightning-fast power quickly.

Price

The Brabus 930 retails for €323,435 EUR (roughly around RM1.5 million). If you have millions laying around, orders can be placed through Brabus while allocations last.


10 PLUS toll plazas ready to accept payments via Touch ‘n Go’s RFID tag from Wednesday

PLUS is ready to accept toll payments using Touch ‘n Go’s RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system from
 this Wednesday, January 1, 2020
. However, the electronic transaction will only be available at its toll plazas which have an Open System. These are for highways where a fixed rate is paid instead of the Closed System which charges by the distance travelled.

Only Class 1 privately-registered vehicles (light vehicles with 2 axles and 3 or 4 wheels except taxis) will be able to use their RFID tag at these toll plazas on PLUS-operated highways:

Jitra (North-South Expressway)

Lunas (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway)

Kubang Semang (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway)

Penang Bridge

Mambau (Seremban-Port Dickson Highway)

Lukut (Seremban-Port Dickson Highway)

Kempas (North-South Expressway)

Perling (Linkedua highway)

Lima Kedai (Linkedua highway)

Tanjung Kupang (Linkedua highway)

Toll payment by RFID tags can also be made at the Penang Bridge from Wednesday.

“The Touch ‘n Go RFID system, which uses an RFID-fitted sticker connected to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, is the latest payment option that is currently being offered. It enables highway customers to perform online top-ups, eliminating the need to top-up at the designated reload centres,” said PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi.

Existing payment options still available

He added that more payment options are being developed via debit and credit cards as well as other eWallets. “Soon highway customers will have the option to switch to more payment modes when these features become available in the very near future,” said Encik Zakaria while giving assurance that the existing toll payment modes via Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAG are still available on PLUS highways.

Toll transactions using the RFID tag can be done at the remaining 83 toll plazas with the Closed System
from April 1, 2020
.

He also clarified that the current RFID system at the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza (JB Causeway) can only be used for Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) payments for Singapore-registered vehicles.

Whichever payment mode is used, highway travellers are reminded to ensure that the balance in their TnG tollcard or eWallet is sufficient to cover the toll charges. Besides the PLUS website,
Waze also now provides information on the amount of toll
 that will be incurred on a chosen or recommended route.

Malaysian motorists can now find out toll charges on Waze


Fuel Prices For December 14 – 20, 2019


UEV’s LEO Coupe to join Flying Car club in 2022

Pete Bitar and Carlos Salaff formed Urban eVTOL (UEV) in early 2020 as a joint-venture between Bitar’s company, Electric Jet Aircraft, and SALAFF Automotiv to design VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) ‘flying cars’. Though it was just as the COVID-19 pandemic was growing, they had optimism that the time was right. They saw a tipping point in relevant technologies – that science fiction visions of compact flying cars with internalized propulsion are now within reach.

Automotive familiarity

The duo created the LEO Coupe, an all-electric jet turbine-propelled eVTOL. They designed it to evoke an automotive familiarity while shaking the foundational impressions of what an aircraft could look like. Salaff has an automotive design background having been involved in the Mazda Furai concept car as well as some Mazda models.

The LEO Coupe is unlike an airplane or helicopter; it is an automobile for the sky. Placed alongside current eVTOL aircraft, its compact size of 3-metre x 6 metres footprint is immediately apparent. It is compact enough to fit in most 2-car garages, so it can be privately owned and used any place where space is limited and ground infrastructure is underdeveloped or even non-existent.

Apart from private ownership, the LEO Coupe can also serve as an air taxi, or be used by fire, rescue, and medevac services. There are also possibilities in the tourism industry as it can go almost anywhere even when there is no road to get there. If used for public transport, UEV’s cost target is for a single ride to be comparable to leading automotive ride-sharing prices.

Electric flight for 3 persons

The fully electric propulsion system is made up of clusters of powerful electric jets, allowing safety through redundancy. Shrouded within LEO’s wings are non-exposed rotors, eliminating danger to those around the vehicle. A 400 km/h maximum flight speed and 480-km range is claimed and a fully charged battery pack can give an hour of flying time.

