Maserati allows the world to look inside its top secret Innovation Lab

Some of the most secret areas in a car company are those where future products are planned and new technologies developed. These are the R&D facilities where, in some cases, even the employees are subjected to security checks every day. At one company, they are allowed to bring in handphones but these must be very old models that have no cameras and recording capability.

So it’s a surprise move that Maserati has opened the doors of its Innovation Lab which is usually off-limits. Of course, this look inside the Innovation Lab is not going to be on the list of tourist tours in Modena!

The brand’s engineering hub, inaugurated in September 2015 and located in Modena, Italy, has the fundamental role of driving research technology, development and planning. At this facility, the digital processes support the product development, applying the exclusive Maserati formula which, by means of an integrated approach, prioritizes the human factor right from the initial phases. Concern with customer needs has been scrupulously incorporated into the virtual simulation process thanks to an exclusive mix of hardware and software.

The Product Development hub (or Technical Department) employs more than 1,500 technicians (including those at other locations in Italy). The majority are engineers of some 17 different nationalities and it is a very young and dynamic workforce with an average age of around 37 years. Almost half of the employees are under 35 and 20% are under 30. The organization has grown considerably in recent years, attracting top graduates from the best Italian universities, including those that collaborate with Maserati.

Static Simulator

The Static Simulator is the starting point for every experience in the Maserati realm of simulation. The system is composed of a cockpit, three projectors and high computational power. It is a simple system that helps engineers, from the very initial phase of the development process, obtain immediate feedback from the driver, and makes a major contribution to new model validation.

In particular, Maserati engineering ensures a driver-centred strategy even during virtual development, by creating a link between the Hardware In the Loop (HiL) methodology and the simulator. Using this approach, real subsystems such as steering and braking, ABS and ESC can be added in, to create tests that connect physical and simulated components to provide a test-bed for developing all the characteristics of a new vehicle.

Last, but not least, driver assist systems can be developed, trialled and validated in a safe environment by reproducing the complex scenarios which may arise anywhere in the world.

DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology

The Dynamic Simulator featuring latest generation DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology is the most modern and advanced found in Europe. It is extremely valuable in the development of all the new models. The Dynamic Simulator incorporates state-of-the-art technology and enables full exploitation of systems’ integration thanks to the evolution of proprietary control strategies, cutting development times and costs. It also helps to reduce the number of prototypes and ensures that the Virtual Sign-Off is very close to the final product.

With various directions of movement, this tool generates an effective driving experience in a virtual environment that emulates the driving dynamics of a car in the real world. Numerous environments can be programme with a wide variety of road surfaces or contexts, including the world’s top international racing circuits. The simulator makes it possible to test cars on various racetracks on the same day. Modifications to the vehicle can be made with a few simple clicks and this greatly simplifies the analysis of the data gathered.

The majority of simulators utilize six actuators in order to offer six “degrees of freedom”. The innovative dynamic simulator used at the Innovation Lab takes full advantage of 9 actuators, thanks to which it can utilize 3 degrees of freedom with the lower platform and 6 with the upper one. In this way, it can offer in total 9 degrees of freedom to accurately reproduce the driving characteristics of a car. All of this enables the engineers to precisely analyse the dynamics of the car, in addition to driving performance and comfort, all on the same moving platform.

Another particularly interesting characteristic is a very thin cushion of air which makes the entire platform float over the pavement, enabling dynamic, silent and continuous movement thanks to the electric actuators.

The Dynamic Simulator featuring latest generation DiM (Driver-in-Motion) technology offers tried and tested technology that makes it possible to achieve a 50% reduction in time-to-market for new cars, to carry out 90% of all development on the simulator and to reduce by 40% the use of physical prototypes.

Using the simulator makes it possible to study and emulate the electrified vehicles included in Maserati’s future plans even before physical tests become possible. Thus, the new opportunities offered by this different propulsion method can be analysed and explored in ways that keep the Maserati DNA absolutely intact.

The User eXperience development labs

These labs are fundamental in the design of the human-machine interfaces, one of the major challenges of the latest Maserati development projects. The rapid evolution of connectivity and the use of driver assist systems, combined with electrification, generate a vast number of scenarios for multisensorial interaction with the vehicle.

The Maserati driver simulator hub includes a lab dedicated to vehicle ergonomics, enabling accurate reproduction of driving posture, visibility and interactions with the on-board controls and displays, and where the vehicle under development can be driven in any scenario with the utmost realism.

The skylight simulator, for example, is designed to reproduce lighting conditions at all times of day, at any point in the year and at any latitude. Here there is an in-depth focus on reflection problems, to avoid disturbance at the wheel while still providing solutions with attractive shapes, materials, finishes and colours.

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Updated Volkswagen Arteon range includes Shooting Brake variant

The Volkswagen Arteon, successor to the CC model, has received an extensive update for its new model year as well as gained a second bodystyle variant in the form of the Arteon Shooting Brake. For readers not familiar with a ‘shooting brake’, it’s actually an old term from the days of horse carriages which were used to carry equipment during hunting sessions. It evolved into the stationwagon but a ‘shooting brake’ is usually more sporty looking.

Volkswagen’s new entry in the shooting brake segment indicates that this segment still has potential in spite of the continued growth in demand for SUVs. There are people who want the extra load-carrying capability but not the tallness and bulkiness of a SUV (although many of today’s crossover SUVs are almost like cars anyway).

The Arteon is Volkswagen’s Gran Turismo — marrying the sleek design of a premium coupe to the space of a midsize sedan. With the Shooting Brake, the difference starts from the B-pillar rearwards. Instead of the coupe-shaped rear end, the roof and window lines are extended towards the rear on the Shooting Brake and end in the new roof spoiler.

At the top, the window line runs parallel to the roof. However, at the bottom, the lines move upwards towards the D-pillars, thus making the window area at the rear narrower and more striking. All elements together form the sporty rear profile typical for a Shooting Brake.

Sharper looks

The latest Arteon has a more a refined front end with sharpened design elements. The long, wide bonnet stretches across the entire front profile to the wheelarches to form the shoulder section. At the front, it reaches far down into the grille, emphasizing the ample width of the car with its crossbars. Aerodynamically, it’s pretty efficient with a Cd of 0.265.

The Arteon can also be configured with an illuminated grille, which was not available before. On certain versions, new LED daytime running lights (DRLs) connect to form a central light bar in the grille, surrounding the new Volkswagen logo and using light as the new chrome. Consequently, the Arteon has been given a new and unmistakable daytime and night-time lighting signature.

The lower section of the front profile, the front apron, has also been modified. Up to now, this area featured four chrome bars. These have now been transformed into three significantly more striking chrome bars.

There are some differences depending on the trim grade. For example, some versions may have two additional, separate air intake openings in front of the front wheels while the R-Line features one larger, continuous, bottom air intake above the front spoiler that is surrounded by a C-shaped section on the outside in front of the front wheels.

2-litre turbocharged TSI engine

Powertrain choices include hybrid

Depending on the market, the Arteon will have at least four powertrain choices – a powerful 2-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine, 2-litre turbodiesel or a plug-in hybrid. 4Motion all-wheel drive is also available for some variants. The flagship Arteon has R-Performance Torque Vectoring which distributes torque variably both between the axles and also between the rear wheels depending on the driving situation.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain

Different interior functionality

The two variants differ in functionality inside, with the Shooting Brake having more versatility. With the unique design of its roof section, the Shooting Brake offers more headroom at both the front and rear. As standard, the rear seat backrest can be folded asymmetrically in both variants.

Behind the Shooting Brake’s rear seat bench is a luggage compartment capacity of up to 565 litres when loaded up to the backrest and luggage compartment cover. Loading the vehicle up to the front seat backrests increases the loading capacity to 1,632 litres (fastback: 1,557 litres). In both cases, the load space has a maximum length of 2.09 metres (up to the front seats).

Interior redesigned for refinement

The updated Arteon gets a redesigned cockpit with further refinement. At the topmost level of the dashboard, new leatherette surfaces stand out by having been refined are more pronounced with decorative seams to visually build a bridge to Volkswagen’s luxury SUV, the Touareg. On the second level, new aluminium decor is installed, with midrange versions having translucent aluminium decor and 30-colour ambient lighting. The air outlets, stretching up to the third dash panel level, are fully integrated here.

Like the new Golf, the Arteon has the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This allows the driver to configure the instrument display on the 10.25-inch display. The driver can quickly and easily switch between three basic layouts using a View button on the multifunction steering wheel.

Volkswagen is also offering a newly developed, high-end sound system made by audio specialists harman/kardon for the very first time. It has been specifically geared towards the Arteon product line. The system uses a 700W, 16-channel Ethernet amplifier to power a total of 12 high-performance loudspeakers.

The range of technical innovations involves powertrains as well as further IQ.DRIVE assist systems. The Travel Assist system, an option, enables partly automated driving within a speed range from 0 km/h to 210 km/h (within the system limits). An integral part of Travel Assist is the ACC with predictive speed control. The adaptive cruise control reacts to speed limits, towns, bends, roundabouts and junctions with corresponding speed adaptation.

In combination with the Travel Assist system, the steering wheel rim additionally features touch-sensitive surfaces which, once the system has been activated, detect whether the driver has at least one hand on the steering wheel for safety reasons.

Launch in Malaysia still pending

The Arteon was expected to be in Malaysian showrooms last year as bookings were being accepted in July. A unit was shown at various dealerships between July and October, with the price then quoted as RM290,000 upwards. However, it’s now been a year and we have yet to see the model.

Visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
 to know more about models available in Malaysia.

