Weststar Maxus Announces Raya Trade-In Promotion

Weststar Maxus, the sole distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a bounty of attractive deals for Malaysians looking at luxury class family vehicles during the Ramadan and Hari Raya season up to
31 July
. Also, as part of its campaign, all Weststar Maxus branches are offering customers an opportunity to trade their existing MPV for a brand new Maxus G10.
“We offer the highest trade-in value compared to the market standard and other used car dealers,”
 confirms
Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group Managing Director, the Weststar Group
.
 “It is an excellent deal for families looking for a ‘people mover’ that can easily accommodate 10 people.”

As an extension of its campaign, Weststar Maxus is now offering a
five-year warranty (up to 120,000 km mileage) with two years free servicing covering parts and labour
 for new Maxus G10 customers. The warranty, based on positive market response, is aligned to the current market practice.
“We’re making a great leap forward to become a mainstream player in Malaysia,”
 says Tan Sri Syed Azman.
“Our goal is to build an extensive network throughout the country and offering services competitive with other leading industry players.”

Weststar Maxus has opened two new 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) showrooms in Plentong, Johor Bharu and Bukit Mertajam, Penang, to serve its Southern and Northern customers. In the Central region, the Weststar Maxus Parts Centre based in Klang will operate 12 hours daily to ensure a fast turnaround and delivery time. There are also two new showrooms in Bangsar and Kota Bharu. To accelerate its marketing push, Weststar-Maxus has engaged a celebrity family – Awal Ashaari, Scha Alyahya and Lara Alana – as Maxus G10 brand ambassadors. The trio, famously known as “Schawalara”, are scheduled to share their Maxus G10 experience with their social media followers.

“The public image as a young, on-the-go family fits in perfectly with our brand proposition,”
 notes Tan Sri Syed Azman.
“With more than 19 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the celebrity family ranks as the most popular family in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.”

Weststar-Maxus plans to feature the family in its future advertising campaigns and a series of videos.

Awal is a well-known television presenter and actor while Scha is a popular actress, television host and model. Their daughter Lara is a reality television star and an Instagram sensation with four million followers, with the highest social media following for children under 13 years of age.

Weststar Maxus will also continue to offer the
Maxus G10 and V80 commercial vehicles
 with zero percent GST pending the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government.


Geely sends medical equipment and supplies to Malaysia and other countries

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic situation in China has improved, the country is able to think of helping other countries even though it still has many cases to attend to domestically. Government and private organisations have been sending medical personnel and much-needed medical supplies to a number of countries and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), together with the Li Shufu Charity Foundation are among them.

Geely Holding, which Proton is a part of, has begun shipping medical supplies to areas in Southeast Asia and Europe that are experiencing coronavirus outbreaks. The first batch of donated medical supplies was sent to Sweden and Germany for local distribution to hospitals.

For Malaysia, the Group will donate testing kits and masks to hospitals and treatment facilities in need.

Earlier in January, Geely Holding and the Li Shufu Charity Foundation established a special fund totalling 200 million RMB (about RM124 million) to support the prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic. The foundation established by Geely Holding’s founder, Li Shufu, will purchase and distribute urgently needed medical supplies including Personal Protective Equipment, test kits, masks, disinfectants, and ventilators according to the needs of the severely affected areas.

As the pandemic grows around the world, Geely Holding and its global family stands united and will make full use of the Group’s synergetic strength in the fight against the virus. Geely Holding and its subsidiaries around the world are strictly following national guidelines where they operate to protect employees and prevent the spread of the virus.

On top of assistance from Geely Holding and the Li Shufu Charity Foundation, Geely subsidiary companies around the world are providing their own assistance to local communities in distress. Volvo Cars in Sweden and Geely Sweden have donated over 12,000 medical masks to local hospitals. Benelli Motorbikes has begun shipping masks from China to affected areas in Italy. Geely Auto Technical (Deutschland) near Frankfurt, Germany has been working with local authorities to distribute medical masks and gloves. London Electric Vehicle Company has started an initiative providing drivers nationwide with a 3-month finance payment holiday.

“As the situation continues to normalize in China, Geely Holding has not forgotten the help it received from friends and family around the world. The fight against the coronavirus is not one that can be won alone. Together we are strong and together we will be victorious,” the company said in a statement.

Geely Auto develops cabin virus-filtering system within 20 days, to go into all its cars from next month


PSA: Petrol Cheaper By 1 Sen Starting 12th Jan 2019

Starting midnight tonight, both RON95 & RON97 Petrol will be cheaper by 1 sen, while the price of Diesel will rise by 1 sen as well. As such, here are the retail prices for fuel from
12th Jan to 18th Jan 2019
:

RON 95 – RM1.92 per litre (- 1 sen)

RON 97 – RM2.22 per litre (- 1 sen)

Diesel – RM2.05 per litre (+ 1 sen)

New prices take effect at 12.01am on
12/1
 and will be in effect until midnight
18/1
.


Extreme E Season 2: RXR wins opening round of all-electric series in Saudi Arabia

Reigning Extreme E champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR) continued their winning ways with overall victory in the opening round of the all-electric off-road series in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. This is the second season of Extreme E and for this season, RXR (owned and managed by Nico Rosberg, the former F1 champion) retained the services of Johan Kristoffersson with a new team-mate. Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky.

The pair were the victors in a Final of two halves, as a red flag was brought out at the end of the first lap following a big accident for McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust who, in a bid for third place clipped the back of the RXR car driven by Ahlin-Kottulinsky and then rolled his ODYSSEY 21 on the opening lap.

The race resumed for a one-lap shootout, with the four teams released at intervals that matched how they had entered the Switch Zone. X44’s Cristina Gutierrez attempted to close down Laia Sanz in the ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team car, while Kristoffersson closed the gap on the two Spaniards from third.

The RXR driver soon passed Gutierrrez on the inside, setting his sights on Sanz. As the Desert X Prix entered its closing stages, Kristoffersson took a wide line into the second to last corner for an aggressive overtake on Sanz and secure a dramatic win ahead of ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, with X44 completing the podium.

Chip Ganassi Racing came fourth having secured a spot in the Final with a win in Semi-Final 2, and McLaren XE finished fifth despite Foust’s crash having made an excellent comeback from Qualifying to win the Crazy Race.

“It feels really good, but every week feels good. Every time we go for a race, we have the aim to win, but the competition is so high this year, especially with McLaren coming in, which raises the bar even higher. We learned quite a lot last year, but now things are even tighter we’ll have to work even harder. I’m just very happy to start off the season with maximum points,” said Kristoffersson.

RXR’s win was not surprising as the team set the pace in the first qualifying session. It was a dramatic first session over the 6.9-km course which was disrupted by a red flag following a crash for Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ. The Spanish driver, partnering Lance Woolridge, had looked strong throughout their Qualifying run, but the huge crash denied them a shot at the top spot. GZ was able to exit the car but sustained an injury to her foot.

There was also drama in the first of the new 5-car Heats in Qualifying 2. Sebastian Loeb and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. delivered the strongest starts with Nasser Al-Attiyah running third ahead of Sara Price, all taking very different racing lines up the hill.

As the front three pulled away, the ABT Cupra XE car passed Sainz on the inside, but Nasser Al-Attiyah’s pace caused him to miss the flag and, in recovering, he collided with the Spaniard. Sainz brought the damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Heat. After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT CUPRA XE were classified last of the 4 runners in Heat 1, with the team relegated to ninth overall.

Championship Standings after Round 1

1. Rosberg X Racing – 30 points

2. Acciona | Sainz XE Team – 18 points

3. X44 – 15 points

4. Chip Ganassi Racing – 12 points

5. McLaren XE – 10 points

6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 8 points

7. XITE Energy Racing – 6 points

8. ABT Cupra XE – 4 points

9. JBXE – 2 points

10. Veloce Racing – 1 point

Following the opening round, the next one will be held in Sardinia, Italy, on May 7/8. The long gap between rounds is partly because the cars and equipment travel by a ship to reduce the carbon footprint of the event which is also being used to promote climate and environmental issues on the planet.

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


BIKES: BMW Motorrad Malaysia Introduces New BMW F 850 GS @ BMW Motorrad Nightfuel In Johor! [+Video]

BMW Motorrad Malaysia
 provided an exclusive preview of the New
BMW F 850 GS
 at the fifth edition of the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel at Puteri Harbour Front, Johor.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia
 said,
“It’s exciting to be joined by motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country who show great passion for the BMW Motorrad brand and the premium riding experience that it stands for. The event, now in its fifth edition, demonstrates the strong appeal of the brand in Malaysia, which we aim to carry forward in the improvement of our BMW Motorrad products and services in the future.”
As at time of publishing, Piston.my has not received the official on-the-road price of the new F 850 GS.

Last year, BMW Motorrad Malaysia recorded deliveries of 1,052 motorcycles, charting a 5% increase compared to the previous year. With over 900 units of motorcycles already delivered in the first eight months of this year, an increase of over 19% compared to the same period last year, BMW Motorrad Malaysia is on track to achieve stellar performance for motorcycle deliveries this year.

Further solidifying this success, BMW Motorrad Malaysia also thrilled the crowd at the event with an exclusive preview of the New BMW F 850 GS, the newest addition to the middle-class GS family perfect for riders seeking next-level adventure.
 Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia
 said,
“The New BMW F 850 GS promises its owner the ultimate offroad experience, from its sporty design, newly improved engine to its optimised suspension and electronic capabilities. With the riding pleasure it provides, you can truly Make Life A Ride with the New BMW F 850 GS as it is made to take you on and off the road, from open-road touring through to the most adventurous terrain.”

