Genovation GXE continues to be fastest street-legal all-electric supercar

When US-based Genovation Cars talked about developing an all-electric supercar model which would be adapted from the Chevy Corvette Z06 and be powered by two electric motors instead of a 7-litre V8, it set ambitious goals: 700 bhp with 815 Nm of torque and a range of 240 kms.

Since rolling out the first prototype known as the Genovation Extreme Electric (or GXE for short), the company has been setting new records with the car which actually manages to deliver up to 800 bhp and a range of 280 kms. Some are significant world records, including an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for a street-legal electric car with a speed of 190.48 mph (306.7 km/h) for the standing mile.

New speed record

The performance continues to improve and this month, the GXE broke its previous top speed record set in September 2019. The new world record of 211.8 mph (341 km/h), witnessed and certified by the International Mile Racing Association (IMRA) was achieved during Straight Line Aerodynamic Testing at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

“During this December test, we broke our previous speed record that was set in September of this same year. That earlier record run was hampered by strong crosswinds, so we were confident that under better weather conditions, we could improve upon that result,” said Andrew Saul, CEO of Genovation Cars, Inc.

“We are thrilled to be the only electric car manufacturer to not only test our vehicle’s record-breaking capabilities, but to validate and achieve this milestone not once, not twice, but three times. Based on the early analysis of the data generated from the new record, we’re confident that we can gain efficiencies which will result in further top-end speeds,” Saul said, adding that the GXE continues to be the fastest street-legal all-electric supercar in the world.

Although the exterior is adapted from a Corvette, the rest of the GXE was designed from the ground up to have a low centre of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution, making it a true driver’s car.

Customers can order the supercar with either a 7-speed manual – an all-electric supercar category exclusive – or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

The GXE also comes equipped with a programmable active suspension, carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, state-of-the-art carbonfibre wheels, an ultra-high fidelity 10-speaker JBL stereo, a 10.4-inch custom high definition centre console touchscreen and bespoke exterior and interior.

Philosophy of sustainability

“One of our primary objectives is to reduce the use of petrochemicals and energy used to make our cars. Some of the sustainable parts we intend to use are commercially available off the shelf. These include seats made with soy-based foam. Where traditional tyres usually require up to 19 litres of oil for production, we plan to utilize tyres made from natural rubber infused with small amounts of orange peel oil, a by-product of the beverage industry,” said Saul.

“The batteries we plan to use have the most stable lithium-battery chemistry on the market and are 100% non-toxic. They can be reused for stationary back-up power before eventually being recycled,” he added.

Other areas where Genovation is exploring sustainability are more experimental. Testing on some materials has already been conducted and all potential options will be explored in a carefully conducted and scientific manner.

“We are studying the possibility of using composite materials made from natural, non-toxic and renewable products, such as soy-based resins rather than petrochemical resins and natural fibres made from basalt (derived from volcanic rock), jute, bamboo and burlap for trim pieces and body panels. Customers will have the option to order seat fabric made from wool,” Saul explained.

The GXE will be produced in a limited-edition run of 75 units, with initial customer deliveries scheduled in 2020. Although the price mentioned early during the development was US$330,000, the company is now setting a pricetag of US$750,000 (equivalent to RM3.095 million).


Design Details Of smart #3 SUV Coupe Revealed

A year after beginning a
new model era
 with the smart #1, smart has now released preliminary design details of its next model, a SUV coupe which will be called smart #3. Like the smart #1, this new model has also been designed by Mercedes-Benz Design, the German carmaker being a partner in the company together with Geely.

To be displayed at Auto Shanghai 2023 next month, the smart #3 (hashtag 3) has another interpretation of the brand’s visual identity, this one being even sportier. The exterior form is defined by athletic curves and shaped by organically connected lines like the smart #1.

The design is further accentuated by a range of stand-out details. At the front, slimmed down LED headlights are paired with a strong ;shark nose; and an A-shaped wide grille. On the sides, the prominent two-tone roof meets with the smooth, continuous e-line that connects the A-pillar and C-pillar, creating an elegant and sporty fastback silhouette.

The large, eye-catching alloy wheels add a powerful element, while scooped cooling ducts leave no question as to performance intent. The result is an emotionally charged design that is defined by vibrancy and energy.

smart #1

The sketches show the rear end having a distinct curvature created by the prominent spoiler, C-pillar, and strong rear fender and bumper. The look combines athletic appearance with elements of premium, progressively modern features, such as tail lights with pixelated elements.

The interior is also the work of the Mercedes-Benz Design team while the battery electric platform would come from the Geely side, just as with the smart #1.

“This muscular, yet elegantly sensual and perfectly balanced attraction of opposites makes the design an important milestone in the evolution of smart’s premiumness’ core value,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz AG. “The design of the #3 is emotionally confident, attracting and even thrilling the viewer.”

PRO-NET is already preparing for the launch of the smart #1 in Malaysia later this year and is laying the groundwork for a network of sales and aftersales centres.

From Swatch To smart


Bentley breaks two records at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb

Over the weekend, Bentley broke two records at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb with its 600bhp Bentayga, much to the surprise of the crowd that was gathered. Driver of the Bentayga, Vicky Parrott, belted the car the entire way to secure the first ever ladies hill record for an SUV with a time of 35.53 seconds.

This feat comes exactly 80 years after Bentley last held a ladies record at the hill climb, which was in 1927. Serving as icing on the cake, the automaker also broke the overall hill record for an SUV and also won its class which included vehicles such as the supercharged Land Rover Discovery SI6 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Speaking of the remarkable feat, Parrot said, “I have driven on many circuits but this is my first visit to Shelsley Walsh and what a fabulous place it is, very narrow and daunting but this Bentayga is some serious machine and has enabled me to set a new women’s record, so I am very grateful to Bentley for giving me this opportunity … oh and also for the loan of the special Bentley racing overalls with the name of a certain David Brabham embroidered onto the waist band!”

The Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb is the oldest motor sport venue in the world still in use. It was opened in 1905 and till this day, still has its original track layout. Though there are a few rival venues that sport similar history, the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb is still the favorite of many fans.


Bookings For Proton X90 Now Accepted, Launch Likely To Be In May

Since April 8, bookings for the upcoming Proton X90 have been accepted at all authorized Proton 3S/4S outlets (the carmaker says
only selected dealers will sell the flagship model
). The official prices has not been announced, all powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi 4-cylinder engine with a 48V Mild Hybrid Powertrain and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it Proton’s first electrified model.

Going by the schedule of City Previews which run until the end of this month, it would seem that the launch of the new model will take place sometime in May. The City Preview sessions are by invitation only and members of the public can contact Proton 3S/4S Outlets, with walk-ins able to enjoy the ‘flea market session’ from 1 pm to 2 pm only.

The dates and regions of the City Previews, to be held at six locations, are as follow:

April 15 & 16 – Johor and Penang
Aril 29 & 30 – Sabah and Sarawak

There will be four 3-row variants, three of which are 7-seaters, while the X90 Flagship will be a 6-seater. The main features and equipment of each variant are as follow:

X90 Standard
▪ Full LED headlamps
▪ 18-inch alloy wheels
▪ Fabric seat upholstery
▪ 12.3-inch Infotainment Head Unit
▪ Reverse Camera
▪ Colour options: Snow White, Armor Silver, Jet Grey

X90 Executive (Additional to X90 Standard)
▪ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
▪ Powered tailgate
▪ Leatherette seat upholstery
▪ Powered driver’s seat
▪ Ventilated front seats
▪ 360o 3D Display
▪ Additional colour options: Cinnamon Brown, Red Ruby

X90 Premium (Additional to X90 Executive)
▪ Advanced Driver Assistance System
▪ 19-inch Alloy Wheels
▪ Nappa leather seat upholstery
▪ Powered front passenger’s seat
▪ Wireless charger
▪ Auto Park Assist
▪ Additional Colour Option: Marine Blue

X90 Flagship (Additional to X90 Premium)
▪ Panoramic sunroof
▪ Powered front passenger’s seat with ‘Boss’ switch
▪ ‘Captain’ seats on second row

Drivers will also have more advanced active safety features with the inclusion of Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Sign Information.

To locate a Proton showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.proton.com
, call
1-800-88-8398
 or write to
customercare@proton.com
.

New Proton X90 SUV Confirmed as Proton’s First Hybrid Model!


Group PSA Worldwide Sales Up 38.1% In The First Half Of 2018

Groupe PSA’s SUV offensive with 13 models

launched worldwide
by the five brands –
Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall
 – drove the Group’s robust sales momentum in the first half of 2018. At more than
609,300
 units, SUV sales accounted for nearly 28% of the Group’s sales. The success of these models has made Groupe PSA at the end of May, number two in this segment in Europe, with a market share of 16.9%, and number one in the B-SUV segment.

Peugeot is the leading brand in the SUV segment in Europe, selling more than 339,200 SUVs worldwide (up 26%) in the first half of 2018. Since the beginning of the year, Peugeot confirms the upward trend of the PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, with 144,000 units sold (up 37%); it has also enjoyed strong demand for the new PEUGEOT 5008, which has logged 58,900 unit sales.

The Citroën SUV offensive launched last autumn is being driven by the C3 Aircross in Europe and the C5 Aircross in China, which together represented nearly 80,000 units sold in the first half of 2018, for a total of 135,000 since their launch. The launch of the C4 Aircross in China and the C5 Aircross in Europe in the second half will allow Citroën to accelerate its offensive.

Launched worldwide in February 2018, the DS 7 CROSSBACK, first DS of the second generation is key to growth at DS Automobiles, which came up to +35% in the second quarter. Two out of three customers choose the top-of-the-line versions, and while the DS 7 CROSSBACK offers premium equipment from the entry level, every second customer chooses the DS CONNECTED PILOT option, which opens the way to level 2 autonomous driving.