Volkswagen Store opens for online business on Shopee


MINI makes The Rally Professor happy for Christmas

In the motorsports world, specifically the rallying side, Rauno Aaltonen is known as the ‘rally professor’, but too much theory eventually spoils even the happiest of experts. He has had to spend the past 8 months at home in his Finnish homeland due to the applicable lockdown regulations. No excursions on the rally slopes, no trial of strength in historical races, no practical courses with enthusiastic students… very boring.

Aaltonen is now 82 years old, but his impressive level of fitness still allows him to grapple with the steering wheel. Never before, he says, has he had to do without driving for as long as in the pandemic year 2020. And, no, he was really not made for retirement.

A special present for an old friend

Loyal friends at MINI thought of what exactly would against such boredom, and came up with the idea of a special kind of pre-Christmas present. It was clear what the experienced rally driver and long-time companion of the British brand was missing most – it wasn’t just a package laced up, but also a ‘sledge’ set in motion.

A closed vehicle transport trailer containing a classic Mini was hooked up to a modern MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 which had the destination of Rovaniemi set into its navigation system. That’s a city in Finland and besides being the place that Aaltonen stays, it is also known globally as the ‘official home of Santa Claus’.

By land to the home of Santa Claus

From Munich, the trailer and the Cooper S Countryman ALL4 initially headed straight for the Baltic Sea, and after a 30-hour ferry ride, made its way for another 14 hours on the roads of Finland, some of which were already snowy in winter.

While Santa would have been preparing to send presents to children all over the world (we’re told he got priority for the COVID-19 vaccine), the present from the MINI team arrived in Rovaniemi which lies almost on the Arctic Circle. With the New Normal, the delivery had to be contactless so upon arrival, the rear of the trailer opened and a classic red Mini – just like the one used by Aaltonen – came rolling out.

The Professor didn’t waste time getting behind the wheel and a  little later, snow was flying in a high arc as the old master roared away drifting on an extensive tour through deeply snow-covered Finnish forests. The forced break was finally over and he was finally able to ‘play the piano with his feet’ again.

“Rauno has given us so many moving moments in almost 60 years. Now is the perfect moment to give something back,” said Bernd Korber, Head of the MINI brand.

Aaltonen and Mini

The relationship between Aaltonen and the British brand goes back to 1961. At that time, the Finn had just become national rally champion in his home country and was determined to take on the challenge of the famous Monte Carlo rally. He chose the Mini to enter but that first time ended with a spectacular crash.  In January 1963, Aaltonen did better in the snow and ice, finishing as class winner and third in the overall standings.

From year to year, the classic Mini and the works team, which Aaltonen was part of, were better and better prepared for the unique requirements of the Monte Carlo Rally. Precise instructions were given by Aaltonen in terms of car set-up, additional equipment and road conditions and even tyre choices for the changing road conditions. “Everything that was allowed and possible within the regulations was also taken into account,” he recalled.

Nevertheless, the great triumph was initially reserved for others. In 1964, Northern Irishman “Paddy” Hopkirk took the first overall victory in the Mini Cooper S, and Aaltonen’s compatriot Timo Makinen achieved the second “trick” the following year.

In 1966, the Mini trio known as ‘the three musketeers’ – comprising Aaltonen, Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Makinen –  finished 1-2-3. However, they were disqualified after a controversial decision by the organisers who found the Mini’s lighting system to be illegal. Finally, in 1967, Aaltonen achieved the long-deserved overall victory at the Monte Carlo Rally. With that he had finally made the Mini a rally legend and on top of that put his stamp on the sport as a whole.

‘Inventor’ of left-foot braking

Aaltonen is considered to be the ‘inventor’ of left-hand braking, which enabled him to keep his right foot on the accelerator pedal even when cornering, while the left foot alternated between the clutch and brake pedal. He called it ‘playing the piano with your feet’.

Rauno Aaltonen is one of the pioneer instructors of BMW’s Driver Training Program which started in 1976. He has helped thousands of drivers in many countries (including Malaysia) to be better and safer.

In addition, the Finn introduced detailed notes on the route and was the first to send ‘ice spies’ ahead to report on the conditions. His meticulous preparation and the ability to vividly explain his rapid driving manoeuvres soon also benefited Aaltonen beyond rallying. He was also invited to be the first chief instructor of BMW Driver Training when it began in 1976 (now known as BMW and MINI Driving Experience).

Click here for other news on the classic Mini and modern MINI


BREAKING: Sergio Marchionne’s Health Worsens, FCA Appoints New CEO

In its entirety with no editing, this is the news Piston.my received today.

London, 21
st
 July 2018
 – With reference to the health of Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) communicates with profound sorrow that during the course of this week unexpected complications arose while Mr. Marchionne was recovering from surgery and that these have worsened significantly in recent hours.

As a consequence, Mr. Marchionne will be unable to return to work
.

The Board of Directors of FCA, meeting today, firstly expressed its closeness to Sergio Marchionne and his family and underlined the extraordinary contribution, both human and professional, that he has made to the Company in these years.

The Board resolved to accelerate the CEO transition process that has been proceeding over the past months and named
Mike Manley
 as CEO. The Board will therefore propose to the next Shareholder Meeting, to be called in the coming days, that he be elected to the Board and serve as an executive director of the Company.

In the meantime, in order to provide for his full authority and operational continuity for the company, the Board has with immediate effect granted Mr. Manley all the powers of CEO. He will also assume responsibility for the NAFTA region.

Mr. Manley and his management team will proceed with the implementation of the 2018 – 2022 Business Plan as presented on
1 June
 this year, a plan that will further assure FCA’s strong and independent future.

Featured Image from
F1 Undercover.com


Grab Facing Boycott After Suspending Rider Who Confronted Singaporeans At Petrol Station

On June 16, a video of an incident from Johor Bahru was posted to TikTok before being taken down.

It showed a Malaysian Grab rider confronting two Singaporeans at a petrol station who were filling up a jerry can with fuel.

Later, the Johor police admitted the incident had taken place and said there had been a miscommunication between the two sides. They added that the police officers on the site were effective in resolving the conflict.

Later, the 44-year-old delivery driver claimed that his Grab account had been suspended since 6pm on June 21 in a TikTok video released under the handle @matkibot.

The food delivery rider claimed that he kept his ground because he was “in the right” and that the two Singaporeans had eliminated his source of income.

On June 22, a user published a story about the man’s alleged suspension and requested confirmation from Grab Malaysia in a tweet that quickly went viral. The post stated that if it were true, Grab would be instantly uninstalled by the user.

The tweet has received 8,400 retweets and more than 1 million views as of the time of writing. Similar sentiments were also voiced by others, who threatened to boycott and delete the Grab app if the decision was not clarified.

The food delivery rider stated that Grab had looked into the incident and discovered that he was not at fault in a new TikTok video posted on June 22 and reinstated his account.

The rider thanked Malaysians for their support in calling for justice.

Although we are rivals when it comes to supporting either Liverpool or Man United, when it comes to standing for our country, we are untouchable.


Go Auto Sales Opens New Haval Dealership In Skudai & Announces 0% GST Raya Promotion

Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd
, the exclusive distributor for Haval SUV in Malaysia together with authorised dealer,
Ang Trading and Motor Credit Sdn Bhd
 recently launched HAVAL Malaysia’s newest dealership in Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor. The authorised dealership is located at Taman Perindustrian Ringan Pulai, Johor Bahru and shall provide easy access to HAVAL customers staying around Skudai and Johor Bahru area.

Speaking at the official launch,
Executive Director of Go Auto Group, Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal
, said,
“It’s with great pleasure that we welcome and congratulate Ang Trading and Motor Credit to be part of the growing HAVAL Malaysia family and wish them success in both sales and after sales services. The Company continues to achieve the primary goal to always improved the quality and enhance customer satisfaction.”

“This new dealership adds a total of 7 dealership in South of Malaysia with 4 being from Johor – in total the Company now has 24 dealerships nationwide. Both of our current models are certified as EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) which the H1 comes with a seven-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty whereas, the H2 comes with 5-years warranty or 150,000km whichever comes first,”
 Dato’ Azli added.

In addition, with the recent announcement made on
16 May
 in regards of the
Goods & Service Tax (GST)
 which would be zero rated commencing on 1 June 2018, Go Auto has announced a
“NOW or NEVER Celebrating Raya with Zero GST”
 Promotion. The promotion will be from now until
30 June 2018
 offers new and existing HAVAL customers with savings worth up to
RM9,500
 which will also include rebate up to
RM3,000
, ‘duit raya’ up to RM1,200 and petrol vouchers worth
RM300
 in addition to the zero-rated offerings.

Aside from the current promotion, Haval plans to carry out a roadshow nationwide as part of the ongoing
“Reimagine Campaign”
 in Northern, Southern, East Coast and East Malaysia, which will be announced later nearing the event date.

“In line with the recent direction from the government, the zero-rated GST gives Go Auto the opportunity to add-on to the current promotion, we’re definitely excited for this new deal especially with the Raya festivities around the corner – we hope to continue to give customers to own SUVs at competitive prices and to celebrate Raya with a brand-new SUV at the same time,”
 Dato’ Azli added.


Hennessey produces World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Pick-up Truck – the MAMMOTH 1000 TRX

In spite of powerful electrically-powered vehicles appearing with greater frequency now, some companies are still developing more powerful vehicles with good old fashioned internal combustion engines.

One of them is Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the well known Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle builder, which has started production of the world’s most powerful pick-up truck, the MAMMOTH 1000 TRX.