Ever since their
debut in 2007
, the GS models of the F series have stood for premium riding enjoyment, representing the middle-class Adventure segment. The GS abbreviation represents a perfect synthesis of touring and long-distance capability combined with sporty dynamics and supreme offroad performance. After around ten years of consistent model development, BMW Motorrad has now fully redesigned and reengineered its middle-class GS models, in line with its objective of creating an ultimate riding machine that is even more uncomplicated and carefree, whether used for sport-oriented road riding, on tour complete with luggage and a passenger, or on an adventure trip into offroad terrain.

Check out the video from BMW Motorrad on the GS!

More on the new BMW F 850 GS…

Sharper GS profile with more dynamic design, and improved wind and weather protection.

The New BMW F 850 GS features a completely new look that benefits from a more dynamic and masculine design. The design with its iconic features such as the asymmetric headlight and the GS-typical flyline make it immediately clear that they belong to the BMW Motorrad GS family. The characteristic flyline emanates from the front GS “beak” (upper wheel cover) over and past the fuel tank and seat bench, to the functionally designed and now considerably slimmer rear.

For improved offroad capability, attention was paid to ensuring that there are no inconvenient corners or edges in the vicinity of the fuel tank and seat bench. The wind and weather protection have also been further optimised. The modular structure of the available windshields (original BMW Motorrad accessories) permits individual configuration to suit the wishes of the rider. Standard-series windshields on the New BMW F 850 GS can be simply exchanged, allowing the rider to increase its characteristics towards offroad use or travel comfort.

Powerful, new 2-cylinder in-line engine for dynamic riding enjoyment.

The New BMW F 850 GS is equipped with a newly revised engine that represents the success formula of the GS models in the F series for more than ten years, now in comprehensively reengineered and more distinctive form. Focus has been given to increase both power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption. With a displacement of
853 cc
, the New BMW F 850 GS generates
 70 kW (95 hp) at 8250 rpm
, which translates to a supreme level of engine power.

A crankshaft with a 90-degree journal offset and a 270/450 degree firing interval were employed to achieve a powerful and emotionally appealing sound. Unwanted vibrations are absorbed by the new engine’s two counterbalance shafts.

A self-amplifying, anti-hopping clutch provides a discernible reduction in the operating force of the hand clutch, while the reduction in engine drag torque also enhances safety on the road, particularly in the case of braking manoeuvres performed while changing down in gear. Power transmission to the rear wheel comes from the 6-speed gearbox with secondary drive that is now positioned on the left-hand side, for improved driving dynamics.

A range of riding modes for greater riding enjoyment and safety.

The New BMW F 850 GS addresses individual rider requirements by offering ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ riding modes as standard equipment. With the additional Pro riding modes, the equipment will be extended to ‘Dynamic’, ‘Enduro’ and ‘Enduro Pro’, which respond to the majority of road conditions. The combination of BMW Motorrad ABS and the ASC automatic stability control ensure a high level of safety.

Newly developed suspension for increased robustness, with wheel guidance at front and rear for more sensitive response.

The bridge frame of the New BMW F 850 GS is made of deep-drawn, welded components. It integrates the 2-cylinder in-line engine as a supporting element and offers benefits in rigidity and robustness. The fuel tank has been placed in the classic position between the seat bench and the steering head, for optimised packaging and an improved centre of gravity.

For more sensitive response, wheel guidance of the New BMW F 850 GS at the front and rear bring together the requirements of offroad and touring, including riding with a passenger and intensive use. The front wheel is guided by an upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear wheel by a double-sided aluminium swinging arm with a central spring strut. In addition, the New BMW F 850 GS is fitted with aluminium cross-spoke wheels with tubeless tyres, with its 21” front wheel providing more riding stability, making it optimal for the ultimate offroad trip.

Optimised ergonomics for carefree offroad riding enjoyment.

As is typical for offroad bikes, the New BMW F 850 GS features generous spring travel distances and large ground clearance. Nevertheless, it isn’t just tall riders who feel comfortable on them. This is ensured by the optimised inner leg curve length and a refined ergonomic triangle around the handlebars, seat bench and footrests.

Connectivity with multifunctional instrument cluster.

The New BMW F 850 GS is equipped as standard with a completely new instrument cluster design. The new optional equipment known as Connectivity, with which the instrument cluster is displayed on a 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display, delivers fast and even clearer information to the rider with minimum distraction from the road. It gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions, and makes telephone calls or listening to music easier through seamless connectivity to smartphones.

Extensive equipment selection to customise your ride.

The range of optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad accessories available for customising the New F 850 GS is unparalleled in the middle-class segment and has been considerably increased since the previous models.

Optional equipment is supplied directly ex works and is integrated in the production process. Different individualisation packages are available such as the Comfort package, Touring package, Dynamic package, and Lights package, each suited for the long journey, added riding pleasure, sporty adventures, or superior illumination.

For colour accents, the owner of the New BMW F 850 GS may choose from three distinctive styles. The Exclusive style with its Pollux metallic matt colour makes for an elegant eye-catcher, while the Rallye style with its Light white, Racing red and Lupin blue metallic colours gives the bike an even sportier accent. Alternatively, owners may choose the basic Racing red option.


BLACKPINK All Set for ‘In Your Area’ Kuala Lumpur – Their First Malaysian Tour Presented by KIA!

Attention to all
BLINKs
 in Malaysia:
BLACKPINK
 is finally ‘In Your Area’ where Kuala Lumpur will play host this weekend of
23
rd
 and 24
th
 February 2019
 to the revolutionary Korean super girl group’s concert! The 2-day concerts are presented by
KIA Motors
, who announced the partnership with BLACKPINK for their 2019 World Tour earlier this month sending the K-Pop scene in Malaysia abuzz.

Kia Malaysia will also be showcasing a booth at the concert grounds where BLINKs can stand a chance to win exclusive BLACKPINK autographed CDs! All you need to do is show off your best BLACKPINK-inspired dance choreography or carpool karaoke skill to your favourite BLACKPINK songs, and post a video or photo of it on Facebook or Instagram with the official hashtag #MovewithKiaMalaysia to be noticed*! So BLINKs, only a limited few BLACKPINK autographed CDs are up for grabs – are you ready to practise your moves
As If It’s Your Last
 and party like you’re
Forever Young
?

Malaysia’s own Alvin Chong is also set to make an appearance at the Kia booth on
Sunday, 24
th
 February 2019
 from 3:00pm onwards before BLACKPINK’s performance starts. Fans attending the concert will get the opportunity to meet Alvin Chong in person for a photo or two. The partnership between Kia Motors Corporation and BLACKPINK marks the first of many K-pop collaborations to be announced in 2019 by the Korean automotive manufacturer aimed at establishing a closer connection to the younger generation through a new K-Pop-inspired outreach campaign. Follow @kia_onbeat Instagram account to be the first to hear about collaborative content between Kia and K-pop artists.

BLACKPINK 2019 World Tour [IN YOUR AREA] Kuala Lumpur will be held on
23
rd
 and 24
th
 February 2019
 at
Malawati Indoor Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.


Honda City gains new red paint scheme

Honda Malaysia updates popular Honda City compact sedan model by introducing new Dark Ruby Red Pearl paint scheme option.

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (HMSB) recently announced that the popular and highly successful Honda City compact sedan model is now available in a new paint scheme it calls Dark Ruby Red Pearl.

According to the firm, the new shade of red paint will replace the City’s well-known ‘hero’ colour of Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic. HMMSB further stated that the move was initiated following a very thorough market research where results indicated that a many of its customers chose red as their preferred new colour for the model.

New paint scheme aside, things remain the same with the popular B-segment sedan model, which contributed 41% of HMMSB’s total sales figure in the first half of 2015. Since it was launch in March last year, HMMSB has sold a total of 55,587 units of the fourth generation City as of 17 August 2015.

The new red paint scheme option now complements the other four colours offered for the City, those being Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Furthermore, HMMSB also stated its target to sell 300 units of the City in Dark Ruby Red Pearl monthly, with the firm stating its high optimism towards thenew colour option’s acceptance amongst Malaysian buyers.


Hyundai develops new Intelligent Air Purification System

Hyundai Motor Group
 has just announced their latest development for their vehicle’s interior air quality. The Intelligent Air Purification System or ‘Smart Air Purification System’ is an innovative in-car filter that works automatically to provide ‘excellent’ air quality using advanced technology.

Using their latest filtration technology, this new system is able to remove around 99% of fine particulates even before passengers enter the vehicle and throughout the journey. The results have been so positive that the system might make its way to all future Hyundai and Kia models to promote better health in highly congested urban areas.

The Smart Air Purification System is also very energy efficient as it only turns on when the level drops from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Fair’. It then maintains the cleaning process using laser-based sensors until the air quality improves to an ‘Excellent’ level. Even if the exterior air quality is at ‘Poor’ level, the system can purify air inside to ‘Excellent’ quality in almost instantaneously.

Occupants of the vehicle will be able to monitor the air quality levels using the car’s audio-video navigation (AVN) screen, with a visual 16-bar digital display of air quality that fluctuates in real-time based on the Korea Environmental Corporation Standards.

According to YongSuk Shin, head of FR Interior & Exterior System Engineering Design Team, “Enabling our customers to breathe the cleanest air, even in highly polluted areas, is a demonstration of how Hyundai Motor Group strives to care for its customers. This innovation is just one of many projects we are working on to provide our customers with the best in-car environments.”

Control your Hyundai remotely with Google Assistant


Authorised Toyota and Lexus outlets resume business from today

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced that authorised Toyota and Lexus Sales & Service Outlets in its network that are located in areas observing the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be open for business from today (May 4, 2020).

