F1/Round 19: 2022 United States Grand Prix Preview And Starting Grid

Race starts at 2 pm on Sunday in Texas/ 3 am in Malaysia (Monday)

The 2022 Formula 1 World Championship is in the western hemisphere again a third time for the first of three rounds in the Americas. The first one this weekend will be the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, followed by Mexican GP at the end of the month, and the Brazilian GP in mid-November. The US GP has been held at COTA since 2012, except in 2020 when the race was cancelled due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides Austin, other American cities which have had Formula 1 rounds in the past have been Detroit/Michigan (1982 – 1988), Los Angeles/California (1976 – 1983), Dallas/Texas (1984), Las Vegas, Nevada (1981 and 1982), Riverside/California (1960), Sebring/Florida (1959), Watkins Glen/New York (1961 – 1980), and Indianapolis/Indiana (2000 – 2007). This year, Miami in Florida joined the list and next year will see
Las Vegas
 having a round again. In total, there have been at least 50 rounds of F1 held in America though it is not so apparent.

COTA has one of F1’s bumpiest tracks because of subsidence of the surface. The locations of the bumps also change each year so there’s no point for the drivers to remember where they are! The other is strong winds, which are expected this weekend, that can also upset the balance of racing cars.

The track was partially re-asphalted in 2020, with a ‘milling’ process also taking place last year to shave off the worst of the bumps. However, the uneven surface could make it necessary to run a higher ride height, influencing aerodynamic performance. The teams will need to study the data carefully to find the best set-up.

According to Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, the 5.513-km track has a balanced layout when it comes to the demands placed on cars and tyres in terms of traction, braking and lateral loads. “It’s mainly a flowing track that the drivers love; nonetheless, there are some challenging sections that shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Several corners at COTA were inspired by iconic turns from tracks in Europe. For example, Turns 3 to 6  are like Silverstone’s Maggotts and Becketts corners; Turns 12 to 15 resemble Hockenheim’s stadium section; and Turns 16 to 18 remind drivers of Turn 8 at Istanbul Park.

COTA is one of 8 tracks on the 2022 calendar that is fully anti-clockwise, alongside Jeddah, Miami, Imola, Baku, Singapore, Interlagos and Yas Marina. It is tied with Baku for the third-most corners on any F1 track in 2022, with 20, behind Singapore (23) and Jeddah (27).

The track requires quite high downforce and also has a big DRS effect, which allows running  reasonably large wings. The sequence from Turns 2 and 7 are taken at an average speed of over 250 km/h, with continuous cornering for over 800 metres – one of the longest stretches of cornering on the calendar, with
g
-forces building through each corner.

Drivers will generate over 5
g
 under braking for Turn 12, one of the biggest of the season. This means that a driver weighing 70 kgs will experience around 350 kgs of centrifugal force when they brake hard. With so many corners and several long straights, it’s also one of the busiest laps for gear changes, with 72 taking place during each lap.

Gear selections and cornering speeds of the Mercedes-AMG cars at COTA.

“The US Grand Prix was a 2-stopper last year but with a completely new range of tyres, it might be a different story this time round – thanks to new regulations, different weather conditions and other variables on track,” suggested Isola.

He revealed that the teams had tested the 2023 slick tyre prototypes during the second practice session at COTA this week. “The testing during the extended session will help us fine-tune the compounds for next year before the teams get to try the definitive versions after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” he said.

With Max Verstappen’s victory in Japan giving the Dutch driver an unbeatable position in the Driver’s Championship, attention this weekend turns to the fight for the Constructors’ title. The Constructors’ Championship has been settled at the US GP on 7 occasions in the past. Red Bull Racing can clinch a fifth Constructors’ Championship at COTA but if Ferrari outscores them by 19 points or more, then they will need to wait another round.

Historically, Ferrari has been the most successful team at the US GP with 10 victories, 2 ahead of McLaren and Lotus which have had 8 wins each. Among the drivers, the one with the most victories at this event is Lewis Hamilton who has topped the podium 6 times.


Lamborghini Urus debuts in New Zealand – RM900,000

Autodesk VRED Professional 2014 SR1-SP7

The alluring
Lamborghini Urus
 aka “the fastest production SUV in the world” has finally made its official debut in New Zealand thanks to Automobili Lamborghini. The first-ever Super Sports Utility Vehicle marks a bold move for the country’s market for something that’s luxurious and powerful paired with great usability and unmatched design.

The Lamborghini Urus launch in New Zealand was done a bit differently as they conducted a one-day drive for fellow guests to experience Simunovich Estate through both on-road and off-road endeavours.

According to Andrea Ruggiero, Area Manager Oceania at Automobili Lamborghini, “We are excited to organise the Urus Dynamic Launch for the first time here in Auckland, where our exclusive group of clients and media get to experience the dynamic performance of the Urus.”

“The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments.”

Greg Brinck, General Manager, Lamborghini Auckland also commented “We expected the Urus would be successful in New Zealand, but it has still exceeded expectations – both in customer demand and in just how capable it is.”

“So, to take it off-road to experience and share yet another example of what Lamborghini’s Super SUV can do, is something truly special. In a country that still boasts some magic out-of-the-way places, the Urus takes ‘getting away’ to a whole new level.”

One of the biggest features found on the Urus is its monstrous 4,0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine which can punch out a staggering 650hp at 6,000rpm and 850Nm of maximum torque as low as 2,250rpm.

These are some serious numbers to consider especially for an SUV and Lamborghini claims that their proud Urus has one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3.38 kg/hp.

In other words, the Urus can propel itself from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h. Those figures are indeed very hard to beat in the SUV segment.

As for pricing, Lamborghini Auckland has set the Urus at NZD 323,000 (including VAT) which is close to RM900,000. To know more about the Lamborghini Urus, check it out in the link below!

Lamborghini Urus Officially Launched In Malaysia [+Videos]


Ford Mach-Eau fragrance for those who love smells from internal combustion engines

Electric vehicles run on electricity, so they will not give off smells that have been associated with the motorcar for over 100 years. Those smells are typically the fumes of the fuel, exhaust gases and also lubricants in some cases.

In a Ford-commissioned survey, one in five drivers said the smell of petrol is what they would miss most if they switched to an electric vehicle, with almost 70% claiming they would miss the smell of petrol to some degree. Petrol also ranked as a more popular scent than both wine and cheese, and almost identically to the smell of new books.

Association with the Mustang

This led Ford to look for a way to help those with a fondness for the evocative smells of traditional petrol cars to make the transition. Their solution: a high-end fragrance that fuses smokiness, aspects of rubber and even an ‘animal’ element to associate with the Ford Mustang heritage.

The Mustang connection is because Ford is now selling an electrically-powered variant of the bestselling sportscar in the world – the Mustang Mach-E GT. It was revealed over last weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. However, it’s not for sale and is part of the carmaker’s ongoing mission to help dispel myths around electric cars and convince traditional car enthusiasts of the potential of electric vehicles.

Created by a perfume specialist

Known as ‘Mach-Eau’, the fragrance was created by British fragrance specialist, Olfiction, with ingredients that each add a specific element of the scent’s story. Olfiction’s Pia Long, an Associate Perfumer in the British Society of Perfumers, has been creating fragrances for some of the most famous perfume brands and was instrumental in its inception.

Her starting point was to look into the chemicals that are emitted from car interiors, engines and petrol. This included benzaldehyde, which is an almond-like scent given off by car interiors, and para-cresol which is key in creating the rubbery scent of tyres. These were blended with ingredients like blue ginger, lavender, geranium and sandalwood that added metallic, smoky and further rubbery accents. An ‘animal’ element was also included, giving an impression of horses to underline the Mustang heritage. The bottle also comes in a container shaped like a fuel pump.

The all-electric Mustang Mach-E GT.

“Judging by our survey findings, the sensory appeal of petrol cars is still something drivers are reluctant to give up. The Mach Eau fragrance is designed to give them a hint of that fuel-fragrance they still crave. It should linger long enough for the GT’s performance to make any other doubts vaporise too,” said Jay Ward, director, Ford of Europe Product Communications.

Other carmakers have perfumes too

While Ford has no plans to commercialise the Mach Eau fragrance, other carmakers have licensed the use of their brand names on perfumes for many years. Exotic carmakers like Lamborghini and Ferrari have a line of perfumes though they are essentially perfumes without that ‘connection’ the car smells.

Mazda Design also got involved in the carmaker’s first perfume product in 2017. The perfume, with a blend of wood, rose and leather fragrances, was intended to be associated with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design concept. While the bottle was typical of such products, the outer case that it was stored in was meant to symbolize the KODO design and won a gold award in Germany’s iF Design Awards.

Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion perfume (left) and two of the many Ferrari perfumes in the market.


Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, Skoda Auto, the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is leading the activities of the Group brands on the Indian sub-continent. Several cross-brand Skoda and Volkswagen models will be created based on the MQB A0 IN variant of the Modular Transverse Matrix, which the 125-year old carmaker is developing with a focus on India and Indian customers.

The new localised sub-compact platform is being showcased for the first time in the Skoda VISION IN concept model with two design sketches that show the exterior style of the VISION IN. The vehicle, which is approximately 4.26 metres long, have been serving as a study for a new compact SUV model developed especially for the Indian market.