6.2-litre engine boosted to 1,012 bhp/1,313 Nm

Based on the Dodge Ram 1500 TRX pick-up truck, the MAMMOTH 1000 TRX will have a 0 – 60 mph (0 – 96 km/h) time claimed to be just 3.2 seconds – making it the quickest truck in the world. The lightning-quick time is achieved by boosting output from the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine.

Modifications include a high-flow 2.65-litre supercharger, fuel injectors and high-flow induction system alongside performance-boosting calibration raise output to 1012 bhp and torque to 1,313 Nm.

Measuring 5.81 metres long, 2.09 metres wide and 1.97 metres high, the imposing hypertruck makes an enormous statement on the road. Besides carrying 6 adults, it can carry a payload exceeding 1,045 kgs and towing more than 3,500 kgs.

“Because we can!”

“The new MAMMOTH 1000 TRX is the most powerful pick-up truck that Hennessey Performance has ever offered. The Ram TRX already boasts the highest horsepower of any vehicle manufacturer’s pick-up, so our performance, styling and off-road enhancements make this the most formidable new truck you can buy. We’ve already sold more than 100 trucks, with each answering one big question – why have a 1,000-horsepower pick-up truck? Because we can!” said John Hennessey, Company Founder and CEO.

HEP expects the majority of customers will take a highly specified standard model and add the MAMMOTH 1000 package and the Stage 2 off-road enhancements. The popular Stage 2 package adds custom bumpers, LED lights, a front levelling kit, 37-inch off road tyres and upgraded electronic fold-out steps.

Heavily modified but still comes with warranty

Including buying a standard TRX truck, customers will typically pay in the region of US$150,000 (about RM623,400) for the modification, with a 2-year/24,000-mile (38,650 kms) warranty. HEP will ensure exclusivity for its customers by limiting production volumes to 200 units produced during 2021.

New Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: Why other pick-up truck brands should be worried


New Kia Sportage 2WD

NAZA Kia Malaysia has expanded its line up for the Malaysian market recently after announcing the introduction of a new variant of the Korean brand’s Sportage crossover SUV, the Sportage 2WD.
Joining alongside the 4WD-equipped variant, the new Sportage 2WD comes with an attractive on-the-road price tag of RM118,888 – nearly RM19,000 less than the Sportage 4WD variant. It shares the same 2.0-litre Nu MPI four-cylinder petrol engine as found in its 4WD-equipped sibling, as well as the six-speed automatic transmission, but it now adopts a more conventional front-wheel-drive layout instead.

Despite losing out on a few features from its premium 4WD variant, the new entry-level variant still boasts an extensive features list on board. Highlights include a seven-speaker infinity audio system paired with a 4.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, automatic headlights with reverse camera and keyless entry plus engine push-start button.

In terms of safety, this new basic variant still holds a strong case as it comes primed with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESP), hill start assist and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

Available for viewing and purchases via authorised Kia dealers nationwide, the new Kia Sportage 2WD is available on three paint scheme options and comes with Kia’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty plan as well.


Bermaz Motor to offer more powerful Mazda CX-5 with turbocharged petrol engine

The current Mazda CX-5 has been selling like hotcakes since its launch, partly thanks to its competitive pricing due to local assembly. In the first 6 months of this year, it is estimated that almost 9,000 units were assembled at the Mazda facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah. Some are exported to neighbouring countries as Mazda has chosen Malaysia as the production hub for the model.

Soon Bermaz Motor will add a another turbocharged variant to the CX-5 line-up, to cater to those who want an extra boost in performance. The new variant will be powered by a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine with a 2.5-litre displacement. The engine, without a turbocharger, is already available in the current range but does not have All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

19% more power, 63% more torque

Adding a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre engine bumps up the engine output by about 19% to 230 ps at 5,000 rpm, with torque getting a big jump of 63% to 420 Nm. And all of that 420 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm, whereas peak torque for the non-turbocharged engine is at 3,250 rpm. Power flows through a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission and is intelligently distributed to all four wheels with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system.

Flagship level specs can be expected

At this time, Bermaz has not released the specs and price but from the preview unit on display, a very high equipment level can be expected. The CX-5 sports LED headlamps/DRLs and tail lamps and on each corner are 19-inch wheels with 225/55 tyres. The dashboard has the updates for the 2019 model year (we saw a heads-up display) and the Mazda Connect infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Safety-wise, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD should have the complete Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies to help the driver avoid an accident as well as reduce the effects of one if it occurs. High-tech features like LED headlights which can adjust their beams depending on conditions as well as pivot as the car goes around corners are already offered in some of the variants. There’s also autonomous braking – not just at the front to avoid a collision but also when reversing, which is a rare feature.

More information will be available when the new variant is officially launched in the near future. In the meantime, if you are in the Klang Valley from
 September 4 – 9
, you can check out the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD at the Sunway Pyramid complex in Petaling Jaya.

Click here for other news and articles about Mazda on PISTON.MY


Honda Civic RS Sedan With e:HEV Hybrid Technology Officially Launched, Priced From RM166,500 (w/VIDEO)

It’s been a busy year for Honda Malaysia, having started with the launch of the
new Honda Civic
 and then the
HR-V
, two popular models that presently have long waiting lists. And to end the year, the company has launched an additional variant for the Civic in the form of the Civic e:HEV Hybrid today.

This is no surprise, of course, as it was already announced a month ago and Honda Malaysia even allowed us to get the
first drive impressions
 at the Sepang circuit. We were able to show you what the car looks like and the only things that were not known then were the interior (under embargo) and of greater interest to the public, the price.

So first off, here’s the price:
RM166,500
 (without insurance) for the single RS version and this is around RM15,800 more than the Civic RS with just a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. So, by virtue of its price, the Civic e:HEV would be the flagship of the range which includes the 1.5V and 1.5E versions. Malaysia is one of only three countries in the world to have the e:HEV version of the Civic Sedan, the others being Thailand and China.

Bigger engine for hybrid system
The Civic e:HEV also comes with a bigger engine size of 2-litres, similar to that in the new 11th generation Accord that made its debut recently. Honda’s hybrid technology has come a long way since the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system of the late 1990s, one of the earliest mass-produced hybrid systems in the world.

Related:
e:HEV – How Honda’s Hybrid Technology Has Evolved In Over 20 Years

While the early approach was to have a small petrol engine working with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption as well as lessen exhaust emissions, new technologies like direct fuel injection have made it possible to increase engine size for better performance while also achieving better fuel economy and environmental performance.

Honda engineers have therefore installed a 2-litre petrol engine to the e:HEV system which also has and two compact, powerful electric motors. Together with a power-dense (72 cells) lithium-ion battery pack that has a capacity of 1.05 kWh, the system output from the e:HEV system is 135 Kw (equivalent to 184 ps) and 315 Nm.

The engine, which has industry-leading thermal efficiency of 41%, direct contributes 105 kW (143 ps)/189 Nm which is used for stronger acceleration or sustained higher speeds as well as for powering the second electric motor to recharge the battery pack.

The e:HEV system prioritizes use of the electric motor, especially when starting off, except when the battery level may be low. Intelligent and sophisticated programming allows the system to switch between pure electric and engine drive modes, as well as a combination of both. Unless you watch the power flow meter, it’s hard to say which mode is in operation as the transitions are seamless.

An important advantage of a hybrid drive like the e:HEV system is that no external recharging is necessary. This means no worries about how far you can travel as the battery pack will constantly be recharged as the car moves. In fact, even when braking or decelerating, the energy that is lost through heat is recovered and used for recharging as well. Therefore, the Civic e:HEV’s range is only limited by the petrol in the tank and that fuel is readily available, unlike charging stations.

Over the 20 years of developing and improving its hybrid technology, the Honda engineers have also addressed issues inherent in the earlier systems. One of them is the roughness at lower speeds; with a high rigidity crankshaft and secondary balancer shaft, the engine has lower vibrations over the entire engine speed range.

The battery pack forms part of the latest Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) which has a compact size. The energy density of the IPU allows the electric motors to take more of the load in a greater range of driving scenarios. In turn, this enables the engine to run at a lower operating speed, reducing fuel consumption and allowing greater levels of torque at higher speeds.

The IPU is installed under the rear seat and with its compact dimensions, a thicker seat base can be provided for better comfort. One vent at the side of the seat allows cool air from the cabin to flow around the IPU to keep it cool and another vent allows warm air to escape.

Different drive modes
As in many cars today, there are drive modes that provide performance characteristics to suit personal preference or driving conditions. The Civic e:HEV has four – Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. Additionally, there is a ‘winding road detection system’ which ensures the system is in the optimum drive mode for responsiveness and less unnecessary and frequent switching of drive modes.

In EV mode, like in fully electric cars, the powertrain noise is very low and for most people, there may be a ‘disconnect’ between what they hear and what they feel. Linear shift control matches engine sound to engine speed for a more familiar feel and in Sport mode, this is enhanced further using Active Sound Control, which generates an enhanced aural sensation from speakers in the door panels.

Structurally, the Civic e:HEV is the same as the non-hybrid versions although there are some differences and also an overall weight difference of 100 kgs (with the IPU adding about a third of that weight). The presence of the IPU lowers the centre of gravity by 10 mm, which is good for stability, while rear torsional rigidity has been increased by3% and unsprung mass ratio decreased by 0.4%. This benefits driving dynamics and ride quality, as we noticed during our drive.

Same exterior form, cosmetic differences
We’ve already mentioned the exterior differences between the Civic RS e:HEV and Civic RS earlier but here’s a quick recap. The overall form is the same with similar dimensions so at glance, you won’t be able to tell the difference. But when you park the cars side by side, then you will see that the surface treatment of the grille is different and the ‘H’ badges (front and rear) are encircled in blue.