Excerpt
 from the full report: China & South East Asia: continued sales recovery…

With sales of 163,000 vehicles in China & South East Asia, up 6.9%, the Group has seen the first signs of a sales recovery. Citroën was the biggest contributor to the improvement, with sales up 50.5%, thanks to its range of sedans and the local launch of the C5 Aircross SUV last September.

The volume mix of the PEUGEOT 3008/4008/5008 SUV family is also improving, representing 40% of the brand’s total sales volumes.
DS Automobiles sales are stable in the second quarter of 2018. In China, the DS 7 CROSSBACK was launched at the Beijing Motor Show in late April 2018.

During the first half, the Group made significant progress in strengthening its operations in South East Asia with the creation of a joint venture with
Naza Corporation Holdings (Malaysia)
. The Group has sold over 4,900 vehicles in ASEAN area in the first half of this year. The acceleration in this part of the region is now noticeable.

For the FULL PSA 1st Half 2018 report, click to download this:

PSA Worldwide sales up 38.1% in the first half of 2018v2


Fernando Alonso to drive for McLaren in 2018

After a rocky few months, McLaren’s driver line-up for the 2018 season seems to be set in stone. Former F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who recently gave the team an ultimatium, has chosen to stick around for another year, according to
F1.com
.

He will rejoin current teammate Stoffel Vandoorne as McLaren mounts its renewed title hopes next year with new engine supplier, Renault. After several dismal seasons trying to rekindle the glory days of the
McLaren-Honda partnership
,  both companies have decided to go their own separate ways.

The under performing McLarens have lacked the much needed power that would have allowed them to compete further up the grid. Instead, plagued with several reliability issues and a noticeable power deficit, contributed to a lackluster few seasons.

Previously, McLaren F1 cars were powered by Mercedes-Benz engines, the very same ones that allowed the team to be a dominant force in Formula 1 for decades. Now, with Renault power, the UK based team should be able to harness all of its knowledge and resources to make a much needed comeback.

Source:
F1.com


No Increase in Price For Singapore Vehicles Entering Malaysia￼

Due to the potential impact of Singapore reciprocating, the government will not raise the current road fee of RM20.

“There are no plans for the government to raise the road fee for Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia,” said transport minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

If we increase the road charge for Singaporean vehicles, Singapore will also impose a higher road charge for Malaysian vehicles entering Singapore. Thus, we have to look at reciprocity,” he added.

This decision is also to boost Malaysia’s tourism sector which encourages more visitors from Singapore to enter Malaysia as they play an important role in strengthening the economy.

“We want to encourage the influx of Singaporean tourists to Johor for economic development,” Loke said.

All foreign-registered private vehicles, excluding motorcycles, are subject to the RM20 fee at the two Woodlands immigration checkpoints as well as the Tuas Second Link.


Rolls-Royce Sales Cross 6,000 Level For The First Time

In 2007, the total sales of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars passed 1,000 units, and within 15 years, the annual volume would steadily grow to reach 6,021 units in 2022. This is the first time in the company’s 118-year history that its sales have exceeded 6,000 in a single 12-month period. The value of Bespoke commissions also reached record levels, while demand for all Rolls Royce models was exceptionally strong, with advance orders secured far into 2023.

The impressive growth – 8% over the 2021 volume – was achieved by sales in almost all regions. The Americas was the largest single region for Rolls-Royce, while Greater China took the second largest number of vehicles. The Asia-Pacific region also achieved higher sales than ever before.

Increased demand for Bespoke services
More important than volume alone, the value of clients’ Bespoke commissions was higher than ever before. But it’s hardly surprising that customers who buy a Rolls-Royce would be being willing to pay an average of around half a million Euros to personalize their car to precise requirements for assured uniqueness.

The Middle East is the marque’s leading region for Bespoke commissions, with many unique creations of particularly extensive and individual personalisation. In 2022, Rolls-Royce opened an invitation-only Private Office in Dubai, the first outside the UK factory, so as to be closer to the marque’s customers. Further Private Offices will be introduced around the world in the coming months and years.

On the way to full electrification
Like many other carmakers, Rolls-Royce is also electrifying and the world has already been given a preview of what its first ultra-luxury electric super coupe will look like. Unveiled last October, the Spectre has already built up a pre-order bank that exceeds the company’s most ambitious expectations. First deliveries will take place in the fourth quarter of 2023 as the marque’s first step towards building only fully-electric cars by the end of 2030.

“As a true House of Luxury, sales are not our sole measure of success: we are not and never will be a volume manufacturer. Bespoke
 is
 Rolls-Royce, and commissions were also at record levels last year, with our clients’ requests becoming ever more imaginative and technically demanding – a challenge we enthusiastically embrace,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“Of course, this success has not been achieved overnight. In 2023, we mark the 20th anniversary of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, during which time we’ve transformed our business through a long-term strategy based on continuous and sustainable growth, careful management and planning, an unwavering focus on profit and a respectful but forward thinking reinvention of the Rolls-Royce brand,” he said.

“We’ve succeeded because we listen and consistently evolve our products in line with our clients’ tastes and requirements, consciously rejuvenating our brand while retaining our innate exclusivity and rarity. But perhaps most importantly, we have never put style above substance. In terms of technology, quality and luxury, Rolls-Royce still stands, as it has always done, for the very best of the best,” Mr. Muller-Otvos said.

Leading every Rolls-Royce for 110 years – the Spirit of Ecstasy

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Aston Martin Tom Brady Edition to go on sale in 2018

Tom Brady, a star of USA’s National Football League or NFL, has teamed up with Aston Martin to create a special edition of the Vanquish S. Only 12 such cars will ever be produced, which is part of the Q by Aston Martin pservice.

This a service that welcomes customers, presumably those with deep pockets, to collaborate with the automaker and create custom vehicles that offer a sense of uniqueness that goes beyond the appeal of regular Aston Martins.

Brady’s version of the Vanquish S comes with an Ultramarine Black exterior that is complemented by an interior that makes use of a ‘Dark Knight’ themed leather upholstery. Carbon-fibre has been used extensively throughout the car.

California Poppy leather line the paddle shift tips of the One-77 colour-keyed steering wheel, which Aston Martin believes exemplifies Brady’s meticulous attention to detail. Also, each car will bear the NFL star’s signature on their sill plates and the ‘TB12’ logo on the fender badge, embossed on the headrests.

Regarding the car, Brady said, “It is an incredible car to drive and is truly a work of art. Going through the process of curating a unique Aston Martin has been fascinating. We started with a blank canvas and finished with this beautiful car. It’s been great to see it all come to fruition and I’m proud to share a name with it.”

The Vanquish S is a grand tourer that is powered by a 580bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine that is mated to a fast shifting transmission. Considered one of the best looking Aston Martins to date, the Vanquish S features a sleek silhouette and thoughtfully crafted contours.

The Aston Martin Tom Brady Signature Edition will be available for delivery to customers during the first quarter of 2018.


Kia wins Workshop Award

Kia is known for producing good cars at reasonable prices, Lately however, the company has been consistently outdoing itself with its latest range of vehicles. The Korean automotive giant has picked up a number of awards due to this very fact. Now, it has done so for its after sales services.

Kia Motors UK has been awarded Manufacturer Warranty Scheme of the Year at the 2017 Workshop Awards. The automaker was celebrated due to the important work that was undertaken in the service and repair industry. The main contributing factors for the win were Kia’s quick resolution time and parts availability.

Speaking of the win, Hamish McCowan, After Sales Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. said, “We are delighted to receive this award. Since launch in 2007, our customers have benefited from the security and peace of mind the seven year warranty provides. We are yet to be matched in terms of level of cover and simplicity of our warranty scheme.”

Workshop Magazine is a monthly publication in the UK that is tailored to workshop owners, managers and automotive technicians. It provides the necessary information to keep its readership well informed of the automotive news that is of interest an relevance to them.

Kia provides lengthy warranty periods for vehicles sold all over the world. Over here in Malaysia, it offers a 5-year warranty for all its vehicles, which offer customers a worry-free ownership experience.


UMW Toyota Announces New Variant For Its Lexus RX300 SUV

Lexus Malaysia
, a division of
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd
, the authorised importers and distributors of Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announces the availability of a new variant the popular
RX300
 model. This
Special Edition
 shares the specifications and equipment of the RX300 Luxury variant but has additional accessories.

Priced from
RM434,000
, inclusive of SST (approximately RM10,000 more than the RX300 Luxury variant), the RX300 Special Edition has Lexus-genuine accessories which enhance its external appearance as well as provide additional functionality for motoring enjoyment. At the front end is an additional underbody panel which provides protection from stones and other objects thrown up from the road while along the sides are body mouldings which not only give enhancement to the looks but also add elegance.

The lower side mouldings are integrated with the new one-piece side steps on either side. These steps run along the bottom of the front and rear doors, providing easier movement in an out of the RX300, especially for small children and elderly people. Custom-designed visors have been installed on the tops of the windows to prevent rainwater from entering the cabin if the glass is wound down slightly. They are shaped to have minimal effect on airflow while allowing the glass to be lowered, if desired, even when there is rain.

Those who frequently use the rear cargo space will appreciate the step guard which is installed near the lower edge of the rear door opening. Covering almost the full width of the opening, it provides protection for the upper part of the rear bumper so it will not be scratched or stained when loading or unloading cargo. The Lexus philosophy is all about hospitality and this is reflected in the Welcome Door Lamp which comes on whenever the doors are opened. The lamp illuminates the area near the door so that puddles of water or potholes can be seen and avoided. Additionally, this feature also adds a touch of class with the projection of the Lexus logo on the ground.