The first design sketch shows the dynamic front which has a wide bonnet with a large Skoda grille incorporating solid ribs shapes the visual impression. The upper, very flat units of the split headlights progress directly to the grille. Beneath is a robustly designed front apron with large side air intakes and a massive front spoiler made of aluminium.

The second sketch illustrates a clearly structured, distinctive rear with sharply contoured, three-dimensional rear lights; an additional horizontal light strip connects the reflectors. Illuminated Skoda lettering is prominently positioned in the centre of the rear; an aluminium diffuser is integrated into the rear apron underneath.

Earlier, the interior was revealed in a sketch which showed a wide dashboard arranged on several levels, echoing the symmetrical contours of the Skoda grille in the centre. The colour orange, which inspires vitality and creativity, is used extensively throughout the interior, for example, on the centre armrest and door panels.

In addition to the large, free-standing central screen and virtual cockpit, a new crystalline element on the instrument panel creates an optical highlight. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel features buttons and knurl wheels following Skoda’s new operating concept. The reduced and clearly structured centre console has a small control lever for gear selection.


Toyota Aiming For Top Spots in Sepang 1000Km Endurance Race This Sunday

After a successful debut in the 2021 edition of the Sepang 1000KM (S1K), UMW Toyota Motor and GAZOO Racing Malaysia are now aiming for success in Malaysia’s popular endurance race with the Toyota Vios. This weekend will see it entering two cars in the MTC Class to fight for the overall victory in the S1K – an achievement it so nearly came close to achieving last year.

The
2022 S1K
, which has 77 entries this year,  will also see a total of 15 SP2 Class Toyotas competing in the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup that is exclusive to and open to all generations of the model competing in the Vios Challenge and Vios Sprint Cup race series.

The Toyota team finished third and fourth in the MTC Class of the race in 2021, although the pair of Hayden Haikal and Timothy Yeo had crossed the finish line in 1st place overall and 3 laps ahead of their nearest rival who was in a Yaris. However, a penalty reclassified them in 4th place overall and 3rd in the MTC Class.

The second Toyota pair of Boy Wong and Dannies Ng had finished with a strong result in 4th place in the MTC Class and 6th overall. Three Toyotas also occupied the top 5 front positions from a field of 39 entries on the starting grid for the race.

While the Vios Challenge and
Vios Sprint Cup
 are intensely close and competitive races, the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup will put teams, drivers and cars to the ultimate test over a long distance and many hours to cover 1,000 kms. Furthermore, the Vios Challenge was run on shorter tracks (some specially prepared ‘street circuits’) whereas the S1K is run around the full 5.534 kms of the Sepang International Circuit.

This year, the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup will have a total of RM30,000 in prize monies with RM10,000 awaiting the overall champion. The first runner-up will win RM8,000 while the third, fourth and fifth place winners will take home RM6,000, RM4,000 and RM2,000, respectively.

Limited slots are available in the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup and to register participation or for more details, racers and teams can contact Janet, the UMW Toyota Motor Race Management representative, at
016-367 3300.

“Endurance racing is the very pinnacle of motor-racing and the Vios, as well as models like the Yaris, have successfully demonstrated in the 2021 edition of the Sepang 1000KM that it has both the reliability and outright performance to become winners,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K.

“The running of the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup further illustrates the capabilities of the standard-production Vios in this ultimate test, keeping in mind that the same cars have already endured 6 races in the Vios Challenge and another 4 one-hour races in the Vios Sprint Cup this year,” he said.

Mr. Ravindran added that the GAZOO Racing Vios Enduro Cup will serve as a fitting finale for what has been an extremely successful and memorable season of racing for Toyota. It recently concluded the
 fifth season of the Vios Challenge
 one-make race series and the running of the inaugural GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup which has been incorporated into the national Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).

“Expanding beyond the Vios Challenge is in tandem with UMW Toyota Motor’s aspiration of establishing a bigger footprint and to make an impactful contribution to Malaysian motorsports. It ties in with our objective to continually build ever better products,” he said.

Sepang 1000Km Race On This Weekend, Free Entry For Spectators


Akio Toyoda to become Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation

After a 13-year term as President, Akio Toyoda will become Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation in April 2023. Toyoda, the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota Motor Corporation, was appointed to the position of President in June 2009 after serving in various roles in the company. He has had much publicity as President, not only for his outspoken views but also his strong support for motorsports (where fans know him as ‘Morizo’).

Toyoda is a car-guy and has been a strong influence on the development of high-performance models like the GR Supra for the Toyota range. He is also a racing driver (using the name of ‘Morizo’) and is personally involved in product development.

Under Toyoda, Toyota’s product development became less conservative, with more emphasis on performance which led to the creation of the GR sub-brand. Toyoda, 66, is also a competent racing driver and takes part in some events as well as being personally involved in product development. Hopefully, as Chairman, he will continue to have an influence on Toyota and Lexus products.

In more recent times, Toyoda has been among the top industry executives to express the view that only full electrification is the way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. While
not against electrifying vehicles
, he feels that there should still be consideration given to the different countries and regions where electrification may not be proceeding at the same pace as developed countries.

Toyoda believes that the quest for carbon neutrality should not have full electrification as the only solution and recommends a multi-path approach with alternative and more practical technologies such as  hybrid electric powertrains for countries and regions that may not be ready for only electric vehicles.

Toyota therefore believes a multi-path or multi-technology approach is better to provide practical alternative mobility choices to customers. Hybrid electric vehicle technology, for example, can still contribute to CO
2
 reduction in some way – and right away. In this way, Toyoda says that ‘
no customer will be left behind
 [in the move towards carbon neutrality]’.

Toyoda takes over the Chairman’s position from Takeshi Uchiyamada who will be retiring. While Toyota has had many chief engineers, Uchiyamada has a special place in the company’s history as he led the team which developed the Toyota hybrid system in the 1990s. The system was installed in the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced vehicle with a hybrid electric powertrain.

Takeshi Uchiyamada and the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced vehicle with a hybrid electric powertrain.

Koji Sato will be the new President, CEO and Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Taking Toyoda’s place as President is Koji Sato, presently President of Lexus International, GAZOO Racing Company and Chief Branding Officer. Sato, 53, has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and joined Toyota in 1992.


Face-lifted Audi A6 arrives in Malaysia

Audi Malaysia introduces face-lifted Audi A6 saloon available in 1.8 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI forms at RM324,900 and RM500,000.

Audi Malaysia marked the introduction of the newly refreshed seventh generation Audi A6 executive saloon on Malaysian soil recently. The updated A6’s introduction in Malaysia marks the first model launch held by Audi Malaysia since the brand was taken over from previous distributors Euromobil Sdn Bhd.

The Malaysian-flavoured Audi A6 can be had in two versions, the first being the base 1.8 TFSI model followed by the higher-spec 3.0-litre TFSI variant.

As the model numbering suggests, the base 1.8 TFSI model features a new 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder mill that replaces the pre-facelift seventh generation A6’s 2.0-litre base model. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed S Tronic transmission, which is an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that offers a “Coasting Mode” when the “Efficiency” driving mode is engaged.

Despite the downsized capacity, the mill offers 190hp and 320Nm of maximum torque, and is capable of completing the century sprint in just 7.9 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker than the car it replaces. It also boasts a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres/100km (NEDC cycle).

The 3.0 TFSI, on the other hand, gains an updated version of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol mill with direct injection. Audi Malaysia states that the 3.0-litre mill has been uprated, offering 23hp more than before with 333hp whilst peak torque is rated at 440Nm. In 3.0 TFSI form, the mill is again paired with a seven-speed S Tronic DCT automatic transmission, with the addition of the four-ring brand’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system as well.

Exterior-wise, the updated A6 boasts a new single-frame grille design, a slightly more aggressive aerokit, plus redesigned exhaust tips, taillight graphics, as well as a new rear diffuser. Other notable difference lies in the wheels, with the 1.8 TFSI primed with 17-inch types and the 3.0-litre version rolling on larger 19-inch types.

On board, the 1.8 TFSI variant gets ta brand new MMI radio plus that features an electronically-retractable 6.5-inch display screen. This is paried with Audi’s 10-speaker audio system as well. The 3.0 TFSI variant, on the other hand, gains Audi’s new modular infotainment system (MIB) insyead, offering MMI navigation plus with MMI touch system fucntions, plus a larger eight-inch display screen, a 12-channel amp by Bose, not forgetting a 14-speaker system as well amongst other things.

Fully imported (CBU) from Germany, which explains why it commands top dollar at RM324,900 for the 1.8 TFSI and RM500,000 for the range-topping 3.0 TFSI variant. Both are now available for viewing and booking via authorized Audi dealers nationwide and comes with a four-year or 120,000km warranty plan as well.

Gallery


WEEKEND SPECIAL – BIKES: Naza Premira Launches Three New Vespa Models! Sprint, Primavera & 300 GTS Supersport [+Video]

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, official distributor of the Vespa brand in Malaysia today launched three highly anticipated Vespa scooters;  Vespa Primavera 150 MY’18, Vespa Sprint 150 MY’18 and Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport to Malaysians.