Civic e:HEV wheels (left) and Civic RS wheels (right).

More chrome is used, the most noticeable being around the front and rear windows as well as the door handles. The 18-inch alloy wheels are also differentiated with a dual-tone design instead of being entirely black while at the rear end, there is a single tailpipe finisher.

Inside the Civic e:HEV
We don’t know why Honda Malaysia didn’t want us to show the inside of the car earlier since it is pretty much the same as the non-hybrid models. It has the same modern dashboard with a clean uncluttered design that is reminiscent of the first Civic (for those can remember it). What is striking is the metal honeycomb mesh trim that stretches the full width of the. It not only serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and the climate controls, but also hides the air vents that are normally distinct (but not always visually appealing) elements.

The cabin layout maintains Honda’s ‘Man Maximum/Machine Minimum’ approach that maximizes cabin space, while minimizing space required for mechanical components. The interior designers looked to past generations of the Civic and found ideas that are still valid today to give comfortable accommodation, good ergonomics and a driver-focussed cockpit.

Black is a popular interior colour in Malaysia so the Civic e:HEV has it as well and the standard equipment is essential similar to the Civic RS. While the centre display screen is the same 9-inch panel, the e:HEV version gets a wider 10.25-inch TFT instrument panel which can be customized to present information as a bar or round display. The former provides more detailed information while the latter has a classic 2-meter display with the Adaptive Cruise Control distance indicator between the meters.

Additional ‘flagship’ features include dual-zone air-conditioning and wireless charging if you have a smartphone that has the capability. The Civic e:HEV also comes with a Key Card that is the thickness of two credit cards. It acts as a validator for locking/unlocking the doors and starting the engine. Not a new idea as Renault introduced it in Malaysia many years back but a nice convenience to have.

Honda Connect
Incidentally, as with some other Honda models, there is also remote start available which allows starting the engine from far away to run the air-conditioner and cool down the interior. This is one of the features of Honda Connect which provides safety and security. Honda Connect, which uses an app, includes Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services. It even has an Automatic Collision Detection System that will notify Honda’s 24-Hour Roadside Assist Call Centre in case of an accident or airbag deployment in the car. This will enable rescue services to be dispatched faster to the car’s location which will also be known.

Camera-only Honda SENSING system
Honda Connects advances safety through connectivity but the Civic e:HEV also has active and passive safety systems that make it a very safe car to travel in. It has Honda SENSING for advanced driver assistance to create awareness of dangerous situations as well as help prevent them. In some cases, braking will be automatically activated if the driver does not act in time when there is a collision likely to occur.

The Honda SENSING system no longer has a radar and uses only a camera mounted at the top of the windscreen. This camera is more advanced and has a wider field of view (100 degrees, double the width of the previous camera). Where the radar was used to measure the distance to a vehicle ahead, this function can now be done by the camera.

A new feature added to Honda SENSING is Lead Car Departure Notification. It’s not really a safety-related feature but more for convenience and perhaps to minimize upsetting drivers behind. This feature will notify the driver by audio and visual alerts when the car in front moves off, say at a traffic light. This will avoid the driver behind being irritated and pressing the horn when the car does not move, so Honda helps keep the world peaceful too!

Incidentally, the Adaptive Cruise Control has Low Speed Follow as well, which means that its adjustment of speed can be down to zero if the car ahead stops. When it moves again, the Civic will also start moving and maintaining the safe gap. This will be useful going through toll plazas and generally reduce fatigue and stress in congested traffic conditions.

Popularising hybrids
Honda Malaysia was the first company to put an effort into popularizing hybrids. It began selling electrified models with the first Civic Hybrid in 2004 but with no government support (through incentives to lower retail prices), the high price discouraged buyers. It tried again in 2007 and sold more units and in 2012, it began assembling the Jazz Hybrid, the first company to assemble a hybrid locally.

Since then, hybrids have been a part of the Honda range in Malaysia and the company has been trying to bring prices down. Back in 2007, Takeo Fukui, President of Honda Motor at that time, told Malaysian journalists that the company wanted to bring hybrid system costs down so they could be more affordable and more people would be able to buy them. The technology is still expensive (though not as high as battery electric technology) but through various innovations, the cost is slowly coming down.

Besides the new Civic e:HEV Hybrid, the other three Honda models with e:HEV technology are the RS versions of the City Sedan, HR-V and City Hatchback.

Today, the new Civic e:HEV is joins the local Honda range as the fourth hybrid model. The percentage of sales of hybrid variants remains small – 5% for the City Sedan, 8% for the City Hatchback and 11% for the HR-V. But Honda Malaysia is confident that the numbers will grow in time to come. As electrification of cars picks up, hybrids are the practical choice, especially for Malaysia, and Honda offers a selection for you to choose from.

To know more about the new Civic e:HEV RS Sedan or to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit
www.honda.com.m
y
. For your own copy of a Civic RS brochure,
click here
.


Fuel prices for September 28 to October 4 2019


TAU Trading Malaysia supports Child Passenger Safety Malaysia (CPSM) initiatives to help lower income families

Many Malaysians who follow social media will not have missed the shocking video of a small child being ejected from a car onto a busy highway – very fortunately not being run over although the possibility was very high. The public was quick to condemn the driver for not having the child restrained in a childseat – in spite of the law already making it compulsory since January 2020.

At the same time, there are still those who say it is costly for them to buy childseats, especially if they have many children. This issue is understandable although the life of a child must be given a high priority. Companies like BMW Group Malaysia have offered childseats at a subsidized price to qualified families and there’s a call for more companies in the private sector to help.

There are different types of childseats for different ages, starting from infant. Prices range from RM100 to RM1,600 or more. What’s important is to ensure that the childseat is certified in accordance with Malaysian law.

TAU Trading Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of TAU Corporation Japan, has responded to that call by offering sponsorship to help lower income families get a subsidy for buying a crash-tested safety-approved child safety seat (or child restraint system, CRS). A mock cheque was presented by TAU Corporation Japan’s CEO, Akitaka Miyamoto, to Jchanet Tan, Director of Child Passenger Safety Malaysia (CPSM), an organization dedicated to child traffic safety.

As a start, the sponsorship amount of RM6,400 will be used for a contest where participants have to answer a question and complete a slogan before submitting their answers. It is one approach to further increase understanding on the needs of using CRS for children in moving vehicles. Winners will be presented with cash vouchers valued at RM100 that can be used at any of the retail outlets or brands collaborating with CPSM. The program runs until
February 29, 2020
.

CPSM’s mission is to help the public have a better understanding of child safety in moving vehicles.

“It is our hope that once a program like this is launched, more corporations will be called to action and consider participating or supporting our Road Safety Campaigns. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We can all make a difference if we put our hearts and head together,” said Ms Tan.

Ms Tan noted that there are many in the lower income group who care about the safety of their children but lack the knowledge and capability to do something about it as many of them are struggling financially to provide for their family. “We understand that having a child safety seat will mean an extra expenditure, even for that 1-time cost for 6 years of protection and peace of mind,” she said.

The current CRS regulation came into effect on January 1, 2020 and makes it compulsory for children below 135 cm or less than 12 years old to be properly harnessed in a CRS in private vehicles. CPSM has been a strong advocate of CRS as far back as 2016 but due to lack of funding, its initiatives were limited. Support from both the government and private sectors will enable them to do more.

TAU Corporation, established in 1996, is the leader in damaged car business in japan. The company buys vehicles damaged by accidents, wind, or floods in Japan and sells them to customers in more than 110 countries worldwide. Their vision is that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together with this initiative, they hope that children in Malaysia can travel safer in a crashworthy safety seat driven in a safe car by their caregivers.

For more information, visit the
Child Passenger Safety Malaysia Facebook Page
.

150 units of infant carrier carseats available at a subsidised price with BMW Malaysia’s support


5 New Toyota GR And GR-S Models Launched!

The Toyota GR range of high-performance models began in 2019 with the launch of the GR Supra. At the same time, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also introduced the GR Garage concept, with Malaysian being the first country outside to have it. Since then, GR models and
GR parts
 have been sold through GR Garages which are located at a selected number dealerships around the country.

Since 2019, the range has grown quickly and has been joined by a sporty GR-Sport (GR-S) range which are based on popular models and receive some tuning to improve their dynamic performance. It’s been an open secret that this year will see UMW Toyota Motor widening the GR range of high-performance models substantially. With teaser ads of ‘The Beasts Awaken’, the number of new models will be five and tonight, they are revealed…

GR SUPRA MT – RM645,000
 |
GR SUPRA AT – RM655,000
The GR Supra is the car that started the GR range of performance-oriented models when it was launched in 2019. For the 2023 model year, the coupe gets the manual transmission which enthusiasts have been asking for.

The 6-speed manual gearbox has been specifically developed to match the performance characteristics of the 3.0-litre straight six with a twin-scroll turbocharger. In its latest form, this mighty 24-valve DOHC engine produces 388 ps between 5,800 – 6,500 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,800 – 5,000 rpm going only to the rear wheels the way a pure sportscar should.

The intelligent 6-speed manual transmission matches engine speeds on up and down shifts for smooth and sporty driving. While the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h with the manual transmission is a quicker 4.1 seconds compared to 4.4 seconds with the automatic transmission.

In addition to adding the option of the manual transmission with the 8-speed automatic transmission, Toyota GR engineers have also further refined the steering and suspension characteristics by modifying the stabilizer bushings and retuning the adaptive variable suspension.

The chassis control systems have also been recalibrated to improve handling performance and ride comfort. Taking note of feedback from high-performance drivers in the time that the car has been in the market, the latest GR Supra now has a Performance Rod added to increase lateral rigidity.