Two other accessories included in the RX300 Special Edition are the Touch ’n Go reader/transmitter and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The Touch ’n Go device is compatible with Touch ’n Go toll-cards and can be used for passage through the SMART TAG lanes at toll plazas nationwide. It offers a neater solution for electronic payment of toll and can be installed inside the cabin. The DVR is a familiar accessory in many cars nowadays, providing motorists with a way to provide visual evidence in the event of an accident. Unlike the third-party accessories which are usually stuck on the windscreen, the one for the RX300 Special Edition is installed securely behind the rearview mirror.

All the accessories which come with the RX300 Special Edition are Lexus genuine accessories and meet the same high standards of quality and reliability as the rest of the vehicle. All accessory installation is done by professionally trained personnel at UMW Toyota Motor’s own Accessories Centre in Bukit Raja, Selangor. The RX model line currently on sale is the fourth generation of one of the most successful models of the brand. Six variants are available from Lexus Malaysia, with the RX300 Special Edition being the seventh. All RX300 variants are powered by a
turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine
 (8AR-FTS) which produces
235 ps & 350 Nm of torque
. A
6-speed
 Super Electronically Controlled Transaxle (6 ECT) automatic transmission is standard along with
all-wheel drive
.

As with all new models sold by
 Lexus Malaysia
, there is a comprehensive factory warranty of
5 years/Unlimited mileage
 (whichever comes first after original registration). Complete aftersales support is available at 7 locations in Malaysia (including one in Kuching, Sarawak) where there are professional technicians who have been extensively trained to look after Lexus vehicles.


Bentley Continental GT breaks record at Pikes Peak

Last weekend during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2019, the Bentley Continental GT broke the all-time record set by a production car going up the iconic circuit located in Colorado, USA. Driven by three-time champion, Rhys Millen, the Continental GT went faster than the previous record by 8.4 seconds.

Maintaining an average speed of 112km/h, it was indeed a magnificent run for the Bentley which conquered all 156 bends going up to 5,000 feet in elevation. The combination of Millen’s epic driving skills and a car equipped with one of the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder engine, they managed to complete the 20-km course in 10:18.488.

According to Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, “This new record once again proves that the spirit of endeavour and desire to push the boundaries of automotive performance remain at the beating heart of Bentley. It clearly demonstrates the Continental GT’s astonishing breadth of ability.”

As for the man of the hour, Rhys Millen, “This is an amazing finish to a wet, snowy 2019 run at Pikes Peak! We came here with one goal in mind, and that was to be the fastest production car up the mountain and set a new record. It was an incredible week. Today was a challenge with what Mother Nature threw at us, but the Continental GT held strong all the way to the top, and we are now Number One”.

Not a bad way to kick off Bentley’s 100
th
 year anniversary in which they will be celebrating this 10 July 2019. To mark their 100
th
 year, Bentley will be showcasing motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.

Bentley Bentayga V8 Debuts In Malaysia!


UMW Toyota Motor launches competition-ready, road-legal Toyota GR Yaris

Tonight is a big night for Toyota with Malaysian importer and distributor UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) unveiling three new models as well as announcing future activities which centre around motorsports. The increased motorsports activity has been going on for some time now since the Vios Challenge One-Make series began a few years ago, complemented by UMWT being the first local car company to get into eSports (simulator racing).

Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR), which manages the brand’s global competition activities, also began to develop into a brand of its own, focused towards high performance products like the GR Supra. The motorsports involvement by the brand could be largely attributed to Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, who is a racing driver and sees motorsports as a way to build better cars.

Second GR model

Now comes the second GR model – the GR Yaris – which is a
‘Homologation Special‘
, meaning its original brief was for a model that could qualify for use in FIA-sanctioned motorsports events. The FIA requires a manufacturer to make no less than 25,000 units of a model and if they want to have a high-performance variant, there must be a minimum of 2,500 units which are really the Homologation Specials.

However, Toyota has decided to develop a high-performance model that can be offered to more customers, so it is building 25,000 Homologation Specials! At the same time, the car is road-legal with all the required safety systems and should the owner want to enter a rally, he or she can do so as well (with the fitment of additional safety equipment for racing purposes).

“The manufacturing process is a first for Toyota, whereby the competition elements and requirements dictated the building and engineering of the GR Yaris. The end product and the results have been phenomenal,” said UMWT’s Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama. He added that the GR Yaris is made in Japan in the same factory that built the Lexus LFA.

Developed in collaboration with Tommi Makinen

Development of the GR Yaris was carried out by TGR in collaboration with Tommi Makinen Racing, the organization led by the legendary WRC driver who was champion for 4 years in a row (1996 – 1999). His WRC-skilled team of designers and engineers focused on perfecting the aerodynamics, weight distribution and weight optimization of the car to achieve the best performance and drivability.

Unique model line

The GR Yaris is different from the latest Yaris hatchback assembled and sold in the Malaysian market. It is a unique model rather than a variant and has a 3-door hatchback bodystyle which provides increased area for the inclusion of aerodynamic parts. Its overall length is 3995 mm with the wheelbase at 2560 mm.

As with most of the latest Toyota models, it sits on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform which is highly variable. For the GR Yaris, the variability was taken further as half the platform is the GA-B which is mated to the GA-C platform that is used for the Corolla and C-HR.

The reason for this hybrid architecture is to allow the rear suspension to use the more sophisticated double wishbone layout of the GA-C Platform (instead of the torsion beam rear suspension of the GA-B platform). The special platform also accommodates all-wheel drive and achieves high levels of agility and stability.

Aerodynamically optimised, lowered weight

For competition cars, aerodynamics and weight reduction are crucial factors which influence performance. These were areas the TGR team gave much attention to and as mentioned earlier, instead of just making 2,500 units with superior aerodynamics and the lowest possible weight (1,280 kgs), Toyota is offering the same benefits in all 25,000 units. This can save costs for those who want to use the car for competition as they don’t have to change to lighter parts.

Aluminium is used in many areas, including the bonnet, and the roof is made of C-SMC, a carbonfibre material which saves 3.5 kgs compared to a steel roof. Besides aluminium, another lightweight material used is TSOP (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer), for the rear bumper which reduces weight by 38 kgs. By lightening the upper part of the body, it also helps lower the car’s centre of gravity (by 2.5 mm),

Even though they run over rough ground, rallycars travel very fast so aerodynamic performance is just as important as on the racing circuit. Reducing wind resistance is one thing but increasing stability is also important – even when going sideways! Various aerodynamic aids have been installed on the optimized shape of the car, and as with many modern cars, the underside has been made as smooth as possible to minimize turbulence and lift.

The roofline is low to increase the amount of wind hitting the deep, high-mounted rear spoiler, maximizing the downforce generated. The roof and rear pillars are also tapered to promote better stability at high speeds. Shaping the rear diffuser (the aero step) to fold into the bumper unit also helps in managing airflow to reduce turbulence as it leaves the car.

High performance suspension

Drawing on experience developing the WRC cars, the engineers had a lot of data to use for suspension geometry and settings to maximize tyre grip. The front MacPherson strut suspension is both lightweight and highly rigid as is the specially developed trailing double wishbone suspension at the rear.

With the high speeds that the GR Yaris is capable of, the braking system has been engineered to provide strong stopping power. At the front are 356 mm ventilated discs with 4-pot, lightweight aluminium calipers (in red), while the rear brakes have 297 mm ventilated discs with 2-pot aluminium calipers.

Incidentally, the brakes fitted to the GR Yaris are comparable in size to those used on the GR Supra and in fact, the front discs are larger in diameter. And there is also a mechanical hand-operated parking brake for additional cornering control in rally driving.

Most powerful production 3-cylinder engine

The GR Yaris is powered by an all-new 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine (G16E-GTS) producing 261 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 360 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 4,600 rpm. This makes it the world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit currently in production. The engine conforms to WRC 2 regulations and its 3-cylinder configuration was preferred by Toyota engineers due to light weight and compact size, making it simple to install.

It goes without saying that a car intended for competition use would come with a manual transmission and the GR Yaris is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission with i-MT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) function detects the driver’s shifting operation (disengaging the clutch and shifting) and matches the engine speed after shifting (constant speed shifting).

Rallying experience also dictated that the gearshift lever should be positioned higher and set closer to the steering wheel for quicker shifting. The shift stroke is also shortened and lightened for a more engaging feel.

New 4-wheel drive system

20 years ago, Toyota developed its own Sports 4WD system which was used in the Celica GT-4, one of its successful WRC cars. Lessons learnt in the past plus new technologies developed for today’s Yaris WRC rallycar have gone into the new GR-Four 4-wheel drive system fitted to the GR Yaris.

This advanced system has an aluminium central transfer case and distributes power between the front and rear axles using a high-response coupling with an electronically controlled multi-plate type clutch managing the split power between the front and rear wheels. Besides intelligent distribution of power in Normal mode when the torque is split 60:40 front to rear, the driver can also select a Sport mode which is 30:70 and Track mode which is 50:50.

Comfortable cabin for 4 persons

While weight-reduction was a priority, the cabin of the GR Yaris is not barren or uncomfortable (as racing cars often are because unnecessary items have been removed). It has the same comfortable feel as a Yaris hatchback but with a much sportier image. There is still weight-saving but it’s not visible, eg in the structure of the sports seats.

The overall interior theme is in black with smoke silver trim details. The front and rear seats are upholstered in black leather with red stitching for those at the front. There is also a GR 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and drilled aluminium sports pedals with wider dimensions. The pedal position, pad angle and pressing angle have also been calculated in line with the driver’s hip point to gain the best possible controllability.