The opening of the Sales & Service Outlets will be based on approval and regulations by the respective state governments. This follows approval from the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI).

All outlets have received guidelines for their daily operations which must be in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by MITI. The SOP requires such measures as social distancing, sanitization of premises and contactless payments where possible.

Vehicle owners are advised to call in advance to check on the operating days and hours of their preferred Sales or Service Outlet as well as to secure an appointment before going there.
Click here for contact details of the outlets
.

“We will follow the SOP strictly at all our Sales & Service Outlets for our customers’ peace of mind as well as to also protect our staff. It is hoped that our customers will understand the requirements which are necessary in the public interest and safety,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO (currently scheduled to be May 12, 2020).

War Against COVID-19: UMW Toyota Motor and dealers provide support for PDRM and Malaysian Relief Agency


The Honda VTEC Story

NSX Other

In the early 1980s, Honda was looking at a new generation of engines for the mainstream market. It was a period when multivalve cylinder heads (more than one intake and one exhaust valve) were beginning to enter mainstream engine design and Honda was looking at something which would enhance performance further. This effort brought forth the New Concept Engine (NCE) program in March 1984 which had specific targets that included high torque in both the low and high rpm ranges and dramatic increases in horsepower per litre. The program was a success, resulting in a series that included the DOHC engine found in the 1985 Civic and Integra, and the SOHC centre-plug engine in the 1987 City.

Ikuo Kajitani, an engineer in Honda’s Tochigi R&D Centre, was involved in the development of these 4-valve engines. Through his experience in engine design, Kajitani had become convinced that Honda’s next engine should offer a mechanism that could alter the timing of the valves. “Characteristically,” Kajitani said, “4-valve engines are known as high-revving, high-output machines. And for that reason, we knew it would be quite difficult to achieve low-end performance if the engine’s displacement were too small.”

Understanding the challenges

There were various problems during the process of development, eg a reduction in the valve’s interior angle, attempted in order to increase low-end torque, resulted in a broken timing belt and valve spring as the unit reached the upper rpm range. To address the problem, the development team put in long hours studying how to balance these two critical areas of engine performance. They knew they had already succeeded with their DOHC and SOHC powerplants, but to develop a new unit that would outperform its predecessors they would have to bridge the gap between the low end and the upper limit.

One group examined the idea of ‘switchable valve timing’ and in January 1983, a year before the NCE program began, a research team was formed to study the mechanism as a means of enhancing fuel economy…  even though by the end of 1982, Honda engines were already capable of a world-beating 17.7 kms/litre.

A possibility was identified through the study of a new valve mechanism. Specifically, it was believed that the installation of a new set of cam followers and rocker arms for high-speed operation on the intake and exhaust sides would help, along with the switching of cam hills according to engine speed. This was to be their solution to higher engine efficiency and was the so-called “valve stopping + variable valve timing” mechanism employed in the NCE program.

The mechanism underwent a program of study and refinement. Eventually, it evolved into Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control System) engine that would become a key feature of Honda engines up till today. The new technology, which offered a new level of performance, made its debut in the 1989 Integra.

New technology for future engines

“Find a new technology to lead the next generation of Honda engines.” This was the directive issued by top management at Honda R&D and, in response, a project was proposed to expand the variable valve-timing approach. Since it had originally been created to improve fuel economy, the engineering staff’s new assignment would be to combine outstanding mileage with impressive output across the entire powerband.

Approval was given in November 1986 with the first objective being to develop a new engine for the Integra. Kajitani, a lead engineer of the engine development project, knew that working on VTEC technology would not merely solve many problems he had experienced in development of the DOHC and SOHC engines, but would play a major role in the creation of future powerplant designs.

100 bhp per litre

He believed the specification for Honda’s new engine – 90 bhp per litre (or 140 bhp from a 1.6-litre unit) – was not really reflective of the 1990s approach. After all, the DOHC engine already produced 130 bhp but the new engine would only have 10 bhp more than that. He was not satisfied with that level and as if to read Kajitani’s mind, Nobuhiko Kawamoto, then president of Honda R&D made a thoughtful suggestion: “Why don’t you raise your target to 100 horsepower per litre?”.

It had always been thought that a normally-aspirated engine could not be made to produce 100 bhp/litre. But Kawamoto was an experienced engineer and his words inspired Kajitani. The new target would mean 160  bhp from only 1.6 litres, and at a maximum of 8000 rpm. “We’ll make that our goal,” he declared.

“Conventional engines in those days could only produce 70 or 80 bhp per litre. But here we were, being asked to increase it all the way to 100 bhp… it wasn’t going to be easy,” Kajitani recalled. “An engine becomes subject to a higher load as you increase its rpm. So we had to keep in mind the quality-assurance target of 15 years, or 250,000 kms, for a mass-production engine. We all wondered how on earth we were going to reach that number while ensuring the required quality of mass production.”

When Kajitani sat down with his associates and told them the target, he was immediately swept back by a barrage of questions. For example, the target of 8,000 rpm was almost 20% higher than the maximum output of 6,800 rpm achieved by the 1.6-litre DOHC engines of that time. Moreover, the inertial force upon various engine parts would increase by 40% and the engine would be subject to considerably higher loads due to its increased interior heat. Therefore, to reduce inertial mass under such high revolutions, the weight of each part would have to be reduced. Discussions were held daily for 3 months.

Finally, after everyone had expressed their opinions and proposed ideas, it was time to align all vectors in a single direction. The team identified some 30 new mechanism and technologies they would need to introduce in order to secure a stable VTEC system. These included a valve-operating system with a hydraulic timing selector pin, a small hydraulic tappet mechanism built into the rocker arm, and weight-reduction techniques to achieve higher revolutions and output.

Is it genuine technology?

But Kajitani was not certain which technologies should be used and which should be set aside. He kept asking himself, “Is this technology genuine?” It was a question Kawamoto asked too. Kajitani’s personal view was that a technology would be ‘genuine’ if it had been in the market around for 10 years. “Even so, a technology that’s been for around 10 years is one that’s accepted by society. In that sense, there shouldn’t be any problem adopting such a technology to all models,” he said.

The difficulties the team endured through its discussions with the committee helped bring the VTEC engine to life. But there was often fear in Kajitani’s mind, as well. “I thought we might not be able to achieve it because the goal was too high,” he said.

It was quite difficult, for example, to balance the valve-timing lift against the load placed on the timing belt, which would increase at high rpm due to the spring and other factors. Although it was a problem needing a solution in order to achieve the target output, such an answer would not be easy to find.

One of the approaches taken to increase output across the full rev range was by widening the diameter of the intake valve. Also, the team adopted valve timing and lift settings that were comparable to Honda racing engines in order to enhance volumetric efficiency. The improved output resulting from that technique actually served to improve performance at high speeds. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce intake resistance. At last, the goal was reached, with a full 160 bhp at 7600 rpm and a redline of 8,000 rpm.

Low-speed torque, an initial project objective, was obtained by changing the low-speed cam’s setting. This permitted the intake valve to close early, drastically improving the engine’s volumetric efficiency. Since the engine now had higher efficiency at low speeds of operation, a broader torque band could be realized.

The implementation of new materials was certainly a factor in the successful application of these technologies. For example, since the VTEC engine’s three cam followers must be positioned in a single bore, the camshaft offers relatively limited cam width. Therefore, the shaft must be designed to withstand high surface pressures. To achieve this, the team developed a new camshaft of cast steel.

Ensuring reliability

The VTEC engine program then went into a critical phase. In order to ensure absolute reliability in mass production and introduce the engine to the market with confidence, the team had to guarantee the functions of all mechanisms and parts. In addition to a significant responsibility for product reliability, the team had special expectations regarding the VTEC engine. “We all shared the determination to apply these technologies to every Honda model,” said Kajitani. The team’s view was that VTEC technology shouldn’t be limited to the Integra alone but further improved for use on future Honda models.

First Honda model with VTEC engine.

Honda’s new Integra, equipped with the DOHC VTEC engine, was introduced to the market in April 1989. The VTEC technology drew considerable praise as the world’s first valve mechanism capable of simultaneously changing the valve timing and lift on the intake and exhaust sides. In addition to its impressive output and high-revving energy, the VTEC powerplant offered superior performance at the low end-including a smooth idle and easy starting-along with better fuel economy.

Evolution of the VTEC engine

The DOHC VTEC engine was subsequently adapted for use in the NSX as well as the Accord and Civic. Following the SOHC VTEC engine, and then the VTEC-E in 1991, the technology evolved into the 3-stage VTEC engine introduced in 1995, which demonstrated an even greater degree of efficiency in output control. By 2001, the K-series engine family incorporated the first i-VTEC cylinder with an automatic self-adjusting cam gear to continuously optimize valve overlap for all rpm ranges. A number of the latest Honda models have the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO engine, a powerplant that retains the fuel economy benefits of a small engine and yet produces torque exceeding that of a 2.4-litre engine.

The latest VTEC powerplant is the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO which is used in the CR-V, Accord and latest Civic (below).

Honda Origins – the manga version of Honda’s history


Day 2 Report – TGR Festival & Vios Challenge Season 4, Round 2

After yesterday’s racing in hot and sunny weather, the second racing session of Round 2 of the Vios Challenge at the Sepang International Circuit was run in both wet and dry conditions. But like yesterday, the competition was intense for both the new and existing drivers in the series which is now in its fourth season.

“Looking at all the action on and off the track, it was obvious that everyone in the community has been eager to get back to doing what they do best – racing! The competition was just as intense, if not greater, than it had been before the pandemic and this is precisely the boost of energy we all need to steer out of these challenging times,” said GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.