The Vespa brand is an expression of a unique and distinctive lifestyle, and its timeless success is tied to its extraordinary history and iconic growth. Embodying the brand’s interpretation “Not for Everyone”, Vespa scooters are made for those who appreciate the true meaning of life, of all genders. Here’s the video of the launch that happened earlier today…

“The new Vespa Primavera, Sprint and GTS Super Sport were crafted to perfection with style, comfort, safety and sturdiness in mind which makes them perfect for manoeuvring through the congested Malaysian traffic,”
  said
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
“Naza Premira has been appointed the official franchise holder for the Vespa brand in Malaysia in 2010. Since then, we have placed over 11,000 stylish scooters on Malaysian roads, and expanded our reach to Vespa fans with a network of 30 dealerships nationwide today. This year has been a fruitful year for us as we have achieved close to 70% of our sales target of 1,125 units. With the introduction of these three new Vespa models, which are also Vespa fan favourites, we are confident that we will be able to achieve our target by the end of the year,”
 he added.

The Timeless Classic… Primavera!

The revolutionary Vespa Primavera is the first version of the iconic Vespa scooters, first introduced in 1968. Small, nimble and propelled by a perky engine, the legendary Primavera represents the dream and freedom of the youths and is one of the most successful scooters in Vespa’s history.

Today, the Vespa Primavera embodies all the values that made it successful, inheriting the freshness and ‘joie de vivre’ of its predecessor. Young, innovative, technologically avant-garde, agile and dynamic, the 2018 Vespa Primavera was made for the stylish young free-spirited Malaysian with a love for riding.

Distinguishing it from previous versions, the new Vespa Primavera has a distinctive “tie” featured on its front and a chrome crest on its front mudguard. The scooter is also fitted with 12-inch aluminium alloy wheel rims distinguished by a striking new five-spoke design; the largest in Vespa’s history to ensure greater stability, safety and hold on all road surfaces. It is also equipped with new LED lighting technology on both the tail light and front light for added safety.

The Vespa Primavera is now available in a new range of youthful and vibrant colours; Beige Metallic, Nero Vulcano and Monto Bianco. Coupled with its timeless style, the scooter is the perfect match for your pastel-coloured luxury sneakers and the boxy, ladylike bag that is taking over fashion runways this season.

The heart of the Vespa Primavera is a modern one-cylinder four-stroke 150 cc i-get engine designed to provide a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Delivering a power and torque of 9.5 kW at 7,750 rpm and 12.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm respectively, the new Primavera is perfect for travelling on congested city roads and open-road stretches. Additionally, its powerful engine is environmental-friendly with extremely low fuel consumption.

Vespa Primavera owners can opt to customise their scooters according to their taste with a wide range of stylish accessories that improves riding comfort such as the top box, backrest, top fairing and chrome-plated front and rear luggage racks. Electronic anti-theft device and the mechanical saddle – handlebar anti-theft device are also available to provide riders with a peace of mind. The Vespa Primavera starts at
RM15,600
.

The Youngest and Sportiest… Sprint!

The Vespa Sprint is the most modern interpretation of the sports version of a Vespa. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the youthful scooter is crafted to achieve high level of stability and handling that translates everyday travel into fun. Designed for the independent, dynamic and adventurous wanderer, the new Vespa Sprint is the ultimate road companion for the sporty Malaysian urbanite with its small build, extreme agility and safety features.

Made entirely of steel, the Vespa Sprint is fitted with 12-inch aluminium alloy wheel rims and adopts upgraded LED lighting technology for both its front headlight and rear light which boosts the rider’s safety. The youthful and sporty scooter also spots a new “tie” featured on its front, distinguishing it from its predecessors.

With the ability to seamlessly steer through city traffic, the new Vespa Sprint is driven by a modern environmental-friendly one-cylinder four-stroke 150 cc i-get engine which delivers power and torque of 9.5 kW at 7,750 rpm and 12.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm with new levels of stability and reliability.

The Vespa Sprint also comes with a wide range of accessories for customisation including a dedicated top box, backrest, customised windscreen with Vespa logo and front side and rear chrome mudguards, further complemented by two-colour aluminium alloy wheels and “Sport” graphics. For added peace of mind, electronic anti-theft device and mechanical saddle – handlebar anti-theft device are also available for the Vespa Sprint. With four colour options; Blue Matt, Monte Bianco, Rosso Dragon and Grigio Titantio, the Vespa Sprint starts at
RM 16,400
.

The Most Powerful and Elegant… 300GTS Supersport!

Donning the largest body in the Vespa line-up, the Vespa GTS Super Sport inherits the legacy of the legendary “Vespone” and moves elegantly around the city and on adventurous voyages driven by its powerful engine. The Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport is the most aggressive version among the GTS series, exuding confidence, style and status which perfectly complements the personality of those born to take the lead. Its sporty elegance is further accentuated with its aesthetic features such as the new cravatta and dedicated graphics, and its signature black saddle.

Embodying the harmonious combination of style, comfort, safety, and sportiness, the GTS Super Sport is ready to take on all journeys on all types of roads. Powered by the 300 cc single cylinder Quasar engine, the sporty scooter delivers a maximum power of 15.6 kW at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 22 Nm at 5,000 rpm, ensuring a quick throttle response and brilliant performance. It also comes standard with double channel ABS system, the exclusive ASR traction control system; a benchmark of the Piaggio group, safe electric side-stand and standard anti-theft immobiliser in the ignition key.

Vespa GTS Super Sport owners can also customise their scooters with a wide range of accessories such as a painted top box, leg cover, outdoor vehicle cover and saddle-handlebar anti-theft. For added convenience, the GTS Super Sport is also equipped with an electric remote opening system on its saddle, bike finder and USB port for easy charging of smartphones and other electronic devices. Starting at
RM28,000
, the Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport comes in two chic colours; Red Matt and Grigio Titanio.

The Malaysian fan favourite models Vespa Primavera 150 MY’18, Vespa Sprint 150 MY’18 and GTS 300 Super Sport are now available for viewing at all authorised Vespa dealerships and outlets nationwide.


Proton exports vehicles to South Africa again after 10 years

Following the signing of the
agreement to appoint CMH Group
 as the distributor for Proton vehicles in South Africa in April, the first shipment of vehicles left Malaysia for the country recently. The vehicles – consisting of the Proton X50, X70 and Saga – were transported to Westport, Klang, and loaded onto the car-carrier bound for Durban in South Africa.

To arrive in South Africa by July, these vehicles are the first batch of Proton vehicles to be exported to market since 2012. “This shipment marks another significant milestone achieved by Proton this year. South Africa is a mature and competitive market, but we are confident the Proton X50, Proton X70 and Proton Saga have the right combination of features and value to compete with other brands there,” said Steven Xu, Proton’s Director of International Sales.

“CMH Group are working diligently to prepare their distribution network and the current plan is to launch our models by the end of the third quarter of this year. Ahead of this, several members of the CMH Group visited Malaysia last week to have discussions with our team and visit dealers as well as the Tanjung Malim plant,” he added.

One of the export vehicles getting a final check.

SUVs and local assembly drive export sales

Proton’s export sales growth this year has been powered by the X50 and X70, with both showing increases in demand of 77% and 31%, respectively. For the first quarter of this year, total export sales have grown by 175% over the same period in 2021 and that number is expected to increase by more than 300% by the end of 2022 as the Malaysian carmaker emphasises on growing export sales

Vital to achieving the target is the growth in local assembly operations overseas. Currently, such operations, which receive CKD (completely knocked down) kits for assembly, are running in
Pakistan
,
Kenya
 and Bangladesh, with Sri Lanka set to join the list in the second half of 2022.

The X50 abd X70 SUV models have been powering Proton’s export sales.

Over the last 3 years – despite difficult market conditions caused by COVID-19 – Proton has shown a prominent increase in its percentage of Malaysia’s overall vehicle exports. Its share has risen from 12.8% of total exports in 2019, to 30.2% in 2020 and moved further up to 61.0% in 2021.

“Growth in export sales is vital to Proton being able to achieve its long-term goals. The company will need to explore more new markets to push its volume growth rate and we are making the necessary investments both here at Tanjung Malim and in our overseas operations to ensure we are ready to move quickly to exploit any new opportunities,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.

Proton Edar to distribute smart New Energy Vehicles from China


IONIQ 5 N Will Be First High-performance, All-electric Hyundai N Brand Model

At one time, when mention was made of an ‘electric vehicle’, the perception was that it was going to be boring to drive. This was because decades ago, EV technology was still not developed enough and performance was not a priority. There were many other issues to overcome – like range anxiety – in order to make EVs more widely accepted.

But over the past 10 years, perceptions have changed and many carmakers have developed – and even started selling – EVs with sportscar performance. With the inherent peak torque generated almost from standstill, an EV can accelerate a lot quicker than a car with a combustion engine, and sportscar makers have exploited this character.

So sportscar enthusiasts who fear the end of their beloved high-performance adrenalin-raising machines in the electric era can breathe easy and even look forward to a new era of high performance. We can already see this happening at BMW M with its new
XM
, and Porsche already sells the
Taycan
 and even Nissan has said that the next GT-R will be fully electric.