Instrumentation in the GR Yaris consists of an analogue meter with white calibrations and red pointers, and a 4.2-inch TFT colour Multi-Information Display (MID). The MID shows various operating information and includes an all-wheel drive indicator showing torque distribution. There’s also a turbo pressure monitor and gearshift indicator, besides the 4WD Mode indicator. The driver can also refer to the standard Head-up display (HUD) projected on the windscreen.

For those who use the GR Yaris for highway cruising, there is also an infotainment system and all the convenience features that are found in other Toyota models – even dual-zone air-conditioning. To provide a more sporty feel, the engine sound transmitted into the cabin is enhanced in accordance with the engine speed.

Toyota Safety Sense

The GR Yaris comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assistance systems consisting of a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). The systems use data from a camera and radar to monitor the road ahead, intervening with counter-measures whenever there is a risk of an accident.

Additionally, the GR Yaris also has ABS, Traction Control, Electric Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist Control. The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system includes an Expert Mode that can be activated by skilled and experienced drivers. Basically, it disables Traction Control and the VSC but the engine and brakes may be controlled depending on the car’s behaviour.

5-year warranty too

Although the GR Yaris is a high-performance competition-capable car, it has been thoroughly tested (even by Toyota’s President himself) for durability and reliability. For this reason, it comes with a warranty that is similar to what is offered with other Toyota passenger cars which is 5 years long – with no limit on mileage.

“We are absolutely excited and thrilled to welcome the GR Yaris to Malaysia. It is a car that has attracted so much of attention and praise globally. It sets a new and higher benchmark not only for a vehicle in its segment but also in the very way in which the car is actually built, and when you’re finally confronted with it, all I can say is the GR Yaris’ reputation as a competition-bred performance car precedes it,” said UMWT’s President, Ravindran K.

Of the 25,000 units Toyota will produce, less than 200 units of the GR Yaris will be available for sale in Malaysia. Each one is priced
from RM299,000
 (excluding insurance and roadtax) and a limited number of units will have the Performance Pack, with each car bearing a special plate to indicate its exclusivity. Customers can choose from three colours: Platinum White Pearl, Emotional Red and Precious Black.

Additionally, UMWT is also offering an ‘Early Bird Package’ (worth a total of RM5,000) which consists of an exclusive helmet bag, a GR Yaris scale model and participation in a GR Yaris Driving Experience in 2021 to learn to enjoy the GR Yaris to the fullest.

While the other Toyota models are available at all authorized Toyota outlets nationwide, the GR Yaris (and GR Supra) are available only at outlets which have the GR Garage. To locate these outlets, visit
www.toyota.com.my
.

What’s a Homologation Special?


Perodua Delivers More Vehicles As Supply Issues Diminish

Perodua’s deliveries in the third quarter of 2022 increased as the automotive supply chain continues to improve and more vehicles can be completed. The Malaysian carmaker delivered a total of 69,011 units nationwide, an increase of 5% compared to the volume for the second quarter of the year.

Commenting on the improvement, Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, said: “The increase in registration in this quarter shows that most of the major issues within the automotive supply chain have normalised. It is now time to further improve on production as we need to reduce the waiting period for our valued customers.,”

On a quarter-to-quarter comparison, vehicle registration jumped by 216.5%. However, this big difference was due to the fact that a lockdown was imposed between June and mid-August last year on nearly all economic activities in the country to curb the increase in Covid-19 cases. Between July and September 2021, Perodua only sold 21,803 units.

On a year-to-date comparison, sales rose by 64.9% to 196,354 units from January to September 2022, compared with 119,093 units sold over the same period last year.

Looking at the month-on-month comparison, registration of Perodua vehicles diminished slightly by 5.43% to 24,626 units. This is said to be part of the company’s vehicle registration maximisation plan in the fourth quarter of this year.

“For now, we are focused on increasing our momentum into the fourth quarter of this year as well as maximising production in the first quarter of next year to ensure all our customers who booked their Perodua vehicles during the sales tax exemption period will receive their car on or before March 31, 2023,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

That is the deadline set by the Finance Ministry for allowing the exemption in view of the production issues that had been faced by the industry. This delayed deliveries through no fault of customers and therefore they will be entitled to the exemption.

As of June 30, 2022 (the final date of the sales tax exemption), the number of outstanding bookings eligible for the exemption was above 200,000 orders.

Perodua also achieved its highest monthly production so far this year of 29,077 units in September, while year-to-date (January to September 2022) numbers stood at 206,837 units.

To know more about Perodua models and locate a showroom to test them, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

Perodua Starts Ativa Hybrid Study Program To Gain Insights Into Electrification


Updated Hyundai i30 N to get 8-speed N-DCT as well

After releasing the facelifted i30 model at the beginning of this year, Hyundai is now ready to follow up with an updated i30N, the high-performance version described as being ‘focused on dynamic performance, emotion and statement’.

In a series of official images being distributed worldwide, the refreshed looks show a new front end with aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers. The wide centre grille is flanked by new LED headlamps with DRLs having v-shaped light signatures.

The wheels on the car are said to be newly-developed and 19 inches in diameter. Of forged alloy, they are lighter than those of the previous i30 N, contributing to weight reduction in the car.

8-speed N-DCT

While the car will continue to use a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, possibly tuned to generate additional output, the transmission will be available the company’s 8-speed dual clutch unit (N DCT). This will be Hyundai’s first car model in Europe to have the 8-speed DCT and for the i30N, it will have dedicated N performance shifting functions.

N DCT, which was installed in the Veloster N in April,  is equipped with electronic actuators that operate the double clutch. Unlike a dry double-clutch transmission, the wet N DCT uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance, which is typical of higher torque applications, while avoiding reliability issues.

Adding more fun to driving

The N DCT comes with video game-like features that add fun to driving. N Grin Shift increases torque by 7% by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizes transmission response for 20 seconds – performance that Hyundai N engineers are certain will induce ‘driver grin’.

Additionally, N Power Shift engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting.

The N DCT also comes with N Track Sense Shift that discerns when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activates automatically, selecting the right gear and shift timing just like a professional racing car driver to provide optimal performance.

The Story of N – Hyundai N (w/VIDEO)


Bermaz Announces Public Viewing Of The New 2018 Mazda CX-3 SUV!

Bermaz, the official custodians of the
Mazda
 brand in Malaysia, will be having a roadshow in
1 Utama Shopping Centre
 starting from today
June 27 to July 1
, 2018 (Wednesday to Sunday). A wide range of Mazda models will be on display, including the much talked about
 2018 Mazda CX-3.
The display area will be at the
Oval Concourse from 10:00AM – 10:00PM
.

Although the new 2018 Mazda CX-3 has yet to be officially launched in Malaysia, interested parties will be treated with an exclusive preview at this roadshow. This will be the first time in Malaysia that the new Mazda CX-3 will be publicly displayed since its international debut in New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) – March 2018. Bookings for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 are also now open.

Also at this roadshow, those who book any model will be entitled to a sign-up gift and everyone stands a chance to win Mazda Official merchandise by joining in an exciting on-site game of
“Goal!”
 since its the World Cup season.

For the estimated price of the new 2018 Mazda CX-3, click to download the links below:

New 2018 Mazda CX-3 GVC (WM) Price List

New 2018 Mazda CX-3 GVC (EM) Price List

For the
 full specifications
 sheet, click the link below to download the brochure:

New 2018 MazdaCX-3 Spec Sheet

For more information, visit Mazda Malaysia’s Facebook Page. (https://www.facebook.com/mazdamy/).


Over 75,000 Porsche Taycans become 2023 models with big software uPdate

As the pace of automotive development speeds up, improvements to many areas of a car occur much faster than before. During the period of one generation of a model, there can be many technical changes which can enhance performance or efficiency. In the past, carmakers might wait for the next generation to incorporate these changes as they might involve changing hardware, which can be costly and time-consuming.

With modern cars having many more electronic systems, the process of updating doesn’t have to wait so long. New software can be loaded into the system ECUs and the car can be updated right away. That’s what Porsche will be doing with the more than 75,000 Taycan electric sportscars now in use around the world. And instead of incremental updates, it is making one comprehensive update that will make all those cars similar in software status to the 2023 model year. It’s just like the updates you get for your smartphone which sometimes introduce new or improved features.

Improvements in many areas

Depending on when their vehicle was delivered and the specific features, owners will benefit from an increase in powertrain efficiency as well as new functions and improvements in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect and assistance systems. The uPdate also includes the option of having additional functions and equipment unlocked after purchase (known as ‘function on demand’ or FoD), an approach now being market-tested by some carmakers.

“This campaign will allow our customers to benefit from the continuous further development of the Taycan. We have extensively optimized the model series in almost every respect since 2019,” said Kevin Giek, Vice-President Model Line Taycan, during a media briefing online two days ago. “New functions have been added and others have been revised or tweaked to further enhance the customer experience.”

The uPdate is free for owners but they have to bring their Taycan to an authorized Porsche service centre. It’s probably too extensive for an over-the-air (OTA) update which would not require the visit, but Mr. Giek said that this uPdate will enhance the OTA capability of all Taycan models. Presumably, that means that later updates can be broadcast to owners so they don’t need to go to the service centre.

The precise scope of the uPdate, and the duration of the service centre visit, will depend on the model year. Since the car was launched in 2019, many improvements have been made and for the older cars, more software may need to be updated.

Main uPdates at a glance

Powertrain
: While in the ‘Normal’ and ‘Range’ driving modes in all-wheel drive models, during partial load operation, the front electric motor is almost completely disconnected and de-energised. While coasting and at a standstill, both axles are free of drive torque. The electric freewheel reduces frictional drag losses which can increase the range.

The all-wheel drive indicator is now shown as an energy-flow indicator in the central display. This makes the current operating status of the drives easier to see. The energy recuperation strategy has also been optimized. The automatic recuperation setting is retained even when the driver changes the driving programme.