“As an event organizer, one of the most demanding aspects of the weekend in these times has not so much been in managing the racing on the track but to ensure that all safeguards are in place and adhered to in order to protect everyone on site from the threat of COVID-19. This remains our number one priority,” he stressed.

The event was closed to the public and spectators in accordance with conditions set by the National Security Council (MKN) pertaining to the organizing of sporting events. However, some 2 million people watched the races online in Malaysia as well as anywhere that was connected to the internet.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

Unlike Race 1 which was held in blistering hot conditions, Race 2 got underway in the rain with drivers not only having to contend with a slippery track but also poor visibility. Those conditions however, seemed to Favour M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali who catapulted himself into the lead from fourth position in the first corner, followed closely by team mate Faidzil Alang.

However, all the excitement of Lap 1 was cut short when the Safety Car had to be activated and circulated for 3 laps. During this time, Syafiq led the convoy behind the Safety Car and ahead of Faidzil, followed by Hayden Haikal who started from pole position.

Mark Darwin who was running in fifth behind overall championship leader Tengku Djan Ley eventually spun going into the first corner after the restart, dropping to 12
th
. The fight at the front of the pack was extremely fierce with Cheah charging aggressively with the hope of making it a double race win. After passing Hayden, his duel with Faidzil for second position lasted for 2 laps before he got past and away. His sights were then set on catching race leader Syafiq who was 2.1 seconds ahead.

As conditions worsened, the Safety Car was again called out on lap 10. This erased whatever lead Syafiq had built up. As the rain got heavier, the race was eventually red flagged which meant all racing was suspended. However, the race was able to be resumed minutes later, again under Safety Car conditions, and with 1 lap to go, Syafiq held his ground to take the chequered flag just half a car’s length in front of Cheah, and Faidzil in third position.

SPORTING CLASS

Like the Super Sporting Class race, this race was also run in wet conditions. But the rain was just the ‘x-factor’ Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid needed to make a huge impact on the race results when he stormed from 15th position on the starting grid to win the 20-lap race.

Adam, who finished the race ahead of Aylezo Motorsport’s Mirza Syahmi Mahzan and Eric Yong who came in third, said: “The rain really helped me, and the team did an awesome job to prepare the car… it was just perfect and by the 6th lap, I found myself in the lead. From then on, I just kept my head down and focused on track ahead.”

ROOKIE CLASS

In the Rookie Class, 17-year-old Amer Harris was the highest placed young driver running seventh overall, in the race which shared the grid with the Super Sporting Class racers. Amer took the chequered flag ahead of fellow teenager Mika Hakimi and 14-year-old Putera Adam.

The race win was Amer’s second podium finish over the weekend, having completed Race 1 yesterday (Saturday) in third position. Finishing fifth and failing to make it four race wins in a row was Naquib Azlan, followed by Jwan Hii in fifth position.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

The Promotional Class race was almost a repeat of Race 1’s results with actor Shukri Yahaya once again claiming race victory, his second for the weekend. It was a closely-contested 18-lap race, and he finished 7.1 seconds ahead of TV presenter Nabil Ahmad. In third place was fellow actor Zizan Razak.

Starting from fifth on the grid, Shukri piled on the pressure from the very beginning as he picked off one by one Wany Hasrita, Akio Takeyama, and singers Nabila Razali and Khai Bahar to move into the lead.

“I realized that I can be rather impatient in past races and that led to some bad decisions and mistakes on track. Patience is very important in racing. I’ve also been working really hard at improving my driving skills and I made a conscious effort over the last 7 months of break to work on my driving and racecraft on a simulator – that has helped a great deal to prepare me for this weekend,” said Shukri.

With two race victories, both Shukri and Zizan now have a solid chance of taking the overall championship title in the Promotional Class and that is what he is eyeing for. “As a super senior in the class by virtue of this being my fourth season in the Vios Challenge, I owe it to myself and my fans to become champion. I’m definitely going for it!” said Shukri.

Round 3 to be a night race

Round 3 and the season finale of the Vios Challenge will be held on
November 20/21,
 again at the Sepang International Circuit. However, there will be a twist as it will be a night race! At this time, it is not known yet whether conditions will be relaxed to allow spectators to be present. To stay informed, visit the Toyota Malaysia website  at
www.toyota.com.my
, or the Facebook pages of
Toyota Malaysia
 and
Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia
.

Day 1 report – TGR Festival & Vios Challenge Season 4, Round 2


Details of the all-new Kia Sorento’s platform and powertrain revealed!

Following the release of the
first official pictures of the all-new Kia Sorento
 that will have its global debut next month, the Korean carmaker has now revealed details of its new platform and powertrains. The latest Sorento will be the first SUV to use Kia’s new platform when production commences later this year.

The overall length of new Sorento is 10 mm more than its predecessor while the wheelbase is lengthened 35 mm to 2815 mm. The cabin is now claimed to provide more room than in many other midsize SUVs with intelligent packaging offering class-leading cargo space.

When the first-generation Sorento was launched in 2002, it sat on a robust body-on-frame chassis, a typical approach for most SUVs at that time. The shift to a monocoque structure – similar to passenger cars – for the second generation Sorento in 2009 marked a major change on-road character and behaviour.

Kia’s new midsize SUV platform represents a similarly important leap forward for the next-generation Sorento, allowing new standards to be set in its segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality. The new platform positions the battery pack beneath the passenger cell so there is no impact on cabin or luggage space.

For Korea, Europe and North America, the structure and layout of the platform accommodates the new Smartstream turbocharged hybrid powertrain. Representing the first application of electrified power in the Sorento line-up, the new powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, and a 44.2 kW electric motor which draws energy from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The electrified powertrain produces a combined total output of 230 ps power and 350 Nm torque, with high levels of performance but low exhaust emissions.

There is also a new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine producing 202 ps/440 Nm. This is paired with Kia’s new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT), developed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic while enhancing efficiency over dry clutch DCTs.

Another powertrain option is the Smartstream 2.5-litre T-GDi engine (281 ps/421 Nm) which is also paired with the new 8DCT. This turbocharged petrol engine combines direct injection and multi-point injection technology, enabling it to subtly adapt its combustion cycle at different engine speeds to enhance performance and efficiency in everyday use.

Additional powertrains will be announced in future, including petrol engines and a powerful new plug-in hybrid variant.

In addition to its new platform and powertrains, the new Sorento introduced a range of high-tech safety and convenience features said to differentiate it further from other midsize SUVs. It will have Kia’s first Multi-collision Brake system which can mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. This system automatically applies vehicle brakes when the airbags (up to 8 available) have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts.

In some markets, the Sorento will also have a remote smartphone Surround View Monitor option. This allows users to check the vehicle’s surroundings with their smartphone in conjunction with the in-vehicle Surround View Monitor to maximize parking convenience.

4th generation Kia Sorento will be its most high-tech model to date


New McLaren GT set for global debut

The latest McLaren GT is set for its global launch next week, specifically on 15 May 2019. Known as the McLaren Superlight Grand Tourer, it’ll be the fourth brand new model announced under the McLaren Automotive Track25 business plan.

With the hashtag #NewRules, the McLaren GT will be placed alongside the current Sports and Super series. The new model is said to redefine the rules of the Grand Tourer segment thanks to the combination of the brand’s renowned engineering, dynamic attributes, and outright comfort.

Sharing the same design DNA as the McLaren Speedtail Hyper-GT, the latest GT beast will be unveiled next week live online at
https://cars.mclaren.com/new-mclaren-gt
. Will the new McLaren GT carry the same 1,036hp hyper engine?

According to the company, the Speedtail Hyper-GT can reach a maximum speed of 403km/h and from 0-300km/h is only covered within 13 seconds. If yes, we certainly can’t wait for the global launch to happen. Until then, stay tuned for more updates.


McLaren Racing considering participation in Formula E

McLaren Racing is considering participation in the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for Season 9 which will take place in 2022/2023. This is when the championship’s Gen3 era begins, meaning that McLaren Racing will be invest only in a brand new Gen3 platform, rather than spend unnecessarily on development at the present time.

The Gen3 racing cars will be used from the 2022/23 season, bringing performance and efficiency advances including more powerful, lighter cars and faster charging as well as a set of technical and financial controls aimed at reinforcing the business case for Formula E’s ecosystem of teams and manufacturers.

McLaren Racing’s interest in Formula E is a validation of the series as the pinnacle of electric racing, both as a proving ground for the top racing teams in the world and as a test-bed for the next generation of electric vehicles.

McLaren has a long history in motor racing, including F1, and is now considering all-electric racing in the 21st century.

Exclusive Gen2 battery supplier

McLaren Racing is one of the most successful operations in motorsport, enjoying a rich history of success in Formula 1 as well as IndyCar and Le Mans. McLaren Applied is Formula E’s exclusive Gen2 battery supplier under a 4-season contract which concludes at the end of the 2021/22 season, after which McLaren Racing will evaluate the potential to deepen its involvement as a one of the 12 competitors in the championship which began in 2014.

“We’ve been closely observing Formula E for some time and monitoring the series’ progress and future direction. The opportunity to take an option on an entry and the completion of the McLaren Applied supplier contract with the FIA at the end of Gen2, gives us the necessary time to decide if Formula E is right for McLaren as a future competition platform,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.

To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

In its first 6 seasons, Formula E crowned 5 different champions and celebrated 17 winners in 69 races. With more automotive manufacturers on the grid than any other motorsport, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is not only one of the most compelling racing series on the planet but also an unparalleled proving ground for race-to-road electric vehicle and sustainable mobility technologies.