Hyundai is also putting a high-performance
IONIQ 5
 through final testing before its launch this July. This will be the IONIQ 5 N, the first high-performance, volume-produced all-electric N brand model. The prototypes are finishing off their validation programs at the Hyundai Mobis Proving ground near the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

The production IONIQ 5, now on sale in Malaysia and many other markets.

For the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai Motor has combined the EV’s
Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
 with N’s motorsport-bred technologies and expertise to boost  performance, The company is confident that this will become a driving enthusiast’s choice.

The location for testing has not only very low temperatures (-30°C) but also low-grip coefficient icy surfaces. The most extreme low friction conditions allow the engineers to work on achieving the optimal balance between the car’s responsive character and its ability to perform safely and predictably in sub-zero conditions.

The super-cold conditions are also useful for testing the electrical systems and battery performance. Batteries are sensitive to extremely hot and also extremely cold conditions, so the testing will provide data on how the performance will be.

Hyundai N also has an electrification strategy and, in 2015, it was already thinking of a sustainable future for the next generation of driving enthusiasts. Besides the
N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo
, the
RM20e
 prototype and
Veloster N ETCR racing car
 also gave an idea of how the brand would maintain its high performance image.

Last year, the N brand introduced the
RN22e
, a rolling lab designed to communicate a transfer of N’s electrification experience to the IONIQ 5 N. For this model, N brand engineers have optimized the E-GMP’s dual-motor architecture for high performance in all driving conditions. There is also the knowhow of all-surface all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities demonstrated by Hyundai i20 N WRC Rally 1 car in Sweden. The IONIQ 5 N will be the first N brand production vehicle with AWD.

For corner-carving capability, there will be the N Drift Optimizer which integrates front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, steering effort and the e-LSD (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) system. This will create a driving mode dedicated to drifting. It will help  drivers of all skill levels to enjoy drifting and is designed with particular care for drivers who are entering the sport of drifting for the first time.

In addition, the IONIQ 5 N uses N Torque Distribution that is optimized for different drive modes, allowing the driver to select the torque level to both front and rear wheels. N Torque Distribution and e-LSD work together to distribute power to all 4 wheels in varying ratios. This means they are specifically designed to quickly respond to the instantaneous and seamless power delivery inherent in EVs — even in extreme low-friction conditions like icy surfaces.

“Just as our N models are honed at the sharp corners of the Nurburgring, the same is also done at the sharp corners and icy surfaces of our proving ground in Sweden, ensuring maximum performance in the most extreme winter conditions,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice-President of the N Brand Management & Motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“We’re proud to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N perfectly meets our broad performance criteria, ensuring N Brand success as our first EV production N model,” he said.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Season 7 of Formula E opens in Saudi Arabia with first-ever night races

Formula E’s new season – the seventh in the all-electric series – began on Friday with two night races at Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new season sees updates to the regulations and three rookies – Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti Motorsport), Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing) and Norman Nato (ROKiT Venturi Racing).

To support the teams during the global pandemic, Formula E and the FIA decided to extend the next homologation period, with manufacturers only able to alter powertrain components once over the next two seasons. Teams can either introduce a new car in Season 7, for a 2-year cycle, or continue to use existing technology before homologating a new car the year after for a single season.

Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and Envision Virgin Racing, BMW i Andretti Motorsport, Jaguar Racing, Mahindra Racing, Mercedes-EQ, alongside customers ROKiT Venturi Racing, NIO 333 and TAG Heuer Porsche all opted for new machines for the season ahead. DRAGON/PENSKE AUTOSPORT, DS TECHEETAH and Nissan e.dams have chosen to delay their homologation and will be using their Season 6 package for at least the opening rounds.

Also new for this season, the tyre allocation will be reduced by 25% per single-race competition and by up to 50% at double-header events. Based on the Season 5 calendar and comparing to the previous allocation, this could potentially see a saving of 720 tyres with less emissions produced, which is a 29% reduction in the overall impact of the tyres.

Becoming only the second single-seater championship to gain FIA World Championship status is a true honour for the sport and carries enormous significance for the teams, manufacturers and drivers battling it out to be crowned the first official Formula E World Champions.

The Riyadh Street Circuit once again provided the spectacular backdrop to the opening events of the season as Formula E ran its first night races. The fast and flowing 2.49-km clockwise circuit flanks the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site and is largely the same as it was in the previous season. Track surface work has led to the reprofiling of some turns for slightly adapted racing lines that promote closer racing.

Sam Bird (Jaguar Racing) got the better of Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing) – his former teammate – as the two engaged in a race-long back and forth under the floodlights. A red flag 5 minutes from the scheduled end of the race brought things to a premature end, confirming the Brit’s victory with Frijns following in second.

DS TECHEETAH’s Antonio Felix da Costa came home a net third after teammate Jean-Eric Vergne received a 24-second post-race penalty for failing to use his second ATTACK MODE activation, which saw the Frenchman demoted to 12th.

Frijns got away cleanly from pole to fend off Sette Camara into Turn 1, and Bird immediately challenged the DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT driver to make a tidy move stick for second up the inside of Turn 2. Antonio Felix da Costa banged wheels with Nico Mueller and Sebastien Buemi further back – passing the Nissan e.dams to take eighth spot with the Portuguese’ DS TECHEETAH teammate a little way clear in seventh and hounding Mueller.

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.

On Lap 5, Vergne pounced on an error by Blomqvist to pinch sixth and the Brit falling to eighth at the hands of the reigning champion a lap later. Meanwhile, Buemi and Cassidy diced for ninth, with the Swiss coming off best with a regulation pass into Turn 18 to set about hunting Blomqvist up ahead.

The lead pair drew out two seconds on Sette Camara in third, with Turvey running a collected race in fourth with Mueller kept at arm’s length. Meanwhile, the two DS TECHEETAHs hunted in packs as the Frenchman jumped for ATTACK MODE – his teammate following.

Frijns was next to dive for his first mandatory ATTACK MODE activation and importantly, he was able to hold off Sette Camara to keep within touching distance of the now race leader Bird – the Jaguar driver still to use that initial 35kW boost, and take the pain of going off-line to cross the ATTACK MODE loop.

Over the half-way mark, and Vergne’s charge continued apace with another regulation pass for third, this time on Sette Camara, just as Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) was crunched by Pascal Wehrlein’s Porsche, which threw a Full Course Yellow (FCY) – holding the cars as they stood at 50 km/h until the circuit was cleared.

Bird had found his way beyond Frijns for the race lead just prior to that FCY, with the latter heading for ATTACK MODE number two but once again, the Virgin racer was able to bite back – despite Frijns saying he was overconsuming energy over team radio.

Contact between Guenther and Evans ultimately caused the end of the race via a Red Flag leaving bird to head home Frijns, Vergne, Da Costa, Cassidy, Sette Camara, Mueller, Turvey, Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams), and Rene Rast (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) on track.

Penalties for Vergne and Rast followed the chequered flag, however, as neither used their second ATTACK MODE activation. All three had not expected the sudden end of the race. This demoted the pair to 12th and 17th, respectively and nudging those ahead of them come the end of the race up the order.

Bird has not had a win for a long time, his last being 11 races ago. The weekend’s victory draws him level with Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) in second on the all-time winners’ table with 10 victories.

There were the usual celebrations during the presentation of awards but on this occasion, it was frightening for all those present. Yemen’s rebel Houthis had launched flying devices said to carry bombs towards Riyadh and fortunately, the defence system intercepted and destroyed them in the night sky.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship heads to Rome on April 10 for Round 3.

McLaren Racing considering participation in Formula E


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

While we continue to wait for the Malaysian Flying Car, the AirCar project in Slovakia has moved closer to production this week, fulfilling a key development milestone. The dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle safely completed a 35-minute flight from the international airport in Nitra to the international airport in Bratislava.

The patent-protected AirCar, which completed its 142nd successful landing in Bratislava, was flown and driven by its inventor, Professor Stefan Klein, and co-founder of the company, Anton Zajac, to downtown Bratislava. By road, the typical travel time would have been twice as long.

160-hp BMW engine for power

The AirCar Prototype 1 is equipped with a 160-hp BMW engine spinning a fixed-propeller and has a ballistic parachute installed as well. While being driven on the ground, it has the form of a sportscar (with a gigantic rear spoiler!) and can be transformed into a flying machine in under three minutes at just the touch of a button.

Over 40 hours of test flights, including steep 45 degree turns and stability and maneuverability testing, have been carried out and the vehicle has reached 2,500 metres and a maximum cruising speed of 190 km/h in flight.

“Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars,” said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow. “The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge,” he added.

Second prototype to have 300-hp engine

A second prototype is now being developed which will serve as the pre-production model. This will have a  300-hp engine and receive the EASA CS-23 aircraft certification with an M1 road permit. With its variable pitch propeller, the second prototype is expected to be able to cruise at speeds of up to 300 km/h and travel up to 1,000 kms.

“This flight starts a new era of dual transportation vehicles. It opens a new category of transportation and returns the freedom originally attributed to cars back to the individual,” said Professor Klein. “AirCar is no longer just a proof of concept; flying at 2,500 metres at a speed of 190 km/h, it has turned science fiction into a reality,” added Zajac.