Customers can choose from seven colours – Prominence Red, Lighting Yellow, White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Matte Storme Grey Metallic.

GR COROLLA – RM355,000
The new GR Corolla is the latest member of the GR range, joining the GR Supra, GR86 and GR Yaris. Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla is the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the GR Yaris. However, its performance has been uprated with power output increased to 300 ps at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm between 3,000 and 5,550 rpm.

Available only with an intelligent 6-speed manual transmission (iMT), the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel drive (AWD) system developed through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s involvement in the World Rally Championship. The driver can choose from three drive modes and three AWD modes to tailor the performance to road conditions or personal preference.

For enhanced grip and stability, especially in slippery conditions, there is the support of a Torsen limited-slip differential. The large 18-inch black ENKEI alloy wheels are fitted with 235/45 high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres.

The GR Corolla is easily identifiable as a member of the GR family with its functional form featuring an aggressive profile, widened front fender flares, a carbonfibre roof, and sporty gloss-black accents. The larger and striking Matrix is flanked by side air ducts, while at the are triple-exit exhaust tips and an  aerodynamic spoiler.

Inside, the GR Corolla offers comfort without sacrificing practicality and functionality. As with all  GR and GR-S models, the black theme is accompanied by red accents around the cabin. For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument display with Multi-Information Display (MID) supplemented by a Head-Up Display.

GR86 MT – RM295,000 | GR86 AT – RM305,000
The GR86 has a history dating back to the famous AE86 of the 1980s. When TOYOTA GAZOO Racing developed the modern 86, it signalled the brand’s renewed commitment to sportscar engineering.

The GR86 builds on the success of the 86 with extensive improvements that take its performance to higher levels which make it a worthy member of the GR range. It now has a 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine producing 237 ps at 7,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 3,700 Nm, replacing the 2.0-litre powerplant used before.

The naturally aspirated engine provides linear throttle response and the ability to rev effortlessly to high rpm, with technologies including optimized D4-S direct injection helping to provide significantly more torque for better mid-range response.

Customers have the choice of ordering the GR86 with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, the latter featuring paddle shifters. A range of drive modes and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) settings customize performance characteristics to the preferences of each driver for highway or track use. 5 different VSC settings range from full support to completely switched off (for experienced drivers).

To maximize handling capability, the GR86 comes with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Tuning of the MacPherson strut/double wishbone suspension and steering components give sharper agility, handling that is enhanced by weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity. Chassis reinforcements significantly improve torsional and lateral rigidity, while large front and rear ventilated disc brakes ensure that there is always plenty of stopping power.

Available with a choice of 7 colours, the exterior design has styling elements taken from Toyota’s great sportscars of the past such as the 2000GT and AE86 Levin. The long bonnet, sloping roofline and tapered rear end with a prominent lip spoiler give it a sporty silhouette. Dual exhaust pipes and GR badging complete the rear-end look, with black 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres at each corner.

Inside the GR86 cabin, the designers have created a cockpit with a simple and ergonomic layout focused on pure driving. However, comfort has not been forgotten either and premium leather seats are standard with 6-way adjustment for the driver.

The driver has a configurable 7-inch TFT colour LCD display which provides all the information about the car’s operation. A Track Mode, designed with help from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s professional drivers, provides real-time readouts of important data for circuit driving.

COROLLA CROSS GR-S – RM142,000
The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S shares the same design and 1.8-litre engine as the other locally-assembled variants, with sportier looks on the exterior and interior, as well as a sporty driving feel and better handling.

This new member of the GR-S range is differentiated on the exterior by the following features a 2-tone package with black finish on the mirrors, roof and rear spoiler; clear lens LED rear lamp, exclusive rear bumper lower garnish design and sporty diffuser; radiator grille with a black finish and mesh design; and 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels with exclusive GR-S design and machined finish.

Customers have a choice of 3 exterior colour choices – 2-tone Platinum White Pearl, 2-tone Red Mica Metallic and 2-tone Nebula Blue.

On the inside of the Corolla Cross GR-S are exclusive features such as a Black interior with Red Stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift lever knob and boot, and leather seat covers.

The GR logo also features on the engine push-start button and is embossed on the front seat headrests. while the carpet mats incorporate the red and black GR design.

HILUX GR-S – RM159,880
The Hilux GR-S has similar in general specifications to the locally-assembled Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue with the 204 ps/500 Nm 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It comes with grey body cladding, a black grille frame and overfenders finished in the body colour. The foglights, door mirrors and sport bar are blacked out for a bolder, sportier image.

Customers can choose from three body colours – Super White II, Attitude Black Mica or Crimson Spark Red Metallic – with black and red body side and tailgate graphics inspired the liveries of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s competition vehicles.

The 18-inch alloy wheels, which have an exclusive design for the Hilux GR-S, are fitted with 265/60R18 Highway Terrain Tyres. Behind the wheels, the calipers for the disc brakes are painted red with the GR Logo.

The Hilux GR-S has enhanced driving performance as its sports suspension system uses dedicated monotube shock absorbers and stiffer coil springs. The higher damping force and optimal front-rear suspension balance give outstanding handling, increased stability during cornering and precise steering response.

Exclusive to the Hilux GR-S are paddle shifters, the first time that a Hilux has such a feature that gives the driver more control for a sportier feel and drive. Aluminium sports pedals are also installed for this variant.

Also different from the Hilux Rogue are the front seats which have a different structure for a sportier feel. They are covered with a synthetic leather seat material and have suede and red upper bolsters. As with other GR variants, red stitching can be seen in many areas around the cabin with GR logos on the headrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-start button and Smart key fob. The Optitron meters on the instrument panel have a GR theme with red accents and a GR welcome animation.

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created


VW Introduces 3-Year Free Maintenance Programme

Happy New Year! Well, to usher in 2018, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the introduction of a free
3-year / 45,000km
 (whichever comes first) maintenance programme. All Volkswagen cars registered from 1
st
 January 2018 are eligible, regardless of model.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the three-year free maintenance programme on Volkswagen cars will help provide peace of mind to owners as the cost of caring for their cars are being taken up by Volkswagen.

“With this programme in place, owners need not have to worry about the maintenance of their Volkswagen. This also reaffirms the commitment we have towards our customers – not just in strengthening our aftersales service, but also the Volkswagen ownership experience for our owners,” he added.

The programme covers all maintenance costs, as per the standard maintenance schedule with the exception of wear-and-tear parts such as brake discs, pads, windscreen wipers and bulbs. The owners of the cars will also need to follow the service schedule at authorised Volkswagen service centres or risk voiding the coverage.

In addition to the new programme, customers purchasing any variant of the entire Passat family will also enjoy low interest rates from 0.88% per annum.

For more information click
www.volkswagen.com.my
.


765LT Spider – McLaren’s most powerful-ever convertible supercar

Open-topped cars may not command big volumes but they are still very much in demand, at least in the upper levels of the market. So it is worthwhile engineering a convertible variant (and it’s not just a matter of leaving out the roof) as there will usually be more than enough buyers. That is likely to be the case with the new 765LT Spider, a complementary model to the
765LT ‘Longtail’ coupe
 that McLaren unveiled last year.

This new Spider is McLaren’s most powerful-ever convertible model and with only 765 cars to be available, it will be an exclusive McLaren with each unit having a pricetag starting from £310,500 in the UK (about RM1.823 million before Malaysian tax). MSO Clubsport Pack and MSO LT Black Pack options are available, plus other individual MSO options.

Carrying over the coupe’s dynamic and aerodynamic DNA with no structural compromise and only a minimal 49 kgs weight increase – primarily from the retractable hardtop and accompanying operating mechanism – the 765LT Spider weighs just 1,388 kgs,, which is 80 kgs lighter than a 720S Spider and around 100 kgs lighter than its closest comparable competitor.

High-performance lightweight materials feature throughout, with advanced carbonfibre technologies used for body components. Specific weight-saving components include titanium exhaust system (saving 40% over steel equivalent), Formula 1-grade transmission materials and thinner glass.

Up to 22 kgs has been saved in the development of the LT’s bespoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels. These are fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres specially developed for the 765LT. Titanium wheel bolts are also standard fit.

In addition to all this, a significant proportion of the 80-kg weight-saving over the 720S is achieved inside the cockpit. The carbonfibre-shelled racing seats fitted as standard are together 18 kgs lighter than the 720S sports seats.

The cockpit’s central tunnel is made of carbonfibre just 0.8 mm thick; the door pockets are replaced by nets; and carbonfibre has been used for such micro-details as the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround. Further weight is saved by deleting the floor carpet (saving 2.4 kgs), air-conditioning system (1 0kgs) and audio system (1.5 kgs) – although the latter two can requested by customers at no extra charge.

The Spider version of the carbonfibre MonoCage II – designated MonoCage II-S – was developed alongside the coupe monocoque and shares most of its structural elements, including the windscreen surround. Such is the strength and stiffness of the structure that no additional bracing is required over the coupe – another weight-optimising factor. At the rear of the car, carbonfibre structural supports are fully bonded into the chassis to provide roll-over protection.

The electrically operated, one-piece carbonfibre Retractable Hard Top (RHT) goes from closed to open within 11 seconds (among the world’s quickest) and can operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The convertible roof design plays an integral role in the structure, featuring a carbonfibre frame within the RHT panel and creating a full carbonfibre shell when closed.

The roof mechanism, powered by 8 motors, is also among the world’s quietest. Occupants will experience a sound no louder than 50 dBA during operation, with a peak of 60 dBA during the latching process – twice as quiet as the roof of the 675LT Spider, the first convertible LT supercar.