Formula E Accelerate esports championship

This year, there will also be the Formula E Accelerate esports championship. Over 6 events, 24 rising stars from the world of motorsport and esports will compete against one another in a simulated racing experience using rFactor2 software. Blending the real and virtual worlds, each competitor will score Formula E Accelerate points for a real-life Formula E team. Everyone who participates in all 6 races will receive a share of a minimum prize pool of €100,000 (about RM493,000) with the overall winner earning a test drive in a Formula E Gen2 car.

There will be two additional virtual races, each featuring 12 real-life Formula E drivers, one per racing team, during Round 4 and the Grand Final of Formula E Accelerate. Points from these races will be added to the overall team standings. The first round starts on January 28 and the championship will run up till March 25 this year.

Jaguar Racing and Audi Sport to use new powertrains for Formula E Season 7


Volkswagen ID.3 announced – First all-electric compact car from VW

The very first member of the all-electric Volkswagen ID. family has been officially announced, folks. The brand’s vey first all-electric vehicle will be of a compact car called the Volkswagen ID.3 and that’s all we can say for now ahead of its grand launch at the IAA International Motor Show later this year.

Why the number ID.3? The number 3 is significant in two ways. On one hand, it indicates the ID. as belonging to the compact segment, which is the class distinction in both internal and industry-wide classification systems. On the other, the ID.3 follows the Beetle and the Golf to introduce the third major chapter of strategic importance for the history of the brand.

According to Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Sales, Marketing & After Sales, “With the ID.3, we are starting from the centre, the Volkswagen brand’s core, in which the majority of the models and sales volume can be found. The number 3 also signals expandability into the segments above and below it. We have a lot in the pipeline.”

This model with the starting preview for Volkswagen’s e-mobility campaign which sets out to be the number one brand in the world by 2025 with a target of 20 electric vehicles and over a million of sales. All interconnected, no pollution.

Every member of this model family will bear the name ID., which represents a new, independent series of products in the brand portfolio. The ID. will make e-mobility accessible to a broad spectrum of customers. The name ID. stands for intelligent #design, identity and visionary technologies.

Following the launch of the ID.3, additional models will roll out, such as those previewed by the concept cars ID. CROZZ, ID. VIZZION and ID. ROOMZZ, and which will in the future also be named with model numbers.

So far, the first batch of 30,000 units has been announced to go into production at the end of the year and already more than 10,000 bookings were placed. The company also announced that they’ve already built 200 pre-production units. Talk about ultra-efficiency.


Lexus First ‘Eco-Friendly’ Showroom Launched In Klang

The first eco friendly dealership for
Lexus Malaysia
 has opened in Malaysia. The Lexus Klang dealership, opened by PCM Klang Motor Sdn Bhd on January 1st 2023 in Bandar Klang, was created based on sustainable and environmentally friendly ideas and principles.

The brand-new showroom is in keeping with Lexus’ pledge to lessen its environmental impact and is a part of the new chapter that also involves the company’s continuous quest of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

The showroom is furnished with sustainable materials that last longer than conventional building materials because it was designed using the most recent green building technologies. The showroom also has motion sensors and energy-efficient LED lights, which improve the client experience while lowering the building’s energy intensity and water usage.

All Bandar Klang drivers and prospective buyers will have easier access to luxury vehicles thanks to the Lexus Klang Showroom & Dealership. As an authorised UMW Toyota Motor dealer, PCM Klang Motor Sdn Bhd will also be able to provide Toyota clients with the option to trade-in their Toyota vehicles for Lexus models. A new model will be introduced in 2023 and will be available in Lexus Klang’s store shortly.

Customers will receive more than just a vehicle with any Lexus purchase, as is customary for Lexus stores. Every new Lexus comes with LexusCare, a comprehensive package of standard features that extends beyond the Lexus dealership to include extensive roadside support, complimentary services, special event admission, and more. This allows customers to walk into a luxury experience unlike any other.

Lexus Malaysia wants to encourage customers to adopt sustainable lifestyles and have a positive environmental impact with this launch and invites all car enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious individuals to visit the new showroom and experience the brand’s commitment to sustainable development.


137 Mustang owners create new listing in the Malaysia Book of Records

The Ford Mustang has been sold all over the world although in earlier years, its availability only in lefthand drive limited it to specific markets where cars drove on the right side of the road. Although there were people who converted to righthand drive, it was only with the current sixth generation launched in 2015 that an official factory-built RHD version became available.

As a result, it could be officially sold in Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) wasted no time in ordering a batch soon after the model was launched. With its head-turning looks, it’s no surprise that the Mustang population in this country has grown and recently, 137 owners got together to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records.

137 owners from Mustang Club Malaysia

Organised by Mustang Club Malaysia, it was the largest gathering of Ford Mustangs in Malaysia. The get-together was held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur where the certificate of recognition was presented to the Club’s President, Alfred C.K. Joseph, by the Malaysia Book of Records’ Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Wong.

“We are delighted to have earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for having the title of biggest gathering of Ford Mustang vehicles in the country. Our aim is to show unity and harmony by bringing all walks of life together in our multiracial community through our passion and love for cars,” said Mr. Joseph.

Mustang Club Malaysia was formed in 2018 and has 245 members currently. The club was created for the purpose of sharing information on the latest Mustang as well as to promote safe and responsible driving habits. It also provides a platform for Mustang enthusiasts to embrace and build comradeship through a common interest.

“Kudos to Mustang Club Malaysia for spearheading this event and setting a new record in the country. It is a tremendous feat to organise and mobilise 137 Mustang vehicles and club members. We are incredibly proud of their efforts,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

“We continue to be committed in maintaining close relations with the network of various Ford owners’ clubs and supporting their activities to foster deeper mutual understanding and camaraderie,” he added.

Two versions for Malaysian market

SDAC
 has been selling the Mustang with a choice of two powertrains – 5-litre 460 ps V8 and 2.3-litre 310 ps EcoBoost. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

Now in its 56th year of production, the Mustang has been the best-selling sportscar in the world for five consecutive years. The range now includes an electrically-powered model – the
Mustang Mach E
 – which made its global debut last year.

Ford Mustang is bestselling sportscar in the world – for the fifth consecutive year


Geely Auto enters D-segment SUV market with the Haoyue

In the 22 years that Geely Auto has been making cars, it has steadily established a presence in many segments of the automobile market. And like other global players, the company has also been increasing its presence in the booming SUV market.

Now it is entering the D-segment SUV market, a highly competitive area of the market that is currently dominated by foreign joint-venture brands (in the Chinese market). Its first entrant is the  Haoyue, a 7-seater model with strong design, functionality, and value.

Speaking at the online launch event, the President & CEO of Geely Auto Group, An Conghui, said: “Geely is committed to meeting the different demands of people from all corners of life. Geely was founded on the premise of making good cars that are affordable for all, which today has transformed into ‘Making refined cars for everyone’. The Hao Yue’s unique offering in its segment will go on to lead the market and become another excellent product representative of the Geely Auto brand.”

Maximum space with ‘Expansive Aesthetic’

Geely’s ‘Expansive Aesthetic’ concept guided the design of the Haoyue’s broad muscular body. Its form integrates with technology to create a modern, refined design that strikes unique a balance of space and functionality. Sizewise, the Haoyue has an overall length of 4835, a width of 1900 mm and its roof line is 1780 mm from the road.

With a 2815 mm wheelbase, the Haoyue is available in both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations with rear seats capable of folding completely flat to maximise space utilization. Fully folded, the rear interior space can reach 2.2 square metres – equivalent to a king-sized bed – whilst the cargo space can be expanded to 2,360 litres, capable of accommodating all kinds of medium to large objects.

Both seating configurations offer extensive legroom, allowing users as tall as 1.9 metres to sit comfortably without any adjustments. Seats in all rows are adjustable including those in the third row which are even equipped with 8-way adjustable backrests. Customers can also opt for a 7 ‘VIP’ seat configuration that has 7 independently-adjustable seats.

The ‘Healthiest’ SUV

The Haoyue was developed following
Geely’s ‘healthy car’ concept
, with all materials undergoing stringent environmental testing. The company’s in-house requirements are over 20 times higher than Chinese national standards.

There is said to be no ‘harmful new car smell’, usually emanating from certain types of materials that are traditionally used in cars. The Haoyue also comes equipped with Geely’s officially certified CN95 grade
high-efficiency air purification system
 capable of filtering out 99% of PM2.5 particles and 98% of droplets bigger than 0.74µm which may contain viruses and other harmful elements. In combination with a 3-zone air conditioner and AQS system, cabin air can be quickly purified and refreshed in under 3 minutes.

Powering the Haoyue is Geely’s latest 1.8TD engine paired with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. It is likely that this won’t be the only engine choice and a new 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine is expected to be offered in future.

Semi-autonomous motoring

L2-assisted driving technologies receive data from 24 sensors to provide 17 intelligent drive features. The various systems enable the large SUV to automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds up to 150 km/h. The vehicle can also park itself automatically with 360° panoramic imaging.

Inside the Hao Yue, there’s the latest GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem utilizing Geely’s independently developed high-performance quad-core dedicated vehicle microprocessor. GKUI allows users to interact with the vehicle through an AI-powered voice assistant. The ecosystem is also able to be integrated with a host of IoT (Internet of Things) applications such as JD.com’s Smart Home which allows for monitoring and controlling home appliances from the vehicle.

The driver can also interact and monitor information in the vehicle through the multiple high-definition displays including a 12.3-inch central infotainment panel, 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, and advanced WHUD heads-up navigation display.

An export model too?