Malaysia’s ‘flying car’ to take first flight this Thursday

Even after you recover from COVID-19 infection, your quality of life may be affected for a long period after that. So do your best to avoid being infected by taking the necessary measures to protect yourself as well as others.


Daihatsu Gran Max Panel Van and Pick-up get additional features for 2022

Although Daihatsu is better known by Malaysians for its involvement with Perodua, the company also has its own business activities which are carried out through its own subsidiary, Daihatsu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DMSB) which was established in the early 1980s.

Just as Mitsubishi Motors withdrew from marketing passenger cars when it tied up with Proton, Daihatsu also stopped selling its popular cars when it became Perodua’s technical partner. DMSB focussed on light commercial vehicles and built up a strong business in the segment, especially among the
pasar malam
 traders.

The Gran Max is available as a panel van (above) and pick-up (below). DMSB can also provide engineering services for custom bodywork to suit specific business needs.

It currently sells the Gran Max which has been in the market for over 10 years and has been constantly improved. This year sees a minor update to the model with added features for the convenience of the occupants. The updates are power windows, a multimedia system, reverse camera and 12V/24V Fast Charging USB port.

Pricing starts from RM73,888 and DMSB accepts bookings online at its website. The company also provides engineering services for the bodywork and accessories required by customers for their type of business.

“Daihatsu Malaysia aims to provide an overall driving experience in providing comfort, reliability, safety  and above all convenience and practicality in every drive.” said Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of  DMSB. “Convenience and practicality are one of the strongest consideration aspects for commercial vehicle usage. Thus, the concept behind the Gran Max Minor Change (MC) is to  honour the hardworking workforce behind every successful business, particularly the men and women behind the wheel of the Gran Max”.

The power windows are on both doors and for the convenience of the driver, the passenger’s side window can also be operated from the right door. Part of the reason DMSB has decided to p[provide power windows is also to improve safety: the driver needs almost no effort to raise or lower the windows and can give more attention to driving.

Some vehicle operators spend long hours on the road and would appreciate having some music for their journey. With the multimedia system installed in the Gran Max, they will have infotainment and connectivity that will help the hours pass by faster. With touch controls, the driver can easily manage functions for entertainment or other features.

The multimedia system used the Android 10.0 operating system which has an interface familiar to most people as it is similar to what is on many portable devices. It has a double-DIN head unit player with tuner and can also obtain media from other sources using the AUX jack and USB port.

The multimedia system also has Bluetooth which allows pairing with mobile devices, specifically smartphones. It can enable driving mode for mobile phonebook syncing on calls and music playback, and can accept or end calls, even while driving.

Additionally, there’s Android and iOS PhoneLink for use with cable mirroring. This allows smartphone displays to be transferred onto the display of the infotainment system. This means that GPS route navigation systems can now be viewed on the larger screen, another benefit to motoring.

The multimedia system is linked to the reverse camera which displays its images on the 7-inch display. The availability of a reverse camera will certainly improve safety. Even though the Gran Max is compactly sized (for a commercial vehicle), there are still areas behind the vehicle which the driver cannot see. With the camera, parking and reversing can be done more easily and confidently in tight spaces.


First Isuzu Medium & Heavy-Duty (MHD) Truck Dealership Opened In Sabah

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd now has a medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in Sabah to provide a complete range of sales and aftersales services to customers. The first MHD truck dealer is Universal Motor Sdn Bhd which is located in the state’s capital city of Kota Kinabalu. With this new MHD dealership, Isuzu Malaysia now has 12 MHD dealerships nationwide.

The dealership, which occupies a land area of 3.5 acres, has a total of 20 service bays, 13 of which are for light-duty trucks, medium, heavy-duty trucks and prime movers. The remaining 7 bays are for the D-MAX pick-up truck, a popular Isuzu model with multi-role capabilities for business and personal use.

The service centre is equipped with Isuzu’s latest diagnostic tools to accurately detect any technical issues with the vehicles. A team of skilled technicians provides professional services to maintain or repair vehicles.

Customers who bring their vehicles to the service centre are welcome to use the amenities provided in the family-friendly customer lounge which has complimentary snacks and beverages. There is also a prayer room available.

“We are extremely excited for Universal Motor Sdn Bhd becoming our first Isuzu Malaysia’s MHD truck dealership in Sabah, demonstrating our commitment to expand our MHD customer reach in East Malaysia, as well as strengthening our Aftersales services and maximizing our customers’ satisfaction and trust in us,” said Shunsuke Okazoe, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, at the Isuzu Malaysia GIGA Tour 2022 event.

“Isuzu Malaysia believes that with the newly launched Heavy-duty and Prime Movers, Universal Motors will further contribute to these two market segments in Sabah and provide full support to all their customers who purchase our Medium, Heavy Duty and Prime Mover. As a MHD Dealership, they are required to have high levels of skill and knowledge relating to Isuzu products, as well as sophisticated aftersales services,” added Mr. Okazoe.

The Isuzu Malaysia GIGA Tour 2022 is an event to introduce Isuzu Malaysia’s newly launched Heavy-duty and Prime Movers across Peninsular and East Malaysia. Instead of customers having to travel to showrooms, Isuzu Malaysia is bringing the new models to them so they can have the chance to examine and know more about the vehicles.

Klang-based Xinsteel Sdn Bhd, a steel sheet manufacturing company, is among the companies that purchased the GIGA EXZ460 6×4 prime mover. The company ordered three units and the first unit was handed over at the regional GIGA event in Puchong, Selangor. Present at the handover ceremony were senior management members of Xinsteel, Isuzu Malaysia and SV Prestige, the dealer involved in the sale of the vehicles.

Senior management members of Xinsteel, Isuzu Malaysia and SV Prestige, the dealer involved in the sale of the vehicles, at the handover ceremony of Xinsteel’s new Isuzu GIGA truck.

Xinsteel, which was founded in 2011, is already familiar with the qualities of Isuzu vehicles as it has been using a previous GIGA truck model. It has purchased the additional units to transport Xinsteel’s metal sheet to customers nationwide as the company’s business scales up.

“The GIGA GXZ360 model we bought from SV Prestige in 2020 has been serving us very well. Being in the steel business, most of the time the cargo that we transport is extremely heavy, requiring truly robust and powerful heavy-duty trucks that will not break down easily,” said Chester Kua Swee Leong, Director of Xinsteel.

“We are glad to know that the latest GIGA trucks offer even higher horsepower engine, greater safety features and better cab design, ergonomics and operability. Combine all these with the quality and timeliness of Isuzu’s aftersales support, we have no doubt that the new GIGA trucks are the obvious choice for meeting our requirements effectively and efficiently,” Mr. Kua said.

He believes that the vehicle drivers will be especially pleased with the comfortable cab interior and a host of new exciting features like the LCD information display to ease their daily driving journeys.

“We look forward to putting our new GIGA truck to productive work as our business in the steel industry has been picking up pace since the economy started operating in full force again in the endemic phase,” said Mr. Kua.

The latest GIGA truck range was launched in July this year.

Launched over a month ago, the GIGA EXZ460 is from the new generation of Isuzu prime movers with greater horsepower, performance and efficiency as well as the ability to handle heavy and demanding operations.

“The new generation Isuzu GIGA truck range is a very significant product line which represents the first full model change since Isuzu launched the first generation in 1994 in Japan. This new range is our response to the challenging demands in today’s heavy logistics industry, where businesses are continuously seeking ways to achieve higher efficiency whilst maintaining cost effective measures,” said Mr. Okazoe.

“We trust the new Isuzu GIGA will bring ample efficiency and productivity for Xinsteel Sdn Bhd’s business. Rest assured too that our teams are always committed and ready to help our customers to achieve a positive impact on business bottom line,” he promised.

The latest Isuzu commercial vehicle range in Malaysia

To know more about the Isuzu range of vehicles in Malaysia and the locations of showrooms where they can be viewed and tested, visit
isuzu.net.my
.

Isuzu is ‘King’ of commercial vehicles in Malaysia


Lamborghini To Start Producing Huracan Sterrato

After showing an
intriguing video
 of an extreme off-road sportscar in July, Lamborghini has presented the production model at Art Basel in Florida this week. The sportscar in the video had been based on a
concept car
 called the Huracan Sterrato, and the production model will also have the same name. 1,499 units will be available, with first deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2023.

“The Sterrato represents a radical and original interpretation of the super sportscar concept but, in terms of performance, the Sterrato belongs in the world’s most dynamic and exciting driving environments,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s Chairman & CEO, after unveiling the car at the international contemporary art fair.

While retaining all the superlative sporty and dynamic driving qualities on the road, the Huracan Sterrato goes to greater extremes in off-road capabilities than the Urus, which was the company’s first SUV. The designers gave the design a more adventurous look, raising ground clearance by 44 mm (compared with the Huracan EVO) to provide greater suspension travel. The track widths have also been extended slightly, for improved stability.

Lamborghini does not assume those who buy the Huracan Sterrato will not go off-road so additional protection has been given to the bodywork with aluminium front underbody protection and reinforced sills. The classic air intake located on the rear section supplies the engine with clean air when driving on dusty tracks.