The rear window, which can be lowered even when the roof is up to intensify the quadrophonic exhaust note, has its own motor, as does the RHT latching mechanism. All these motors are optimised to work in parallel, allowing the roof to begin to move before the tonneau has completely opened, which saves time

There are also additional comfort benefits for occupants: because it is a single-piece panel with no central seal, headroom is improved, while the extended length of the roof panel allows the tops of the A-pillars to be further forward, enhancing the sense of space and easing ingress and egress.

Like every LT, the new Spider is designed to excel on track; the ability to remove the roof makes it an even more immersive and compelling car to drive on the road. There is the same highly evolved aerodynamic package as the coupe but the active rear wing calibration is revised to reflect whether the roof is up or down. A recalibration of the dampers has also been necessary to account for the minor increase in weight. As a result, the Spider matches the coupe’s aero performance in every respect, with class-leading downforce 25% greater than that of a 720S Spider.

765 ps from the 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine makes this the brand’s most powerful convertible, and it has a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 598 ps-per-tonne at lightest dry weight – with 800 Nm of torque. The transmission gear ratios have been revised and makes in-gear acceleration 15% quicker than a 720S Spider.

720S with Gulf racing colours recreated by McLaren Special Operations


PM Announces Special RM50 Rate For Settling Traffic Summonses Issued Before 2023

Besides the announcement of
toll-free travel for Hari Raya
, the Prime Minister has also announced that traffic summonses issued before 2023 can be settled for RM50. Presumably, this is part of the ‘good news’ that was promised to Malaysians but it was the toll rebate that got the bigger publicity.

The offer of RM50 would be greatly appreciated by those who have committed offences with a compoundable fine of up to RM300, as well as those who have a number of summonses. For each one, the fine will be fixed at RM50
from April 21 to May 21, 2023
.

It is likely that these are for compoundable offences – exceeding the speed limit, illegal parking, etc – while offences with serious charges are likely to not be given this special rate as they would need to be brought to court.

While announcing this special offer by the police, the PM said that the police will ensure maximum road safety, especially during the festive period when many will be on the move around the country.

You have to go to court
While the normal rates will apply for summonses issued since January 1, 2023, those who receive summonses for certain offences
between April 18 and April 27, 2023
 will not be able to settle them as compoundable offences. They will be required to go to court to either plead their innocence or admit guilt and be charged and fined accordingly.

Using the mobilephone while driving and driving in the emergency lane are two of the offences which are changed from compoundable to non-compoundable

The offences which are changed from compoundable to non-compoundable during the period stated are 1) driver using mobilephone while operating the vehicle; failure to stop at red traffic lights; driving in the emergency lane; exceeding the speed limit; overtaking on double lines; queue-jumping; and not using the seatbelt (applicable to rear occupants as well).

While you are unlikely to be imprisoned for such offences when found guilty, the fact that you have to go to court rather than just pay up at a police station should be a deterrent. As you will have to attend court in the district or region where the offence was committed, this could be troublesome. Imagine if you are caught for speeding in Kulim and your residence is in Melaka. You would have to travel back north to go to court (usually a 2-week period is allowed in setting the date for appearance).

So keep in mind those seven offences and don’t get a summons for them. Also be aware that the speed limits will be lowered to 80 km/h on Federal roads throughout the country during the Hari Raya period (April 20/21 and April 24/25).

The laws are intended to make motoring safe for everyone and if all motorists can obey them, then we would have a lot less accidents.

Have a safe journey this Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Toll-Free Travel On April 19, 20, 21 And 24 For Hari Raya


Extreme E to add Extreme H in 2024 with hydrogen fuel-cell powered rallycars

Hydrogen is in the air all the time but lately, the gas that is the lightest element has been ‘in the air’, so to speak, with companies like
Toyota  running a hydrogen-fuelled engine
 in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan,
Renault teasing a hydrogen-powered concept car
, and Toyota and Yamaha having a project to adapt a Lexus V8 to run on the gas instead of petrol.

Now Extreme E, the all-electric off-road series, has revealed also plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. To be called ‘Extreme H’, it will run alongside Extreme E, currently in its second season, and will be a world-first for motorsport. Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023.

Extreme H cars will use same powertrain and chassis as those for the current Extreme E cars; however, instead of a battery pack, a hydrogen fuel cell will be used which can generate electricity.

Evolution of Extreme E

“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issue,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E.

“Together with the current Extreme E Teams, we will decide in the coming months the best way to integrate the hydrogen-powered cars into the racing weekend. Two separate categories, full transition to hydrogen or joint racing are all options on the table,” he added.

Elaborating further, Agag said: “Extreme E is an FIA International Series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H. Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation and, by using the existing Extreme E platform, we can also utilise our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process. This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact.”

Fuel cell for electric power

The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source. This propulsion concept has already been commercialized with models such as the Mirai by Toyota and Insight by Honda.

Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

Extreme E’s operations at each event in remote locations utilise various methods to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. To power equipment and recharge the electric rallycars, the organisers provide a combination of battery and green hydrogen power sources in the paddock..

“It is fitting to launch the concept of Extreme H here in NEOM, Saudi Arabia (where the first round of the 2022 season is being held], a place with huge ambition around clean energy solutions, and the perfect example of a location which can and will become home to large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution,” Agag added.

Commenting on the new initiative, Jenson Button, Team Owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, said: “For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series. To see racing of this calibre powered by Hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.”

The world’s most extreme battery for an extreme off-road event


SDAC Announces Ford Ranger “Explore & Experience” Roadshow With Great Deals & Fun Family Activities For The Weekend

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)
, the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has announced the
 ‘Ford Ranger Explore & Experience Roadshow’
 which will run in February until March.

Held at participating Ford showrooms, visitors will be able to explore and experience the Ranger’s smart and safe technologies which has helped the Ranger continue to set industry benchmarks and win multiple accolades, such as being awarded Pickup Truck of the Year in 2018. Opportunity on exciting promotions on selected Ford models will also be made available.

The roadshow also comprises various family-friendly activities such as plinko, rubber duck and a kids colouring corner to keep children entertained. Those who perform a test drive during the roadshow will stand a chance to enter the Ford wind tunnel to win attractive and exclusive Ford merchandise.

Available in Malaysia in nine variants – including the high-speed, off-road performance Ranger Raptor, the high-series Ranger Wildtrak, XLT+, XLT and XL, the line-up features Ford’s latest generation 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine which is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission on selected variants to deliver incredible performance, unchallenged responsiveness and improved fuel efficiency.

Dates and locations of the ‘Ford Ranger Explore & Experience Roadshow’ are as follows:

Dates

Location

22-23 February 2019

Tesco Kota Bharu

9-10 March 2019

Auto Lumina Showroom

Lot 51699, Jalan Persisiran Perling 2, Bukit Indah

81200 Johor Bahru

22-23 March 2019

SDAC Juru Showroom

1679-G2, Highway Auto City,

North – South Highway Juru Interchange, 13600 Prai, Penang

For the latest roadshow updates, visit
https://www.sdacford.com.my/whats-new/events-news/ford-ranger-explore-and-experience-roadshow


Volvo broke Nurburgring lap record in 2016 but didn’t tell anyone!

Bragging rights at the Nurburgring is very important to many manufacturers. A hot lap around the Green Hell is the default standard used to gauge a performance car’s worth. Forget top speeds and 0-100km/h times, their significance pales in comparison to how fast a particular car can get around the insanely tricky and dangerous German track.

When an automaker one-ups the competition, it makes sure the whole world knows about it. It will publish an elaborate press release that is supplemented by a few videos to jack up the hype further. This is considered the norm these days, which is why its rather puzzling why Volvo, decided to do the exact opposite.

After the completion of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) at the Nurburgring, in typical fashion automakers pack up and head home. Volvo on the other hand, chose to stay on to do more research and development. It decided to put several of its race and road cars on the legendary course and push them to their limits to see how fast they would actually go.

The road going S60 Polestar managed to blitz the previous lap record to become the fastest four door production car to lap the infamous Nurburgring. After doing so, Volvo decided to keep the information to itself. Opting instead to make relevant changes to the racing and road cars from what was learnt on that day. The Swedish automaker hopes that, by deciding to keep mum about last year’s accomplishment, it might have a formidable advantage on track in this year’s WTCC.

Check out the video to understand what really happened behind the scenes in 2016 that led to Volvo’s best achievement on the most important proving ground.

Source:
carthottle


The Ferrari Portofino Tour – 20 Cars Drive Across Europe [+Video]

The
Ferrari

Portofino
 was the undisputed star of a Europe-wide tour that hit the road on 16 April. The famous Ligurian town, that both gave the car its name and played host to a world premiere attended by hundreds of clients in September 2017, provided the starting line from which 20 examples of the new Ferrari departed to over 60 cities across the continent.

The Prancing Horse’s most loyal enthusiasts and collectors were treated to a truly exclusive preview of the car’s prowess as they took turns behind the wheel of the Ferrari Portofino on Europe’s most beautiful roads to experience the car’s performance across a wide variety of conditions.

Three alternating itineraries crisscrossed very different terrains, ranging from the rolling Tuscan hills to the slopes of the Alps, the Cote d’Azur, the Scandinavian Peninsula, Stockholm Bay and the Port of Belfast. Settings that of course provided the perfect showcase for the driving pleasure and versatility of this stunning convertible GT, permitting clients to savour the
V8
 engine’s
600hp
, the handling and superior in-car comfort that put it at the top its category.