In China, the Haoyue is priced from 103,600 to 139,600 yuan (about RM63,120 to RM85,000) with a choice of 3 variants. Export plans have not been announced but it is almost certain that Geely would sell it in places like Russia and Europe. ASEAN may a possibility if they can price it attractively enough as the D-segment market already has a number of models.

Geely Auto looks at ‘passenger safety’ from a different perspective, aims to make cars ‘healthier’


2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata To Be Electrified

According to Mazda, the 2026 MX-5 Miata will ditch internal combustion in favour of electric power. However, the carmaker chose not to specify whether electrification will be entirely electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. The next-generation Miata must take this step in order for it to survive through 2030 when Mazda’s entire lineup is expected to be mostly electric.

The Mazda Miata has a long-standing, well-deserved reputation as a fun, inexpensive roadster with excellent driving dynamics, and an electric version would ensure its continued viability in the years to come. The Japanese automaker will probably release a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Miata before creating an all-electric model because Mazda is taking its time to develop EVs.

However, it’s more likely that Mazda’s sports vehicle, the Vision Study Model, which was unveiled at the end of last year, would only provide stylistic cues for the production Miata.

Mazda-Vision-Study-Model

In addition to signing a contract with Envision AESC to develop batteries, Mazda said that it will collaborate with Rohm Co. to develop electric drivetrains. Although these agreements might have an impact on the following-generation Miata, a hybrid roadster makes more sense.

The Miata’s compact footprint may make it challenging to equip a battery with enough range, as the heavy battery pack would hinder performance and probably result in a significant price increase for pure EV technology. As with the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra, Mazda might also collaborate with another automaker to build the platform while sharing costs to keep the car affordable.

At the time, Mazda’s branding and R&D directors noted that the brand and model needed to transition to being more environmentally friendly, but that the MX-5’s primary goal is to stay lightweight, which is difficult given the weight of EV batteries.

The Miata is a remarkably light vehicle; the curb weight of the 2023 MX-5 model is approximately 1088kgs. The original Tesla Roadster, which made heavy use of pricey and lightweight carbon fibre, weighed 1270kgs, and the equivalent
Caterham Project V
 prototype weighs 1179kgs.

Caterham Project V

So, while there is a challenge, it is not impossible to overcome, especially as EV batteries’ energy density continues to increase. A lighter, shorter-range Miata might be feasible with contemporary batteries.

Despite having two powertrains instead of one, hybrids and PHEVs are more complex than EVs. However, by reducing the weight of the battery, hybrids and PHEVs can still offer some of the advantages of electrification, such as partial zero-emission operation (in the case of a PHEV) and faster acceleration from electric motors.

The Miata’s famed fun factor has always been a little bit constrained by its little 2L 4-cylinder engine, so having an electric motor on board in any form will undoubtedly help.


Get a Ford Ranger this Raya & save up to RM11,000!

Ford Malaysia or otherwise known as Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has announced their Raya sales promotion with Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner. This promotion is happening from 1 May 2019 – 30 June 2019 and it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss.

Why? Well, those who are interested in getting a brand-new Ford Ranger can enjoy monthly payments as low as RM463/month and savings up to RM11,000. Future owners can also enjoy low interest rates from 0% per annum (terms and conditions applied).

But wait, there’s more! 30 lucky customers will stand chance to win premium electrical good worth RM2,000 each from smart TVs, fridges, washers, tablets, plus many more during the Raya promotional period. Not a bad deal to go along with that brand-spanking new Ford Ranger in the driveway.

According to Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, “Providing a great ownership experience starts with lightening your load this Raya. This includes offering low monthly instalment plans with low interest rates as low as 0%, coupled with attractive cash rebates and prizes – this gives an even bigger reason to buy a New Ford Ranger this festive season.”

Highly acclaimed for its ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials and extensive suite of smart technologies, many of which are first and only in-class, combined with its refined car-like interior, there is now a Ranger to fulfil the needs and lifestyles of every market segment.

The Ranger also comes with a superior ownership experience, with a full manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.

For more information, visit SDAC’s multilingual website at
www.sdacford.com.my/ford-stories/new-ford-ranger-stories
.


First Toyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles In Malaysia Delivered in Sarawak

Handover ceremony of Toyota Mirai FCEV to Premier of Sarawak by UMW Toyota Motor management.

Toyota has various solutions to offer that can contribute towards the quest for carbon neutrality. It does not believe that pure electric vehicles (EVs) are the only way to go as different markets and regions require different approaches. It has hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology at one end of the range of mobility solutions and at the other more advanced end, it can also provide fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen.

For Malaysia at the moment, HEV technology is deemed the most practical solution and the company has started assembling HEV models locally to accelerate adoption. HEVs like the
Corolla Cross Hybrid
 do not depend on charging stations to recharge their battery packs and the process occurs while the SUV is moving. Thus Malaysians can do their balik kampung journeys with peace of mind and don’t have to think about finding a recharging station.

Hydrogen production in Sarawak
However, Sarawak has moved ahead a bit faster and its Green Mobility and Green Energy Initiatives include establishing a hydrogen economy and electric mobility. To realise this, the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEC), through its wholly owned subsidiary, SEDC Energy, has set up Southeast Asia’s first Integrated Hydrogen Production Plant and Refueling Station in Kuching.

Hydrogen from the plant, produced at the rate of 130 kgs a day, is intended for a green public transportation system as well as for export. It’s a venture which only more advanced countries have embarked on.

First Toyota FCEV in Malaysia
Now that there is hydrogen readily available in Kuching, it is possible to use FCEVs there and UMW Toyota Motor today delivered 4 units of the
Mirai FCEV
 to SDEC Energy, along with one unit to the Premier of Sarawak.

“To continue the acceleration of electrified vehicles, Toyota has invested in research and development for the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. With the Mirai – a car that breathes like a human and produces only water and also impressive power – both UMW Toyota Motor and SEDC Energy are set to capitalise on the opportunity to further study the potential of its technology as a stepping stone for developing a low-carbon economy with new fuel cell systems that prioritise compact size, efficiency and productivity to support the mobility needs of society,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“In line with our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, the Toyota multi-pathway strategy aims to help society reduce emissions while catering to their evolving needs by offering a wide range of Toyota Electrified Vehicle options,” he said, adding that the company is also exploring the possibility of introducing the
Toyota bZ4X battery electric SUV
 to the Malaysian market.

The Mirai has two tanks to store hydrogen for the process in the fuel cell which uses the gas to generate electricity to power the motors.

2nd generation Toyota Mirai
The Mirai (which means ‘future’ in Japanese) delivered in Sarawak is the second generation of the FCEV and went on sale in Japan at the end of 2020. Toyota’s FCEV technology has been in use commercially since 2014 when the first generation of the Mirai was launched. A company in Germany with a fleet of 45 units has set a record of sorts with its vehicles having been driven a total distance of over 5 million kms. Each car has averaged about 180,000 kms in daily use as a car-sharing service.

2nd generation Mirai

Fuel cell technology, which was originally developed for the space program, uses hydrogen in the  process to create electricity to power the motors. The chemical process generates no emissions and only water is formed. The combined output of the electric motors is 113 kW (154 ps) and on a full tank of hydrogen, the Mirai can travel up to 500 kms. Unlike a battery pack which requires some time to recharge, refuelling the Mirai is said to take just under 3 minutes.

FCEV technology, being advanced and still relatively young, is expensive so the Mirai has a high price at the moment. It is therefore sold in small numbers and Toyota expects to sell around 30,000 units a year for the time being. However, from the experience of producing the first generation, Toyota has been able to lower the price of the second generation slightly so its retail price starts from 7.1 million yen (around RM239,000). Some governments offer incentives to buyers so they will pay less.

Toyota to step up investment and development of fully electric vehicles during this decade


Mercedes-Benz continues to be leading premium luxury brand in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) closed another year as the leading brand in the premium luxury segment with a total of 10,021 passenger vehicles (including SUVs) sold. That captured a 1.8% market share and overall 7
th
 position.

“We wrap up the decade on a great note as we continue to grow our customer base and set our footing in the country. 2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers. Through a solid leadership and vision, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Malaysian market and our customers in delivering the ‘
Best Product and Best Customer Experiences
‘,” said MBM President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

“Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment. We delivered 10,021 vehicles to our Malaysian customers signifying a continuous mark of confidence towards our brand. We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” added Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at MBM, Michael Jopp.

Key launches that took place includes the E-Class with the debut the E 350 AMG Line, E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and E 300 Exclusive Line; A-Class sedan (A200 and A250); latest GLC and GLE SUV models, Mercedes-AMG A35, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and GT C, plus the new GLC 200, 300 and 300 Coupe SUV models. The AMG line-up also broadened with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

MBM also introduced its first ever S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, the S 560 e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand experience was presented with the highly-anticipated Southeast Asian premiere of the all-electric EQC. The EQ range signifies a new era of mobility in the country without compromising on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics for which the German brand is well known.

Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Pekan, Pahang (archive image)

MBM’s Pekan Plant in Pahang rolled out its 100,000
th
 vehicle during 2019. Currently, the plant assembles 13 variants from 5 model lines and Mercedes-AMG models are included as well. Exports to the Philippines also began last year with the C 180 left-hand drive variant. This is the first stage of export activities for the plant and there will be similar initiatives within the ASEAN region in coming years.

Throughout 2019, MBSM financed 5 out of every 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and has a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion. The financial arm of MBM recorded new contracts worth over RM1 billion and introduced new financing and insurance solutions such as Mobility Plus, the first-of-its-kind car replacement program in Malaysia’s auto financing industry along with Lease@Ease, an all-in-one lease payment plan with value added services such as Tyre & Rims and Comprehensive Insurance with Service and Maintenance.