Like the concept model, the Huracan Sterrato comes with a 5.2-litre V10 engine which produces 610 ps/560 Nm. This high output goes to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive system with a rear mechanical self-locking differential. Lamborghini claims that it can sprint 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h, although that terminal velocity is unlikely to be attempted off-road.

The Huracan Sterrato uses the same LDVI (Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics) system as in the Huracan EVO to optimize driving dynamics but with some changes in programming, specifically in the STRADA and SPORT modes. The system also gets a RALLY mode, specially programmed for use in low-grip conditions.

“With the high-speed all-terrain concept of the Sterrato, we have uniquely combined the driving experience of a true super sportscar and the fun of driving a rally car,” explained Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer. “Lamborghini cars always deliver emotion: the Sterrato delivers a new degree of driving thrills.”

The brake system uses aluminium fixed monobloc calipers with ventilated and cross-drilled carbon-ceramic discs. 19-inch wheels are fitted, with custom-engineered Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tyres that have run-flat capability. The tyres have been designed with an innovative pattern design and made with a cutting edge compound that can offer high performance on tarmac as well as gravel, at high speed as well.

The cabin environment is similar to the Huracan with the ‘feel like a pilot’ philosophy, with the driver oriented at the centre. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) has new graphics and special driving features which are appropriate for the off-road capability of the Huracan Sterrato. On the dashboard are a digital inclinometer with pitch and roll indicator, a compass, geographic coordinate indicator, and steering angle indicator.

Lamborghini Connect includes integration with Amazon Alexa to adjust car features such as air conditioning and lighting, as well as control the navigation, phone calls and entertainment with a simple voice command. The car can also be controlled remotely via the Lamborghini UNICA app which will allow for remote speed monitoring and the sending of a destination directly to the navigation system. Presumably, Lamborghini does not charge its customers extra, unlike Mercedes-Benz.

There’s also a connected telemetry system which allows the driver to monitor performance and analyze the data via the UNICA app. Apple Watch users can also synchronize their heart rate information with the on-board telemetry system to measure their driving performance, while the Lamborghini Drive Recorder can record driving experiences (including video).

The Huracan Sterrato is likely to be one of the last special models for the Huracan range which has been around for 8 years, and if so, it’s certainly a wild way to end the line.

Lamborghini: The Man Behind The Legend

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


New locally-assembled Peugeot 2008 launched, priced from RM126,753

Following the appointment of
Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB)
 as the distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the range of locally assembled models has been refreshed, starting with the
Peugeot 3008 and 5008
 which were launched late last year.

Today, the third model from the
Stellantis assembly plant in Kedah
 (formerly owned by the NAZA Group) was officially launched, this being the 2008 crossover SUV. The 2008 has been in Malaysia since 2014 when the first generation was launched by the previous distributors. The current second generation was launched in Europe in 2019 but due to Nasim’s sudden end to handling the French brand, it did not make its appearance as expected in 2021 (though the COVID-19 would also have upset plans).

So as it makes a fresh start with BAASB, Peugeot has a brand new model to introduce to the market with the new design language that includes a new brand logo and Lion as well. The new Peugeot logo (which has changed at least 8 times in over 200 years) has an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion.

Compared to the first generation, the second generation has a more striking profile with a set-back windscreen that emphasizes the streamlined and athletic design. The more horizontal bonnet sweeps back from a large grille that is flanked by the distinctive ‘3-claw’ daytime running lights that are the signature of the latest Peugeot models.

The overall design also shares elements with the 5008 and 3008, bringing to mind earlier generations of Peugeot models that had common styling elements and the only difference (at a glance) was that they were of different sizes.

In the 21
st
 century, sharing is a necessity to spread development costs and the 2008 uses Peugeot’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) small car architecture which was originally developed with China’s Dongfeng. The platform has been used for sub-compact and compact models since 2019 and is also engineered to be suitable for electric powertrains.

Inside, the 2008 is the first Peugeot model to get the new 3D i-Cockpit technology, a world’s first. This is the next evolution of the i-Cockpit that first appeared in the 208 in 2012, giving the popular hatchback an iconic feature that would become an element in the brand’s DNA. With the i-Cockpit, key information is directly within the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to take the eyes off the road. It’s almost like the Head-Up Display (HUD) except that it does not project information on the windscreen ahead of the driver. It is therefore not as expensive to incorporate but at the same time differs from traditional instrument panel layout and positioning.

The new 3D version’s instrument cluster, fully digital and graphic, has advanced reflections that create the impressions of 3D graphics. Depending on the importance of information presented, the indications appear ‘closer’ to the eyes of the driver. The digital cluster displays.

The cluster is composed of a high-definition 10.25-inch ‘background’ thin-film transistor (TFT) and a 7-inch ‘foreground’ TFT projected on a semi-reflective blade. The leading-edge display creates a 3D projection of approximately 15 mm between the front and rear images. This projects information like a hologram and the information is dynamic and animated. It can get closer to the eye depending on the degree of importance or urgency, and potentially increasing driver reactivity by half a second.

The other elements of the i-Cockpit are the compact steering wheel, raised instrument display, and a series of piano keys (or toggle switches) allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions. There is a 3-level arrangement for efficient ergonomics and driving comfort. Like a HUD, the information falls within the driver’s line of sight so that he or she does not need to take their eyes off the road ahead, improving safety. With traditional layouts, the eyes usually have to be diverted downwards a bit to view the meters, momentarily drawing the driver’s vision away from the road.

The Allure version comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. As with many new models, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. The system also responds to voice commands and Bluetooth can be used for handsfree telephony. Premium features include Automatic Climate Control, leather upholstery, mood lighting, electronic parking brake and cruise control.

Although having compact exterior dimensions, passenger accommodation has been maximised through intelligent packaging. The driver and front passenger have 6-way seat adjustment while the rear backrest is divided in a 60:40 ratio for variable layouts.

The boot is also pretty spacious with up to 434 litres of volume which can be expanded to 1,467 litres if you don’t have anyone in the back seats. There’s also another 80 litres in a compartment hidden under the floor which would be useful for valuable items although there is a removable tonneau cover to hide the contents of the boot.

All 2008s with petrol engines use the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder DOHC 12V turbocharged PureTech engine. This engine has been a category winner a few times in the ‘International Engine of the Year’ Awards. With direct injection, it produces 130 ps/230 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed ATS III automatic transmission from Aisin.

According to Stellantis Senior Vice-President ASEAN & General Distributors, Christophe Musy, much effort has been put into ensuring that the engine is suited to local conditions. Extensive testing has been carried out and the Peugeot people are now more aware of the fact that conditions in this region are significantly different. There is assurance that there won’t be issues like those which affected the engines in the old 308.

Although the 2008 doesn’t have a suite of active safety systems like what you find in many new models, it nevertheless has a number of the systems that you find in such suites. These include Lane-Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Warning and an Active Safety Brake. Also included as standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which should make regular checks unnecessary.

There are also front, side and curtain airbags, along with ABS, stability control, anti-skid control and hillstart-assist. Parents with small children don’t have to break the law as they can install childseats on the ISOFIX points securely, while warnings will remind everyone to use seatbelts.

Priced
from RM126,753
 (without insurance and without sales tax until June 30, 2022), the 2008 comes with a choice of 4 colours and a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 100,000 kms. Customers also enjoy free scheduled servicing for the first 3 years (or maximum of 60,000 kms.

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand


Porsche developing a starship for the time when its business expands to galaxies far, far away

Porsche is 88 years old, among the older car companies in the auto industry. Like any company that is forward-looking, it wants its business to be sustainable and be around for as long as possible. In fact, Porsche may be thinking of the time when its business expands to galaxies far, far away. To prepare for this, designers at the company are developing a starship and getting assistance from Lucasfilm Ltd., which is famous for its Star Wars films.

For now, the collaborative efforts will be to have a starship ready for the world premiere of ‘
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’
, which will be the final episode of the Skywalker saga. As the movie has already been completed and will be released this December, the starship will be a supporting element for promotional purposes rather than be in the movie itself.

“Developing a spacecraft with clear Porsche design DNA is exciting and challenging,” said Michael Mauer, Vice-President Style Porsche at Porsche AG. “Even though they do not seem to share many elements at first glance, both worlds have a similar design philosophy. The close collaboration with the Star Wars design team inspires and fascinates us – I’m sure that both sides can draw major benefits from this exchange.”

“The worldwide appeal of the Star Wars and Porsche brands is shaped decisively by their iconic designs,” explained Doug Chiang, Vice-President and Executive Creative Director of Lucasfilm and responsible for overseeing all designs for the Star Wars franchise. “We are bringing together two worlds with this project: the exotic film design of a galaxy far, far away and the precision work that goes into developing emotive Porsche sportscars. This collaboration promises to produce an innovative design that will blend the best of both brands to create an exciting new starship worthy of Porsche and Star Wars.”

The design team will meet regularly in Stuttgart and San Francisco over the coming weeks to design the spacecraft and create a corresponding model. Fans of both brands can follow the development process of the starship online at
www.thedesigneralliance.com
.