Thermal management:
 The battery packs are sensitive to temperatures and operate at their best within a certain temperature range. The new software will enable better conditioning of the battery pack, especially at low outside temperatures. This will enable the Taycan to be rapidly charged more frequently overall and over a wider range of battery charge levels. The waste heat from the electrical components is used even more than before for this conditioning. For those Taycans of the 2020 and 2021 model years, the improvement will be in greater range and shorter charging times.

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect
: These systems get new functions, a colourful tile design on the start screen, and even greater ease of use. For the 2020/2021 models and up to mid-February 2022 production, the uPdate optimizes the voice control and integrates the Spotify app. Android Auto is also available wirelessly.

Charging stations can be filtered and selected in the navigation system based on charging capacity. Drivers of 2021 Taycan with a head-up display will also have an optimized view of the navigation map, among other elements. The display contents have been expanded, presenting additional information. For all Taycan models prior to the 2023 model year, the on-board operating instructions can now also be used via voice control.

Assistance systems:
 The uPdate will adjust some systems to support the driver in even more situations. For example, the sensors of the ParkAssist function will work with a greater range. The search for available parking spaces has been improved as well, so that even smaller spaces are offered to the driver as an option.

Onboard charger retrofit

The 22 kW onboard charger has now become available for retrofitting as an extra-cost offering. With up to 22 kW of charging capacity, the more powerful variant charges the battery significantly faster. In Europe and North America, the retrofit also includes activation of the Plug & Charge function. This enables convenient charging and payment without a card or app. As soon as the charging cable is plugged in, the Taycan establishes encrypted communication with the Plug & Charge-compatible charging station. The charging and payment processes then start automatically.

“An exercise as big and comprehensive as this one has never been done before for any of our combustion engine models. Following this uPdate, anyone driving a Taycan from early in the car’s production run will be pleasantly surprised by how much has developed on the vehicle side since then,” said Mr. Giek, adding that, internally, Porsche refers to this as the ‘uPdate’ (with a capital ‘P’) because the 2023 model year, which started in July 2022, bears the letter ‘P’.

Porsche Taycan Driven by Karamjit Singh – Behind The Scenes Story


2022 Toyota Camry 2.5V – more than just a mid-cycle refresh with a brand new engine

The current Toyota Camry was introduced in 2018 in Malaysia and in the normal course of a model cycle, it would be around now that some freshening takes place. Typically, this involves cosmetic changes and perhaps the addition of an extra feature or two so that the model remains competitive against newer rivals with the latest features.

Rarely would you find the model getting a new engine and in fact, powertrains used to be maintained for at least a decade because it cost so much to develop them. But these days, the market is more competitive and so changes have to be more frequent than before.

Dynamic Force engine

That’s the case with the latest Toyota Camry 2.5V which gets a brand new engine. It’s from the Dynamic Force family which is a new range of engines that use high-speed combustion technologies to achieve what is claimed to be world-leading thermal efficiency for production engines. With the significantly reduced energy losses, the 4-cylinder engine produces 209 ps/253 Nm, which represent increases of 25 ps (+13.6%) and 18 Nm (7.6%), compared to the previous engine which had the same displacement.

With the new engine, the development team also took the opportunity to upgrade the transmission, replacing the 6-speeder with a more advanced Direct Shift 8-AT automatic transmission. This makes the Camry the only model in its class (locally) to offer an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though having more gear ratios, the transmission is lighter and more compact, and operates with greater efficiency too.

The Dynamic Force engine was developed together with the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA in short, which is a lightweight, high-performance platform used for this generation. Having developed the engine together with the TNGA has provided better optimization with the engineers having greater flexibility to enhance not just fundamental vehicle performance but also styling.

More intelligent safety systems

The other area which has received upgrading is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system. This integrates 5 active safety systems which use a camera and radar. The two sensors scan the road ahead to identify other vehicles as well as recognize lane markings. The information and imagery is then constantly analyzed and if an accident is predicted, the driver will be warned. If no corrective action is taken, then the computer will take its own action, like activating the brakes.

For the new Camry 2.5V, the camera has increased recognition capabilities and can also detect pedestrians and cyclists during the day as well as at night when lighting conditions are low.

TSS includes a lane-keeping capability and this is useful on long journeys. By keeping the car within its lane, the driver will be less fatigued as steering effort is reduced. More importantly, it can warn the driver when he or she loses concentration and the car starts to move out of its lane. Again, if corrective action is not taken, the system will make steering corrections to guide the car back safely.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is part of TSS but earlier, it had limitations in speed. With the new Camry, the system has been upgraded to be active at all speeds. This means that the car can even slow down to a stop if the vehicle in front stops, and then resume moving when the vehicle ahead moves. It can make driving in start/stop traffic less stressful and the only thing the driver has to do is steer because a safe gap will always be maintained.

The final sub-system of TSS is Adaptive High Beam which basically adjusts between high and low beams automatically. This is to provide illumination that is as strong as possible but switching to low beams when necessary to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Incidentally, the headlights have new Bi-Beam LEDs which deliver even stronger lighting.

Besides TSS, the Camry also comes with other driver assistance systems such as a Panoramic View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake (RCTAB), Blind Spot Monitor, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS).

While the Rear Cross Traffic Alert was available in the previous model, the system in the latest Camry has been improved with the addition of an automatic braking capability (RCTAB). Besides just alerting the driver of a vehicle approaching from the left or right as the car is being reversed out of a bay, the system will also brake the car if the driver does not stop. This can prevent an accident or reduce the severity if it does occur.

Newly added, ICS is an advancement over having just sensors at the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles or walls when parking. It is ‘intelligent’ as it will determine if there is a risk of the car hitting an obstacle like a wall or post and if so, the brakes will be applied to stop the movement of the car. This will help prevent damage to the car’s bodywork.

More scope for cabin packaging

With the adoption of TNGA, the 8
th
 generation Camry could be completely redesigned with a wider scope than ever before. This allowed for a completely new interior layout combining functionality, advanced styling and a high degree of personal craftsmanship. The layout has a strong focus on the driver’s area and to improve viewing for the driver, the centre display screen position has been set higher, located above the centre air vents.

Besides the Optitron meters, the driver can also refer to the Head-up Display (HUD) projected on the windscreen ahead of the steering wheel. Information shown is the road speed, gear position, Driving Support System (directions, ACC display, LDA Display, Parking Sensor), audio details and TSS warning alerts. The HUD, adapted from aircraft displays, allows the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road ahead for better driving safety.

New futuristic grey ornamentation has been added to provide an elegant and neat impression. Based on a composite pattern with straight lines and overlapping an organic base pattern, the ornamentation evokes an expansive and layered feel that creates an elegant ambience.

Given the popularity of the Camry as an executive sedan, much attention has also been given to the comfort for the rear passengers. New for 2022 are power adjustment for the rear seats with the outer seats able to recline by 8 degrees for a more comfortable seating position. There are also larger headrests fitted for enhanced comfort. Adjustments for the seat as well as the rear air-conditioning, sun-shade and audio system can be conveniently done on the control panel within the centre armrest – something which you would find in much more expensive luxury models.

Also new for 2022 is the Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control system which allows the driver, front passenger and rear passengers to independently set their own temperature. This system is comparable to those in luxury models, and provides better individual comfort for every occupant.

ON THE ROAD

In earlier years, the Camry was seen as an ‘uncle’s car’, the sort driven by older people who might not care about driving dynamics and performance. But with this generation and its more aggressive, bolder looks, it’s hard to think of it that way. Of course, looks can only go so far and if it’s all looks and no go, then it’s still an ‘uncle’s car’.

The previous 2.5-litre engine gave fairly decent performance and provided smooth propulsion from A to B. With the new powertrain, there is even less noise emanating from the front, and refinement has been raised a notch or two. Power delivery is very linear, a bit slow initially but becoming more muscular as the revs rise. Overtaking can be done confidently as the midrange torque is notably strong.

Toyota’s transmissions have always been smooth and the Direct Shift – 8AT has nearly imperceptible gearshifts. You can, at the press of a button, alter the character to be more sporty but unless pushed hard, you won’t feel a big difference. There are also paddle shifters but it is likely that the ‘intelligence’ of the transmission will make it less necessary to intervene with manual selection of gears.

TNGA is certainly an excellent piece of engineering work, allowing the car to have the comfort levels expected of an executive sedan as well without sacrificing dynamic handling. Thanks to the lower centre of gravity and responsive steering, the car is easy to maneuver, and its agility belies its size (and weight).

The space in the cabin deserves mention and whether you sit in front or behind, there’s generous space all round. We have Toyota USA to thank for this: had they not rejected the original design in 1990, we might still have a conservative narrow-bodied sedan which had been proposed. By insisting on something bigger to suit Americans in particular, we got a car that is today bordering on being a luxury model.

Just as nobody ever got fired for choosing IBM in the old days (because IBM computers were so good and so was their service support), you can’t really go wrong with a Camry… or any Toyota for that matter. The notion that Toyotas are boring cars is also an outdated one and with the new Dynamic Force powertrain, you can have an enjoyable spirited drive while the comfort levels will also please the people sitting behind.

UMW Toyota Motor starts 2022 with almost double the sales volume compared to January 2021


CBU Train delivered to Malaysia by world’s largest cargo aircraft

Delivering a completely built-up train would normally be done by ship, a journey that takes time. To get its trains to Malaysia faster, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the public transport company, decided to use an Antonov An-124-100 operated by Russian airline company, Volga-Dnepr.