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s most valuable luxury car brand of 2019


F1 (Round 20) – 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix Results and Highlights

♦ Max Verstappen took a well-deserved third win of the 2019 season, starting from pole position all the way to the chequered flag.

♦ In the closing stages of the race, the two Ferrari drivers made contact and knocked themselves out of the race.

♦ Lewis Hamilton finished third but was deemed by the stewards to be at fault for an incident with Alexander Albon Ansusinhan, Red Bull Racing’s Thai-British driver, As a result, Hamilton received a 5-second penalty which dropped him to 7th in the official classification.

♦ Hamilton’s demotion gave Carlos Sainz the third position – his first ever F1 podium. He had started from 20th and fought hard to move up the field. The podium finish was also McLaren’s first one since 2014 in Australia.

♦ Pierre Gasly also had a great day with his first podium, having gotten ahead after the Hemilton-Albon incident. Although the Mercedes-AMG driver tried to out-accelerate him to the finish line, Gasly pulled ahead to cross first and claim second position.

Next race (final round) in Abu Dhabi on December 1


First Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Melaka with new brand Visual Identity

For some time now, Mitsubishi Motors authorized dealerships around Malaysia have been undergoing a transformation in their appearance and presentation to conform to the new brand Visual Identity (VI). The change has been progressively introduced to some 5,000 dealerships worldwide since 2019.

The move is based on the new brand message ‘
Drive your Ambition
‘ and is intended to provide a better customer experience in a high quality retail environment and to strengthen Mitsubishi Motors’ brand image.

The new VI features black, white and grey colour schemes with red dynamic lines as an accent. The uniform design will also ensure a coherent experience for customers across all points they touch the brand, from motor shows, websites and brochures to the dealership.

The architecture reflects the new Corporate and Visual Identity, with a ‘Dynamic Slope’ as a signature element to present the robust and dynamic image of the brand. Inside, the showroom is designed to provide a better customer experience, while the cars are presented to make sure they’re seen as the stars.

First in Melaka

To date, 20 of the dealerships in Malaysia feature the new VI, with the latest being Sing Kwung Jidosha in Melaka. Sing Kwung Jidosha, located in Taman Industri Malim Jaya, is the first Mitsubishi Motors showroom in Melaka with the new VI. As a 3S facility, the dealership offers sales, service and spare parts under one roof.

With a built-up area of 10,000 square feet, the upgraded 3S Centre houses a comfortable customer lounge with wifi and sufficient space to display up to 4 vehicles. Its service centre is fully-equipped workshop and can handle up to 5 vehicles daily.

There is also a Body and Paint facility which provides repair and refinishing services. Needless to say, any parts replaced are genuine Mitsubishi Motors parts or approved by the manufacturer. The technicians also use advanced diagnostic tools and Special Service Tools to ensure that the work done is up to the brand’s high standards.

The Triton Quest, one of the variants in the popular pick-up range.

“I would like to thank Sing Kwung Jidosha, for successfully completing this showroom with a new Mitsubishi Motors VI! With an enhanced brand image, this represents our commitment to put customers as the foremost priority, providing them with a seamless experience when they visit our showrooms, and in a more comfortable ambience,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Click here for other news and articles about Mitsubishi Motors
.


Mazda starts 100th anniversary celebrations in Hiroshima

Mazda today celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ceremony at its Hiroshima headquarters that starts a year of events during which the company will remember its past and look to the future. 100 years ago, Mazda was not a car-producer but was a producer of cork in Hiroshima. It was when Jujiro Matsuda, an industrialist, took charge of Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd. in 1921 that the business transformed first into a machine tool producer and then a manufacturer of motor vehicles.

Evolution of the Mazda logo from the original one used by the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd. 100 years ago (top left) and then changed during the 1940s to follow the emblem of Hiroshima (centre) and again in the 1960s (there were also other emblems used for short periods). Today’s logo, adopted in 1998, symbolizes the brand’s flight toward the future. The “V” in the centre represents creativity, vitality, flexibility and passion. The dynamic circle symbolises readiness to spread its wings as the company begins the 21st century.

The first model was a 3-wheeled truck – the Mazda-Go – that went on sale in 1931. It proved popular and underwent continual improvement with innovations such as a 4-speed transmission in 1938 that reduced fuel consumption by 20%. Hiroshima was targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II and Mazda, like virtually every business in the city, suffered greatly. But a strong spirit persevered and truck manufacturing resumed only a few months after the destruction.

Mazda’s first motorised vehicle was a 3-wheeler introduced in 1931 (above), and it produced its first car – the R360 – in 1960 (below)

Commercial vehicles remained in the focus after the war and the first passenger car arrived in 1960 with the Mazda R360.  The car was a hit in Japan’s popular
kei
-car segment, contributing to the motorisation of Japan and starting the path to the successful line-up of Mazda models that we see today.

Mazda is closely associated with the rotary engine, having successfully commercialised it when others thought it was not feasible. In 1961, the company signed a licensing deal with German carmaker NSU to develop and produce its new compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engines. The determined Japanese engineers finally came out with the futuristic Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967, the world’s first production model with a rotary engine.

The Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S had the world’s first production rotary engine.

Mazda RX-7 was among the almost 2 million rotary engine-powered cars sold by Mazda.

It was the start of a remarkable success story that would see the brand launch numerous models with the unique engine including the RX-7 and over time, almost two million rotary-powered cars were sold. The 4-rotor Mazda 787B won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991, the first Asian manufacturer to do so – and the only victorious car with a non-piston engine – and proving Mazda’s technological prowess on the track.

In 1991, Mazda was the first Asian manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hour race with the 787B that had a 4-rotor rotary engine.

The courage to question common practices and forge new paths in engineering and design that others considered unfeasible has driven the team at Mazda since the beginning. Besides the rotary engine, Mazda also created the world’s best-selling 2-seat roadster – the Mazda MX-5 – which has sold over one million cars since its launch in 1989. Its SKYACTIV Technology has optimised vehicle design and engineering while
Jinba Ittai
 provides the strong connection between car and driver in all Mazda models today.

The next 100 years

Mazda’s superior engineering is complemented by its design excellence that currently uses the KODO –
Soul of Motion
 design language. The emphasis on design is so strong at the company that the designers have the fullest support from the manufacturing side which sees it as a challenge to reproduce the design features that may be omitted in other companies due to production constraints.

“Mazda originated as a company producing cork and then took the path to manufacturing automobiles. Now, our cars have found friends with many customers from over 130 countries and regions. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we will continue to put people first and cherish our ‘uniqueness of co-creating with others.’ As we strengthen co-creation and cooperation with all those connected with the company, we will continue to challenge ourselves to create unique products, technologies, and experiences that our customers love,” said President & CEO, Akira Marumoto.

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

Visit
www.mazda.com.my
 to find out more about the wide range of models available in Malaysia.


CLASSIC FEATURE: The Fullerton Concours d’Elegance @ Singapore – A Treasure Trove Of Classic Cars Displayed [+Full Photo Gallery]

The eagerly anticipated inaugural Fullerton Concours d’Elegance has come to a close, and what an epic event it was. A unique three-day celebration to mark the
90th Anniversary
 of the
Fullerton

Building
, home to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, it took place from 29th June to 1st July 2018 across The Fullerton Heritage precinct.

The iconic building was gazetted as a National Monument on 7th December 2015 in recognition of its pivotal role in Singapore’s history. Built in 1928, the Grande Dame has borne witness to many historical events and milestones.

All roads lead to the Fullerton Building…

Paying tribute to the Fullerton Building’s roots as
‘Mile Zero’
, the point of reference for measuring all road distances in Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore unveiled a commemorative plaque, which was embedded into the hotel grounds during the Opening Ceremony. Measuring 1.2 metres, the plaque features the milestone system adopted circa 1909, with the Fullerton Building marked as ‘Mile Zero’, from which key roads and other milestones were mapped out.

The location of the plaque is especially significant, as it is located at the former entrance of the General Post Office. The unveiling ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Lim Eng Hwee, CEO of the
Urban Redevelopment Authority and Deputy Chairman of Sino Group, Mr Daryl Ng
. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group Daryl Ng said,
‘The Fullerton Building is an iconic location which holds a special place in the nation’s history, and in the hearts of people of Singapore. It has served as a key point of reference for Singapore 90 years ago, and has been a part of various milestones in this nation. The plaque is engraved with an old milestone map of Singapore and pinpoints significant markers. No matter the distance one has travelled, no matter the length of time, we continue to welcome guests and invite them to create special memories of the Grande Dame with our 90th anniversary celebration and the Fullerton Concours d’Elegance.’

Iconic cars debut in Southeast Asia and a display of one-of-its kind in Singapore…

26 classic cars owned by discerning private collectors in Singapore and Malaysia will be competing in the preeminent Concours d’Elegance. The cars will be judged on criteria including originality and authenticity, restoration quality, design and styling, and elegance in three categories, namely Pre-World War II Vintage,

Post War Classic (1945 to 1960) and Modern Classic (1961 to 1983).

Presiding over the Concours d’Elegance was Chief Concours Judge, renowned vintage car enthusiast and
President of the Malaysia & Singapore Vintage Car Register (‘MSVCR’), Dr Ivor Thevathasan
. Other esteemed Concours judges include
Mr Alain Li, Regional Chief Executive of Richemont Asia Pacific
and
 Mr
David Thomson, former president of the MSVCR
. They were complemented by a team of Honorary Judges, including
Ms Larissa Tan, CEO of home-grown brand Vanda Electrics,
and
 Mr Oliviero Bottinelli, former Managing Director of Audemars Piguet Asia Pacific
.