BIKES: BSH Introduces New Vario 150 Scooter Priced at RM7,199

Boon Siew Honda (BSH)
 has just launched a new
Honda Automatic Transmission (AT)
 model called the
Vario 150
. Boasting a combination of sporty style, high-performance and value-for-money features, the new Vario 150 is a “scooter-cub” bike (a.k.a.
skuchai
) an ideal option for bikers who seek a competent daily-commuter. In-line with its commitment to bring more joy to the customers, Boon Siew Honda has been continuously working to enhance customer satisfaction and evoke the creation of new value.

BSH noticed a growing popularity for AT models especially among young riders who wish to be pampered with quality features and specifications with an affordable price tag. Having understood the market demand, Boon Siew Honda saw great potential in the AT segment and decided to provide more options to Malaysians by introducing the Vario 150.

The advanced safety features of Honda AT Model provide peace-of-mind, while the automatic transmission makes them easy to handle. Other than the safety features and manoeuvrability, there is also an increased interest towards Honda’s smaller bikes with higher cc amongst Malaysian riders. The Vario 150 is powered by a
150cc liquid cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder
 engine that produces
 13.1 PS
 at 8,500 rpm and
13.4 Nm
 of torque at 5,000 rpm. The 150cc engine is incorporated with eSP technology and advanced Idling Stop System (ISS) to provide an outstanding balance of riding performance and fuel efficiency. Riders will be able to enjoy the dynamic performance of the new AT Model that will exhilarate the riding experience to a whole new level.

The striking Honda AT Model offers many value-added features such as the
Dual LED Headlight and LED Taillight, LCD Digital Meter Panel, Honda SMART Key System, Sporty Style Muffler with Aluminum End Cap, 14-inch Sporty Wheel with Wavy Disc Brake, 18-litre Under Seat Compartment and Double Inner Rack
. Boon Siew Honda has also taken account of safety concerns into the AT Model design. The new model is equipped with a
Combi Brake System (CBS)
 that helps to balance the braking system across the front and rear wheels to reach to an optimal standard.

Boon Siew Honda is targeting to sell 1,000 units per month and the company believes the standard of the AT segment will be elevated following the launch of this new model. Set to be the trendsetter in the AT segment, the Vario 150
(RM7,199)
 is available in four colour options, which are Pearl Magellanic Black, Pearl Nightfall Blue, Force Silver Metallic and the Repsol edition
(RM7,399).

Available at all authorized Boon Siew Honda dealers from 30th August onwards, the Vario 150 comes with a 2-year or 20,000km manufacturing warranty (whichever comes first). In conjunction with the National Day celebration, a series of exclusive and unique Vario airbrushed with the flags of the nation and 13 states of Malaysia will be hitting the roads across Peninsular Malaysia. These special Vario by Boon Siew Honda embody the patriotic spirit of Malaysians.

For more information, please visit www.boonsiewhonda.com.my or call Boon Siew Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1800-88-3993 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, except for public holidays). You can download the official price list below:

Vario 150_Price


Proton Ends First Quarter Sales With 50.9% Growth Year-on-Year

Proton’s cumulative volume for the first quarter of 2023 went slightly past the 40,000 level to record a year-on-year growth of 50.9%. With 14,573 units for the month of March added to the January and February volumes, the total volume came to 40,287 units.

The March numbers were 3.8% higher than what was reported for February, and 11.9% higher than the same month in 2022. Its estimated market share is 18.7% but slightly better at 21.1% when including the first two months. For the same period last year, Proton’s market share was 16.7%.

Proton said that March was great month for the industry and estimates that the Total Industry Volume of new vehicles registered was 78,000 units – even higher than the previous record of 76,657 units set in December 2022.

The surge in March was due to many companies, including Proton, rushing to meet the March 31 deadline regarding the exemption of sales tax. The Finance ministry had granted the exemption to all those who booked new vehicles before June 30, 2022, provided their vehicle was delivered and registered by March 31, 2023. After the deadline, either the companies will have to absorb the tax payable or find a mutually acceptable solution.

While the X50 and X70 remain strong sellers for the Malaysian brand, the Persona has also seen a comeback and rapid growth to ascend to the top of its segment after having been severely constrained by supply shortages last year (only 5 units were delivered in July 2022).

With production stabilised this year, the Persona has been streaking up the sales chart and 2,421 units were delivered during March. According to Proton, this makes it the B-segment sedan leader for the third month in a row. Cumulative sales of the model for the first quarter of 2023 total 6,773 units, representing growth of 79.2% compared to the same period a year ago.

Proton’s best-seller continues to be the Saga with 6,313 units delivered. That’s the second consecutive month the model has registered over 6,000 units. The total for 3 months is 17,446 units and though it is a huge 84.6% increase over the same quarter in 2022, Proton points out that the severe floods had affected Saga production at that time.

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“The first quarter of 2023 has been exceptionally good for Proton and our achievement of over 40,000 units is something we are justifiably proud of. However, we must consider that the Total Industry Volumes for the first 3 months were inflated because many brands were rushing to deliver vehicles for bookings made during the PENJANA incentive period last year. This was especially true for March as the deadline to deliver those bookings was March 31, 2023,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton.

“A better reflection of market sentiment should emerge by the end of the second quarter, but we remain confident of maintaining our sales momentum. We will be launching the
Proton X90
 soon and will also have more additions to the range later in the year,” he said.

“At the same time, we recently announced our commitment to expanding our future New Energy Vehicle (NEV) offerings and this will take the brand into new market segments as we seek out long-term growth to fulfill our 10-year plan. Yes, the runway to Malaysia being a hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) is still long but Proton is excited to lead the automotive industry to new horizons in the future,” Encik Roslan added.

New Proton X90 Will Not Be Available At All Dealerships


Ford’s Driving Skills For Life Programme Equips Drivers In Malaysia With Training To Stay Safe

Ford and its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), recently hosted its third safe driver training this year to corporate partners and members of the public through Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme. The training sessions were hosted at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) where more than 60 licensed drivers – including corporate partners and Ford customers  participated in two half-day workshops.

The Ford
Driving Skills for Life
 programme aims to educate licensed drivers of all ages on how to drive safely through practical, hands on experiences which is provided free-or-charge, helping them become safer, more aware drivers. The DSFL workshops address various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, speed and space management, as well as raise awareness on distracted driving caused by mobile phone use or drowsiness.

“Ford is committed to helping raise awareness of road safety and educating drivers on safe driving practices and techniques. We are proud to continue this very practical programme in Malaysia to help raise public awareness on safe driving and driver safety,”
 said
Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion
 (below).

An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated in every training session. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

In Asia, Ford DSFL is in its eleventh successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages. In addition to Malaysia, DSFL training is provided in China, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.


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

Renault’s official team in Formula 1 – currently known as the Renault DP World F1 Team – will have a new name in 2021: the Alpine F1 Team. The new name is taken from one of the brands in the Renault group which has a history going back to 1955.

The Alpine brand will be designated to the chassis and pay tribute to the expertise that gave birth to the A110 which went on sale in 2017. Alpine’s involvement in F1 will be a key step to accelerate the development and influence of the brand. The team’s engine will continue to benefit from the Group’s expertise in hybrid powertrains and its E-Tech name will be retained.

The brand’s team is currently known as the Renault DP World F1 Team. DP World is a logistics company which is a leading sponsor of the team.

The new name has been announced after Renault joined other F1 teams in signing the new Concorde agreements that cap budgets and will see the implementation of new technical regulations from 2022.

Alpine is currently active in the World Endurance Championship.

The new F1 team will have Fernando Alonso and is expected to have colours reminiscent of the blue and yellow on the R.S.25 F1 cars.

“This change comes at a key moment in the trajectory of the team and the sport. Alpine brings a new meaning, new values and colours to the paddock with the spirit of competition from other worlds and French creative agility.  These will be assets in the preparation of 2022 deadlines,” said Renault’s Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul.

“The new regulatory and financial framework will establish the conditions for a fairer motorsport in its redistribution of revenues; simpler and progressive in its governance. The implementation of the ‘budget cap’ will put an end to the expense race and will allow the signatory teams to be measured for their sporting value. Alpine has its place in Formula 1 and can challenge for victory,” he added.

A110 is currently the only model produced by Alpine.

Sportscar specialist

65 years old this year, Alpine was an independent carmaker in France, specialising in sportscar and also a regular participant in motorsports. Its independence ended when it was acquired by Renault in 1973, a move necessitated by difficulties faced during the first energy crisis period.

Although the rescue by Renault enabled it to continue producing cars, Renault management took the decision to stop using the brand name in 1995. There were hints that the name would be revived in 2007 but the financial crisis of that period forced Renault to postpone the plan. It was only 5 years later that the revival of Alpine was finally underway and it would become a sportscar brand within the Group.

F1 (Round 8): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Italian Grand Prix


Volkswagen Beetle R in rallycross? Why not!

What happens when you give a Volkswagen Beetle R to a legendary race car driver and super pro drifter to compete in rallycross? You’d get race wins. That’s exactly what happened during the final round of the 2019 Americas Rallycross Series in the hands of Tanner Foust.

Tanner Foust actually secured his first ever ARX championship title right after the fourth qualifying race onboard the no.34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle R where the unstoppable combo dominated the first two qualifying rounds. Despite a minor setback in Q3 where Foust was handed a penalty, all he needed was another finish to clinch the title.