A first for Malaysia – and Southeast Asia

It’s the first time that a train has been delivered to Malaysia – in fact, the first time in Southeast Asia too – by an aircraft. And it will probably not be the only time since Prasarana has ordered a total of 27 units under its ‘Kuala Lumpur Additional Vehicle 27’ (KLAV27) project. Between now and 2023, the 4-coach trains will be added in stages on the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit route.

The trains are made by Bombardier Transportation which has production facilities in various countries. The trains ordered by Prasarana are the Innovia Metro 300 which is designed to run on an automated system. They will travel up and down the 46.4-km line between Putra Heights and Gombak in Selangor.

World’s largest cargo aircraft

First flown in 1982, the An-124 is the world’s largest cargo aircraft, similar in size to the Airbus A380. 55 aircraft, named ‘Ruslan’, were produced between 1982 and 2004 (to date, five are known to have crashed). Depending on the load carried, it can travel up to 11,500 kms. The distance it covered bringing the 84-tonne train from northeast America to Malaysia was almost 16,000 kms.


The Infamous #VW Blue Durian Is BACK! Huh? What??

Yes read you that right.
But not that
. What are we on about? Well it’s that time of year again and
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
 is inviting everyone to their
Raya Open House
, this
 Saturday June 30th from 11am to 5pm
, happening at all VPCM showrooms nationwide!

“As the event falls on the final day of Volkswagen’s Raya Promotion, this festive occasion is the perfect time to take advantage of rebates of up to
RM15,000
, low interest rates from as low as 0.88% (per annum), and a free petrol card worth
RM1,188
. Combined with the current tax holiday of 0% GST,
 visitors are ensured the best of what Volkswagen has to offer. Additionally, there is also a 20% discount offered on all official Volkswagen merchandise sold at the dealerships during the Open House”
 –
VPCM
.

And of course, no #VW Blue Durian Raya Open House is complete without a feast of Hari Raya delicacies for everyone. For more information, visit any authorized VW dealership or visit
www.volkswagen.com.my


Proton In 2018 – Part 5: 109 3S & 4S Outlets Targeted By Oct 2018, And More Than RM15,000 Off For A Suprima S Now With 0% GST!

First national carmaker Proton hosted another round of dealers signing ceremony and this time a total of
 12 existing,
and
 3 new
 dealers were present for the ceremony. The
Dealers Network Upgrade and New Dealership Agreement
 signing ceremony was held at PROTON Centre of Excellence. Representing PROTON was
Abdul Rashid Musa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
, who signed the agreement with the dealers.

Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON
 and senior management members of PROTON were present to grace the occasion. In less than five months, PROTON has achieved 72% of its 2018 intended target for its outlets nationwide to have 3S and 4S status. On a strong footing, PROTON is on track with its plan to attain
 109 outlets of 3S and 4S
 stature by end of October 2018, and the Company is getting closer to the benchmark target earlier than expected.

“I am happy to share that within a period of less than five months, that is from January – 18 May this year, we managed to accomplish 79 outlets with 3S and 4S status, which is approximately 72% achievement against target set for the year. This is absolutely good news, a wonderful moment for PROTON, and with the upgrading taking place, we are confident that we are on steady grounds to provide world class excellence by delivering best sales and service experience for our customers,”
 said
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

Li also mentioned,
“I also wish to thank new investors who joined us as Dealers of the PROTON family. While all of us were tirelessly making plans to drive PROTON forward, we are very encouraged by the fact that we have the support of new investors along the way, who are game to take on the challenge of being a PROTON dealer. This can only mean one thing – that we still have strong brand presence in the market and because of this, many came on board to sail on the PROTON journey into the future with us. Thank you for believing in us. Now we can all charge ahead and be the driving force of the brand”.

And on that note, in terms of sales, the recent announcement by the Malaysia government for zero-rated
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
 to come into effect on
1 June 2018
, car buyers will be enjoying a tax holiday with
substantial
 savings on car prices. PROTON customers stand to gain even more as the national car maker strives to boost its value for money proposition.

Despite zero-rated GST only due for implementation on 1 June 2018, buyers of Proton cars can enjoy lower post GST pricing with
immediate
 effect. Though the sticker price will remain the same until the date GST gets zero-rated, all customers will be offered the choice between an instant cash rebate for cars registered from 16 May to 31 May or service vouchers equivalent in value to the difference between the current and new price of the car, effective June.

Adding to the potential savings PROTON customers receive in May are exciting sales initiatives that make it even easier to own a Proton car. The current
 Kosong-kosong promotion
 (above) means buyers of the
Proton Iriz
 (Executive and Premium variant),
Proton Ertiga
 (all variants) and
Proton Exora
 (all variants) who sign-up with
 Hong Leong Bank
 will receive
0%
 financing for the first year*. Customers who prefer to buy a Proton Saga or Proton Persona will receive free 3-months installment if they finance their new car via PROTON Commerce*.

As for fans of
Proton Suprima S
 (above), they will enjoy whopping discounts of up to
RM15,172
 on top of the zero-rated GST pricing for these cars. The zero-rated GST offer extends also to
servicing
 at all authorised PROTON service centres where a 6% discount (for labour and periodical maintenance parts only) is being offered to all owners who send in their cars for periodical maintenance.

For the FULL list of 0% GST Proton prices, download this:

NEWS RELEASE – THE BEST TIME TO BUY A PROTON

For full details of all offers, visit the nearest PROTON showroom or call its Customer Care hotline at
1-800-88-8398
 or email customercare@proton.com.

*terms & conditions apply.


PETRONAS Setel smartphone fuel payment application available nationwide

Since July 2018,
Setel
 – the PETRONAS payment application – has been available to motorists in the Klang Valley, providing a level of convenience that is unprecedented in Malaysia. Not surprisingly, it has been well received and used, with over 3 million transactions up till the end of January 2020. During the year and a half it’s been available, PETRONAS would have been fine-tuning the system and paying attention to feedback from customers with the aim of making it better.

Now
Setel
 is ready to be enjoyed by more motorists and PETRONAS is making it available nationwide (including in East Malaysia) from today. The e-payment app can be installed on smartphones running on the iOS or Android systems, with the app distributed for free through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Not ‘another e-wallet’

PETRONAS officials stress that it is not ‘another e-wallet’ although it does store monetary value that is used for payment of purchases of fuel. It is first and foremost a payment solution which enables a motorist to use the smartphone to make payment directly while parked next to the pump. However, until PETRONAS develops a system which can also automatically connect the fuel nozzle to the car, the driver will still have to get out and insert the nozzle.

The advantages of this approach of using the smartphone and app to make payment is that there is no need to go to the station counter to make payment (if paying by cash), nor is there a need to go through a few steps using a credit/debit card. It’s pretty much a seamless process which will please those with kids on board as they don’t have to leave the kids in the car while they go and make payment.

MESRA card can be integrated

Besides this convenience,
Setel
 also integrates the MESRA loyalty card program so points for purchases are electronically stored right away. Redemption using
Setel
 is also possible as part of the integration. Reloading of the stored balance is done like e-wallets with either an authorized link to a credit card/debit card or bank account.

There’s also a ‘family feature’ whereby a parent can allow his or her
Setel
 account to be used by the children. This not only tracks expenditures but
Setel
 will also provide a monthly statement and for those who require receipts to make claims, these will also be available.

“The current features of
Setel
 are just the beginning,” said Azrul Osman Rani, Managing Director & CEO of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad. “Anchored on seamless and frictionless experience, we will be providing the right solutions and partnerships to enrich the customer journey beyond refueling.”

Special ‘Pit Stop’ offers at stations

One new feature being introduced is the
Setel
 Pit Stop which will have special offers for snacks and drinks that will be broadcast through the app. Motorists who are pumping petrol can be made aware of these offers at the station and make purchases using
Setel
. They can then collect the items from Pit Stop areas on the way out. According to a PETRONAS executive, this will not be available at every station for now as they want to see response and get feedback.

To welcome those who install
Setel
 for the first time, PETRONAS is offering a 10% cashback on fuel purchases (Klang Valley only). The user must purchase PRIMAX fuel using Setel 3 times within 30 days of account registration and the first 3 fuel transactions have to total to a minimum of RM90. The maximum 1-time cashback and cashback value of RM15 per user.

More information available at
setel.my
.

Dream Car Performance Garage is the latest member of the PETRONAS AutoExpert network


Hyundai i30 N, the Korean version of a hot hatch

The performance hatchback market has heated up these past few years. So much so that even Hyundai has decided to get in on the action. It’s setup its own performance tuning arm called the N. Vehicles that bare this letter are more performance oriented than the base models that they are based on.

If this sounds very familiar to you, that’s because it is. BMW has its M division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Ford has SVT. According to Hyundai, there are two reasons why the letter N was chosen to denote performance of its model naming system.

The first, N stands for Namyang, the place in South Korea that the automaker calls home and is where the idea of the creation of a performance arm came was conceptualized. The second reason is, the letter N resembles a sequence of corners of a racing track that is referred to as a chicane.

“The Hyundai i30 N has been developed for no other purpose than to deliver maximum driving fun to our customers in an accessible high-performance package,” says Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President Performance Development and High Performance Vehicle Division.”

He went on to say, “With the high-performance N models we will enhance our brand’s appeal with emotional products that cater to the needs of people who love to have a smile on their face when they drive their car on a winding road and listen to the sound of the engine.”

Whatever the case maybe, the first Hyundai to come with the N nomenclature is the i30. The humble yet striking family hatchback has been reworked from the ground up to be a performance vehicle that is able to go toe-to-toe with cars from the likes of Ford and Renault.

The front fascia has been tweaked to offer a more sporting appeal, but has been left largely untouched. The subtle bodykit provide the car with a more aggressive stance yet being tasteful enough not to seem tacky.

Behind the grille, special air curtains help limit air flow to reduce turbulence in the wheel housing and allow for more efficient cooling of the engine.