Entry to the 3-person (including the pilot) cabin is through gull-wing doors. For now, the flying is semi-autonomous as fully-autonomous tech is not mature yet. Thus human control is better for added safety and security.

No airport needed with VERTISTOP

Due to its safe internal propulsion and compact form, LEO Coupe holds massive implications for the future of the aerial ecosystem. Besides developing the flying vehicle, UEV has also come up with a solution for efficient infrastructure called VERTISTOP, a concept of travel hubs that can be easy to integrate to existing infrastructure.

This works efficiently with the vehicle’s compact size and deploying easy-to-build VERTISTOPs on existing urban rooftops can create transportation. Rather than create costly, large, new infrastructure, this approach will make the growth of eVTOL networks more rapid, less expensive and more ecologically-friendly.

Once FAA certification is obtained, the company plans to sell the aircraft as a kit that a customer could assemble within 40 hours. The price is expected to be around US$300,000 (about RM1.243 million) and a demonstrator should be in the air by next year.

AirCar’s flying car completes first ever inter-city flight (w/VIDEO)


VPCM Announces 0% GST Service Pricing & 10 Exclusive Units Of 3-Door Volkswagen Golf R Open For Booking!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) hasannounced that a special batch of 3-door Golf R units is now open for booking. The very exclusive 3-door Golf R is limited to only 10 units in Malaysia, and is offered in Lapiz Blue. The 3-door Golf R is priced at
RM268,888
(before registration).

Similar to its 5-door sibling, the 3-door Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a
7-speed
 wet clutch direct shift gearbox (
DSG
), giving an impressive output of
290PS
 and a torque of
380Nm
 between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION
all-wheel drive
 system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators, and progressive steering.

However, the 3-door Golf R is not offered with KESSY keyless locking and engine starting system, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM
 said that the Golf R is one of the most desirable Volkswagen models of all time, and the availability of the 3-door Golf R should have fans excited.
“This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly”
 he said.

VPCM also announced the new pricing of their cars, following the announcement of 0% GST starting from 1st June 2018.

The
Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter
 encouraged owners whose Volkswagen cars are due for their service to make an appointment at their respective service centres and to take advantage of the 0% tax holiday.
 “Our commitment to our customers extends to our efforts in maintaining a strong level of transparency when it comes to owning a Volkswagen car, hence the availability of the service pricing guide,”
 he added.

VPCM is continuously working on enhancing the ownership experience, and part of this initiative was the introduction of the 3-year free maintenance program in early 2018, in addition to the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and 5-year roadside assistance offered on all Volkswagen models.

For a comprehensive list of the
service pricing guide
, visit:
https://www.volkswagen.com.my/my-vw/service-maintenance-schedule.

For the full range of VW models sold in Malaysia and their price & specs, click this:
 https://www.volkswagen.com.my/models/models


Proton In 2018: Part 11 – Ensuring Aftersales Improves & Geely Moves Up 76 Places in Global Fortune 500 [+Video]

The
 Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
 has announced that the company has moved up a whopping
76
 places in the
Global Fortune 500
 ranking, after posting revenues in excess of
US$41.1 billion
 in 2017.

This is the
7th
 year in the row that Geely has been listed in the prestigious Global Fortune 500, and for full details you can download this:
ZGH 7 Years in Fortune 500 Press Release

In other news, the inaugural
PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018
 will be held from 20 July to 19 August 2018. Hundreds of after sales personnel from PROTON dealers and branches will be put to the test to prove their skills, speed and accuracy in their areas of expertise. This is part of PROTON’s talent management initiative.

Designed as a platform for all after sales personnel around the country to showcase their ability and quality of work in handling customers’ cars, the competition offers an incentive trip and cash prizes worth
RM50,000
 to the winners. “The PROTON After Sales Service Competition is part of PROTON’s continuous effort to enhance the skills of our technicians to serve our customers better and also to reward those who show exceptional ability.

“Winners will be rewarded with an incentive trip to Shanghai, China, where they have the opportunity to visit Geely Headquarters and
Geely Research Centre
. This will be an eye opener for our local technicians to explore the full breadth of capabilities at Geely from design to development of the complete vehicle,”
 said
Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.