Ford uses 1.2 billion plastic bottles for auto parts each year

Drinking water is good for you and many take water bottles with them in their car or bag when they go out. However, where the empty bottle ends up is not always certain. Those who care for the environment will make sure they dispose of the plastic bottle in the right place, like a rubbish bin if not a recycling centre. Many though will just throw it by the roadside without a thought and if not collected, it will remain there for the next 450 – 1,000 years, depending on the type of plastic used.

In coastal areas, the bottle may wash into a drain and then into the sea where it joins other rubbish – and more plastic bottles – that float around. Sea creatures are at risk and in areas such as the Pacific gyre, there is a floating mass of plastic bigger than the size of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean!

Carmakers undertake recycling activities

It’s a big challenge getting mankind to stop such pollution so car companies like Ford are helping by using recycled plastic bottles for auto parts. Ford’s use of recycled plastics dates back to the 1990s. In the past decade, aerodynamics has driven the need for underbody shields, and the use of plastics in vehicle parts is used globally and has grown exponentially. Ford uses about 1.2 billion recycled plastic bottles per year – about 300 bottles per vehicle on average.

Underbody shields made of recycled plastics from empty bottles are installed in Ford vehicles

One area where the plastic bottles are used is the underbody shield of the car. “The underbody shield is a large part, and for a part that big, if we use solid plastic it would likely weigh 3 times as much,” said Thomas Sweder, a design engineer at Ford Motor Company. “We look for the best materials to work with to make our parts, and in this case, we are also creating many environmental benefits.”

Ideal material

Due to its light weight, recycled plastic is ideal for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shield, and front and rear wheel arch liners that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics, which impacts fuel efficiency.

An underbody shield

Here’s how it works: when plastic bottles are thrown into a recycling bin, they are collected with thousands of others, and shredded into small pieces. That’s typically sold to suppliers who turn it into a fibre, by melting the bottle and extruding it. Those fibres are mixed together with other various types of fibre in a textile process and used to make a sheet of material – which is then used to make the automotive parts.

“Ford is among the leaders when it comes to using materials such as this, and we do it because it makes sense technically and economically as much as it makes sense for the environment,” Sweder said. “This material is very well suited for the parts we’re making with it and is extremely functional.”

Ford trucks enable you to explore and camp in our jungles but remember to leave nothing behind when you come out. Help to preserve the environment you enjoyed so the next generation can also enjoy it.


One Utama Announces New Parking Rates

One Utama has always been a go-to shopping mall for those who live around the area and even those who don’t still enjoy a trip to this maze of a shopping mall. So to all of you One Utama crazed shoppers, be informed that there is a new parking rate structure for paper tickets that will take effect on 1 July 2023.

Like every other shopping outlet in the country, One Utama is adjusting its parking rates with the current inflation situation we are going through.

Paper tickets for regular parking areas are rated at RM3 for the first four hours and for the Dataran open car park, weekends and public holidays, it will be RM4 with a cut-off time of 4am daily. The note did not mention the price of subsequent hours but it was previously at RM1.

The OneCard rate will remain unchanged. For those of you who don’t know, OneCard is the official Bandar Utama Loyalty Card that rewards members with privileges and loyalty points (UPoints) for shopping, dining and other services offered by participating outlets in 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Centrepoint Neighborhood Centre, 1 First Avenue, The Club @ Bukit Utama, Village Shops @ The Club, One World Hotel and Avante Hotel.

In addition to that, starting from 1 October 2023, One Utama will no longer accept cash for payments at all autopay stations.


Nissan has exoskeleton devices & they’re awesome

Nissan Spain understands that when it comes to its production line, the physical wellbeing of their staff is one of their major priorities. To ensure that they get all the help they need in order to be safe, healthy, and productive, they’ve come up with a revolutionary method;
exoskeleton devices
.

That’s right. This thing looks amazing and it reminds us of when Matt Damon wore one of his very own in the movie ‘Elysium’ (or parts from Pathfinder, the very popular character from the video game, Apex Legends). Their goal is to help reduced muscle stress by up to 60% and also improve the overall wellbeing of its line workers.

Collaborating with the Catalan Automotive Custer (CIAC), these exoskeleton devices have already entered its final testing phase and will be completed by December. If all goes well, they will be integrated into the production process at their massive manufacturing plant in Barcelona, Spain.

So far, 14 participating employees are finalising the details for two different models based on which has the lowest weight and best overall performance in task completions. Made using lightweight alloy materials, the robotic addition does wonders in providing optimum shoulder support, especially during overhead tasks.

According to Lluís Sellarès, Production Engineering Manager at the assembly plant, “At Nissan, we believe innovation should transform not only the way people drive but also how they live. With technology bringing value to our customers, it is only right our employees benefit as we work to improve working conditions. We are very pleased to be part of a landmark project for the industry which serves as a launchpad for upscaling ergonomic support of manufacturing roles across our plants.”

Additional choices in Nissan X-Trail range from Edaran Tan Chong Motor


‘Neon Nights’, a vibrant trilogy of Rolls-Royce cars

Customers of Rolls-Royce can personalise their car to almost any extent (as long as it’s legal) and most do, with the help of the company’s Bespoke division. And for those who just don’t know how they want something exclusive to look, the Bespoke division can also come up with many ideas which can be adapted further to the customer’s tastes.

One of the recent ideas presented is ‘Neon Nights’, a vibrant trilogy of cars. Inspired by nature, they are finishing in a newly developed Bespoke paint applied to the Black Badge variants of Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan.

Inspired by the natural world

Taking cues from the natural world – an Australian green tree frog, a Hawaiian tree flower and an exotic butterfly – these limited hues show a Black Badge model bolder in colour, appealing to patrons around the world who want to be different.

“Any pre-conceived notion that Rolls-Royce’s Black Badge variants all have to be black is comprehensively laid to rest by the super-solid Neon Nights colours,” said Sami Coultas, Bespoke Designer Colour & Trim.

Only three of each colour

Created initially for clients in the USA, three further iterations of each colour are available for commission worldwide, making a limited run of just four of each colour.

The Wraith Black Badge (above) is finished in Lime Rock Green, a near-luminous hue naturally bestowed on the Australian green tree frog, which Rolls-Royce Bespoke Paint Specialist Sami Coultas first encountered on a trip Down Under. The interior (below) is swathed in Scivaro Grey leather, with Lime Rock Green accents in the form of stitching and piping.

The striking Eagle Rock Red created for this Dawn Black Badge (above) mimics the flowers of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua, an evergreen tree native to Hawaii. The interior is finished in Selby Grey leather with Koi Red stitching and piping details.

For the Cullinan (below), the Bespoke Collective looked to an exotic butterfly,
Rhetus periander
 for inspiration. Known as the Periander metalmark, this species is found across Central and South America; the vibrancy of its wings is faithfully captured on the Cullinan’s Mirabeau Blue finish. The Arctic White leather interior detailed in Lime Rock Green provides a dramatic contrast.

In all three cars, the Technical Fibre fascia is embellished with a spectacular graphic. The paint effect provides an intense neon glow and depicts the distortion of artificial light with speed.

The Neon Nights cars follow a suite of Black Badges that grabbed headlines at the 2019 Pebble Beach event. There, the Ghost, Wraith and Dawn were presented in Bespoke pastel colours. Such was the demand for these cars that the colour palette was embraced and developed, inspiring a new and dynamic colour palette for Black Badge.

Exclusive Rolls-Royce Wraith with an astronaut’s view


Afeela – The EV Jointly Developed By Sony And Honda

Back in 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony displayed a concept car which was assumed to be just for the purpose of showing off its latest technologies. There was no indication the company wanted to start making cars as well and after the event, nothing more was heard. But during the 12 months until the next show – and it should be remembered the world was going through the COVID-19 pandemic – Sony actually had a running prototype and by CES 2021, it showed a short video of a car – known as
Vision-S
 – being tested on public roads and on a test track in Austria.

At CES 2022, Sony revealed a
SUV prototype
 as a second model and it became clear that the company, better known for its electronic devices, was moving into the mobility business. However, it sought a partner with automotive experience and that partner was Honda. The companies announced a joint-venture company called
Sony Honda Mobility Inc (SHM)
 which would ‘engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services’.

“SHM strives to become a Mobility Tech Company that will pursue innovation in mobility by combining cutting-edge technology and passion along with people who pioneer the future with their creativity, based on our corporate purpose ‘Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations’,” said Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility (incidentally, Mr. Mizuno was a former Managing Director/CEO of Honda Malaysia 12 years ago).

First deliveries in 2026
The two companies have obviously worked fast and at CES 2023 this week, a prototype of the car that will go on sale has been presented. It has the name of Afeela which is a brand name that represents ‘Feel’. Online pre-orders will be accepted from mid-2025, and the first deliveries will begin in early 2026 in North America, where the cars will be built.

The increased autonomy will require extensive use of sensors and there will be no less 45 cameras, sensors, etc. inside and outside the car. An in-cabin camera and a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor will monitor the driver’s driving and driving conditions as one way to prevent unforeseen accidents. In the event the driver is observed to behave unusually or doze off, the car’s system could bring it to a safe stop.

Accord-sized sedan
The design appears to be a new one, rather than based on the Vision-S, and has the form of a sleek 4-door sedan with distinctive aerodynamic tapering at the front and rear. It is almost similar in overall size to a Honda Accord but has a longer wheelbase of 3 metres.

A Media Bar allows the car to interact with the outside world, ‘expressing’ itself by sharing various types of information with people around it. For instance, when its battery pack is being recharged, there will be a message indicating that activity.