There are also special channels in the front bumper that direct air to the brakes for cooling. The rear features more angular contours than that on the standard car, too.

There’s a large rear spoiler mounted on the roof to improve downforce and to maintain stability at high speed. In fact, the entire car’s body panels have been tweaked to increase aerodynamic efficiency for maximum traction.

That coupled with an electronic limited slip differential help increase grip especially during high speed cornering. The dual sports exhaust, rear diffuser and trim pieces add to the sporty appeal that complement the 18/19 inch alloy sports rims.

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces nearly 275bhp and 353Nm of torque. the turbo is designed to offer boost at the lower end of the rev range allowing the engine to output linear power delivery. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, which should appeal to the purist fraternity.

As for the interior, the N version of the i30 receives a more sporty look which is evident by the addition of sports seats and an N exclusive, steering wheel.

This steering wheel has unique blue stitching and an N logo at the bottom. On the left of it, there’s drive selection options (Normal, Sport and Eco) that alter the drive behaviour.

On the right side of the steering wheel, there’s an N button that readies the car to match the optimum designated setting.  There’s also a rev-matching feature that allow for better engine control during shifting, which should offer better acceleration and shorter sprint times.

The i30 N comes with a slew of tech that include Electronic Controlled Suspension (adjusts suspension behaviour), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential and a Variable Exhaust Valve System.

Despite the performance credentials, the car gets safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA),  Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Hyundai’s i30 N has gone through extensive testing at the Nurburgring to ensure that they got the hot hatch recipe just right. That said, its a relatively new car, and we shall have to wait and see how well it stacks up against the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST as well as other established models.


Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia 2023 Celebrates Unsung Local Heroes

Leading automotive lubricant company Castrol once again hosts their Castrol Hari Mekanik. Celebrated  annually in March, this is the fifth time the event is held and this year, it has the theme “
Celebrating Malaysian Mechanics
”.

The theme was curated as an initiative to show appreciation and raise awareness towards the unsung heroes of automobile experts in Malaysia. It kicked off this year with a unique one-of-a-kind video entitled “
A World Without Mechanics
” and was showcased on social media platforms, YouTube and Facebook.

Castrol Mechanics Contest
Additionally, Castrol is also hosting a ‘Castrol Mechanics Contest’ targeting Castrol Auto Service workshops and mechanics. This is to reward and show appreciation towards local mechanics that will run from April 1 to May 31, 2023.

All entries can be submitted via the Motorist App, an exclusive application available for all Castrol Auto Service workshops.

All mechanics from the top three workshops, divided by regions (Northern region, Southern Region, Central Region, East Coast region and East Malaysia region), with the highest sales volume during the contest will win the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 6.67 inch (128GB), worth RM1,149.

The top three workshops per region, will also be credited 8,000 EZ Rewards Points, worth RM800, that can be used to redeem rewards via the EZ Rewards platform.

“At Castrol, we believe in the value and importance of our mechanics and strive hard to raise awareness in celebration for their service to us every day. We celebrate ‘Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia’ on March 18 every year to show our mechanics appreciation and advocate for their roles today, always keeping road users safe, providing them the best service when needed. Mechanics are the unsung heroes of the modern society and Castrol recognises their acts of service,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

Watching the Premier League in London
On the topic of showing appreciation, Castrol also realised the dreams of two consumers, following the
Castrol Game Changers contest
 in partnership with the Premier League. The champions were flown to London to watch the Tottenham Hotspurs vs Chelsea match in February 2023 at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium where the Spurs won 2-0.

The contest champions who were flown to London to watch the Tottenham Hotspurs vs Chelsea match.

They were also given the opportunity to experience the exclusive world-class Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium hospitality and spent time chatting with Spurs legend, Michael Dawson.

Meanwhile, Castrol has also released a limited-edition packaging for the Castrol EDGE 5W-40, featuring four Premier League star players, David De Gea from Manchester United, Jesse Lingard from Nottingham Forest, Michail Antonio from West Ham, and Son Heung Min from Tottenham Hotspurs.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


BAS applies maximum braking pressure for shorter stopping distances

Brake Assist (BA) is a feature which is listed among the active safety systems of many cars today but how it works and why it enhances stopping may not be known by most motorists. BA, which appeared in the second half of the 1990s, is a supplementary brake system which can also be considered a driver assistance system.

A simple explanation of BA would be that it boosts braking pressure to the maximum available as this can have a positive effect on the stopping distance, especially with anti-lock braking systems, better known as ABS.

Helping older people brake better

When Toyota first introduced it in 1997 in the Raum model, it said that one of the reasons for developing BA was to help older drivers. These drivers might not apply full pressure on the brake pedal in an emergency, or may not have sufficient strength. Thus, the system will detect when there is emergency braking, eg sudden pressure on the pedal, and boost the pressure to maximum.

Brake Assist was introduced by Toyota in 1997 with the Raum model (below).

Emergency braking can save lives. However, many drivers then step on the brake pedal quickly but not forcefully enough – this is what Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered in the early 1990s during tests in the company’s own driving simulator. Their answer was BAS, considered one of the key links in the chain of important Mercedes-Benz safety developments.

BAS evolved from ESP

Mercedes-Benz introduced their version of Brake Assist, which they referred to as BAS, in late 1996.  It was standard initially in the S-Class (W 140) and SL (R 129) and built upon the functions of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), or vehicle stability control as it is also known.

These advanced systems not only use the sensors installed in the car but also state-of-the-art radar technology in order to capture the scene in front of the car and to identify a situation in which an accident is imminent. Mercedes-Benz offers very similar systems for its commercial vehicles known as Active Brake Assist (in the Actros heavy-duty truck).

BAS was introduced as standard in the 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W 140 (above) and SL (below).

How well does BAS work?

BAS interprets a certain speed at which the brake pedal is depressed as an emergency situation and builds up maximum brake boost within fractions of a second. This significantly shortens the braking distance – at 100 km/h on dry roads, for example, by up to 45%. Mercedes-Benz investigated its effect in the driving simulator and found that BA was able to mitigate or even prevent rear-end collisions.

It also made an effective contribution to pedestrian protection. In a series of experiments, 55 car drivers drove through a town at 50 km/h when suddenly a child ran onto the carriageway. Only full braking prevented the accident.

BAS can make the difference between hitting a pedestrian and stopping in time with reduced braking distance due to maximum braking pressure being applied.

Additional functions with BAS PLUS

The next evolutionary stage by the German carmaker was Brake Assist PLUS which made its debut in the S-Class from the W 221 series in late 2005. Besides warning the driver of an imminent head-to-tail crash by means of visual and acoustic signals, it automatically computes the brake pressure required to prevent the accident.

BAS and BAS Plus are integrated in the PRE-SAFE brake system that is today available in every Mercedes-Benz car. PRE-SAFE can automatically brake the car if a collision is predicted, and the PRE-SAFE  brake works together with the BAS PLUS, the latter making its brake boosting effect available as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal. If the driver does not react to the warning signals emitted by BAS PLUS, the PRE-SAFE brake initiates automatic partial braking to decelerate the car with some 40% of the maximum brake power.

Radar technology made the advanced capability of BAS PLUS possible. It detected the distance to cars ahead, warned the driver of insufficient distance and calculated the necessary braking assistance in the event of an imminent collision. If traffic came to a standstill and the driver actually had to step on the brake pedal, BAS PLUS built up the brake pressure calculated for the respective situation instantly.

BAS PLUS uses two radar systems: a 24-gigahertz short-range radar scanning the surroundings in front of the vehicle with an aperture angle of 80 degrees and a range of 30 metres. In addition, the 77-gigahertz radar of DISTRONIC scans 3 lanes of a motorway up to a distance of 150 metres with an aperture angle of 9 degrees. Tested in the driving simulator, the results were impressive: while the accident rate in tests with conventional braking technology was 44% on average, it dropped by three quarters with the help of BA PLUS.

Brake Assist is also available for heavy-duty trucks like the Mercedes-Benz Actros… certainly crucial for preventing such a big and heavy vehicle from colliding with a vehicle ahead.

Braking systems remain essential for road safety. In addition, emergency braking systems triggered on the basis of detecting potential accidents are an important foundation for the highly automated vehicles to come, and thus an essential part of the vision of accident-free driving.

Data for Road Safety initiative in Europe provides advance warning of dangers ahead


Logitech G Introduces PRO Racing Wheel and PRO Racing Pedals For Sim Racers

Logitech, the well known Swiss computer company computer peripherals, has introduced the PRO Racing Wheel and PRO Racing Pedals under its Logitech G sub-brand which specialises in gaming technologies and gear. These are professional-grade products aimed at professional sim drivers in a sport that had seen rapid growth over the past few years.

The racing wheel and pedals are said to be engineered for the most realistic and immersive racing experience possible with technologies like a new, high-performance Direct Drive engine along with TRUEFORCE feedback technology.

“Fans of our racing wheels and pedals can expect a serious upgrade in realism, performance and control, as well as design and durability,” said Richard Neville, Head of simulation and controllers for Logitech Gaming. “We analyzed everything—from how many gearshifts, turns and impacts it takes, to which materials and components will last through even the most gruelling racing conditions.”

PRO Racing Wheel
The PRO Racing Wheel’s all-new Direct Drive motor is capable of an impressive 11 Nm of force with an incredibly low-latency response. When paired with TRUEFORCE—a Logitech G exclusive, proprietary high-definition force feedback technology—the Direct Drive motor delivers unrivalled racing realism with higher frequencies of response than ever.

As a result, sim racers can now experience in-game physics and audio with much higher levels of precision and near instantaneous feedback, with everything from road conditions to motor vibrations.