Visitors will had an opportunity to view some of the private collection of cars owned by
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan and Sovereign Ruler of the State and Territory of Johor Darul
Ta’zim
. They were displayed alongside rare and exquisite timepieces from Audemars Piguet that correspond to the manufacturing years of the cars. Here is the gallery of His Majesty’s cars:

Car enthusiasts were also in for a treat – the Bugatti Chiron Sport will make its debut in Asia at the event and three cars were on public display for the first time in Southeast Asia. These are the Rolls-Royce Celestial Phantom, Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge as well as a recently restored Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

Among the stellar line-up of more than 90 cars curated for the event, visitors were able to admire several unique automobiles that are one-of-a-kind in Singapore. This includes the 1926 Rolls-Royce Connaught Tourer, 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K [Right-hand drive (‘RHD’)], 1938 McLaughlin-Buick 90L Ltd, 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster (RHD), 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GTS Convertible and 1990 Aston Martin Lagonda.

The Winning Cars Photo Gallery…
 These are the cars that took top-honours at the inaugural Fullerton Concours d’Elegance recently:

Fullerton Concours d’Elegance FULL Photo Gallery…

The gist…

• Unveiling of the commemorative ‘Mile Zero’ plaque on the 71st National Monument grounds

• One of the largest showcases in Southeast Asia; more than 90 vintage, classic and super cars in

the heart of Singapore

• Commencement of the preeminent Concours d’Elegance and fund-raising in support of the

President’s Challenge

• A magnificent 3-day event held across The Fullerton Heritage precinct – art and photography

exhibitions, heritage tours, family activities, culinary delights, gala events and yacht displays


Ford Mustang Mach-E Gets A Rally Variant

Most of us think Mitsubishi and Subaru when it comes to rallying. However, Ford has been in the game for a very long time. Back in 1978, Hannu Mikkola, a seven-time winner of the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland and who won the RAC Rally in Great Britain four times, would triumph for Ford on the last Lombard RAC Rally of the 1978 season, with a Ford Escort RS1800. And who can forget the legendary Ken Block and his gymkhana stunts with a variety of Fords.

Ford had made a mark in rallying with its Escort and Sierra models, then introduced the Focus RS and Fiesta RS later on. But when was the last you heard a Mustang rallying?

The
Mach-E
 was introduced on November 17 2019 and went on sale in December 2020 with AWD and RWD options. The Mach-E did enter the Malaysian market back in 2022, but not officially. G-Mart Corporation, an automobile importer, brought in three units for the Malaysian market but in UK-specification Premium AWD extended range versions, costing RM450,000.

At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ford dropped a bomb by revealing the Mustang Mach-E rally variant. Yes, an electric rally SUV. The new trim is the first time the Mustang nameplate has been connected to rallying in almost 60 years.

Although the company hasn’t yet revealed any information about the vehicle, it has made available a number of images that show the EV with a unique complete body wrap and “Mach-E Rally” stickers on the sides.

Details include a red tow hook at the front, the white rally-style wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tyres, the mudguards, the bespoke forged grille incorporating two additional round lights, and the roof spoiler with a white Mustang logo on both sides.

The front and rear bumpers resemble those of the Mustang Mach-E GT quite a bit. The Mach-E Rally’s interior resembles that of the Mach E-GT, with the exception of cream accents on the dashboard, steering wheel, and front seat backs. It also has carbon fiber-like trim on the lower portion of the dash.

Ford did not disclose the Mach-E Rally’s powertrain specifications, but if the Mach-E GT’s stylistic cues are carried over to the drivetrain, it will have a dual-motor setup that produces 480hp and 813Nm of torque.

Ford has announced that customers will be able to order the Mustang Mach-E Rally, initially in the US and Europe, beginning this September.


UPDATED! Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches New S-Class [+Videos]

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the much-anticipated new
S-Class
 limousine, along with the
S-Class cabriolet, S-Class Coupe,
and
 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
 for an exclusively diverse and holistic collection of Mercedes-Benz S-Class automobiles. As the most iconic nameplate in Mercedes-Benz history and the flagship for the brand, the S-Class family confidently asserts itself as a complete proposition to lead the premium automotive segment. Here’s the moment the first new S-Class made its way on stage…

“The S-Class family is the definitive statement of luxury in it purest form. From the Modern Luxury of the S-Class Limousine to the pair that is S-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-AMG S-Class Coupe offering Bespoke Luxury and Performance Luxury for the discerning connoisseur or driver, and of course the embodiment of Ultimate Luxury that is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class; the S-Class family has something to fulfill every desire. With this launch of this exclusive collection, the Pinnacle of Luxury, we proudly underline our position as a leading luxury lifestyle brand in the automotive segment,”
 says
Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
(below, left)

The Pinnacle of Luxury – The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class family.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces the complete range of its flagship class, offering a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach which underlines the brand’s position as a leading luxury lifestyle brand.

The S-Class Limousine, S-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet and S-Class Maybach come together as the S-Class family, offering class-leading luxury and exclusivity in every form.

Each member of the S-Class family presents luxury through contemporary design, unrivalled appointment and uncompromising exclusivity with intricate craftsmanship using only the finest materials for overall elevation of the motoring experience.

With the highest technological standards, the S-Class family offers such features as Distronic Plus semi-autonomous driving, Air Body Control suspension, a Burmester Surround Sound system, Widescreen Cockpit with COMAND Online infotainment – the S-Class family leads the way for the brand and the premium automotive class.

Here’s the walkaround video once all the cars were on stage…

As you can see there were FOUR variants of the new S-Class launched and each is painstakingly detailed in the downloadable highlighted links after the individual prices below, so whichever tickles your fancy, do have a look….

The 4 models launched include the…

Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 Coupe (
RM 1,461,605.60
) –
Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz S450L (
RM699,888
 &
RM705,888
 with designo paint option) –
Mercedes-Benz S 450 L

Mercedes-Benz S560 Cabriolet (
RM 1,310,662.21
) –
Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet

Mercedes-Maybach S560 (
From RM 1.4 million
) –
Mercedes-Maybach S 560

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Launch Photo Gallery…


Honda WR-V Launched In Malaysia; 121PS, From RM89,900!

The moment has finally arrived for this long-awaited small SUV. Honda Malaysia has officially launched the WR-V, which made its global debut in Indonesia in November 2022.

The WR-V marks Honda’s first foray into the small SUV segment in the Malaysian market, making it the first non-national car maker to do so.

There will be four variants available: sitting on top is the RS variant, followed by the V, then the E and finally the S spec.

Exterior

The WR-V has a unique design language but shares a few similarities with the HR-V. For example, the placement of the rear door handle at the side of the door panel rather than on the door panel as with conventional handles.

The WR-V has total dimensions of 4,060mm long, 1,780mm wide, and 1,608mm in height, which makes it slightly smaller albeit wider than the Perodua Ativa.

The RS features the same exterior kit as the one introduced to the Thai market including the chrome chequered grille and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Additional features include automatic LED headlights with sequential turn signals, power-adjustable door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and LED front fog lights.

The addition of a headlight adjustment switch, which is mandated by Malaysian laws, is the only feature that distinguishes the variant built to Malaysian specifications.

The Thai RS Variant that we test-drove features a dual-tone paint job and roof rails that add a touch of aggression to the WRV, and we were hoping that we would get the same, but sadly, we won’t be getting it. Besides that, there are no differences in specifications between the Indonesian, Thai and Malaysian WR-V’s.

Interior

The interior of the RS comes with red interior stitching, red panels together with leather and fabric while the other variants have silver panels with blue stitching on the upholstery.

There is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rear passengers will have to make do with a regular 12-volt auxiliary power source while the front passengers get two Type A USB connectors. Auxiliary power is also available up front, where it can be used to run dash cameras and other devices.

An analogue metre panel with a 4.2-inch TFT screen is available for the driver and features all the usual data, such as the trip computer, fuel gauge and consumption statistics.

The RS variant comes with an RS-specific welcome graphic animation and red speedometer needles while the other variants feature a WR-V welcome graphic animation and white speedometer needles.

The entertainment system consists of six speakers that are placed around the cabin. That only applies to RS variants, as there are only four speakers for the non-RS models.

The Malaysian WR-V will also have storage flaps on the back of both front seats, unlike the Thai version, which only had one (on the passenger seat).

The booth has a 380-litre capacity, and the seats can be split 60:40 for more comfort and space.

Powertrain

A 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 121PS and 145Nm of torque powers the WR-V. This is the same engine that also powers the Honda City. Despite sounding underpowered, the WR-V accomplishes its intended functions of comfort and efficiency rather well as we found out during a
recent drive in Thailand
.

The estimated fuel efficiency is 17km per litre. That’s quite good for a petrol tank that holds 35 litres with a range of about the 510km mark.

Safety Features

The WR-V comes with the Honda Sensing safety suite that offers eight safety features, including:

Lead Car Departure Notification
Adaptive Cruise Control
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Keep Assist System
Road Departure Mitigation
Lane Departure Warning
Auto High Beam
LaneWatch Camera (left side for blind spot assist)

The WR-V’s passive safety features include six airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist, an auto door lock, and ISOFIX anchors.

Price

The Honda WR-V pricing is as follows:

RS – RM107,900.00
V – RM99,900.00
E – RM95,900.00
S – RM89,900.00

All prices are on the road without insurance. The All-New WR-V is available in five colour options, including a brand-new colour, Stellar Diamond Pearl, which marks a first for a Honda model. The other colours for the model are Platinum White Pearl, Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.