“Exceptional after sales service is the key to retain our existing customers as well as attracting new ones. When we provide good quality services to them, we are able to increase customer loyalty and benefit from them spreading the news via word-of-mouth. Technicians or mechanics play an important role in ensuring this to happen. Throughout the Competition, our technicians will compete against each other, helping them improve their skill level. Ultimately, this assists to build the quality of our after sales services and take it to a higher level to be on par with global standards,”
 he added.

The pre-qualifying round for PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018 will be held in 5 regions starting from 20 July. Top three participants at the regional level will compete in the Final at COE, Subang Jaya on 13 – 15 September.

During the regional level competition, participants will be given an Engine Overhaul task where they are required to dismantle and assemble a Proton VVT engine within three hours. They will be judged based on their speed, accuracy and troubleshooting competencies throughout the process.
“With improvement in sales and quality month by month, we are confident that PROTON is on the right track to grow. We recognise that good quality products allow us to sell more cars, but great service goes a long way to retain and grow our customer base so this is what PROTON is striving to achieve,”
 Rashid added further.


KLIA Terminal 1 To Undergo Drastic Changes in The Next 3 Years

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Terminal 1 at KL International Airport (KLIA) will undergo significant renovations over the next three years, including the modernisation of the aerotrain and baggage handling equipment.

These initiatives are anticipated to help KLIA Terminal 1 regain its ranking as one of the top airports in the world; it is now ranked 67th, down from 62nd in 2022.

Prior to falling to 14th place in 2013 and 44th place in 2018, KLIA Terminal 1’s highest-ever ranking was second in 2001. The position deteriorating is a concern because of the loss of attractiveness at KLIA Terminal 1.

To make KLIA Terminal 1 great once more, the ecology as well as the service quality must work together. This includes being welcoming to the retail sector’s investment in a range of amenities and services.

Loke noted that KLIA Terminal 1 will not be replaced as the nation’s primary airport as a result of the 58-year-old Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) Airport in Subang’s renovation. The Subang airport which itself will undergo upgrade works, will mostly be used for niche travellers such as business or domestic travellers.


The New Maserati GT2 Is A Race-Only MC20

A new GT2 variation aims to achieve the same for the racing community that the mid-engined MC20 did for supercar enthusiasts. The MC20-based vehicle, simply known as the Maserati GT2, is intended to compete head-to-head with other GT2 racing vehicles from brands like Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini.

Prior to a full assault on the championship the next season, the GT2 will compete in the last rounds of the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series.

The GT2 has some significant mechanical upgrades to make it competitive on the track, including a new six-speed sequential gearbox that replaces the eight-speed twin-clutch unit used in the street version of the MC20. As you may have guessed, this means that the GT2 is not legal for use on public roads.

A race-spec limited-slip diff, forged 18-inch centre-lock wheels, slick (or wet) tyres, and manually adjustable two-way dampers are among more mechanical upgrades.

Additionally, there is also a new exhaust for Maserati‘s 3.0-litre V6. The twin-turbo Nettuno motor is rated at the same 621hp as it is in road tune, but there’s a good chance it could be forced to run with less power depending on the judgements of the people in charge of the enigmatic balance-of-performance regulations that handicap cars deemed to be too quick in order to create closer races.

However, regardless of how much downforce the donor road vehicle produces, no GT2 car will be able to compete at the front of the field without a significant amount of aero support. Therefore, the GT2 receives canards, a splitter, saw-tooth front fender cuts, a massive rear wing and diffuser, as well as a completely flat underbody. A huge roof snorkel and wider rear fender air intakes were both added with the goal of improving cooling at sustained racing speeds. The also cabin receives air conditioning.

Thanks to the Enzo-based MC12, Maserati was the brand to beat in the middle of the previous century and the early years of this one.

The Trident thus returns to the world of exciting GT competitions with this GT2, the result of a creative and design partnership between the Maserati Innovation Lab, the Centro Stile Maserati and the technological excellence of the Maserati dynamic simulator in hopes of regaining that title.