He did so in spectacular fashion during the fourth and final round where crossed the finish line in first place. According to champion himself, “I couldn’t be happier. The vision of racing a Beetle in a chaotic, aggressive sport like this seemed so crazy six or seven years ago—and with the engineering of Volkswagen and the race capabilities of Andretti, they’ve come together to create a Goliath that has taken the whole sport of rallycross by storm.”

“Five straight championships, and this iconic shape is still undefeated. It’s just a real honour to race this car and it’s incredible to follow up on its legacy as the Beetle bows out of production. Hopefully, there’s more fun stuff to come.”

“It’s extra sweet to win this year. There is no doubt it was an uphill climb since we were running on a smaller budget than before, committed to the series late, and were running against two programs that completely revamped their cars and started from scratch with huge budgets,” added Foust.

How to get a brand new Beetle for free


4th generation Toyota Yaris for Europe and Japan unveiled today

An all-new Toyota Yaris has just had its world premiere today but before you call up the Toyota salesman to cancel your order, you should know that the new model won’t be available in Malaysia or even the neighbouring countries. It is a new model for Japan and Europe and the platform is different from the one sold in Malaysia. The different designs also take into account regional preferences more specifically. Although manufacturers would be happy if customers in every market around the world have same tastes and ‘one size can fit all’, so to speak, the reality is that there needs to be some differentiation if a model is to be well accepted.

The new Yaris for Europe and Japan is a different version from the one launched in Malaysia (below) earlier this year and will not be available in this country.

The Yaris for the Malaysian market (assembled at UMW Toyota Motor’s own plant in Selangor) is of a fairly new design so it is quite current whereas the other Yaris has had its own model cycle and it’s time for a full model change to the fourth generation. The first deliveries will start in Japan from mid-February 2020 and progressively launched in other markets. The new car will continue to be made at Toyota’s global production hub in France.

TNGA and new powertrains

The new Yaris, like the latest Corolla, uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-B platform. The new platform provides both superior handling stability and a high-quality ride by shedding 50 kgs in vehicle weight compared to the conventional model, increasing torsional rigidity by at least 30%, and lowering the centre of gravity by 15 mm.

1.5-litre Dynamic Force Engine with Hybrid System

It also sees the first use of the new 3-cylinder, 4th generation hybrid system with the Dynamic Force engine, particularly important for the European market. In addition to pursuing Toyota’s ongoing goal of developing the world’s highest level of fuel efficiency for a hybrid vehicle, the new Yaris is offered with E-Four (electric four-wheel drive system), a first for a Toyota compact car.

Besides the newly developed a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, there is also an enhanced 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine available for certain markets. Both engines use a CVT, with the bigger one being a Direct Shift-CVT unit with a launch gear adapted to the new engine.

More advanced safety features

Continuing the quest to bring accidents down, Toyota has equipped the Yaris with new advanced features such as an advanced parking support system (a first for a Toyota vehicle) and the latest Toyota Safety Sense which has been expanded to detect oncoming cars when turning right at an intersection and pedestrians crossing the street when turning right or left.

The sensing system in the car has been expanded to prevent accidents at intersections by detecting oncoming cars when turning right and pedestrians crossing the street when turning right or left (adopted by Toyota for the first time).

In addition to Advanced Driver Assist Systems, the new Yaris has been developed to achieve best occupant protection in the forthcoming stricter European standards for 2020. For instance, to better protect occupant in case of side impact, the new car will be the first model in the compact segment to introduce a centre airbag. The additional airbag is located between the two front seats and can help reduce injuries to the front occupants during side impacts.

“This marks the 20th year since the first Yaris debuted, so we wanted to build a new-generation compact car that goes far beyond customers’ preconceptions about class by building on the strengths of the Yaris as a compact car while revamping the platform, powertrain, and all other components. Compact cars are driven by many people, so offering a pleasurable drive was a priority, but it also prompted us to use the Yaris as the starting point of cars with the world’s highest level of fuel efficiency and secure safety technology,” said Chief Engineer Yasunori Suezawa who led the team that developed the new Yaris.

Intelligent interior packaging

Compact cars require intelligent packaging to maximise space and occupants will find the clutter-free interior offers a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. The thin cross-section of the instrument panel gives an impression of width which, together with the small diameter of the steering wheel, makes the cabin feel more spacious and sporty.

Various features are adopted to express the quality of a higher class interior, including hood-less dual digital TFT meters (adopted by Toyota for the first time) and a soft instrument panel, as well as a wider console and increased storage space.

Also being offered on a Toyota model for the first time are Turn Tilt Seats (shown above). A mechanism in the front seats makes it easy for the driver and front passenger enter and exit the car by rotating the seat and tilting it. This facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle by passengers wearing a skirt or kimono and supports those with back pain or low muscle strength.

While it won’t be sold in ASEAN markets (unless Toyota decides to unify the two versions), perhaps some of its new features may eventually be adopted in the Yaris sold in the region. This is the usual process where certain new features appear in the more advanced markets that can accept the initial higher cost, and then as the production costs drop with rising volumes, they can be offered in price-sensitive markets like Malaysia.

8 things you should know about the 2019 Toyota Yaris


Why The New W206 Mercedes-Benz Is The Best C-Class Ever!

While a Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the ultimate symbol of success, the C-Class is a loud statement of intent.

Before the rise of the A-Class and CLA, it was the C-Class that was the entry level model to the wonderful world of Mercedes-Benz. It was the car to buy for young executives who had just received their first big pay day.

The C-Class took over from the iconic 190E and the new W206 is the fifth-generation model, and is arguably the best C-Class ever made.

As handsome as the new design may be, Mercedes has opted for a similar design lingo across the board. It is now difficult to tell the new E-Class and C-Class apart from a distance.

The rear is the one part where all new Mercedes-Benz models are painfully identical.

I personally can’t stand the fake exhaust tips moulded into the rear bumper, while the real exhaust are neatly tucked away behind the bumper.

But the C300 (below) makes up for that with the sportier look and feel of the two C-Class models currently on offer. The C300 comes with an AMG body kit and sportier 19-inch wheels.

And it is most loveable in Spectral Blue. It is unfortunate though that this colour is only for the CBU models, and will not be available in the upcoming CKD models.

The C200 (above) on the other hand seems mundane in comparison. The Obsidian Black doesn’t do much to accentuate the design lines of the car, while the 18-inch wheels look common in comparison to the ones on the C300.

Both cars also feature the iconic power dome bulges on either side of the bonnet, a feature that was once reserved for the fire-breathing AMG models only.

The C-Class now offers the most spacious interior ever seen in a C-Class, ever. The rear seats are especially comfortable for taller passengers while the front seats feel as spacious as the W124 E-Class.

However, tall driver and front passenger will find their knees rubbing against the sides of the centre console.

The quality of the buttons are typical of modern Mercedes-Benz’s, which means they are neither great nor lacking.

Most buttons are now of the haptic type, which means they are piano black in colour and touch operated. All of the buttons on the steering wheel for example are haptic.

Personally, haptic buttons work fine but they attract smudges and highlight dust particles like moths to a light bulb.

Perhaps Mercedes-Benz designers could take a card from Lexus designers who believe that the essential controls such as air-conditioning and volume still warrant physical buttons since the driver will be reaching out to them while driving.

The interior differences between the two cars are also vast, such as the fact that the C300 comes with a moon and a sunroof while the C200 doesn’t.

The steering wheel too is different, with the C200 (shown below) getting a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel while the C300 (shown above) gets an AMG steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather.

It doesn’t just end there, even the trimming is different, with the C300 getting the sportier trim.

However, both models get the utterly dominating 11.9-inch portrait oriented touchscreen display. This may seem a little distracting at first, but key controls such as air-conditioning settings are on permanent display, which makes them easily accessible.

Accessing the menus takes some getting used to, but having such a large screen at the centre can definitely be distracting when driving.

There are other nitty gritty details around the interior that distinguish one from the other, but the biggest difference is of course the powertrain.

Both C-Class models share the same 9-speed gearbox, which Mercedes calls 9G-Tronic. It was specifically developed to adapt to something called the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) which is basically an electric motor installed in both models as well.

The new gearbox is said to be 30 per cent more efficient thanks to an optimised mechanical pump. And it also comes with a new multi-core electronic processor that can manage an increased amount of computing power. This has thus reduced the amount of hefty electrical components by a staggering 30 per cent!

The engines of both cars though are totally different.

The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that puts out a hearty 201hp and 300Nm of torque. This hike in power is achieve with the integration of the aforementioned ISG motor. This lets the C200 accelerate to 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds and a 246km/h top speed.

The C300 on the other hand gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that puts out an impressive 255hp and 400Nm of torque. This is good for a six second charge to 100km/h and tops out at 250km/h.

All in all, the new W206 C-Class is undoubtedly the best C-Class ever. The C200 is the thinking man’s choice while the C300 is for those who prefer a sporting flair to their car.

Either model offers an armada of features that includes a meter panel that can be individualised with three display styles, and you can change that according to your mood so you never get bored.

The CBU C-Class is available in eight different colours while prices stand at RM288,334 for the C200 and RM330,681 for the C300.