Features of the PRO Racing Wheel include an intuitive wheel design with magnetic gearshift paddles that give a realistic, mechanical feel which accurately simulates a professional racing car’s. The paddles deliver excellent tactile response for a variety of racing functions and when configured as a dual-clutch setup, they can provide the perfect advantage when taking off from the starting line.

Alternative configurations include a handbrake and two additional axes, so racers can program paddles as accelerator and brake, affording analogue control for different racers. A redesigned clamping system lets desk-based racers easily mount and remove their wheel while retaining standard bolt holes for those mounting to a racing seat.

The PRO Racing Wheel is available in two versions, one compatible with PC, PlayStation5 and PlayStation4 consoles, and the other compatible with PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

PRO Racing Pedals
The PRO Racing Pedals have a realistic load cell brake and can be completely customized to fit the racing set-ups and styles. Key features include Pressure Detection, where the pedals register the force racers apply allowing for improved muscle memory and the perfect amount of braking power. This improves driver feel and delivers a more consistent racing performance.

The pedals can also be customized so that racers can have the best feel of all three pedals. The clutch and throttle pedals can be adjusted firmer or softer using a set of swappable springs and the brake pedal via a selection of elastomers.

The modular design allows each pedal to be moved horizontally. This allows creation of the perfect spacing for individual racers, and removable pedal modules make customization easy.

Lando Norris, one of the drivers of the McLaren F1 team, has tried out the PRO Racing Wheel and had these positive comments to give: “Logitech’s PRO Racing Wheel makes the sim racing experience incredibly realistic. I’m able to feel the conditions of the track and how the car changes during the race, which is game-changing. When using this wheel at home, I feel like I’m right there on track.”

To go on sale globally this month, the PRO Racing Wheel and PRO Racing Pedals have retail prices in Europe of €1,099 (RM4,875) and €349 (RM1,550), respectively.


Volkswagen M’sia Joins SOCAR – The Malaysian Car-sharing Revolution

A fleet of 50 Volkswagen Polo 1.6’s will adorn the SOCAR logo and serve the car-sharing programme in the Klang Valley. SOCAR which launched in Kuala Lumpur just three months ago is continuing to reshape the way Malaysians think about mobility by leading the ‘multiflex movement’.

Key to SOCAR’s success is fast expansion which provides increased availability and convenience for their members. Another important element is to complement varying lifestyles and bring joy to the drivers on the platform.
“The beauty of the car-sharing model is that as a member, you have several types of cars at your fingertips serving your different needs from a leisurely cruise out of the city to a trunk heavy trip to Ikea,”
 says
Chief Executive Officer of SOCAR Malaysia, Leon Foong.

Signing Volkswagen as one of their preferred partners is just the beginning.
 “The Volkswagen Polo was a natural choice for SOCAR’s fleet expansion,” adds Foong, “because it is the perfect city car, offering an assuredly safe, yet fun quality drive. It is also one of the world’s most widely produced car models.”
 He also says that the current demographic of SOCAR users in Malaysia are in their mid-30s, who want to try new car models or are households that need to use a second or third car from time to time.

“We are pleased to collaborate with SOCAR. Through this partnership, we are able to offer the members of the public easy access to Volkswagen cars and have them enjoy its German engineered capabilities. The Polo is perfect for city driving, though it may be small in stature it offers a dynamic drive without compromising on safety and comfort,”
 says
 Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).

The first batch of 21 Volkswagen Polo cars have been delivered with the remaining 29 due by mid-May. The Polo 1.6 hatchback comes equipped with a
1.6-litre 105PS
 petrol injection 16-Valve Multi Point Injection (MPI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, the Polo 1.6 comes with a maximum torque of
153Nm
 available at a low 3800rpm with fuel consumption at 6.3L per 100km.

SOCAR app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store. The Volkswagen Polo for the month of May is priced starting from
RM13.90
 per hour which is inclusive of petrol and comprehensive insurance.

For more information, visit
www.socar.my


Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd Officially Announces New Pricing Of Its Model Range Post SST

Following the Government of Malaysia’s announcement of
Sales and Service Tax (SST)
 implementation,Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd officially announced the new pricing of its model range inclusive of 10% sales tax applicable for vehicles.

Refer to the pricing list below for the breakdown of prices according to model.

Model

GST PRICE

NEW SST PRICE

Difference

Picanto EX

RM49,888.00

RM49,888.00

RM0.00

Rio

RM79,888.00

RM78,888.00

less RM1,000.00

Cerato

RM103,888.00

RM103,888.00

RM0.00

Optima GT

RM174,888.00

RM169,888.00

less RM5,000.00

Sporatage EX

RM129,888.00

RM126,888.00

less RM3,000.00

Sporatge GT

RM153,888.00

RM149,888.00

less RM4,000.00

Sorento EX

RM173,888.00

RM169,888.00

less RM4,000.00

Sorento SX

RM185,888.00

RM179,888.00

less RM6,000.00

Grand Carnival SX

RM188,888.00

RM184,888.00

less RM4,000.00

Grand Carnival KX

RM159,888.00

RM155,888.00

less RM4,000.00

*OTR price without insurance

For enquiries, contact
Naza Kia Malaysia
 customer service at
1-800-888-542
 or
csd@naza.com.my
.


Honda Accord ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition

Among the seven Special Edition models that Honda Malaysia has prepared to celebrate passing the 1 million vehicle milestone for locally-assembled vehicles from its plant in Melaka, the Accord is one of the older model lines. In fact, like the Civic, the model has been assembled in Malaysia since the first generation, and it has contributed significantly to enhancing the brand image as well as volume growth over the years.

Just one lucky customer will be the owner of the money-cannot-buy Accord Special Edition offered in the ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ campaign that is now on. It ends on
March 24, 2021
 and there are 6 ways which the public can obtain entries for submission to be in the running for one of the seven exclusive models.

Like the other Special Edition models, the Accord Special Edition comes with exclusive features on the exterior – a Dual-Tone finish (with black roof), red highlight line on the black grille, red highlight line on the door mirrors, red highlights on the 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish and of course, the ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ emblem.

Inside the executive sedan, the leather upholstered front seats have an embossed ‘
1 Million Dreams
’ signature as well as a plaque on the dashboard. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped and has sporty red stitching as well as a red mark at the 12 o’clock position, a visual indicator often found on sportscars to keep the driver aware of where the wheels are pointing.

The Accord Special Edition has the trim and equipment level of the flagship variant, the Accord 1.5 TC-P which has a retail price of around RM188,000. Although earlier generations had larger engines – up to 3.5 litres – today’s Accord uses an a small powerplant which has been developed in line with the industry’s downsizing trends. With Earth Dreams technology and turbocharging, the 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine can produce up to 201 ps of power, with 268 Nm of torque coming in from as low as 1,600 rpm. While the top speed is at 190 km/h, fuel consumption can be up to almost 16 kms per litre (factory testing) with a CVT.

Besides having all the features that make it suitable as an executive sedan, the Accord Special Edition also has many safety systems to protect the occupants. Top of the list is Honda SENSING, an integrated suite of active safety systems that help the driver to avoid accidents. In some cases, the systems may act autonomously, activating Automatic Emergency Braking to prevent a collision, if the driver does not take appropriate action in time.

There are also systems that provide monitoring, eg the Driver Attention Monitor which will detect if the driver is drowsy by the way the car is being controlled. There is also a monitor for tyre pressures and the driver will be alerted if there is sudden deflation.

A small camera on the left door mirror provided a real-time view along that side of the car, acting as a blindspot monitor called Honda LaneWatch. The view is displayed on the screen on the dashboard, appearing whenever the left signal is activated. In all lighting condition, the driver will be able to spot other vehicles nearby, avoiding a potential accident.

The Accord Special Edition also comes with a Multi-View Camera System which provides 360-degree coverage. The driver is able to see the ground situation on all sides of the car, a great help when parking in a tight spot.

Each owner of a Special Edition model will also receive this exclusive Honda Leather Pouch.

The lucky winners will be announced at a Grand Finale scheduled to be held by the end of this month.

Visit any authorized Honda dealership nationwide to participate. Locations of dealerships can be found at
www.honda.com.my
.

The Accord was the second global model to be assembled in Malaysia, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor. The first generation, available in hatchback and sedan bodystyles, was assembled from the late 1970s. Like the Civic, the hatchback was eventually discontinued as sales were low. The seventh generation was the first one to be assembled at Honda Malaysia’s own plant in Melaka from 2004. In its time, the Accord has had a leadership position among executive sedans, contributing to Honda’s strong presence in the market.

Seven Special Edition models to be won in Honda’s ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign


GVE Asia Group continues business operations of Volkswagen Sg Besi

The GVE Asia Group joins the Volkswagen dealership network in Malaysia as a new business partner of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). The group has experience in retailing luxury and premium models and operates used car dealerships, sales and aftersales and other automotive related services.

It has acquired the existing Volkswagen Sg. Besi outlet in Kuala Lumpur which was  previously operated by Wearnes as its first entry into the Volkswagen network. The outlet is a full-fledged 3S dealership so Volkswagen owners can get everything they need for their vehicles at one location.

With built-up area of over 75,181 sq. ft. on two floors, the showroom can display up to 9 vehicles. The aftersales facilities in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards and customers can relax in a comfortable waiting lounge complete with cable TV, Wi-Fi and cafe.

“We thank Wearnes for being part of the Volkswagen family. We’ve seen many years of growth, and their service to the brand has been invaluable,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM. “At the same time, it gives me great pleasure to welcome GVE Asia Group into the network. I look forward to a fruitful partnership as we continue to build the Volkswagen brand together and to meet the needs of our customers.”

To know more about Volkswagen products and services or to locate other authorised dealerships in Malaysia, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
.

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