Futuristic ambience
As would be expected, the interior has a futuristic ambience although how much of it is conceptual and how much will make it to the production model is unknown. In the prototype displayed, the interior is as simple as possible, minimizing distracting ornamentation and colours. The designers have aimed to provide a ‘people-centric experience’ that has functionality.

Epic Games for entertainment
Besides Qualcomm, SHM will also have Epic Games as a partner providing mobility services and entertainment with Unreal Engine Epic Games will provide entertainment and content which can be shown on display screens front and rear with surround audio for immersive experience throughout the journey. Personalisation will be so advanced that the acoustics will be adjusted to suit different occupant sizes as detected by the sensors around the cabin.

Details of the electric powertrain have not been provided although it can be expected that Honda will be responsible for that area as it has lots of experience in the field. There will be all-wheel drive and unlike other EVs which have a straightforward platform, the Afeela will have a suspension composed of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis
Qualcomm Technologies was involved in the Vision-S prototype and is also involved in this model with its Snapdragon Digital Chassis SoC for major functions such as AD/ADAS (Autonomous Driving/Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), HMI/IVI (Human-Machine Interface/In-Vehicle Infotainment), and telematics.

Level 3 automated driving functions are likely to be offered and these allow the driver to take hands off the steering wheel and let the car run on its own. However, such functions can only be enabled in specific conditions. SHM will also work on the development of Level 2+ driving support functions under wider driving conditions, such as in urban areas, where the driving load can be eased.

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

Click here
 for more Honda videos at The Piston Show.


Audi unveils the Skysphere roadster concept

Going fully electric is like starting all over again in designing cars. Many of the constraints developed over the years by the conventional combustion engine and drivetrain no longer need to influence the design, and new approaches can be taken. There are also new technologies and materials to use, providing greater efficiency, safety and comfort.

Audi, like other carmakers who are rapidly electrifying their range, has been developing new models for this new ‘electric age’. With its products catering to the upper end of the market, the focus is on luxury models and the company has a
new family of concept vehicles
 to show the world how its future designs will be.

The three Audi concept cars are the Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere, and the common use of ‘sphere’ in their names refers to the space surrounding the passengers. Thus, much attention has been given to interior design.

The Skysphere is the first one to be revealed and its unveiling took place this Friday at Audi’s new design studio in California, where it was conceived and designed. The concept car will also be on display from this Friday at the Monterey Car Week in the same American state.

A roadster with variable length

The Skysphere has the form of a roadster and offers two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports experience. This makes use of a technical detail – the variable wheelbase. Electric motors and a sophisticated mechanism with body and frame components that slide into one another make it possible to vary the wheelbase itself and the exterior length of the car by 250 mm. At the same time, the ground clearance is adjustable by 10 mm to enhance comfort and driving dynamics.

With the touch of button, the driver can choose either the 4.94-metre long e-roadster in ‘Sports’ mode with a reduced wheelbase, or be chauffeured around in a 5.19-metre GT in the autonomous ‘Grand Touring’ driving mode. In both modes, the open top maximises the sense of freedom.

Lightweight strategy keeps weight to 1,800 kgs

Under the long bonnet are the electric systems and components, with most of the mass situated between the front axle and the windscreen line. An electric motor is positioned on the rear axle, delivering 465 kW (632 ps)/750 Nm to enable acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in a projected 4 seconds. An aggressive lightweight strategy helps keep the overall weight of the large car to around 1,800 kgs, with 60% on the rear end.

The Skysphere’s battery modules are primarily positioned behind the cabin – an ideal configuration for the centre of gravity and agility. Additional modules can be found between the seats in the center tunnel of the interior – another position chosen in favour of vehicle dynamics. The battery’s capacity is expected to be more than 80 kWh, giving a range of more than 500 kms using the most economical mode.

Steer-by-wire

The steering system is steer-by-wire and controls both the front and the rear wheels. Because the system is not mechanically connected to the front axle, the driver can select different steering ratios and steering settings, all at the touch of a button. This allows the steering to be adjusted from extremely direct to comfortable, while high self-aligning forces can be changed to minimal self-aligning forces when parking, for example. The rear-axle steering and adaptive wheelbase also contribute to the car’s small turning radius.

The latest evolutionary stage of Audi’s adaptive air suspension has been implemented in the concept car and features 3 independent air chambers to provide a comfortable base suspension. Individual chambers can be deactivated for a more sporty ride with fast acceleration. The result is that the characteristic curve of the spring becomes more progressive, reducing roll and pitch to a minimum. Lowering the body by 10 mm reduces aerodynamic drag – particularly relevant when driving long distances.

Two dashboard layouts

Within the Skysphere, control elements such as the steering wheel and pedals can be swiveled into an ‘invisible’ position and thereby completely absent from the interior. This adds to the spacious environment inspired in many areas by the Art Deco universe. The comfortable seats boast the visual elegance of designer furnishings, yet fulfill the functions of a car seat in driving mode without any compromises. They are upholstered in sustainably produced microfibre fabric and, thanks to their variable position in the interior, offer the kind of freedom to move and legroom that can otherwise only be experienced when flying first class on an airplane.

Should the driver be in control, then the interior transforms into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. Together with the chassis and body, the instrument panel and the monitor panel on the centre console also move to the rear. Large touch monitors are used to manage the car and infotainment systems. In Grand Touring mode, this can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies.

A few weeks later, the second concept car, the Grandsphere, will be presented at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany. In the first half of 2022, the Urbansphere will follow as the third concept car, perhaps at an event in China.

Three new concept cars show design of Audi’s future luxury models


We want the 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition so bad!

The world of pickup trucks in the US market is so diverse, we get jealous every time they released a new model or variant. This is even more so when Ram Truck unveiled the new Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition in Texas earlier this week.

The launch was held together with the unveiling of the Ram Heavy Duty Big Horn and Laramie Night Editions but our attention was all on the Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition just because of its super badass look.

Ram Heavy Duty Night Edition

Ram Truck stated that the newest 1500 variant offer more comfort, technology, and refinement than ever before. According to Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand, “Ram is always looking for ways to create more comfort and refinement for our customers. The new Limited Black Edition is another example of how we deliver the most luxurious pickups in the industry.”

How cool is the 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition? Well, it comes with black accents all over the truck which includes R-A-M letters, badging, tow hooks, exhaust, premium LED headlamps, grille surround, bumpers, door handles and side-view mirrors.

The Limited Black Edition also includes 22-inch black wheels, tonneau cover, sport performance hood, and best of all, three huge engine options; 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel, 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 and 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with eTorque. We of course would love to hear what the HEMI V8 sounds like in this bad boy, which produces close to 400hp and over 550Nm of torque.

If you happen to be in the US, you can get the new 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition starting at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $53,690 (around RM225,020). There are also tonnes of Mopar accessories to further elevate your truck’s performance and looks.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 – “Blue Power”


Special edition for the 20th anniversary of the Lotus Exige

20 years ago, Lotus launched the Exige Sport 410, a model which made quite an impact in the sportscar world. It was highly capable on the track and also brought superlative driving dynamics to the road. The Exige delivered on Lotus’ core values of exceptional handling, outstanding grip and aerodynamic expertise.

This week, Lotus has unveiled the 20
th
 anniversary edition of the model, finished in a choice of vibrant new retro-inspired colours. It comes with higher levels of standard equipment and an enhanced interior package.

“The Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary builds on the Exige’s unrivalled levels of handling and performance. This special edition of one of our most acclaimed sports cars ever will continue the Lotus ethos of being born for the track and bred for the road,” said Ema Forster, Head of Product Marketing at Lotus.

All versions come with upgraded exterior features commemorating the Exige Series 1. These are the body-coloured roof, side air intake pods and rear wing, plus the black ‘shark fin’ stone chip protector ahead of the rear wheel.

Also part of the new car’s customer appeal is the unique ‘20th Anniversary’ black silhouette logo featuring a striking profile image of the Series 1. It’s visible on the front wings above the side repeaters and on the rear bumper. A distinctive ‘20’ logo on the rear wing end-plates adds the finishing touch.

Customers can order the Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary edition in one of three bespoke exterior colours, all taken from the Exige Series 1. They are Chrome Orange, Laser Blue and Calypso Red. In addition, there’s also Saffron Yellow – a colour reminiscent of the original Norfolk Mustard Yellow – Motorsport Black or Arctic Silver.

The nostalgia is carried over to the interior, where there’s a choice of different coloured Alcantara trims, and each seat is decorated with panelled stitching which echoes that of the original car. The logo is also embroidered on the seatbacks and embossed on the car’s dashboard ‘build plaque’.

The car’s list of standard equipment includes Nitron three-way adjustable dampers. These have variable bump and rebound settings that enable the driver to personalise the suspension to suit driving style and environment, for example, on the road or a racetrack. The front splitter, front access panel and rear tailgate are all made from carbonfibre.

A number of features which are optional extras on the Exige are fitted as standard on the 20th Anniversary car. These include DAB digital radio with Bluetooth, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels and an Alcantara steering wheel. Remaining options include carbonfibre sill trim, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust.

“From the very first drives of the development car, the Exige displayed new levels of ability. It set new standards for Lotus road and race cars, perfectly illustrating our core values of performance through light weight, aerodynamics and handling,” said Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes. “It really is a race car for the road; I’ve competed and won races in every version of the Exige, from the Series 1 to the Series 3, and always walked away with a grin on my face.”

In the UK, the car is priced at £79,900 (RM426,300). Not including the exclusivity, the extras are valued at £5,412 (RM28,900) over the standard Sport 410. The first cars will be with customers in selected international markets later this year.

Lotus offers classic heritage editions of the Elise